Adults 55+ Monthly Outlook: May 2023

ADULTS 55+ MONTHLY OUTLOOK

CONFIRMATION

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

.R.O.W.

Pastor of Community Discipleship

Jesus’ call to “follow me” is an invitation to begin a lifelong journey to explore and apply God’s Word, grow in maturity, love our neighbors, share our faith and, ultimately, become more like Him. Along our journeys we become part of a church family. Sometimes, it can be difficult to navigate where God is calling us to connect into community and serve the local church and our community, especially in a church as large as The Woodlands

That is where the G.R.O.W. discipleship pathway comes in. G.R.O.W. is an intentional way to provide opportunities to grow, people to grow with, and places to serve, worship and live out your faith. No matter where you are in your faith, we are excited to journey with you. Centered on the acronym G.R.O.W., the pathway encompasses all aspects of what it means

The Bible is full of Scripture and words from Jesus on what it means to be a disciple. We have taken those foundations and put them in the

- From Bible studies to Connect Classes to Home Groups and more, there are many ways to join biblical community, which is essential to a believer’s growth.

- In the same way that Jesus invested in the earliest disciples, we now invest in others by sharing our faith, mentoring, teaching and leading.

OUTWARD Focus - When Jesus was asked the most important commandment for us to follow, He made it simple: Love God and love your neighbor. He modeled the kind of servant love that compels us to serve sacrificially in our church, homes, communities, and world. From greeting on a Sunday morning to serving in NextGen Kids to supporting local and global missions, we understand that our lives have great purpose and can make a difference in the lives of others.

WALK with God - Our faith journey is a walk where we commit to following Jesus through worship, prayer and spiritual practices. When we walk closely with God throughout our faith journey, evidence of life transformation is noticeable to us and others.

If you look at your life, is there evidence of gathering in community, raising others up, being outward focused and walking closely with God? I am grateful that the answer is “YES!” for so many incredibly faithful believers in our church. Praise God!

There are many more in our church who are just beginning to take the steps to grow. Will you pray for and look for those who are trying to find their place in our church? Invite them in and help them connect to G.R.O.W.

In just a few short weeks we will welcome our new class of confirmands into the membership of our church. They will answer the questions of membership and start to live more fully into the fullness of the life of the church.

They will take the vow to support the church with their prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. Isn’t it great that we have the fresh, new reminder of G.R.O.W. to help us live that out!

The “Raising Up” of others, specifically leaders is our church’s vision for these 11-year-olds. They are making a big promise, and we, as members in the body, have the responsibility to continue living into our vows and supporting their walk.

This year I want to encourage you to find someone to mentor. It could be a student or someone who is 20 years your junior.

Let’s walk close enough to the Holy Spirit, listening for someone He desires to RAISE Up over the next year!

“THIS YEAR I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO FIND SOMEONE TO MENTOR.”

A FOND FAREWELL

Ken and Linda Keith retire from Elder Ride after serving faithfully as drivers for a decade, in addition to 12 years as ministry leaders. We are very grateful for their years of service. Please congratulate the Keiths on a job well done and wish them well

MEET JOHN CUNNINGHAM

John Cunningham has stepped up to lead Need a Ride, formerly Elder Ride. John, a member of TWMC for 15 years, is no stranger to serving. He has been a Grief Share facilitator, and he sings in the Goldenaires choir and sits on the Emmaus board. His hobbies include music and gardening. John wants to make a difference in the lives of our members and is looking forward to growing the Need a Ride ministry. If you see John in the hallway, say hello.

SHEPHERD CARE MINISTRY

Shepherd Care ministry assembled bags of cookies to deliver with Easter lilies for their Lambs. The cookies and flowers are personally delivered every year during Holy Week. Shepherd Care is a ministry of friendship for those who may not be able to attend church.

Woodforest Late Morning Start

In March, our Woodforest friends were entertained by the McTeggart Irish Dancers. This talented group of dancers, ranging in age from 7 to 13, performed in over 120 shows during spring break. Late Morning Start meets the fourth Monday of every month.

Woodforest Lunch Bunch

The Woodforest Lunch Bunch met at Akashi Asian Fusion in March. This group meets the second Thursday of the month. Join us for food and fellowship!

THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS

GRIEF SHARE

Thursdays, beginning April 27 | 1:00 p.m. | Room B201

This is a 13-week small group experience navigating the challenges of grief. For more information contact Susan Goldsmith at 281.297.5953

THE GATHERING PLACE

Monday, May 1 | 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 Kentucky Derby celebration. If you would like to volunteer your time with this special ministry, please contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514

WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB

Monday, May 1 | 6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Join The Woodlands Camera Club monthly meeting. This month we are featuring photographer Dan Davis who will present “Wildlife and Landscape Photography — Alaska to the Lower Forty-Eight.” For more information about The Woodlands Camera Club, visit thewoodlandcameraclub.org

PRIME TIMERS

Wednesday, May 3 | 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall

Join us for a backyard barbecue featuring the Hot Shots, a banjo and ukulele trio. These boys have traveled all over the United States playing gospel music. You will not want to miss their performance. The cost for lunch is $12. Register online.

*NEW MAHJONG GAME DAY

Thursdays, May 4 and 18 | 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

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.

*NEW* CHAIR VOLLEYBALL

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

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

More fun than you could possibly stand — while seated! Chair volleyball is great for upper body mobility and joint flexibility. It enhances your muscle tone, reflexes, handto-eye coordination and endurance. All fitness levels are welcome. No registration required.

VOTE TO JOIN THE GMC MAY 7

All 15 of TWMC’s pastors have signed a letter recommending affiliation with the Global Methodist Church (GMC) as the best way to pass along our traditional, Wesleyan theological heritage to future generations. Members are being asked to ratify this recommendation by churchwide vote May 7 - 11. For more information visit twmc.org/affiliation-decide

WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH

Tuesday, May 9 | 11:00 a.m. | Fielding’s Wood Grill

Join us for lunch and fellowship. This restaurant is located at 1699 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands 77380. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, May 8.

ADULT GAME NIGHT

Friday, May 12 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Join us for a night of fun, fellowship, games and refreshments. 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

PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB

Tuesday, May 16 | Noon | Allen Parlor

Join us this month to review West with Giraffes by Linda Rutledge. If you would like to read ahead, in June we will review Panchinko by Min Jin Lee. 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, May 26 | 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

Crochet or knit for those in need. Join us for fellowship each month. For more information on this ministry, please contact Connie Norton at concetta44@comcast.net or 281.292.3875

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

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 May activities:

Friday, May 5 | Join us for lunch at Citizens Grill. Friday, May 19 | Check our webpage for more details. Register for these events online.

CLASS NEWS

FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAG PROJECT

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

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

SAVE THE DATE

JUST CAST CHARTER FISHING EXCURSION

Saturday, June 17

Join us for a half-day fishing excursion in Galveston. This is a small group experience. The cost is $125 per person.

ASTROS OUTING

Wednesday, June 21

Join us as we watch the Astros take on the New York Mets. The cost of this event is $80 per person.

Register for these events at twmc.org/timeforfun

*Green text represents events at The Woodlands Campus and blue text represents events at the Woodforest Campus.

Adult Fitness Intermediate Class

9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

Place 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Chair Volleyball

1:00 p.m. | WF Gym Woodlands Camera Club 6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Basic Class

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

WF Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym

Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Prime Timers 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall

WF Adult Fitness Basic Class

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

National Day of Prayer Noon | Robb Chapel

Mahjong Game Day

2:00 p.m. | B107

Adult Fitness Basic Class

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Chair Volleyball

10:30 a.m. | Rec Center Gym

Caregivers Support Group

11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

Single Life Widows Citizens Grill

WOODFOREST CAMPUS

WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH

Thursday, May 11 | 11:00 a.m. | Mama Juanita’s

Join us for some authentic Mexican food at Mama Juanita’s. The location is 5405 FM 1488, Magnolia. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, May 8.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP

Monday, May 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

WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB

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

This month we will review The Lady’s Mine by Francine Rivers. Next month we will review People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067

ADULT GAME NIGHT

Friday, May 26 | 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

55+ ADULT MINISTRY LINE DANCING

Tuesdays, May 9 – June 27 | 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym New session. Register online.

55+

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

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

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. Our Need a Ride program offers rides to members of our church community in The Woodlands and in Woodforest. We are looking for volunteers for this ministry. If you would like to volunteer as a driver, please reach out to John Cunningham.

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

The Woodlands Methodist Church

2200 Lake Woodlands Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH ADULTS