Adults 55+ Monthly Outlook: October 2023

ADULTS 55+

LOOKING AHEAD WITH GRATITUDE

by Rev. Brent Parker, Woodforest Pastor

My wife and I ended the summer with a quick trip to Nashville, Tennessee, for the wedding of Thomas Lake, our Woodforest Student Ministry shepherd. This was my wife’s first time in Nashville, so we definitely wanted to take in some sights and sounds of that city before heading back home. One of the big attractions in “NashVegas” is, of course, the Grand Ole Opry. She booked us a backstage tour. The first stop had us sit down to watch a video that included Garth Brooks singing “If Tomorrow Never Comes.” The words of that song have always captured me, and I sang along. (I must confess that sometimes I daydream about being a country music star.)

I sat next to my wife and mulled over the final line of the chorus of that song: “Is the love I gave her in the past gonna be enough to last if tomorrow never comes?” It’s a confronting thought, not only as it relates to my relationship with her, but also with my sons and extended family, our church family and any other person I’ve known and loved. Are you, like me, coming to realize that we likely have more days behind us than before us? This realization, along with the sentiment that is expressed in Garth’s song, has inspired me to live and to love in a new way. Might it inspire you too?

The prophet Isaiah offered these words from God: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” I’ve tried to hear these words as a gift of grace. God is inviting me to stop dwelling on a past filled with “should’ves” and “could’ves.”

Rather than soberly dwelling on, or feeling guilty for, the years already behind us, let’s accept His offer to look ahead with gratitude for the new mercies He promises each day (Lamentations 3:22-23) and with a heart ready to love whoever crosses our path. Let’s start that today...in case tomorrow never comes.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

2024 TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES

• The Best of Eastern Canada (August 2024)

• Historic Savannah and Charleston Holiday Tour (December 2024)

WOODLANDS AXE

Wednesday, October 11 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

32503 Tamina Road, Magnolia, 77354

Woodlands Axe has the latest technology in projected axe throwing targets. You won’t just throw an axe — you’ll stick it! Food may be purchased separately. Soft drinks are included. Cost: $40 per person.

CLUE

Sunday, November 5 | 2:00 p.m. | Crighton Theatre

Join us to watch Clue the classic board game brought to life. When the lights turn off and things go bump in the night, the remaining survivors scramble to make sense of it all. Cost: $23 per person. Dinner after the show will be dutch.

Find trip itineraries, event prices, details and registration at twmc.org/adults55

OLD OVER NEW

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

Let me tell you what… We have a new bit of excitement in our home. Our 10-year-old has realized that he’s only six years from driving. He has pretty much fallen in love with ’80s Chevy short bed, square body pickup trucks and ’90s Ford duallys, especially single cab manuals. His excitement is contagious. All of his friends, however, are all about the new, flashy sports cars: Scatpacks, 380Zs and Corvettes. These seem to dominate their conversations.

They look at Jett like he’s a little off, or like he doesn’t understand the assignment to acquiesce to the modern taste. The way they look at him makes me think about the way people in the city of Corinth were looking at the early believers in 1 Corinthians 1:18.

Paul writes: “For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

Paul is reminding those believers that the world only knows God through the incarnational, crucified and risen savior, Jesus. He says that the wisdom of the world is insufficient to know who God is (verse 21). We need to be reminded that to the outsider who understands the way of the world as power, influence and profit, the gospel looks really strange when we follow a servant leader, washer of feet, crucified God who has followers that eat His body and drink His blood.

If no one is looking at you like you have said something crazy when you talk about the gospel, it may be time to reach outside of your friend group and share this crazy idea about how something/someone from years and years ago is so much better than the trophies of today.

Now, I’m not saying Jesus would drive a “square body” or Ford (obvs), but it would have been pretty difficult to fit all the disciples in a 380Z.

In August, TWMC hosted its first ever The Way Men’s Conference. With just shy of 300 attendees, men gathered to look at The Way in which God is calling and equipping them for the world we live in. They heard from amazing men, including Rev. Kenneth Levingston, Dr. Tom Tanner, Dr. Kevin Watson, Lo Alaman, our very own Rev. Pierce Drake, with music from Bristol House. We are already busy planning for our Men’s Conference on August 23-24, 2024.

