9/11 — A TIME OF REMEMBRANCE, REFLECTION AND RENEWAL
by Rev. Margarita McCarthy, Pastor of Caring and Prayer Ministry
This year we will be commemorating the 23rd anniversary of 9/11 through a Service of Remembrance, Reflection and Renewal on Wednesday, September 11, at noon in Robb Chapel on The Woodlands Campus.
We all, as a nation and as a people, remember where we were on that fateful morning of September 11, 2001. Those memories are forever seared in our minds and on our hearts. They are branded into the fabric of our nation as well. We remember the images of lives lost, and the heroic actions of all those who helped rescue, defend and save lives on that fateful day. We also remember watching our national leaders come together in the National Cathedral to worship and pray for our country.
For those who were too young to remember, I am sure your mothers, fathers, grandmothers or grandfathers recounted where you were and where they were at that time in history. Memories of a major life event can have a way of shaping our lives, our homes, our nation and even our world.
It is in these moments, as God’s people, that we turn our hearts upward to find strength and hope. The psalmist reminds us in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” In Hebrew, the word “remember” is “zakar,” meaning “to make mention of, to recount, to make a memorial.” To “zakar” is to employ your hands and feet and lips to engage in whatever action that remembrance requires. It also has a sense of a future perspective. This is what Jesus told His disciples when He shared His final Passover meal with them. Each time we share in this memorial meal in the breaking of bread and drinking of the cup, we do this in remembrance of His death and soon return.
As we look back, we also look to the future when God will make all things right in the new creation — the new Jerusalem. Where He will wipe away every tear from our eyes. A place where there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order will pass away and all will be made new (Revelation 21:4-5).
I hope you’ll join us on September 11 for our Service of Remembrance, Reflection and Renewal at noon in Robb Chapel as we spend time in God’s presence to worship, pray and remember and to reflect on God’s holy living Word. Then we’ll allow the Holy Spirit to renew our hearts to be faithful, obedient, holy disciples of Jesus Christ as we shine His light of unfailing love into a dark world that desperately needs to hear and see the gospel of love in action.
Friends, you can also join us each Wednesday at noon in Robb Chapel for our Midweek Prayer Room as we push pause in the middle of our week to sit at Jesus’ feet to be refreshed in God’s presence and allow the Spirit to guide us in word and prayer.
FALL INTO READING
by Rev. Chris McLain, Pastor of Caring and Adults 55+ Ministry
It’s been another hot summer, and like most of us, I’m ready for all that September brings. September brings the “official end of summer” with Labor Day. I love that we don’t have to “work” to receive God’s love. However, God does call us to be “about the Lord’s work.” John Wesley modeled this in many aspects of his life, from serving the widow to visiting prisons. Oftentimes we can think about Philippians 2:12 where Paul reminds the Philippians to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”
As we look forward to the temperature change in the fall, I wonder how many of us, me included, have fallen behind this year on our reading. We should be reading the Scriptures, but we should also engage in external reading that both supports what we believe and challenges our established ideas. This reading might even give us a new vantage point on how to care for our neighbor or grow closer to our Heavenly Father.
I’d love to challenge you to pick up four books to read by the end of the year, and if you haven’t picked up your Bible in a while, maybe just start with Philippians and see where that takes you!
Lunch Bunch
New Opportunity
WESLEYAN AWAKENING PILGRIMAGE (April)
Registration deadline is December 5, 2024. Final payment due December 9, 2024.
TROPICAL COSTA RICA (September)
Registration deadline is March 8, 2025. Final payment due July 17, 2025. Join us for a trip preview meeting on Sunday, September 29, in B203.
CHRISTMAS ON THE DANUBE (December)
Registration deadline is November 27, 2024. Final payment due August 5, 2025.
View itineraries at
Our Montgomery friends met at Ransom’s Steakhouse and then checked out the new church property across the street. We hope you join us for the next Lunch Bunch in September!
