Adults 55+ Monthly Outlook: May 2024

ADULTS 55+ MONTHLY OUTLOOK

WELCOME SARAH PAYNE AND FAMILY!

Rev. Sarah Payne, Pastor of Caring and Special Needs Ministry

Greetings 55+ Community!

I am Rev. Sarah Payne, and I am the new Pastor of Caring and Special Needs Ministry. I am very excited to be working with our church and extension campuses. It is an incredible Holy Spirit-filled opportunity to provide support through prayer and pastoral presence for those who are ill, isolated or in grief, and for persons with special needs and their families. I believe that God has uniquely prepared me to serve those who are vulnerable and endlessly valuable to Jesus.

I was a teacher before I became a preacher, and I have a background working with a variety of cognitive and physical abilities. While I was in seminary at Eastern Mennonite, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, I focused on grief and praying prayers of lament. When my husband, Rev. Clayton Payne, passed me the job description for working here, I cried; serving as a pastor of care and special needs is what God has created me to do.

Encouraging me to follow God’s call is typical of my husband. He is my biggest supporter in ministry and my best friend. For 17 years we’ve served God together and enjoyed traveling and playing board games. Most recently, we co-pastored together in Virginia. Many people have told me that they just couldn’t work with their spouse. Not me! We have a good balance of gifts and graces, of head and heart.

Isn’t it wonderful how God calls each of us to serve and then equips us with different spiritual gifts and experiences?

Clayton and I have one adult son, Cody. Cody came to live with us when he was 6 1/2 years old, and we adopted him a little over a year later. As you can see from the picture, Cody is quite tall — 6'3"! He loves reminding me that he’s taller than I am. Cody graduated high school last year and has entered the work force.

We also have a 10-year-old Chihuahua named Dobby, affectionately called in our house Sir Chufferton, Baby Dog and America’s Favorite Puppy. He is the most un-Chihuahua-like Chihuahua that you will ever meet.

In addition to my roles as minister, wife and mother, I am also an artist. Art, for me, is a spiritual practice. I have a lot of favorite Bible verses, but a verse that guides me in ministry is Psalm 16:11. My parents live in Virginia, and my younger brother, Glen, is married with two daughters.

Now that you’ve gotten to know me, I’d like to get to know you. If you see me around, please introduce yourself!

JESUS IS IN CONTROL

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

Let me be clear: I like the winter.

I like layers, campfires, outdoor activities in the woods, and cold starry nights. However, each year “it” happens, the change when winter becomes spring. My allergies kick up, my wife has a new project she wants completed, and I dream about how hot the upcoming Texas summer is going to be. It really is an annual disappointment to which I will probably never grow fully accustomed. I’m also reminded that someone else is in control of the weather, of eternity and, as a follower of Jesus, of my life.

2 Corinthians 5:15 reminds us: “[Christ] died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.”

God is doing amazing things all around us, and if we are in lockstep with the Holy Spirit, we are reminded that we have a role to play. If so, then we will continue to have hope, primarily in Jesus but secondarily that there is a calling for us serve the kingdom. I’d like to challenge you today. Go to twmc.org/staff and spend a few minutes looking at all of the people who have discerned a call to serve the kingdom. Spend some time praying over some you are familiar with and then pick a random name and pray. Pray for that person’s walk with Jesus. Pray for their family, their health and the ministry God has called them to. Then, after a deep breath, recommit your life to “Christ, who died and was raised for [you].”

Then give Jesus full control. Who knows, you might end up enjoying the weather wherever He puts you!

SPOTLIGHT

In March we hosted Yelba’s Variety Band for a Carpenter’s Tribute. We had an amazing time!

LUNCH BUNCH LUNCH BUNCH

The Lunch Bunch groups at Woodforest and Montgomery meet once a month. Sally Tinsman and Donna Carr hosted the inaugural Montgomery Lunch Bunch at Ransom’s Steakhouse in April while our Woodforest friends met at Eden Café. Hope you can join us for lunch this month!

