Adults 55+ Monthly Outlook: July 2024

ADULTS 55+ MONTHLY OUTLOOK

GRATEFUL

by Rev. Aaron Laird, Lead Pastor at The Church of Montgomery

My name is Aaron Laird, and I am honored to introduce myself and my family. I am married to my wonderful wife, Tara, and together we have two energetic and talented boys, Avery (16) and Landon (14). Our family shares a love for the beach, home-building projects and almost any outdoor adventure. Both of our boys are passionate skateboarders, always honing their skills and finding new challenges on their boards (dad, however, is NOT a skateboarder and is, in fact, terrified of them).

Originally from Tyler, Texas, I have been in ministry since I was 16 years old. In the late ’90s, as a teen, I served on the mission field in Romania for two years along with my parents and siblings. My ministry journey has taken me through various roles, ultimately leading me to my current position as the lead pastor of The Church at Montgomery. This journey has been both challenging and rewarding, and I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to serve and grow in my faith.

Tara and I met at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas. She has been a constant source of love and support not only for me but for our boys. With a background in counseling, she has done amazing work shaping a loving and nurturing environment in our home. Avery and Landon bring boundless energy and joy into our lives. They are truly our greatest joy!

Our family firmly believes that God is and has been actively involved in our lives, guiding and supporting us through every step of our journey. We have found a true home with the congregation of The Church at Montgomery, where we are blessed to be surrounded by a loving and supportive church family. Additionally, we have formed strong bonds with The Woodlands Methodist Church, further enriching our spiritual journey and connecting us with likeminded individuals who share our faith and values.

God has been moving in powerful ways within The Church at Montgomery. We’re currently in a season of visioning, considering the unique gifts God has given our church and the opportunities He has placed in our path. I’m confident He who began a good work here will be faithful to complete it.

Our family is grateful to be here and for the incredible welcome, love and support that we’ve received. Thank you! May God bless you, and may He continue to use The Woodlands Methodist Church to reach people for Christ, disciple them in faith, and help those in need.

THE WESLEY AWAKENING

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

It’s been a year and a half.

A year and a half since I sat with a couple of trusted ministry partners and said:

“Let’s do something special in England.”

“Let’s do something that lives into our congregation’s goal to ‘Raise up 1,000 next generation leaders.’”

“Let’s dream big and see what happens.”

So, here it is.

On April 2, 2025, we will hop on a plane to head east across the Atlantic. It doesn’t matter if you are 18 or 85. All that matters is that you want to encounter God in some of the same places as John and Charles Wesley. We are going to participate in four different worship expressions as we make our way from London to Oxford, Yarnton to Bristol, ending in Pill before heading back to London to travel home on April 12. We are going to see the sites, sure. But we are also going to pray and praise the whole way through. Bristol House, our worship collective at TWMC, will be joining us for the trip and leading us in times of intentional worship and praise. Our devotional book will guide us through the days intentionally. We will participate in a worship recording session at John Wesley’s New Room in Bristol, and the scenery will connect us deeply to our heritage of holiness. This trip has been designed as so much more than just a tour. It’s an Awakening Pilgrimage, and I hope that you will come along for the journey and spiritual experience of a lifetime.

Please spend some time in prayer and reflect on the possibility of joining me on the Wesley Awakening Pilgrimage in April 2025.

A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray.

– Isaiah 35:8 (NRSV)

We celebrated Cinco de Mayo with the a Latin band. Food was catered by La Cocina de Roberto.

REV. McLAIN RECEIVES BOY SCOUT OF AMERICA GOD AND SERVICE AWARD

“The Scout Oath and Law are the basis of the Boy Scouts of America. Among other things, the oath and law require a scout to (1) do his Duty to God, (2) be reverent, and (3) be morally straight. As the Charter Organization Representative for Troop 772, Reverend Chris McLain’s many years of leading our ‘God and Church’ class to seventh and eighth graders has led dozens of our scouts to a closer relationship with Christ and a stronger sense of service to the church. He has not been required to teach this class — instead volunteering his time and effort each January and February for five Sunday afternoons. For years he did this AFTER leading two confirmation sessions in the morning. Troop 772 appreciates his tireless dedication to youth, especially his dedication to the scouts of our church’s Boy Scouts.” Jonathan Breazeale, Ph.D.

UPCOMING DAY TRIPS

THE LION KING

Sunday, July 14

Depart TWMC 11:30 a.m.

Join us in watching the world’s #1 musical, Disney’s The Lion King. Open to those who have purchased tickets.

HEMI HIDEOUT

Tuesday, July 30

Depart TWMC at 7:30 a.m.

Brookshire, Texas

Join us on a road trip to Hemi Hideout in Brookshire, Texas. This is a 21,000-square-foot venue stuffed full of muscle cars, neon signs and Americana memorabilia. Lunch will be dutch at the Brookwood café. The cost is $35 per person.

HOUSTON ASTROS VS. BOSTON RED SOX

Wednesday, August 21

1:10 p.m. | Depart TWMC 11:00 a.m.

Join us to cheer on the Houston Astros. All seats are in section 131. The cost of this event is $123 per person, which includes coach bus transportation and game ticket.

ASTROS

We cheered on the Astros playing against the Los Angeles Angels and the St. Louis Cardinals.

WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH

Our Woodforest friends had lunch at Rudy’s Bar-B-Q.

TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES

2024

THE BEST OF EASTERN CANADA (August - SOLD OUT)

Documentation meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Jones Library at 1:00 p.m.

IRELAND (October)

Registration deadline is July 8, 2024.

2025

AWAKENING PILGRIMAGE (April)

Registration deadline is December 5, 2024. Trip presentation meeting TBD.

TROPICAL COSTA RICA (September)

Registration deadline is March 15, 2024. Join us for a trip preview meeting on Sunday, September 29, in B203

CHRISTMAS ON THE DANUBE (December)

Registration deadline is November 27, 2024. Final payment due August 5, 2025.

View itineraries at twmc.org/adults55

Midweek Prayer Room celebrated its second anniversary in Robb Chapel on Wednesday, June 5. It was a celebration of God’s faithfulness, goodness and love as we lifted high the name of Jesus Christ, worshipped God together, and honored the two young men who stepped out in faith to start our prayer room, Jonah Robson and Thomas Lake.

Join us for Midweek Prayer Room each Wednesday at noon in Robb Chapel. Come and push pause in your day to sit at Jesus’ feet, worship God and hear a Spirit-led word and prayer to sustain us through the week.

THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS

*NEW OPPORTUNITY* COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Outreach to our assisted living communities is a growing ministry. We have worship services at Avanti and The Forum with plans to expand. If you would like to join us, contact Rev. David Lindwall at dlindwall@twmc.org or 281.297.5945 or Karen Williams at aggiemom43@hotmail.com or 282.723.3508

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

Monday, July 1 | 10:00 a.m. | Jones Library

Join us this month for a patriotic 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 on the first Monday of each month. If you would like to volunteer your time, contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514.

SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS

Friday, July 5 and 19

Check out our webpage for current activities.

MAH JONGG GAME DAY

Thursdays, July 11 and 25 | 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 Mah Jongg 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.

PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB

Tuesday, July 16 | Noon | Allen Parlor

Join us this month to review The Winthrop Woman by Anya Seton. In August we will review Where Miracles Happen by Joan Wester Anderson. For more information, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING

Friday, July 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

FIT FOR LIFE FITNESS

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays | 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall* All levels of fitness welcome. No registration required. *We are meeting in Hayes Hall for the month of July.

MEN’S BOOK STUDY

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

Join us for a discussion on a new study of J.I. Packer’s Knowing God. J.I. Packer offers profound insight into the most significant question of the Christian life: What does it mean to know God? For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 or jbarney177@gmail.com

ADULT GAME NIGHT

Game Night is taking a break this month. We’ll see you again in August.

WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB

The camera club is taking a break this month. We’ll see you in August.

GOLDENAIRES CHOIR

The Goldenaires are taking a break this month. We’ll see you in August.

CLASS NEWS

WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH

Tuesday, July 9 | 11:00 a.m. | Sapporo Izakaya

The Friendship Class is meeting at Sapporo Izakaya, 4775 West Panther Creek, The Woodlands, 77380. All are welcome. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, July 8.

FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAG PROJECT

Thursday, July 18 | 2:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor

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

SPOTLIGHT is taking a summer break. We’ll see you in August for our 90 and Older Celebration on The Woodlands Campus.

WOODFOREST CAMPUS

WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH

Thursday, July 11 | 11:00 a.m. | Good Charlie’s Oyster Bar & Seafood

Join us for seafood at Good Charlie’s Oyster Bar & Seafood, 545 Woodland Square Boulevard, Conroe. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, July 8.

WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB

Thursday, July 18 | 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus

Join us to review The It Girl by Ruth Ware. In August we will review The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067

ADULT GAME NIGHT

Friday, July 26 | 6:00 p.m. | WF Worship

We have added Mah Jongg to our game night lineup! 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.

FIT FOR LIFE FITNESS

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

All levels of fitness welcome. No registration required. *Due to summer camps, July fitness classes will only meet on July 2, 16, 18, 23 and 25.

LINE DANCING

Line Dancing is taking a summer break and will start back in August.

SUPPORT

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP

Monday, July 15 | 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

JULY

*The Woodlands Campus *Woodforest Campus *Montgomery Campus *ALL Campuses

JUNE

The Lion King Depart The Woodlands at 11:30 a.m.

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

The Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. | Jones Library

WF Fit for Life Fitness

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel

TWMC Closed Happy Fourth of July

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

Caregivers Support

11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

Single Life Widows

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

WF Caregivers Support Group

10:00 a.m. | WF Classroom

Woodlands Lunch Bunch

11:00 a.m. Sapporo Izakaya

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

Men’s Book Study

10:00 a.m. | C217-A

Midweek Prayer Room

Noon | Robb Chapel

WF Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m.

Good Charlie’s Oyster Bar Mah Jongg 2:00 p.m. | B204

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

WF Fit for Life Fitness

Fit for Life Fitness

WF Fit for Life Fitness

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

Peggy’s Book Club Noon | Allen Parlor

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

Midweek Prayer Room

Noon | Robb Chapel

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

WF Book Club 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus

9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

Caregivers Support 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

Single Life Widows

WF Fit for Life Fitness

Fit for Life Fitness

WF Fit for Life Fitness

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

Montgomery Lunch Bunch

11:30 a.m.

Ransom’s Steakhouse & Saloon

9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

Men’s Book Study

10:00 a.m. | C217-A

Midweek Prayer Room

Noon | Robb Chapel

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

Best of Eastern Canada Trip

Documentation Meeting 1:00 p.m. | Jones Library Mah Jongg 2:00 p.m. | B204

AUGUST

Fit for Life Fitness

Hemi Hideout

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

Depart The Woodlands at 7:30 a.m.

9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting

10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

WF Adult Game Night

6:00 p.m. | WF Worship

MONTGOMERY LUNCH BUNCH

Tuesday, July 23 | 11:30 a.m. | Ransom’s Steakhouse & Saloon

To make a reservation contact Donna Carr at 936.443.6748 or Sally Tinsman at 936.499.9687 by Monday, July 22.

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

CRAFT CIRCLE

Bring your time and talents and join our Craft Circle teams. All proceeds go to support our local and global missions funding efforts.

THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS

This group meets Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. in the Loft Building.

THE WOODFOREST CAMPUS

In May, our Montgomery friends met at Pizza Shack for good food and fellowship. We hope you can join us on July 23 for our next Lunch Bunch.

Our Woodforest group meets on the second and fourth Thursday at 1:00 p.m. in the Woodforest gym.

55+

U.S. POSTAGE PAID N. HOUSTON, TX PERMIT #296

RESOURCE CORNER

prayer and care

PRAYER MINISTRY

If you or your family would like prayer, prayer teams are available after each of the services, or you can contact Dora Marquez with our Prayer Ministry at 281.822.8249

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

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, July 5 | 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Friday, July 19 | 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

Shepherd Care is a ministry of friendship for our members who are in local nursing homes or private residences. 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

We encourage you to sign up for the digital version of Monthly Outlook. Not only will this save postage costs for Adults 55+ Ministry, but it will also save resources like paper. Plus, you can access the newsletter anywhere on a computer or your phone. It’s a win-win!