by Rev. Chris McLain, Pastor of Caring and Adults 55+ Ministry
It’s going to be a hairy Thanksgiving. Let’s face it — there is at least one person who didn’t vote the way that you did.
I want to provide you a simple reminder: Conversion is a process.
A shouting match over the cranberry sauce will probably add the carcass of your relationship next to the turkey’s on the table, and may actually ruin your midafternoon, tryptophaninduced nap.
As we step into November and the season of Thanksgiving, it’s a wonderful time to pause and reflect on the many blessings we have. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 calls us to “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This verse is a powerful reminder that gratitude isn’t just for the good times — it’s a posture we’re called to maintain in every season of life.
Instead, prepare your heart to respond with grace when you disagree. Proverbs 3:3-4 reminds us: “Let love and faithfulness never leave you. … Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
For our family, this season offers a special opportunity for my wife, Kristen, and me to teach our children — Wesley (6), Rhett (5) and Ella (3) — about the blessings in their lives. Recently, during bedtime prayers, I asked each of them to share something they were thankful for. Wesley mentioned his friends at school, Rhett expressed gratitude for our dog, and sweet little Ella, in her pure innocence, simply said, “Thank you, Jesus!” These moments warm my heart and remind me that gratitude goes beyond just recognizing good things — it’s about nurturing a spirit of thankfulness and sharing it with others. As we guide our children to recognize and appreciate their blessings, we’re reminded to slow down and reflect on the countless ways God
While we all have many things to be grateful for — our families, health and friendships — our deepest gratitude is for Jesus. Through His life, death and resurrection, He has given us a hope that transcends every circumstance. When we truly grasp this, gratitude naturally overflows, shaping how we live and how we serve. This season invites us to consider how we can respond to Jesus’ love by serving others.
How you respond is more important than winning the argument because you’re preparing for the conversation at Christmas instead of this one. Do you want to be asking forgiveness at Christmas or be able to reference the grace you shared in relation to God’s grace shared through Jesus’ arrival?
I’m also incredibly thankful for our church. The Woodlands Methodist Church is more than just a place of worship; it’s a community where we live out our mission of reaching people for Jesus, discipling them in faith, and helping those in need. Through worship, small groups and outreach, we are continually reminded of God’s love and grace. This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to think about how we can express our gratitude by serving others within the church and beyond. Colossians 3:17 reminds us, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” By serving others, we reflect the heart of our church’s mission and share the grace we’ve been given.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s take time to reflect on the many ways God has blessed us and how we can respond with grateful hearts through acts of service. If you ever want to meet, pray together or talk, I’m always here to walk alongside you. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
You’re playing the long game, running the marathon, and doing the work of the kingdom. The kingdom doesn’t rely on only emotion, or one political view or candidate. Instead, it relies on a God who loves all people, moving them toward holiness, and it realizes that conversion cannot happen when people are more focused on their heels being dug in than their heart being understood.
You can do this, but it will take preparation. Conversion is a process!
This summer we spent time exploring Eastern Canada.
A TEXAS CAROL PART DEUX
Sunday, December 1
Depart TWMC 12:30 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. show
Join us for a fun afternoon with East Texas’ favorite family and a zany look into how the holidays can bring families together. The cost is $70 per person (includes ticket and bus fare). Dinner after the show is dutch.
We saw the Esther musical in September. It was a stunning compilation of dance and music. Afterwards, we had dinner at Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant.
Miles Pike was the guest musician at Gospel Hour in September. Miles will be back in May 2025.
The Woodlands Methodist Church Craft Circle presents
44th Annual Masterpiece Showcase
Friday, November 22, 2024
Enjoy an evening with friends, food and music as we unveil this year’s finely crafted masterpieces created by the TWMC Craft Circle.
Silent Auction and Hors d’Oeuvres | 6:30 p.m.
Live Auction | 7:45 p.m.
Atrium and Wesley Hall
The Woodlands Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive
The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Proceeds benefit global and local missions of The Woodlands Methodist Church.
Purchase tickets with QR code or by visiting twmc.org/missions
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
Tuesdays | 9:30 a.m. | Loft Building
THE WOODFOREST CAMPUS
2nd and 4th Thursdays | 1:00 p.m. | Woodforest gym
2025 TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES
TROPICAL COSTA RICA (September)
Registration deadline is March 8, 2025. Final payment due July 17, 2025.
SPOTLIGHT
Save the date for these holiday programs.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18
11:00 a.m. | Woodforest Worship
Prepare your heart for the Christmas season. We are hosting the Kelley Peters Duo for a classic holiday set. Registration deadline is Wednesday, November 13. Cost is $12 per person.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2
11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall
Diane Bertrand-Goldsmith is returning for a Christmas set with our SpiritWind Band! Diane is a professional artist currently cast in Nine to Five. You won’t want to miss this special holiday performance.
Register for these events at twmc.org/adults55
WOODFOREST SPOTLIGHT
We hosted Teddy Gibson and Cliff Duncan at our September gathering. Everyone enjoyed their smooth sounds.
CHRISTMAS ON THE DANUBE (December)
Registration deadline is November 27, 2024.
Final payment due August 5, 2025.
View itineraries at twmc.org/adults55
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS
*NEW* COMMUNITY OUTREACH
We offer worship services and Holy Communion at assisted living communities at the following locations: The Village, The Conservatory, Avanti and The Forum. If you would like to join us, contact Rev. David Lindwall at dlindwall@twmc.org or Karen Williams at aggiemom43@hotmail.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.
SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS
Friday, November 1 - Moody Gardens
Friday, November 15 - Friendsgiving at TWMC
Check our webpage for activities.
THE GATHERING PLACE
Monday, November 4 | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Join us this Monday for a fall harvest celebration. The Gathering Place is a ministry for adults who have mild to moderate dementia. If you would like to volunteer your time, contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514
WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB
Monday, November 4 | 7:00 p.m.
Aldersgate Hall
The Woodlands Camera Club is proud to announce that Linda Nickell will be presenting “Finding Beauty on a Backroad.” Linda hosts a photography webinar called “The Happiness Hour.” Based in Texas, she has been photographing the state’s backroads for years. She uses Sunday mornings as free time to explore farm roads lined with wildflowers and wildlife. Linda will share treasures she has found during her wanderings.
MAH JONGG GAME DAY
Thursdays, November 7 and 21 | 2:00 p.m. | Room B204
Beginners or players of all levels are welcome to play this fun Chinese game utilizing the National Mah Jongg League cards 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, November 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
PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, November 19 | Noon | Allen Parlor
Join us this month to review The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi. In December we will have a holiday celebration. For more information contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING
Friday, November 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
*NEW* CASUAL BRIDGE
Friday, November 1 | 12:30 – 3:00 p.m. | B107
Come and be part of a fun, social bridge group once or twice a month depending on the group. We need at least eight participants to start a group at church. This will be casual bridge for those who just want to play bridge. Some bridge knowledge is necessary. For more information contact Betty Gibson at 832.654.3335
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. For more information contact Ed Wandling at 281.788.9880 or Louise Kramer at louise.kramer917@gmail.com
FIT FOR LIFE FITNESS
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays* | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
All levels of fitness welcome. No registration required.
*On the first Monday of each month, we meet in Hayes Hall.
MEN’S BOOK STUDY
2nd and 4th Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. | Room C217-A
Join us for a discussion on a study of J.I. Packer’s Knowing God
For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 or jbarney177@gmail.com
*NEW* TWMC BOWLING FUN LEAGUE
2nd Monday Night of Each Month | 7:00 p.m. | Bowlero
We bowl two games from 7:00-8:45 p.m. Warm up from 6:30–7:00 p.m. No skill required. The cost is $8 per person payable in cash on the day of the event. For more information contact Jeanette Bates 281.455.9073
CLASS NEWS
WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH
Tuesday, November 12 | 11:00 a.m. | Whiskey Cake Kitchen
The Friendship Class is meeting at Whiskey Cake Kitchen, 27800 I-45 North, Oak Ridge North 77385. All are welcome. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, November 11
FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAG PROJECT
Thursday, November 21 | 2:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor
The Friendship Class comes together to assemble snack bags for the 1960 Hope Center.
SPOTLIGHT
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18 | 11:00 A.M. | WOODFOREST WORSHIP COST: $12 PER PERSON
See page 3 for more information on this event.
WOODFOREST
CAMPUS
WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH
Thursday, November 14 | 11:00 a.m. | Thai Cottage
Join us at Thai Cottage, 3105 College Park Drive, Conroe 77384. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, November 11.
WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB
Thursday, November 21 | 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus
Join us to review The Women by Kristin Hannah. In December we will make our 2025 selections. No registration required. For more information contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067
ADULT GAME NIGHT
Friday, November 22 | 6:00 p.m. | WF Worship
Join us for Mexican Train, 42 or Hand and Foot. Bring a snack to share. The cost of this event is $1 per person. For more information contact Debbie Griffing 979.236.1654
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
Mondays, November 4 and 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 contact Angela Street at 281.723.6819
Election Day Prayer 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Robb Chapel WF Fit for Life Fitness
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
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
Mah Jongg 2:00 p.m. | B204
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
WF Craft Circle Boutique
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. WF Campus
Caregivers Support
11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
Casual Bridge
12:30 p.m. | B107
Single Life Widows
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Montgomery Lunch Bunch
11:30 a.m. | Honor Cafe
Adult Game Night
6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
TWMC Craft Circle Boutique
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Wesley Hall
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
TWMC Bowling Fun League
7:00 p.m. | Bowlero
7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
WF Caregivers Support Group
10:00 a.m. | WF Classroom
Spotlight
11:00 a.m. | WF Worship
WF Fit for Life Fitness
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
Woodlands Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m.
Whiskey Cake Kitchen
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
WF Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Thai Cottage
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Moody Gardens TWMC Craft Circle Boutique
Caregivers Support
11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
Single Life Widows Friendsgiving at TWMC
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
WF Fit for Life Fitness
WF Fit for Life Fitness
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
Peggy’s Book Club Noon | Allen Parlor
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
WF Book Club 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus
Mah Jongg 2:00 p.m. | B204
Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting
10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
WF Adult Game Night
6:00 p.m. | WF Worship
Masterpiece Showcase 6:30 p.m.
Atrium and Wesley Hall
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Wesley Hall
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
WF Fit for Life Fitness
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
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
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
Friday, November 8 | 11:30 a.m.
The Honor Cafe
To make a reservation contact Donna Carr at 936.443.6748 or Sally Tinsman at 936.499.9687 by Monday, November 4.
ADULTS 55+
The Woodlands Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380
RESOURCE CORNER
SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS
Monday, November 4 | 1:00 p.m. | Jones Library
WOODFOREST CAMPUS
Sunday, November 10 | 2:00 p.m. | Classroom
Our Surviving the Holidays seminar is especially for people who are grieving a loved one’s death. Register at twmc.org/caring
PRAYER MINISTRY
If you or your family would like prayer, prayer teams are available after each of the services, or you can contact Dora Marquez with our Prayer Ministry at 281.822.8249
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, November 1 and 15 | 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. 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
Not only will this
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!