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Our Prayer Shawl Ministry gathered around our friend Micki Abegg to wish her farewell. Micki shared her time and talents with us knitting many prayer shawls for the ministry. Micki and her husband have been transferred to Pennsylvania. We’ll miss you, Micki!

SHEPHERD CARE EASTER LILY DELIVERY

Members of our Shepherd Care put together boxes of homemade cookies to go along with Easter lilies that were delivered to our Lambs.

Upcoming Day Trip

HOUSTON ASTROS VS. LOS ANGELES ANGELS

Wednesday, May 22 1:10 p.m. | Depart TWMC 11:00 a.m.

Join us to cheer on the Houston Astros. All seats are in section 131. Cost is $105 per person which includes coach bus transportation and game ticket.

SAVE THE DATE

JUNE 04

HOUSTON ASTROS VS. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

Tuesday, June 4 | 7:10 p.m.

Depart TWMC 5:00 p.m.

Cheer on the Houston Astros. All seats are in section 131. The cost of this event is $101 per person which includes coach bus transportation and game ticket.

JUNE 09

JUNE 30

CHRISTMAS ON THE DANUBE TRIP PREVIEW MEETING

Sunday, June 9 | 10:30 a.m.

Otterbein

Learn more about the Christmas on the Danube itinerary at this 30-minute trip presentation.

FESTIVAL HILL PATRIOTIC CONCERT

Sunday, June 30

Depart TWMC at 11:00 a.m.

Wear your red, white and blue and join us for a patriotic concert in Round Top. The cost is $65 per person which includes a box lunch, concert ticket and coach bus transportation.

2024 Travel Opportunities

• IRELAND | October 2024

Registration deadline is July 8.

• HISTORIC SAVANNAH AND CHARLESTON HOLIDAY TOUR | December 2024

Registration deadline is June 9.

• CHRISTMAS ON THE DANUBE | December 2025

Save the date for a trip preview meeting on Sunday, June 9, at 10:30 a.m. in Otterbein.

View the itineraries at twmc.org/adults55

THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS

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.

MAH JONGG GAME DAY

Thursdays, May 2 and 16 | 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.

SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS

Join us for these May activities:

Friday, May 3 – Fielding’s Wood Grill

Friday, May 17 – Nona’s Italian Grill Register for these events online.

THE GATHERING PLACE

Monday, May 6 | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Join us this month for a Cinco de Mayo 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.

WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB

Monday, May 6 | 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Join us for our next meeting when Tara Flannery, a Certified Professional Photographer based in The Woodlands, will discuss “Pro Tips for Family Photos.” Learn the secrets to capturing beautiful and memorable moments with your loved ones and discover how to create natural and authentic portraits that reflect the unique personalities and dynamics within your family. Meetings are open to anyone with an interest in photography.

ADULT GAME NIGHT

Friday, May 10 | 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

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST FOUNDATION LUNCHEON

Thursday, May 16 | 11:30 a.m. | Wesley Hall

Join us for the Foundation Luncheon with guest speaker Dr. Todd D. Still, Dean of Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary. Find more information and register at twmc.org/foundation

PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB

Tuesday, May 21 | Noon | Allen Parlor

Join us this month to review Astor by Anderson Cooper. In June we will review When Comes the Spring by Janette Oke. For more information, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING

Friday, May 24 | 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

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? You are welcome to join at any time. For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 or jbarney177@gmail.com

FIT FOR LIFE FITNESS

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

All levels of fitness welcome. No registration required.

GOLDENAIRES CHOIR

Rehearsals Every Wednesday | 2:30 p.m. | Choir Room

The Goldenaires are a 55+ adult choir who love to share fellowship through music. Singing both sacred and secular music, the Goldenaires sing four times a year at the 8:30 a.m. Chapel service as well as many performances in the community. For more information, contact Ed Wandling at 281.788.9880 or Louise Kramer at louise.kramer917@gmail.com

CLASS NEWS

WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH

Tuesday, May 14 | 11:00 a.m. | Lupe Tortilla

The Friendship Class is meeting at Lupe Tortilla, 19437 I-45, Shenandoah 77385. All are welcome. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, May 13.

FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAG PROJECT

Thursday, May 16 | 2:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor

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

SPOTLIGHT

SUNDAY, MAY 5 | 12:15 P.M. | WESLEY HALL

COST: $15 PER PERSON

Join us for a Cinco de Mayo celebration. We are hosting a Latin band performing popular songs like “La Bamba,” “Cancion Del Mariachi” and Selena’s “Como La Flor.” Lunch is a taco bar catered by La Cocina de Roberto Mexican restaurant. Registration deadline is Wednesday, May 1

Register at twmc.org/adults55

WOODFOREST CAMPUS

WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH

Thursday, May 9 | 11:00 a.m. | Rudy’s Bar-B-Q

Join us at Rudy’s Bar-B-Q at 14545 Hwy 105, Conroe, 77304. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, May 6.

WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB

Thursday, May 16 | 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus

Join us to review Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See. In June we will review The Physician by Noah Gordon. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067

ADULT GAME NIGHT

Friday, May 24 | 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, May 20 | 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.

MAY

APRIL

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Midweek Prayer Room

Noon | Robb Chapel

Spotlight

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

12:15 p.m. | Wesley Hall

Always in Our Hearts

4:00 p.m. | Robb Chapel

Happy Mother’s Day

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

The Gathering Place

10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Woodlands Camera Club

7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

WF Fit for Life Fitness

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

Craft Circle

9:30 a.m. | Loft

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

WF Fit for Life Fitness

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

National Day of Prayer

Noon | Robb Chapel

Mah Jongg

2:00 p.m. | B204

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Caregivers Support Group

11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

Single Life Widows

Fielding’s Wood Grill

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

WF Caregivers Support Group

10:00 a.m. | WF Classroom

WF Fit for Life Fitness

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

Craft Circle

9:30 a.m. | Loft

Woodlands Lunch Bunch

11:00 a.m. | Lupe Tortilla

Montgomery Lunch Bunch

11:30 a.m.

Pizza Shack

WF Fit for Life Fitness

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

Craft Circle

9:30 a.m. | Loft

Peggy’s Book Club

Noon | Allen Parlor

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Midweek Prayer Room

Noon | Robb Chapel

WF Fit for Life Fitness

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

WF Lunch Bunch

11:00 a.m. | Rudy’s Bar-B-Q

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Adult Game Night

6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

WF Fit for Life Fitness

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

Foundation Luncheon

11:30 a.m. | Wesley Hall

WF Book Club

11:30 a.m. | WF Campus

Mah Jongg

2:00 p.m. | B204

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

Astros

Depart 11:00 a.m.

Aldersgate Hall

WF Fit for Life Fitness

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

WF Craft Circle

1:00 p.m. | WF Gym

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Caregivers Support

11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

Single Life Widows

Nona’s Italian Grill

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting

10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

WF Adult Game Night

6:00 p.m. | WF Worship

TWMC Closed Memorial Day Holiday JUNE

WF Fit for Life Fitness

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

Craft Circle

9:30 a.m. | Loft

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Midweek Prayer Room

Noon | Robb Chapel

WF Fit for Life Fitness

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

Fit for Life Fitness

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

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

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

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.

MONTGOMERY LUNCH BUNCH

Tuesday, May 14 | 11:30 a.m. | Pizza Shack

To make a reservation contact Donna Carr at 936.443.6748 or Sally Tinsman at 936.499.9687 by Monday, May 13.

RESOURCE CORNER

SUNDAY, MAY 5

4:00 p.m. | Robb Chapel

Join us for this special service where we honor the life of our beloved children who have gone on to their eternal home.

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

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, May 3 | 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

Friday, May 17 | 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. 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.

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!