Adults 55+ Monthly Outlook: September 2023

ADULTS 55+

WALK WITH GOD

by Dr. Robert Horton, Director of Music

Have you noticed?

Everywhere we go there is a soundtrack. As we watch our favorite show or movie, the subtle addition of just the right music accentuates the story. As we shop, we find ourselves humming the tune from overhead in the cereal aisle. Music has always occupied a prominent place in the soundtrack of our lives. Certain songs can also evoke feelings of people and places past. One of my earliest memories of church is my grandmother slipping into the pew next to me and singing “Put your Hand in the nail-scarred hand; he will lead to the end, He’s your dearest friend.” I also remember my father, as a pastor, holding his hymnal. I remember seeing a hymnal before I could read words, or even music. But, oh the joy, when I finally learned to read those sacred words and those inspired notes.

Throughout my life, I have always felt a special closeness to God when singing with others. John Wesley offered guidance in 1761 when he wrote “Strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound.” He also admonished us “Above all, sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing.”

Our singing is the soundtrack to our worship. One of my longtime brothers in ministry remarked many years ago that we, as Protestants, learn much theology from hymns. This is our Wesleyan heritage. As Robert Morgan wrote in his wonderful book, Then Sings My Soul, 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories, “Hymns, especially those of chock full of theologies such as Wesley and Watts, permeate our souls with the timeless veracities of Scripture.” He continued, “Hymns help us pray, and give us a way to be reassured that God loves us and seeks to be with us.”

The goal of our Music ministry is to bring others into the presence of God. As we join our voices and instruments together, we praise God for who He is, what He has done and what He will do. God’s Word reminds us that He delights in the praise of His people, and that He inhabits the praise of His people. God’s Word declares that we are fearfully and wonderfully made and we are wired with a divine ability to experience His eternal gift of music. Soli Deo Gloria.

TAKE A WALK

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

Over the past few weeks some of the saints in our church have shared that they are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to share their faith with a family member, longtime friend, or office mate.

I can’t tell you what a breath of fresh air it is in my Wesleyan ears when people speak about how the Holy Spirit is calling them to share their faith. It’s important to be reminded that the greatest commission we have as believers in Christ is to share His Word, work and salvation with others.

Throughout the years I have tried to cultivate a practice which seeks to stay true to this calling. I intentionally pray for a certain person and for a certain time to share God’s story, His wisdom and His salvation. Sometimes, however, I meet someone on a plane or in the hospital and they just ask me about Jesus, my job or our church.

I want to encourage you to keep walking with Jesus by reading Scripture, commentaries and theological articles. Keep learning and praying that your relationship with Jesus will empower you to be “ready to defend your hope.”

“Instead, regard Christ the Lord as holy in your hearts. Whenever anyone asks you to speak of your hope, be ready to defend it.”

1 Peter 3:5

Vow Renewal Service Vow Renewal Service

In July, Marriage and Family Ministry held a vow renewal for those married 40+ years. Twentyfour couples reaffirmed their wedding vows with Dr. Stew Grant and Rev. Chris McLain.

GlobalMethodist Annual Conference

In July, several of our pastors were ordained into the Global Methodist movement. Friends and family members gathered to witness the ordination in College Station.

CPR TRAINING

Montgomery County Hospital District hosted a CPR training for our members. There were four sessions scheduled this summer.

PASTOR-LED SERIES

Rev. Chris McLain hosted A Journey of Hope, a four-week study from Romans 5:3-5. He spoke about what Scripture has to say about how God moves us from suffering to hope

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

Tuesday, September 5* | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Join us this month for sports-themed fun. 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 *Note date change.

PRIME TIMERS

Wednesday, September 6 | 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall

Join us in celebrating our 90 and older members. The Goldenaires will perform and Dr. Mark Lewis has a special message to share with us. This is a sweet time to honor our friends. Cost of lunch is $12. For help with registering for this event, contact Teri Rossi 281.297.5935

MAH JONGG GAME DAY

Thursday, September 7 and 28 | 2:00 p.m. | 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. *Note room change.

ADULT GAME NIGHT

Friday, September 8 | 6:00 – 9:00 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

SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS

Join us for these September activities: Friday, September 8 | Honor Cafe

Friday, September 22 | Aviator’s Grill at David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport Register for these events online.

SINGLES BOOK STUDY

Beginning Tuesday, September 12 | 2:00 p.m.

Dunnam Conference Room

Join us to study You’ll Get Through This by Max Lucado. The cost of this study is $12. Register online.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING

Friday, September 15* | 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 *Note date change.

