ADULTS 55+ MONTHLY OUTLOOK
DO NO HARM
by Rev. Chris McLain, Pastor of Caring and Adults 55+ Ministry
GATHER IN COMMUNITY
I am honored and excited to serve as your new Women’s Ministry Coordinator! I grew in my faith through the Bible studies and small groups of TWMC. It will be such a blessing to pour into the women of our church. I look forward to meeting and walking alongside many of you in our continued journeys. My first official day is May 9. Stop by and say hi!
My family and I have been members of TWMC for over 10 years. My husband, Sean, and I joined when our twin girls were just babies. Evelynn and Isabella are now about to be confirmed in their faith, joining us as full members. We couldn’t be prouder!
God has personally called me into unanticipated adventures in the last 10 years. One of the most significant is supporting and serving women survivors of human trafficking. It is spiritually challenging, but I have experienced and witnessed God’s grace and love in abundance through these women. God also sent me on a spiritual journey by calling me to seminary. Since I am a mom first, it has taken me a few years to complete school, but I am proud to say I will graduate from SMU Perkins School of Theology on May 13 with a Master of Arts in Ministry!
I am thrilled that as our Women’s Ministry Coordinator, I get to foster the community that is so important at The Woodlands Methodist Church. Supporting our G.R.O.W. campaign, especially GATHER in Community, is essential to my new role. Biblical community is vital to our spiritual growth, and our Bible studies, small groups and events foster engagement with God’s word while nurturing an environment of support and encouragement.
I look forward to the continuation of our strong Women’s Ministry events while incorporating fun new adventures. The Adults 55+ and Women’s Ministries of TWMC have much in common, so partnering to serve and encourage one another provides a wonderful opportunity to live in a Christfilled community. My prayer is that together we will draw closer to God through the friendships we create, our service to one another and our efforts to help those in need.
Blessings, friends!
Whitney Mertz
June 21 hasn’t arrived to officially signal the beginning of summer, but it’s Texas so let’s kick it off anyway. How great is it that we don’t have to look far for a starting point in order live out our Wesleyan roots and into the life of a new denomination?
During the Summer of 2023, we’ll talk about the General Rules of John Wesley.
• Do no harm.
• Do good.
• Adhere to all the ordinances of God.
Over the years the word “rule” has gotten a bad rap. A quick study of its etymology reveals it comes from the Latin “regula” meaning to “keep straight” or “direct.”
Methodists have always had a way for walking alongside the Holy Spirit in His work of making us holy in thought, word and deed. John Wesley’s first part of his General Rules of life is to “Do no harm.”
Y’all, this one seems easy, right? However, it’s probably the hardest of them all. It presupposes that you have had an encounter with Scripture, have experienced the justification of knowing Jesus as savior, and have a mindset singularly focused on growing the kingdom of God.
Remember, doing no harm might include telling someone they are missing the mark even if it hurts their feelings. Phew… that one is tough. It’s no wonder kids in the 2000s accepted the phrase “Only God can judge me” as a moral escape hatch. Instead, I want to challenge you and me to continue inviting people into relationships and lovingly holding them up next to the rule of the Gospel. Spend time praying diligently, listening intently and processing theologically and you’ll be on the way to “Do no harm.”
JUNE 2023 EDITION THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
In April, a group of 26 made the journey to Nashville and the Smoky Mountains. It was a fun-filled week packed with stops at Churchill Downs, The Ark and the Kentucky Horse Park. They also toured the Biltmore Estate, Dollywood, Music City USA in Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry.
LATE MORNING START Prime Timers
LATE MORNING START
Louise Kramer directed The Goldenaires through a medley of gospel hymns for Late Morning Start. Everyone enjoyed themselves and lunch was provided by PrimoHoagies.
The Woodlands campus hosted Ashely Orlando and Kenneth Fowler in April. The two have a smooth jazz sound. Everyone had a great time, and we hope they will join us again soon.
CRIGHTON THEATER OUTING
A group of 25 gathered for the Shakespearean performance of Much Ado About Nothing at the Crighton Theater in Conroe. Attendees dined at Pacific Yard House after the play.
UPCOMING EVENTS
JUST CAST FISHING EXCURSION
Saturday, June 17 | Depart TWMC 5:00 a.m.
ASTROS OUTING: ASTROS VS. NEW YORK METS
Wednesday, June 21 | 1:10 p.m.
Departing TWMC 11:00 a.m.
WICKED AT THE HOBBY CENTER
Sunday, June 25
Depart TWMC Noon
To register and find more information about events listed above, visit twmc.org/adults55
oodforest W omen’s Tea
Lora Parker, the Woodforest Women’s Ministry lay leader, hosted a Women’s Tea in April. The women honored Grace Ono for her years of service in Women’s Ministry. Bristol House provided the entertainment. Food was catered by Hummingbird Tea House, and Nola Girls provided the petit fours.
In April, the Friendship Class dined at Saigon USA for their monthly Lunch Bunch gathering.
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS
MAHJONG GAME DAY
Thursdays, June 1 and 15 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Room B107
Join us to play Mahjong. 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. For more information contact Glenda Hudson at 281.367.9155
WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB
Monday, June 5 | 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
The Woodlands Camera Club will be joined by Karen Warren who will present “The 5 Tool Photojournalist.” Karen’s “beat” for the Houston Chronicle has been the Houston Astros since 1998, covering spring training, the regular season and post-season games in addition to multiple Super Bowls, the Olympics and other local and national sports. For more information about The Woodlands Camera Club, visit thewoodlandcameraclub.org
ADULT 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
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
LINE DANCING SESSION
Thursdays, May 4 – June 22 | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Tuesdays, May 9 – June 27 | 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 GATHERING PLACE
Monday, June 5 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
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 respite while their loved one enjoys music, art and entertainment on the first Monday of each month. Join us this month for a picnic. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514
ADULT GAME NIGHT
Friday, June 9 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
We are adding Mahjong to our game night lineup. Beginners or players of all levels are welcome. The cost is $1 per person. Bring a dish to share. For more information contact Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012
REACHING THE WORLD FOR CHRIST
Friday, June 9 | 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. | Harvest Worship Center
Join Caring and Prayer Ministry and Missions Ministry for “Reaching the World for Christ,” an evening of worship, mission and prayer with Carole Ward of Favor International, a ministry in Northern Uganda and Southern Sudan. Register at twmc.org/missions
PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, June 20 | Noon | Allen Parlor
Join us this month to review Panchinko by Min Jin Lee. If you would like to read ahead, in July we will review The Last Restaurant in Paris by Lily Graham. For more information about Peggy’s Book Club, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING
Friday, June 23
10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
Join us for a pizza party! Crochet or knit for those in need. For more information please contact Connie Norton at 281.292.3875 or concetta44@comcast.net
MEN’S BOOK STUDY
2nd and 4th Wednesdays | 10:00 a.m. | Room C217-A
This group is studying Philip Yancey’s What’s So Amazing About Grace? You are welcome to join at any time. For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232
MIDWEEK PRAYER ROOM
Every Wednesday | Noon | Robb Chapel
God invites us to draw near to Him throughout our day so that we might rest in His presence. Join us as we approach God through worship, prayer and His word. Draw near to God to be refreshed in His presence.
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 required. For more information contact Ed Wandling at 281.788.9880
SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS
Join us for these June activities:
Friday, June 2 | Pallotta’s Italian Grill
Friday, June 16 | Federal American Grill Register for these events online.
PRIME TIMERS
We are taking a summer break. See you in September!
CLASS NEWS
WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH
Tuesday, June 13 | 11:00 a.m. | Pit-Master Bar-B-Que
The Friendship Class is hosting lunch at Pit-Master Bar-BQue. Pit-Master has been voted “Best BBQ” in The Woodlands. This restaurant is located at 343 Sawdust Road, Spring. All are welcome. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, June 12.
FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAG PROJECT
Thursday, June 15 | 2:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor
Friendship Class comes together to put snack bags together for the 1960 Hope Center.
SAVE THE DATE!
PASTOR-LED SUMMER STUDY – A JOURNEY OF HOPE
Thursday, July 11 – August 4 | Noon | Asbury
Join Pastor Chris for this study of Romans 5:3-5. These four weeks we will spend time listening to what Scripture has to say about how God moves us from suffering to hope. Bring your lunch, laugh a little and learn about hope!
WOODFOREST CAMPUS
WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH
Thursday, June 8 | 11:00 a.m. | Eden’s Cafe
Join us for lunch at Eden’s Café for an All-American meal. The location is 33418 Egypt Lane, Magnolia, 77354. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, June 5.
WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB
Thursday, June 15 | 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus
This month we will review People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. Next month we will review A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Monday, June 19 | 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
ADULT GAME NIGHT
Friday, June 23 | 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. For more information contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935
55+ ADULT FITNESS
Tuesdays and Thursdays | 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
For more information, please refer to the same listing under The Woodlands Campus. Please note the Woodforest class is a face-to-face class only.
LATE MORNING START
We are taking a summer break. See you in September!
ADULTS 55+
2200 Lake Woodlands Drive
The Woodlands, Texas 77380
RESOURCE CORNER
SUPPORT COMPUTER SUPPORT MINISTRY
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
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.
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
CAREGIVERS
SUPPORT CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Friday, June 2 | 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
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
THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
Photos will be shared on the Adults 55 + Facebook page. Like us on Facebook.
Our Woodforest friends had lunch from Porky’s Belly BBQ at the Rootbeer, BBQ and Baseball event and then played a game of beanbag baseball. The final score was 21-12. The losers are demanding a rematch!
