MARCH 2024 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
ADULTS 55 OUTLOOK
+ MONTHLY
COMING HOME by Rev. David Lindwall, The Church at Montgomery and Caring Ministry
It is a great privilege to serve on the pastoral staff of The Woodlands Methodist Church. My wife Stephanie and I feel like we have come home. TWMC was the launch pad for our journey into pastoral ministry. We are Georgians who were transplanted to Houston by Shell Chemical in 1991. Through much of the ’90s, Stephanie and I were active members of TWMC. During that time, I was having conversations with Dr. Ed Robb and a few close friends about God’s calling on my life. By 1999 our family was living in London, England, and God’s voice became too compelling, so I left Shell to attend Asbury Seminary in Kentucky. God began molding us into a ministry family during those seminary years. As I served Methodist churches in East Texas and Montgomery, Stephanie began a 23-year career in education, mostly as an eighth grade science teacher. Throughout our ministry she has served with local missions and will quickly say that “serving” is her spiritual gift. Our older children, Jack and Grace, are products of Children of The Woodlands. Hannah and McKinley, our twins, were born in The Woodlands. All are in Houston with their spouses, one soon-to-be spouse, two grandchildren and two more on the way. They all are expressing their God-given gifts in the way He has called them. As many are aware, I am helping to plant The Church at Montgomery. This is wonderful work. Nevertheless, a central part of my calling is pastoral care, so I am excited to be sharing time with Caring Ministry as Pastor of Caring and Adult Outreach. As I began this journey in 1999, I asked JD Walt, a TWMC pastor at the time, if he had any advice. He said, “Keep your eyes on Jesus.” I was hoping for something more practical, but he was right! Although I have not been perfect, His grace has been perfect with me. For the past few years, I have committed a passage of Scripture to memory, and I write it down each day. My passage for 2024 is this: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2a NIV) I’m looking forward to following Jesus all the way home with you.
DON’T FORGET TO SHOW UP by Rev. Chris McLain, Pastor of Caring and Adults 55+ Ministry When I began in the Adults 55+ roll, someone shared a silly, fun and enjoyable book: Unforgettable Senior Moments. Today’s entry was as follows: “In 1984 The Oxford Library Club for Retired Professional People and Others Interested were looking forward to hearing a guest speaker on the subject of ‘Old Age, Absent-Mindedness, and Keeping Fit.’ Unfortunately, the speaker forgot to turn up.” As we continue our Lenten journey, maybe you have learned that you aren’t really good at fasting — you only made it a couple of days or weeks, or you realized your desire was to lose weight instead of getting closer to Jesus. Either way, you may have intentionally or unintentionally “forgot[ten] to turn up.” In Galatians 4 Paul says, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Galatians 4:4-6 ESV) Not only does Jesus not “forget to turn up,” but through His eternally triune connection with the Father, He arrives at just the right time with just the right intention. He comes to redeem us and introduce the world completely to the Father. Jesus shows up in the wilderness, in the temple, at the Passover table, in the garden and on the cross. Let’s return the gesture for the rest of Lent and show up too!
Save the Date DUELING PIANOS BRUNCH Sunday, April 7 | Noon – 3:00 p.m. | Oak Ridge North Join us for brunch at Two Tones Dueling Piano Bar at 27832 I-45 North, Oak Ridge North 77385. Register online.
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BUDDY HOLLEY STORY
CRAFT CIRCLE Bring your time and talents and join our Craft Circle team. 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
Our Woodforest group meets on the second and fourth Thursday at 1:00 p.m. in the Woodforest gym.
BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLEY STORY Sunday, April 14 | 2:00 p.m. | Crighton Theatre Buddy Holly is renowned as a pioneer of rock and roll. The Buddy Holly Story tells the story of his three-year journey toward becoming one of the top recording artists in the world. Come celebrate the humor, ambition, charm and sheer talent that was Buddy Holly. The cost of this event is $23. Dinner after the show is dutch. SECOND ANNUAL PRAYER CONFERENCE Saturday, April 27 Rev. Jordan Rose Wilson, Associate Pastor at Stillwater Church in Dayton, Ohio, and Global Methodist Church Elder, will lead us to grow deeper in our prayer life with Jesus. Her passion is to equip the church in knowing how to cooperate with the Holy Spirit through praying the Word of God and prophetic ministry. Mark your calendar!
WOODFOREST EVENTS In February, our Woodforest friends met at Good Charlie’s Seafood Kitchen for their monthly Lunch Bunch gathering. Be sure to join us in March at Eden Café. February’s Game Night was a big success with the addtion of Mah Jongg. Mexican Train, 42 and Hand and Foot are some of the other games featured on the fourth Friday of each month at Woodforest’s Game Night.
SPOTLIGHT
We kicked off the new year with The Texas Bluesmen Band and their Dodge Monaco. We had a rockin’ good time!
Fiddler on the Roof In January we went to see Fiddler on the Roof at College Park High School and enjoyed dinner at Black Walnut Cafe. We had a good time!
FIT FOR LIFE KICKOFF EVENT Fit for Life is the new theme for Adults 55+ Fitness. Our guest speaker Cathy Arellano with Jazzercise spoke on “fit for life,” reflecting on fitness and the importance of physical health.
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS SPOTLIGHT
PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB Tuesday, March 19 | Noon | Allen Parlor Join us this month to review Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. In April we will review Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. For more information, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 | 11:15 A.M. | WESLEY HALL COST: $12 PER PERSON
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING Friday, March 22 | 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
We are hosting Yelba’s Variety Band for a Carpenters’ tribute. Come and enjoy selections from the Carpenters songbook. We hope you can join us!
FIT FOR LIFE FITNESS Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall All levels of fitness welcome. No registration required.
Register at twmc.org/adults55
GOLDENAIRES CHOIR Rehearsals Every Wednesday | 2:30 p.m. | Choir Room 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
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. Join us for contemplative prayer time using Lectio Divina on March 6, 13 and 20. SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Join us for these March activities: Friday, March 1 — Escalante’s Friday, March 15 — Eden Cafe Register for these events online. THE GATHERING PLACE Monday, March 4 | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us this month for a St Patrick’s Day 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.
THE WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB Monday, March 4 | 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
CLASS NEWS
WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, March 12 | 11:00 a.m. | Postino The Friendship Class is meeting at Postino, 2025 Hughes Landing Blvd, The Woodlands 77381. All are welcome. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, March 11. FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAG PROJECT Thursday, March 21 | 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, March 14 | 11:00 a.m. | Eden Café Join us for homestyle cooking at Eden Café, located at 33418 Egypt Lane, Magnolia 77354. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, March 4.
In March, David Downs will present “Exploring the Artist Within.” David will discuss this method for using the tools we have available today to see greater potential in an object or scene. Meetings are open to anyone with an interest in photography MAH JONGG GAME DAY Thursdays, March 7 and 21 | 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. ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, March 8 | 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.
WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB Thursday, March 21 | 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus Join us to review Annie’s Rainbow by Fern Michaels. In April we will review The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067. ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, March 22 | 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.
SUPPORT
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Monday, March 18 | 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.
MARCH
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
25 FEBRUARY
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27
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Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Single Life Widows Escalante’s
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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
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11 Daylight Savings Time Begins
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Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
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Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall WF Caregivers Support 10:00 a.m. | WF Classroom
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
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Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
APRIL Easter
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. | Postino Lenten Study Noon | Wesley Hall
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25 Palm Sunday
WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym WF Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym Lenten Study Noon | Asbury Hall
12
18 Ireland Trip Preview Meeting 10:30 a.m. | B203
6
Easter Monday TWMC closed
WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym WF Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym
Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Spotlight 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel
13 Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study 10:00 a.m. | C217-A Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel
20 Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel
27 Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study 10:00 a.m. | C217-A Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel
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8 WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Mah Jongg 2:00 p.m. | B204
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Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Adult Game Night 6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
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WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym WF Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Eden Café
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Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Single Life Widows Eden Café
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WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym WF Book Club 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus Mah Jongg 2:00 p.m. | B204
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Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor WF Game Night 6:00 p.m. | WF Worship
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Maundy Thursday
Good Friday
WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
2024 Travel Opportunities • IRELAND | October 2024
Save the date for a trip preview meeting on Sunday, March 17.
• HISTORIC SAVANNAH AND CHARLESTON HOLIDAY TOUR | December 2024 • CHRISTMAS ON THE DANUBE | December 2025 Save the date for a trip preview meeting on Sunday, June 9, at 10:30 a.m. in Room B203.
View the itineraries at twmc.org/adults55
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.
THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
ADULTS 55+ The Woodlands Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380
MONTGOMERY LUNCH BUNCH Friday, March 15 | 11:30 a.m. | Ransom’s Steakhouse Join us for food and fellowship at Ransom’s Steakhouse, 300 C B Stewart Drive, Montgomery 77356. Ransom’s offers a variety of dishes from steaks and burgers to seafood and salad. To make a reservation contact Donna Carr at 936.443.6748 or Sally Tinsman at 936.499.9687 by Wednesday, March 13.
RESOURCE CORNER
prayer and care
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
1st and 3rd Fridays | 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
PRAYER MINISTRY
NEED A RIDE?
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.
If you need a ride to a medical appointment, contact John Cunningham at 713.594.4499. Please call at least 48 hours in advance.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
SHEPHERD 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
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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