LORD TEACH US TO PRAY - PRAYER 101

Sunday, September 17 | 1:00 p.m. | Jones Library

Join us for a Prayer 101 workshop as we learn from Jesus’ model of prayer. God teaches us to pray effectively and move from duty to delight as we practice the daily rhythm of intimate conversation with God. Register online.

PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB

Tuesday, September 19 | Noon | Allen Parlor

Join us this month to review Still Life by Louise Penny. If you would like to read ahead, in October we will review The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict For more information about Peggy’s Book Club, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.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 are every Wednesday | 2:30 p.m. | Choir Room Fall rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 6. 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

THE WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB

This group is not meeting in September due to the holiday. We’ll see you next month.

ADULTS 55+ FITNESS

Adult Intermediate Fitness

First Monday* | 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

*All other Mondays we will meet in Aldersgate Hall

Adult Basic Fitness

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

Woodforest Adult Basic Fitness

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

*No fitness classes on Wednesday, September 20 or Friday, September 22 on The Woodlands Campus. Activity Level 1

ADULT PICKLEBALL

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Rec Center Gym

Woodforest Adult PIckleball

Mondays and Fridays | 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | WF Gym

CHAIR VOLLEYBALL

Mondays | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. | WF Gym

Fridays | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Rec Center Gym

All fitness levels are welcome. No registration required.

LINE DANCING

Thursdays, now - October 3* | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Tuesdays, now - October 26 | 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym

Join us for a new session of line dancing. The cost of this class is $10 for an eight-week session. Register online. *No Line Dancing on Thursday, September 21 on The Woodlands Campus.

CLASS NEWS

WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH

Tuesday, September 12 | 11:00 a.m. | Whiskey Cake Kitchen

The Friendship Class is meeting at Whiskey Cake Kitchen. Join us for lunch at this farm-to-kitchen restaurant. This restaurant is located at 27800 I-45 N in Oak Ridge. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, September 11.

FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAG PROJECT

Thursday, September 14 | 2:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor

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

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

AUGUST

Lord Teach Us to Pray -

Prayer 101 1:00 p.m. | Jones Library

| WF Classroom

Chair Volleyball 1:00 p.m. | WF Gym

Adult Fitness Intermediate Class

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Late Morning Start 11:00 a.m. | WF Worship

Chair Volleyball 1:00 p.m. | WF Gym

WF Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

WF Line Dancing

a.m. | WF Gym

Adult Fitness Basic Class

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Prime Timers

11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall

Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel

WF Adult Fitness Basic Class

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

Line Dancing

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Mah Jongg

2:00 p.m. | B204

Adult Fitness Basic Class

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Chair Volleyball

10:30 a.m. | Rec Center Gym

Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

Adult Fitness Basic Class

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Chair Volleyball

10:30 a.m. | Rec Center Gym

Single Life Widows

Honor Cafe

Adult Game Night 6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Adult Fitness Basic Class

Adult Fitness Basic Class

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Men’s Book Study Group

10:00 a.m. | C217-A

Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel

WF Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

Line Dancing

a.m. | Aldersgate Hall WF Lunch Bunch

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting

10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

Chair Volleyball

10:30 a.m. | Rec Center Gym

Astros Outing

7:10 p..m. Game (Depart TWMC at 5:00 p.m.)

WF Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

WF Book Club 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus

Chair Volleyball 10:30 a.m. | Rec Center Gym

Single Life Widows

Aviator’s Grill

WF Adult Game Night 6:00 p.m. | WF Worship

Adult Fitness Basic Class

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | C217-A

Midweek Prayer Room Noon | Robb Chapel

WF Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

Line Dancing

a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Mah Jongg

p.m. | B204

Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Chair Volleyball 10:30 a.m. | Rec Center Gym

WOODFOREST CAMPUS

WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH

Thursday, September 14 | 11:00 a.m. | Honor Cafe

Join us for homestyle cooking and a unique dining experience in the war museum. The location is 103 North Thompson Street, Conroe, 77301. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, September 11.

WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB

Thursday, September 21 | 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus

This month we will review The Last Restaurant in Paris by Lily Graham. In October we will review Annie’s Rainbow by Fern Michaels. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067

ADULT GAME NIGHT

Friday, September 22 | 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

ADULTS 55+ FITNESS

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

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

SUPPORT

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP

Monday, September 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 about this group, contact Angela Street at 281.723.6819

ADULTS 55+

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

Friday, September 1 | 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

2200 Lake Woodlands Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH