Adults 55+ Monthly Outlook: February 2024 by The Woodlands Methodist Church

FEBRUARY 2024 EDITION

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

ADULTS 55 OUTLOOK

+ MONTHLY

LENT BEGINS WITH LOVE

by Rev. Margarita McCarthy, Pastor of Caring and Prayer Ministry For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. – John 3:16 (NKJV) February is the month of love. Americans will spend approximately $4 billion dollars on flowers, chocolates and cards in order to give love and receive love on Valentine’s Day. In 1944, Hallmark cards executive marketing director Ed Goodman jotted down these words on a 3x5 index card that became the successful slogan and ad campaign for the company to this day: “When you care enough to send the very best.” Love is the most powerful human emotion on the planet and the greatest gift to us as image bearers of our loving Creator. As we enter into the Lenten season beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 14, that is exactly what God did out of His great love for you, me and the world. God sent us the best Valentine’s gift in Jesus — His only begotten Son. The greatest demonstration of love towards humanity is in the birth, life, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this Lenten season as we journey with Christ to the cross, we remember the holy love of God poured out through Christ on the cross. We reflect on this holy love and invite the Holy Spirit to reveal to us how we might love God and others sacrificially. Most people will be thinking and praying about giving something up for Lent to spend more time in prayer and reflection with God. Still others will be adding something to their day to sit at Jesus’ feet. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, believed that fasting would be a regular part of the believer’s rhythm and a means of grace, so he wasn’t a proponent of adding fasting to the Lenten journey. Whether you give something up to use that time in fasting, prayer and reflection or you add something to your spiritual rhythm, I invite you to prayerfully consider how you might love God and love others sacrificially this Lenten season. Then, join us each Wednesday in Lent, beginning February 21 at noon in Robb Chapel, as we journey through the Gospel of Matthew in a time of contemplative prayer using Lectio Divina.

FASTING OR FEASTING by Rev. Chris McLain, Pastor of Caring and Adults 55+ Ministry I don’t know if you keep up much with your diet. Do you track calories, count points or exercise? It seems like every podcast that deals with fitness or “living a whole life” is highlighting fasting. The science, the benefits and the transformation that can happen are everywhere before us. Entering the season of Lent, I am drawn to the phrase from Luke 4:4, which takes from Deuteronomy 8:3: “Man does not live by bread alone.” For me, this Scripture highlights consumption. The sin of gluttony pops up all around us — from Little Debbie cakes to soft drinks, from constant busyness to extreme retail therapy. We seemingly can’t get enough of everything ... except Jesus. Sunday mornings, maybe a mid-week Bible study and nightly prayers seem to be good enough. The verse in Deuteronomy continues with “but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” If we committed our lives of consumption towards God’s Word and laid aside gluttony of everything else, it would not be a wasted life. Spend some time feasting on the Word this Lenten season. You’ll probably see better results than counting calories!

and Learn

LIVING WELL

LUNCH

WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH

Our Woodforest friends dined at Ransom’s Steakhouse in December.

The cost is $10 per session, which includes a light lunch. Register online. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Tuesday, February 6 Noon | Hayes Hall A Scott Brieger, Certified Financial Planner with Edward Jones, will be discussing investment planning and goal setting.

PRAYER TEAM

Our prayer team traveled with the Goldenaires in December.

2024 TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES • THE BEST OF EASTERN CANADA | August 2024 Registration deadline is February 9.

• IRELAND | October 2024

Save the date for a trip preview meeting on Sunday, March 17.

• HISTORIC SAVANNAH AND CHARLESTON HOLIDAY TOUR | December 2024 Save the date for a trip preview meeting on February 11 at 10:30 a.m. in B203.

To view the itineraries, go to twmc.org/adults55

Prime Timers

In December we hosted Doc Holiday and Friends for a beautiful Christmas concert. Santa stopped by for photos and our Line Dancing team performed a Christmas dance.

THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS MIDWEEK PRAYER ROOM Every Wednesday | Noon | Robb Chapel God invites us to draw near to Him throughout the day so that we might rest in His presence. Join us as we approach God through worship, prayer and His Word. Beginning February 21 at noon in Robb Chapel we will journey through the Gospel of Matthew in a time of contemplative prayer using Lectio Divina. MAH JONGG GAME DAY Thursdays, February 1 and 15 | 2:00 p.m. | Room B204 Join us to play Mah Jongg. Beginners or players of all levels are welcome to play this fun Chinese game utilizing the National Mahjong league card and rules. Teachers will be available to assist in learning or to brush up on game rules and strategies. Register online. For more information, contact Glenda Hudson at 281.367.9155. SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Join us for these February activities: Friday, February 2 — The Abundant Harvest Friday, February 16 — La Madeleine Register for these events online. THE GATHERING PLACE Monday, February 5 | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us this month for an Old Hollywood theme. The Gathering Place is a ministry for adults who have been diagnosed with early to moderate dementia. It provides an opportunity for caregivers to find a respite while their loved one enjoys music, art and entertainment. If you would like to volunteer your time with this ministry, contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514. THE WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB Monday, February 5 | 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall In February, The Woodlands Camera Club will host one of their favorite presenters, Jai Shet. This young and dynamic speaker and photographer returns to discuss Astro Photography. Club meetings are open to anyone. ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, February 9 | 6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us for a night of fun, fellowship and games. The cost is $1 per person. Bring a dish to share. All are welcome. For more information, contact Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012. PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB Tuesday, February 20 | Noon | Allen Parlor Join us this month to review The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny. In March we will review Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. For more information, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING Friday, February 23 | 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Crochet or knit for those in need. For more information, contact Connie Norton at 281.292.3875 or concetta44@comcast.net FIT FOR LIFE FITNESS Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall All fitness levels are welcome. We provide the equipment. No registration required. LINE DANCING Thursdays | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Our current Line Dancing session started on Thursday, January 11. The cost is $10 for an eight-week session. Register online. GOLDENAIRES CHOIR Rehearsals Every Wednesday | 2:30 p.m. | Choir Room The Goldenaires, our adult choir, is the perfect way for you to spread joy through singing. No audition is required. For more information, contact Ed Wandling at 281.788.9880.

MEN’S BOOK STUDY 2nd and 4th Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. | Room C217-A Join us for a discussion on Philip Yancey’s The Jesus I Never Knew. For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 or jbarney177@gmail.com

CLASS NEWS

WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, February 13 | 11:00 a.m. | Good Charlie’s Seafood Kitchen The Friendship Class is meeting at Good Charlie’s Seafood Kitchen, located at 545 Woodland Square Blvd, Conroe 77384. All are welcome. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, February 12. FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAG PROJECT Thursday, February 15 | 2:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor The Friendship Class comes together to assemble snack bags for the 1960 Hope Center.

SPOTLIGHT

(formerly Late Morning Start)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 | 11:15 A.M. | WOODFOREST CAMPUS COST: $12 PER PERSON We are hosting the Jim Sloan Trio, a bluegrass band that performs at the Red Brick Tavern in Conroe every Sunday. They are a local favorite. We hope you can join us! Register at twmc.org/adults55

WOODFOREST CAMPUS WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH Thursday, February 8 | 11:00 a.m. | Thai Cottage Join us for Thai food at the Thai Cottage, located at 3105 College Park Dr., Conroe. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, February 5. WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB Thursday, February 15 | 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus Join us to review The Runestone’s Promise by Mari Matthias. In March we will review Annie’s Rainbow by Fern Michaels. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067. ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, February 16* | 6:00 p.m. | WF Worship We are adding Mah Jongg to our game night line up. Join us for Mexican Train, 42 or Hand and Foot. Bring a snack to share. The cost of this event is $1 per person. No registration required. For more information contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935. *Note change in meeting date. FIT FOR LIFE FITNESS Tuesdays and Thursdays | 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym All levels of fitness welcome. Equipment provided. No registration required. LINE DANCING Tuesdays | 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym Our current Line Dancing session started on Tuesday, January 9. It’s not too late to join. The cost of this class is $10 for an eight-week session. Register online.