3. Our Prayer Ministry hosts worship at Methodist Hospital once a month. If you would like to participate or learn more about this worship opportunity, contact Dylan Meeker with our Prayer Ministry at 281.466.8661

3. Even though the game didn’t go the Astros’ way (the final score was Mariners 2 –Astros 0), we enjoyed the Houston Astros vs Seattle Mariners Outing in August.

1. Rev. Margarita McCarthy prayed with the Special Blessings Ministry team and participants. The group had a “Cat in the Hat” themed dance this year.

2. The Friendship Class got together for a fun ice cream social.

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. Draw near to God to be refreshed.

THE GATHERING PLACE

Monday, October 2 | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Join us this month for a Halloween party and come in costume! 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 and entertainment on the first Monday of each month. If you would like to volunteer your time with this special ministry, please contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514

THE WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB

Monday, October 2 | 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Join The Woodlands Camera Club on Monday, October 2, when Ken Frederick discusses “Photography Firsts,” a look at historic photographs and why they are significant. Whether you are a photographer or just an admirer of photographs, this presentation will have something for you.

PRIME TIMERS

Wednesday, October 4 | 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall

Join us for this special event featuring Diane Betrand-Goldsmith and SpiritWind Band playing pop and classical tunes. Diane is a professional artist and is currently cast as Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Cost of lunch is $12. For help with registering for this event, contact Teri Rossi 281.297.5935

MAH JONGG GAME DAY

Thursday, October 5 and 19 | 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 October activities: Friday, October 6 | Hummingbird Tea Room

Friday, October 20 | Monty’s Lighthouse Register for these events online.

ADULT GAME NIGHT

Friday, October 13 | 6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Join us for a night of fun, fellowship, games and refreshments. 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, October 17 | Noon | Allen Parlor

Join us this month to review The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict. If you would like to read ahead, in November we will review And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. 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, October 27 | 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

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

MEN’S BOOK STUDY

2nd and 4th Wednesdays | 10:00 a.m. | Room C217-A

Join us for a discussion on Philip Yancey’s The Jesus I Never Knew. 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

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 is required. For more information, contact Ed Wandling at 281.788.9880

ADULTS 55+ FITNESS

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

LINE DANCING

Thursdays, August 31 – November 2 | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Next session: November 9 – January 18

Join us for our current Line Dancing session. The cost of this class is $10 for an eight-week session. Please register online.

CLASS NEWS

WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH

Tuesday, October 10 | 11:00 a.m. | Local Table

The Friendship Class is meeting at Local Table. Local Table features scratch-made cuisine. This restaurant is located at 4223 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, 77381. All are welcome. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, October 9.

FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAG PROJECT

Thursday, October 19 | 2:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor

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

WOODFOREST CAMPUS

WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH

Thursday, October 12 | 11:00 a.m. | Mama Juanita’s

Join us for an authentic Mexican meal. The location is 5405 FM 1488, Magnolia, 77354. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, October 9.

WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB

Thursday, October 19 | 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus

This month we will review Annie’s Rainbow by Fern Michaels. In November, we will review The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067.

LATE MORNING START

Monday, October 23 | 11:00 a.m. | WF Worship Space

We are hosting local group the Kelly Peters Duo. Kelley Peters has been cast as Patsy Cline in Always Patsy Cline. You are going to love her! Cost of this event is $12. Register online.

ADULT GAME NIGHT

Friday, October 27* | 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. *Last game night for season.

ADULTS 55+ FITNESS

Tuesdays and Thursdays | 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

LINE DANCING

Tuesdays, August 31 – October 31 | 11:00 a.m. | Gym A

For more information, please refer to the same listing under The Woodlands Campus.

SUPPORT

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP

Monday, October 16 | 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

OCTOBER

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

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14

Join us as we offer help and hope to those in need. Whether you serve those who are homeless, hungry or at risk, you and everyone in your family can sign up to serve those in our community.

Find a full list of projects and sign up at twmc.org/serveitup

Welcome

to our friends at 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 in Montgomery.

LATE MORNING START

Monday, October 23 | 11:00 a.m. | WF Worship Space

Join us for our monthly brunch gathering located at our Woodforest Campus. We are hosting a local group named the Kelly Peters Duo. Kelley Peters has been cast as Patsy Cline in Always Patsy Cline. You are going to love her! Cost of this event is $12. Register online.

ADULTS 55+

The Woodlands Methodist Church

2200 Lake Woodlands Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

RESOURCE CORNER

SUPPORT

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

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP

Fridays, October 6 and 20 | 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

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

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH