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!

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.