SUPPORT

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Third Monday of each month | 10:00 a.m. | WF Gym This support group is for caregivers of family and friends with chronic, long-term or terminal illness. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Angela Street at 281.723.6819.

FEBRUARY

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

ADULTS 55+

*Green text represents events for The Woodlands Campus. *Blue text represents events for the Woodforest Campus. *Maroon text represents events for all campuses.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

28 DECEMBER

WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Woodlands Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Mah Jongg 2:00 p.m. | B204

Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Single Life Widows The Abundant Harvest

11 Historic Savannah and Charleston Trip Preview Meeting 10:30 a.m. | B203

Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall The Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall The Woodlands Camera Club 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym WF Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym Living Well Lunch and Learn Noon | Hayes Hall A

Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel

WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Woodlands Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall WF Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Thai Cottage

Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Adult Game Night 6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

15WF Fit for Life Fitness

Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel

WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Woodlands Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

19 Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall WF Caregivers Support 10:00 a.m. | WF Classroom

26 Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Spotlight 11:15 a.m. | WF Worship

WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym WF Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym Woodlands Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Good Charlie’s Seafood Kitchen Lenten Study Noon | Wesley Hall

WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym WF Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym Lenten Study Noon | Wesley Hall Peggy’s Book Club Noon | Allen Parlor

27 WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym WF Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym Lenten Study Noon | Wesley Hall

Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | C217-A Ash Wednesday Services

Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | C217-A Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel

WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Woodlands Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Single Life Widows La Madeleine WF Adult Game Night 6:00 p.m. | WF Worship

MARCH

CHURCH AT MONTGOMERY

Welcome to our friends from The Church at Montgomery. The Church at Montgomery meets Sundays, at 10:30 a.m. at Oak Hills Junior High, 19190 Keenan Cut Off Road, Montgomery.

Carols

SPOTLIGHT (Formerly Late Morning Start) Wednesday, February 26 | 11:15 a.m. | Woodforest Worship We are hosting the Jim Sloan Trio, a bluegrass band that performs at the Red Brick Tavern in Conroe every Sunday. They are a local favorite! The cost of this event and meal is $12 per person. Register online. Or for help with registering for this event, contact Teri Rossi 281.297.5935.

Park THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

ADULTS 55+ Even though the Carols in the Park event became Carols at The Lone Star Community Center due to rain, it didn’t stop our friends in Montgomery from having a fun Christmas celebration with Santa photos, crafts for the children, food trucks and a Goldenaires performance.

RESOURCE CORNER

prayer and care

The Woodlands Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380

CONSECRATED HOLY COMMUNION ELEMENTS

Caring Ministry is offering consecrated Holy Communion elements for those of you worshipping at home. Stop by the main administration office on The Woodlands Campus to pick up elements.

SUPPORT CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Friday, February 2 and 16* | 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

This support group is for caregivers of family and friends with chronic, long-term or terminal illness. No registration required. For more information contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935. *Please note the additional meeting date.

COMPUTER SUPPORT MINISTRY PRAYER MINISTRY

If you or your family would like prayer, prayer teams are available after each of the services, or you can contact Dylan Meeker with our Prayer Ministry at 281.466.8661.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

Congregational Care is a priority for our pastors. If you or someone you know is hospitalized, in rehabilitation or in hospice care — local or in the Texas Medical Center — we would love to send a pastor or a Caring Ministry volunteer to visit and pray with you and your family. Contact Caring Ministry: The Woodlands Methodist Church | 281.297.5900 The Church at Woodforest | 281.822.8182 The Church at Montgomery | 281.297.5900

If you need computer support, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 or jbarney177@gmail.com

NEED A RIDE?

If you need a ride to a medical appointment, contact John Cunningham at 713.594.4499. Please call at least 48 hours in advance.

SHEPHERD CARE

Shepherd Care is a ministry of friendship for our members who are in local nursing homes or private residences. Shepherds and new Lambs are always welcome. If you know of someone in need of companionship or if you would like to volunteer to be a Shepherd, please contact Carolyn Crawford at 281.682.9142.

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