JANUARY 2024 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
ADULTS 55 OUTLOOK
+ MONTHLY
WELCOME TO A NEW YEAR — 2024! by Rev. Chris McLain, Pastor of Caring and Adults 55+ Ministry One hundred years ago King Tut’s tomb was opened after 3,300 years. Those who prepared to do that work held their breath as they were curious about the mysteries that lay inside. Afterwards, the world would never be the same. Following that discovery, the world would see a (presumed) ripple effect as several suspicious deaths and sicknesses followed. During Advent, we focused with anticipation on the birth of the Christ child, and many of us are still feeling the actual ripples of Jesus’ birth in our lives. The season of Advent had us focused with intensity on Jesus’ birth. In just a few short weeks (Easter is early this year) we will start Lent with Ash
Wednesday, and we will be encouraged to take that same intense look at the sin in our lives. Before we get there, I want to challenge you to do something. Step back and take a look at the impact you have had in your circles. Sometimes, especially during the winter months, a lie pops up in our heads that says we don’t matter or haven’t made a difference. Here’s what I can promise you. You have absolutely made a difference in the world. The question is, has it been one that has honored God and helped strengthen the body of Christ? Maybe you have been willing to sacrifice as much as possible for the sake of the Gospel. Perhaps you’d conclude your life has been too
self-centered or that you haven’t healed from a trauma enough to let God work through you. Wherever you find yourself on that pretty broad spectrum, I know this: As long as we have breath in our lungs, we have the opportunity, calling and responsibility to share the love of Christ. I love it when James says, “Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls” (1:19-21). So, before we zoom in, take a nice broad look. Ask God to highlight the impact you’ve had on your circles. I mean, it’s not like you’re opening King Tut’s tomb.
THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS by Rev. Mark Sorensen, Lead Pastor
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9 Grace and peace, friends. You know, cement — in order to become concrete — must be mixed with sand and water. Having done several mission projects in the past, it’s a process, to say the least. It takes a lot of effort and a lot of work, but the end result is always the same: When all the ingredients are mixed together, you get something that lasts. Every single time. But that’s the secret, right? You must follow the instructions. A bag of cement purchased from the store that is never properly mixed with water and sand is ineffective. Water and sand must be married together if you want something that’s truly cement-able. And that is not a bad illustration for us all as we begin a new year that holds new possibilities and opportunities.
I’ve been thinking about Joshua recently. I love his story. Having just picked up where Moses left off, Joshua is the one to take the people into the promised land. But, before he goes, he hesitates. He sees all the uncertainties that are before him and he’s unsure that he’s the right one for the job. Yet God reminds him that he is the right one chosen to lead the people. In that moment, all that was necessary was to mix in the ingredients of strength and courage with a healthy dose of God’s provision and the reminder that the Lord would be with him every step of the way. In this new year, may we ALL follow that advice. May we all let the Lord lead and make sure our words and actions are mixed in with God’s truth. We may not know what the year holds, but we certainly know who holds it all. And that is good news, friends.
2024 TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES The Best of Eastern Canada
August 2024 Registration deadline is February 9, 2024.
To view the itineraries, go to twmc.org/adults55
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.
and Learn
LIVING WELL
LUNCH
Join us for three informative sessions. The cost is $10 per session which will include a light lunch. Register online.
NAVIGATING MEDICARE Tuesday, January 23 Noon | Hayes Hall A Judi Fetters with JCF Health & Medicare Solution will be reviewing Medicare options for those turning 65. LEAVING A LEGACY Tuesday, January 30 Noon | Hayes Hall A Gina A. Price with Price & Price Attorneys at Law will be discussing how to leave a legacy.
PRIME TIMERS
In November we hosted Tyler Lewis and Josh Herrod with Two Tones dueling pianos. Everyone had a rockin’ good time.
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.
Fiddler on the Roof Saturday, January 20 2:00 p.m. College Park High School Join us for a Saturday matinee of Fiddler on the Roof by the College Park H.S. theater troupe and dinner at Black Walnut after the play. The cost of the theater ticket is $10 per person and dinner is dutch. Register online.
To view additional photos from this event or previous Prime Timers events, use the QR code below.
LATE MORNING START We hosted SpiritWind band in November and our Line Dancing team performed a Christmas dance.
QUILT FESTIVAL Members and friends visited the International Quilt Festival at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. The quilts are works of art.
SPOTLIGHT KICKOFF EVENT (formerly Late Morning Start)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3 | 11:15 A.M. WESLEY HALL | THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS COST: $15 PER PERSON Join us for our 2024 Adults 55+ Ministry kickoff event. We are hosting a Blues Brothers tribute band from Dallas for an afternoon of fun and laughter. That’s right, Jake and Elwood, as well as their infamous retired patrol car, will join us for a dynamic and exciting luncheon. We’ll also hear about the year ahead. We love an excuse to invite a friend! Register at twmc.org/adults55
LINE DANCING Thursdays | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Our next line dancing session will begin 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. We will resume our regular schedule in January. For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 or jbarney177@gmail.com THE WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB Camera Club meetings will reconvene in February.
CLASS NEWS
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. THE GATHERING PLACE Tuesday, January 2* | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us this month to celebrate the new year. 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. *Note date change. MAH JONGG GAME DAY Thursdays, January 4 and 18 | 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. ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, January 12 | 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, January 16 | Noon | Allen Parlor Join us this month to review Boys in the Boat by Danel Brown. In February we will review The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny. For more information, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Join us in January. Friday, January 19 — First Watch restaurant Register for these events online. PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING Friday, January 26 | 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 ADULTS 55+ FITNESS Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Fitness classes will take a break between Friday, December 22 – Friday, January 5.
WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, January 9 | 11:00 a.m. | Woodson’s Kitchen The Friendship Class is meeting at Woodson’s Kitchen for a Southern barbecue theme meal. This restaurant is located at 2330 FM 1488. All are welcome. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, January 8. FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAG PROJECT Thursday, January 18 | 2:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor The Friendship Class comes together to assemble snack bags for the 1960 Hope Center.
WOODFOREST CAMPUS WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH Thursday, January 11 | 11:00 a.m. | Good Charlie’s Join us at Good Charlie’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Kitchen, The Woodlands’ newest oyster bar and seafood restaurant located at 545 Woodland Square Blvd, Conroe. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, January 8. WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB Thursday, January 18 | 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus Join us to review Still Life by Louise Penny. In February we will review The Runestone’s Promise by Mari Matthias. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067. ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, January 26 | 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. ADULTS 55+ FITNESS Tuesdays and Thursdays | 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Fitness classes will take a break between Thursday, December 21 – Thursday, January 4. LINE DANCING Tuesdays | 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym Our next line dancing session will begin on Tuesday, January 9. The cost is $10 for an eight-week session. Register online.
SUPPORT
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP No meeting in January due to church holiday.
JANUARY
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
31 DECEMBER
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TWMC Closed Happy New Year!
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8 Grief Share: Loss of a Spouse 2:00 p.m. | WF Gym
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28 Walk to Emmaus Informational Lunch 12:15 p.m. | Jones Library
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Adult Fitness Kickoff Event 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
WF Adult Fitness Kickoff Event 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Woodlands Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Woodson’s Kitchen WF Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym
Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | C217-A Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel Loss of Spouse Seminar 1:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
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Vision Night 6:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
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Spotlight 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel
The Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
WF Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym WF Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym Peggy’s Book Club Noon | Allen Parlor
TWMC Closed
Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel
Mah Jongg 2:00 p.m. | B204
Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
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WF Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall WF Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. Good Charlie’s
Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Adult Game Night 6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
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WF Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall WF Book Club 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus Mah Jongg 2:00 p.m. | B204
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Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Single Life Widows First Watch
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Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
WF Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym WF Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym Living Well Lunch and Learn Noon | Hayes Hall A
Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | C217-A Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel
WF Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor WF Adult Game Night 6:00 p.m. | WF Worship
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1 FEBRUARY
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WF Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym WF Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym Living Well Lunch and Learn Noon | Hayes Hall A
Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel
Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
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Fiddler on the Roof 2:00 p.m. College Park High School
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CHURCH AT MONTGOMERY
2024 FITNESS KICKOFF EVENT
Welcome to our friends at Church at Montgomery. The Church at Montgomery meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Our current location is Oak Hills Junior High at 19190 Keenan Cut Off Road in Montgomery.
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS Monday, January 8 | 9:00 a.m. Aldersgate Hall WOODFOREST CAMPUS Tuesday, January 9 | 8:30 a.m. Woodforest Gym
SPOTLIGHT
(formerly Late Morning Start) MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26 | 11:00 A.M. WF WORSHIP SPACE | WOODFOREST CAMPUS Beginning in 2024, Spotlight will meet every other month. Join us on Monday, February 26, for entertainment and a light lunch. In February Spotlight is hosting the Jim Sloan Bluegrass Band. The cost of this event is $15 per person. Register online.
THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
ADULTS 55+ The Woodlands Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380
In December, TWMC Prayer Team joined The Goldenaires at The Forum.
RESOURCE CORNER PRAYER AND CARE MINISTRY
CONSECRATED HOLY COMMUNION ELEMENTS
PRAYER MINISTRY
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.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
SUPPORT
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 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
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Friday, January 5 | 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.
COMPUTER SUPPORT MINISTRY
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
LOSS OF SPOUSE SEMINAR Sunday, January 7 | 2:00 P.M. | Woodforest Campus Wednesday, January 10 | 1:00 P.M. | The Woodlands Campus
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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