Adults 55+ Monthly Outlook: July 2023

ADULTS 55+

MONTHLY OUTLOOK

DO GOOD

by Rev. Chris McLain, Pastor of Caring and Adults 55+ Ministry

EMPOWERING NEXT GENERATION LEADERS

Raising up the next generation of Christian leaders is essential to the vitality, mission and future of the church. If we’re not careful, we can easily believe the grim statistics about young people’s wavering faith in God and become fearful about the future of the church. It seems that every week I read another article about how Generation Z is leaving organized religion.

But here at The Woodlands Methodist Church, our NextGen Ministries is thriving, and I believe that is in part because we believe in empowering next generation leaders. Pastor Mark Swayze, our Executive Pastor of NextGen Ministries, often says, “If they’re not leading, they’re leaving.” He has implemented incredible opportunities in our student ministry to ensure that students know they are loved and valued, not just as the leaders of tomorrow

When I look back at my own life and ministry, I am grateful for the many opportunities I was given at a young age to lead. I felt called to ministry at a young age, and the leaders around me saw the importance of raising me up in Christian ministry. In high school, I was empowered to preach to my peers. At Texas A&M, I was hired on the staff of a large, thriving congregation. And in the summer of 2013, just before I graduated college, I had the opportunity to serve as a Pastoral Intern at a Methodist church in Richmond, Texas. That summer, I participated in weddings and funerals, helped with hospital visits, experienced planning meetings, led Bible studies, and saw firsthand the

My pastoral internship experience solidified my calling to the pastoral ministry. It had such an impact on me that I wanted to bring a similar program to The Woodlands Methodist Church. This desire aligned perfectly with Pastor Mark Sorensen’s vision to RAISE UP 1,000 next-generation Christian leaders, so this summer we are so excited to have Caleb Bigler as our first College Pastoral Intern.

Caleb grew up in our congregation and served in various leadership positions as a high school student. He is currently a student at Hillsdale College in Michigan, where he is double majoring in Religion and Rhetoric and Media. Caleb also runs on the track and cross-country teams at Hillsdale. He has a clear call to ministry and will be a blessing to our church this summer and beyond.

Caleb will have an opportunity to preach, assist in worship, shadow our pastors, and develop his gifts and graces for ministry. He will also participate in discipleship opportunities with our Bristol House Residents and Youth Interns. I hope you get a chance to meet Caleb and the rest of our amazing residents and interns and make them feel welcome this summer.

Our church takes seriously the call to raise up next generation leaders. At a time when so many people are fearful about the future of the church, I’m grateful that The Woodlands Methodist Church is doing its part to invest in young people. They are the church of tomorrow — and the church of today.

During the summer of 2023, we’re talking about the General Rules of John Wesley:

• Do No Harm.

• Do Good.

• Adhere to All the Ordinances of God.

July brings to us the next rule: Do Good.

In today’s climate people are constantly trying to stretch the bounds of “truth.” While our minds can provide an endless stream of pluralism, relativism and moral therapeutic deism, the ideas will consistently fall short of a life-transforming encounter with Jesus proclaiming, “Everyone is loved and everyone is a sinner in need of God’s amazing grace.”

The challenge with the call to “Do Good” is that you must know what “good” is.

If I see a sandbag flying towards my head, catch it before it hits my face, set it on the ground, and move on with my day, I will have saved myself from a concussion. But what if I just interrupted a sandbag line constructing a levee to hold back flooding? I would have saved myself from harm (rule one), but I would have failed to “do good” on behalf of my neighbor and failed to “do no harm” to them as well.

Jesus calls for us to “be holy as my Father in heaven is holy.” (1 Peter 1:15) In order for us to do this, we must engage Scripture and have a robust theology that applies to “the world” and “the One” simultaneously. Then we can live into the call of Paul in Galatians 6:9: “Never grow tired of doing good.”

Caleb Bigler

Late Morning Start

Rev. Luann Riley offered a beautiful devotional and Bob Smiley tickled our funny bone at Late Morning Start in May. Lunch was provided by Jason’s Deli. This group is taking a summer break and will start back up in September.

May Prime Timers

Our May gathering was a Backyard Barbecue theme. The Hot Shots trio — Aaron, Ben and Eli — played some toe-tapping tunes on their ukuleles. Prime Timers is taking a summer break and will resume in September.

Mah Jongg Mah Jongg

Our Mah Jongg group is going strong! The group meets at The Woodlands Campus on the first and third Thursdays of the month. There are all levels of players.

Good News

In May, we had a Good News social at Bernhardt Winery to see a Beatles tribute band. We had a groovy time!

Waco

Waco

GEORGE W. TRUETT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AND MAGNOLIA MARKET

A group of 35 traveled to Waco to visit Truett Theological Seminary, located at Baylor University, and Magnolia Market. Rev. Ryan Barnett, a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary and lead pastor at First Methodist Waco, spoke to the group about the rich curriculum the college offers, and the impact graduates are making on spreading the gospel. Rev. Brandon Frezel, also a pastor at First Methodist Waco, spoke to us about the fresh desire for a Wesleyan theological track and the needs surrounding the future of Methodism and training in scriptural holiness. We toured the school with Emma Beaird, Manager of Recruitment for George W. Truett Theological Seminary. Affordability is central to Truett’s mission. Truett offers over $2.3 million in endowed scholarship funds in addition to offering other opportunities for tuition reduction.

If you would like to make a contribution to raising up our next generation leaders, you may contribute to The Woodlands Methodist Church Foundation. Our foundation supports students attending George W. Truett Theological Seminary.

ASTROS OUTING

ASTROS WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS VS. SEATTLE MARINERS

Friday, August 18 7:10 p.m. (Departing TWMC 5:00 p.m.)

Register online at twmc.org/adults55

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.

MAH JONGG GAME DAY

Thursdays, July 6 and 20

2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Room B200*

Join us to play Mah Jongg. Beginners or players of all levels are welcome to play this fun Chinese game utilizing the National Mah Jongg League card and rules. Teachers will be available to assist in learning or to brush up on game rules and strategies. For more information contact Glenda Hudson at 281.367.9155

*Note room change.

MEN’S BOOK STUDY

2nd and 4th Wednesdays | 10:00 a.m. | Room C217-A

This group is starting a new book on July 12 — Philip Yancey’s The Jesus I Never Knew. You are welcome to join at any time. For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232

ADULT GAME NIGHT

Friday, July 14 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Join us for a night of fun, fellowship, games and refreshments. The cost is $1 per person. Bring a dish to share. For more information contact Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012

PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB

Tuesday, July 18 | Noon | Allen Parlor

Join us this month to review The Last Restaurant in Paris by Lily Graham. If you would like to read ahead, in August we will review The Reluctant Immigrant by Naomi Mitchum. For more information about Peggy’s Book Club, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net

CPR TRAINING

Thursday, July 20 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Monday, August 14 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Jones Library

The Heartsaver CPR/AED training is a video-based instructor led course that teaches adult and child CPR and AED use. The course teaches hands on skills. This 3.5 hour training is hosted by the Montgomery County Hospital District. Class is limited to 10 people per session. Register for this event online.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING

Friday, July 28 | 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

Crochet or knit for those in need. For more information on this ministry, please contact Connie Norton at 281.292.3875 or concetta44@comcast.ne

SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS

Join us for these July activities:

Friday, July 7 | Chicken Salad Chick

Friday, July 21 | Sixty Vines Register for these events online.

SINGLES 55+ MINISTRY

Tuesdays, starting July 11 | 2:00 p.m. | HeBrews Coffeehouse

Join us for a five-week book study on Courage for the Unknown Season: Navigating What’s Next with Confidence and Hope by Jan Silvious. This is a casual get-together at HeBrews Coffeehouse located at 26403 Oak Ridge Drive, Spring, 77380, to discuss the weekly chapters. Register online.

GOLDENAIRES CHOIR

Rehearsals Wednesdays | 2:30 p.m. | Choir Room

We will sing patriotic numbers at Windsor Lakes Clubhouse on July 1 at 5:30 p.m. We have special rehearsals on Wednesday, July 19 and 26. We’ll be taking a summer break and will resume rehearsal on Wednesday, September 6.

ADULTS 55+ FITNESS

Adult Intermediate Fitness

Mondays | 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

Adult Basic Fitness

Wednesdays and Fridays | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Woodforest Adult Basic Fitness

Tuesdays* and Thursdays | 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

*No class on Tuesdays, July 4 and 11.

Activity Level 1

ADULT PICKLEBALL

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Rec Center Gym

Woodforest Adult PIckleball

Mondays and Fridays* | 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | WF Gym

*No class on Tuesdays, July 4 and 11.

LINE DANCING SESSION

Thursdays, June 29 – August 24 | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Tuesdays, July 18 - October 3 | 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym

Join us for a new session of line dancing. The cost of this class is $10 for an eight-week session. Register online.

CHAIR VOLLEYBALL

Mondays | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. | WF Gym

Fridays | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Rec Center Gym

All fitness levels are welcome. No registration required.

THE FOLLOWING GROUPS WILL NOT MEET IN JULY:

• Prime Timers

• Woodlands Camera Club

• The Gathering Place

CLASS NEWS

WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH

Tuesday, July 11 | 11:00 a.m. | Zara’s Mediterranean Kitchen

The Friendship Class is hosting lunch at Zara’s Mediterranean Kitchen. Join us for authentic Mediterranean food at this familyowned restaurant, located at 415 Rayford Road, Spring. All are welcome. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, July 10.

FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAG PROJECT

Thursday, July 20 | 2:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor

The Friendship Class comes together to put snack bags together for the 1960 Hope Center.

WOODFOREST CAMPUS

ADULTS

55+ FITNESS

Tuesdays and Thursdays | 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

For more information, please refer to the same listing under The Woodlands Campus.

LATE MORNING START

We are taking a summer break. See you in September!

SUPPORT

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP

Monday, July 17 | 10:00 a.m. | WF Classroom

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

ADULTS 55+

WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH

Thursday, July 13 | 11:00 a.m. | Rudy’s Bar-B-Q

Join us for real Texas bar-b-que at Rudy’s. The location is 14545 Hwy 105 West, 77304. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, July 10.

WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB

Thursday, July 20 | 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus

This month we will review A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny. August selection TBD. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067

ADULT GAME NIGHT

Friday, June 28 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | WF Worship

Bring a snack or a dessert to share. The cost for this event is $1 per person. No registration required. We are looking for leaders for this event. For more information contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935

SUPPORT

COMPUTER SUPPORT MINISTRY

The Woodlands Methodist Church

2200 Lake Woodlands Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

RESOURCE CORNER

CONSECRATED HOLY COMMUNION ELEMENTS

If you need computer support, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232

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

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP

Friday, July 7 | 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

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.

PRAYER AND CARE 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 WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

In May, Phil and Roberta Duncan hosted our Woodforest friends at Mama Juanita’s on Hwy 1488. This group meets the second Thursday of each month.