PLANNING WORKSHOP
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29
4:00 p.m. | Jones Library
Join Gina A. Price, a partner at Price & Price, for an Estate Planning Workshop. Gina will share valuable knowledge and advice for all who are taking steps for the future of their estate. Light refreshments provided. Register for this no-cost event at twmc.org/foundation
The Lion King
The Lion King
The July performance of Disney’s The Lion King at the Hobby Center was outstanding. We had a wonderful meal at Pappasito’s Cantina.
THE WOODLANDS SENIOR EXPO
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
The Woodlands Methodist Church
Sponsored by Right at Home, an in-home care and assistance agency. Connect with local organizations dedicated to helping senior adults and their families.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
2:00 p.m. | Depart TWMC at 12:15 p.m
A.D. Players at the George Theater
A heroic woman’s story of faith, strength and strategy found in a gilded mosaic palace. Cost is $72 (includes ticket and bus fare). Dinner will be dutch after the show.
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
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
TWMC BOWLING FUN LEAGUE
2nd Monday night of each month
7:00 p.m. | Bowlero, The Woodlands 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.
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.
GOLDENAIRES CHOIR
Wednesdays, beginning September 4 | 11:30 a.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
MAH JONGG GAME DAY
Thursday, September 5 and 12* | 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. *Note date change due to the New Room Conference.
SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS
Fridays, September 6 - Gloria’s Restaurant Fridays, September 20 - Monte’s Lighthouse
ADULT GAME NIGHT
Friday, September 13 | 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, September 17 | Noon | Allen Parlor
Join us this month to review The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. In October we will review The Scent Keeper by Erica Bauermeister. For more information contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING
Friday, September 27 | 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
FIT FOR LIFE FITNESS
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays* | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
All levels of fitness welcome. No registration required. *No classes on September 2, 18 and 20.
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
THE GATHERING PLACE
Gathering Place is taking a break this month. We’ll see you in October.
WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB
Woodlands Camera Club is taking a break this month. We’ll see you in October.
CLASS NEWS
WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH
Tuesday, September 10 | 11:00 a.m. | Local Table
The Friendship Class is meeting at Local Table, 4223 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands 77381. Join us for a wonderful meal of American cuisine. All are welcome. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, September 9.
FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAG PROJECT
Monday, September 16 | 2:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor
The Friendship Class comes together to assemble snack bags for the 1960 Hope Center.
WOODFOREST CAMPUS
WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH
Thursday, September 12 | 11:00 a.m.
Good Charlie’s Oyster Bar & Seafood
Join us for seafood at Good Charlie’s Oyster Bar & Seafood, 545 Woodland Square Boulevard, Conroe 77384. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, September 9.
WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB
Thursday, September 19 | 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus
Join us to review The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin. In October we will review A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny. No registration required. For more information contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067.
ADULT GAME NIGHT
Friday, September 27 | 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. We are back to our normal Tuesday/Thursday schedule.
SUPPORT
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Monday, September 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 contact Angela Street at 281.723.6819 * *No meeting on Monday, September 2, due to the holiday.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
WF Adult Game Night
6:00 p.m. | WF Worship
SERVE IT UP! Churchwide projects
SPOTLIGHT
THE TWO BLACK GUYS BAND
Join us to hear the big band sounds of Frank Sinatra, Louie Armstrong and Nat King Cole performed by Teddy G. Gipson and Maestro Cliff Duncan Luv.
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
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. The Woodlands Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380
MONTGOMERY LUNCH BUNCH
Friday, September 13 | 11:30 a.m. | Burger Fresh
RESOURCE CORNER
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, September 6* | 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
Join us at Burger Fresh, 804 Gladstell Road, Conroe. To make a reservation contact Donna Carr at 936.443.6748 or Sally Tinsman at 936.499.9687 by Monday, September 9. We encourage you to sign up for the digital version of Monthly Outlook. Not only will this save postage costs for Adults 55+ Ministry,
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 *No meeting on Friday, September 20, due to the New Room Conference.
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
