THE WOODLANDS UMC
APRIL 2017 EDITION
POINT A MESSAGE FROM
DON MEADOR PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
GOLDENAIRE CHOIR The Goldenaires are presently rehearsing their spring musical presentations, which will be a collection of songs called “Gospel Melodies.” The choir is open to anyone who enjoys singing and is always open to new members. A HISTORY OF THE GOLDENAIRES Senior Adult Choir of The Woodlands UMC
Lilian Macauley & Helen Downey
Valerie & Ken Ellis
Pat & Rich Cox
Elaine McDow
In November 1993, Doris and J.R. Carpenter invited a few people from the Friendship Sunday School Class to their home for informal singing of Christian hymns. Included were Wilma and Bob Oliver, Elizabeth and Jim Voran, Dallys and Bill Hercules and Peggy and Harold Kerr. Periodic nights at the Carpenter’s home with singing and snacks was great fun for the group. Doris Carpenter provided piano accompaniment. She and J. R. pre-selected some music to work on as well as some hymnal selections. After a few sessions of practice, the group sang a hymn for the Sunday School Class – and were asked for repeat performances. Joe McKinney, Music Director for the church at that time, heard about the group and expressed interest, so he was handed the nucleus of a senior choir in January of 1994. The choir membership grew and with McKinney’s direction, sang periodically for the early church service on Sundays. In 1995, an idea emerged that a trip could be undertaken to sing in retirement type establishments, nursing homes or churches in foreign countries. Marty Prince had an idea for a fund-raising project for choir members who needed financial help to make the trip. Three of the choir members funded the acquisition of specially designed shirts and caps. Approximately $12,000 was raised to offset some of the cost of the trip. Plans for the Goldenaires’ Bavarian trip were planned for the fall of 1996. However, in August 1996, Joe McKinney left The Woodlands UMC and Louise Kramer took over the direction of the choir. She accompanied the group on the trip, as well as Dr. and Mrs. Ed Robb. Pianist, Donna Ryan, and some friends of the choir went, as well. In addition to singing at The Woodlands UMC Chapel services and other gatherings, the group appears at more than 30 events throughout the year, including appearances at nursing homes, retirement residences and civic events. Currently, the choir has approximately 46 members, ages 55 and up. They rehearse every Tuesday afternoon in the spring and fall. The choir is under the direction of Stephen Jones with Beverly Parks accompanying on the piano. Twenty-five former members of the Goldenaires now sing with the Heavenly Choir.
Ever since the beginning of the Methodist movement in England, led by John and Charles Wesley, Methodist people have been a “singing people.” Charles wrote over 7000 hymns, which were attributed to be a part of the popularity of the rapidly growing revival. We will be singing one of the all-time favorite Wesley hymns in a few weeks as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” written in 1739, is sung more than any other Wesley hymn: Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia! Speaking of singing, we are so pleased to recognize and give thanks for one of the most important groups in our Senior Adult Ministry, the Goldenaires Choir. This group of forty singers not only provide special music for our worship services but twice a year they sing throughout our community at over thirty different venues. We salute them and are so grateful for their faithful service in sharing the music of our faith and blessing the lives of so many. Perhaps at no other time of year do we have better reason to sing praises to our God for His love and grace as we celebrate the resurrection and the hope of life eternal. So, let us be true to our Methodist heritage by being “singing Methodists” as we sing for all the world to hear, “Christ the Lord is risen, Alleluia!” Have a blessed Easter season, Your Friend,
PRIME TIMERS LUNCHEON
A large group of senior adults gathered for the annual Prime Timers luncheon on Wednesday, February 1 in Wesley Hall. Bishop Bob Hayes, who has recently become Bishop in Residence at The Woodlands UMC, gave the devotional. The speaker was John Graham, M.D., President and CEO of the Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center. He spoke on spirituality’s role in health and healing. Dr. Graham is the author of two books: Mold Me and Shape Me, and Graham Crackers and Milk: Food for the Heart and Soul. Ken and Joyce Nesmith, who were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary and Ken’s birthday that day, provided two cakes for the luncheon: a bride’s cake and a groom’s cake. Harold Kerr gave a personal profile on Ken and Joyce. Please join us for our next Prime Timers luncheon on Wednesday, April 5, more information about the event can be found on page 3.
Bishop Bob Hayes
Ken and Joyce Nesmith
Dr. John Graham
Cutting their cakes
SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT
Senior Adult Game Night is generally held on the second Friday of each month. However, in April it will be held on the first Friday to avoid Good Friday. Please join us in Aldersgate Hall at 6:00 p.m. for food, fellowship and fun. More information can be found on page 3.
Marie Hartman and Laverne Hopper
Linda and Ed Owen
Richard Fulmer
Gin Meinhardt and Judith Bonds
UPCOMING EVENTS SMALL GROUPS THE GATHERING PLACE Monday, April 3 The Gathering Place is an outreach program for adults who have early to moderate Alzheimer’s or dementia. Volunteers arrive at Aldersgate Hall at 8:45 a.m. and our guests arrive at 10:00 a.m. The theme will be “Garden Party.” For information, contact Chuck and Jean Abernathy 936.449.6450. PRIME TIMERS LUNCHEON Wednesday, April 5 Join us at 11:15 a.m. for our monthly luncheon in Wesley Hall. Entertainment will be provided by the Goldenaires, who will be performing gospel music. Please RSVP by noon on Friday, March 31 to Joyce and Ken Nesmith at 281.367.5519. The cost is $7 per person and checks are preferred, payable to TWUMC. SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, April 7 Join us from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in Aldersgate Hall for a night of fun, fellowship, games and light refreshments. Games include Mexican train, bridge, hand and foot, and Rummikube. $1 per person. For more information, contact Ann and Jerry Armstrong at 281.419.2666 or Jerry and Lil Whitehouse at 225.937.4893. Everyone is invited! Please bring a snack. Please note that the group will meet on the first Friday of the month to avoid Good Friday. LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, April 11 Join us at 11:00 a.m. at The Republic Grille, in the Panther Creek Shopping Center. Reservations are due by Monday, April 10. For more information, contact Joanne Black at 936.273.3045. SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY PLANNING MEETING Thursday, April 20 Please join us as we make plans for upcoming Senior Adult programs, trips, studies and other special events at our next meeting in Jones Library at 2:00 p.m. All senior adults are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Dave Morton at 936.444.6697. DAY TRIP TO WACO Wednesday, April 26 Join us as we travel to Waco, Texas home of Baylor University, Dr. Pepper and the now famous HGTV show “Fixer Upper.” We will leave the church at 8:00 a.m. and arrive in Waco in time for lunch. There will be two step-on guides taking us on a tour of the town and our last stop will be at the Magnolia Market Silos Baking Co. for cupcakes before returning home. For more information or to sign up, contact Helen Burgdorf at 713.822.5728. AN AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES Friday, April 28 Come see the movie, Kite Runner. Years after fleeing the Taliban and immigrating to the United States, a privileged Afghan man returns to his war-ravaged homeland to try to repay a debt to a loyal childhood friend whose trust he once betrayed. Meet in Aldersgate Hall at 2:30 p.m. Snacks will be served. Please RSVP by Tuesday, April 25 by signing up or by calling Dee and Dave Megee at 281.364.7114. All senior adults are welcome.
GOOD FRIENDS
LaJean Fredricksen recently stopped by the front office of our church to visit her friend, Evelyn Schilling, The Woodlands UMC receptionist.
GOLDENAIRES CHOIR The Goldenaires, our senior adult choir, is the perfect way for you to spread joy through singing. This group is open to those 55 and older and is directed by Stephen Jones, The Woodlands UMC’s Music Associate and Organist. No audition is required, and we rehearse on Tuesdays from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m, except during performance season. Performances include providing beautiful anthems once a month for the 8:30 a.m. worship service in Robb Chapel and singing at community events for Interfaith, The Gathering Place, and area nursing homes. We would love to have you join us! For more information, or to get involved, contact Ed Wandling at 281.355.0053. MEN’S BOOK STUDY Wednesdays, April 12 & 26 | 10:00 a.m. in the Infant Care Room Join us for a men’s book study/Bible study, which meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays each month. We are studying The Book of James from RightNow Media with Francis Chan. Each session includes reading the Bible verses, watching the short video and group discussion. Contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 for more information. SENIOR FITNESS Tuesdays and Fridays | 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Join us up to twice a week for a muscle toning workout for men and women featuring strength training and some stretching using hand weights, tubes and chairs. Lite body sculpting is an unintimidating, less strenuous class with modifications for any fitness level. Segments include warm-up, strength, stretching and cool-down. There is no charge. Please wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes. For more information please contact Jackie Martini at 281.451.3844. PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB LUNCHEON Tuesday, April 18 | Noon in Aldersgate Hall This month we don’t plan to discuss a book – we will be enjoying fellowship at a luncheon in Aldersgate Hall. Contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 for more information.
SUPPORT SHEPHERD CARE Shepherd Care is our ministry of friendship for our members who are in local nursing homes, senior adult residences and private residences. New shepherds and new lambs are always welcome. For more information, contact Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012. COMPUTER SUPPORT MINISTRY The Computer Support Ministry is alive and going strong helping many of our senior adults. If you need computer assistance, please call Jerry Barney, a member of The Woodlands UMC at 281.826.3232 (home) or 915.373.3707 (cell). There is no charge. WARNING ABOUT COMPUTER SCAMS: If you get a message screen about an immediate problem on your computer — SHUTDOWN YOUR COMPUTER — DO NOT Click on it to cancel or call the number. You then can start your computer. ELDERRIDE Contact Ken and Linda Keith at 936.271.3810 if you need a ride to a medical appointment. Please call at least 48 hours in advance.
The Woodlands United Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281.297.5900 thewoodlandsumc.org
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APRIL 2017
3 Mon | 4 Tue | 5 Wed | 7 Fri | 11 Tue | 12 Wed | 13 Thur | 14 Fri | 16 Sun | 17 Mon | 18 Tue | 20 Thur | 21 Fri | 25 Tue | 26 Wed | 28 Fri |
The Gathering Place 8:45 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Prime Timers 11:15 a.m. lunch in Wesley Hall Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Senior Adult Game Night 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in Aldersgate Hall Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. at The Republic Grille Men’s Book Study 10:00 a.m. in the Infant Care Room Maundy Thursday Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Good Friday Easter Sunday Easter Monday Church offices closed Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Peggy’s Book Club Luncheon Noon – 2:00 p.m. in Aldersgate Hall Senior Adult Ministry Planning Meeting 2:00 p.m. in Jones Library Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study 10:00 a.m. in the Infant Care Room Day Trip to Waco Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall An Afternoon at the Movies 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. in Aldersgate Hall Please RSVP for Prime Timers by noon today Visit thewoodlandsumc.org for information about these and other church events.
MAUNDY THURSDAY — APRIL 13 7:30 p.m. | Main Sanctuary GOOD FRIDAY — APRIL 14 Noon & 5:00 p.m. | Robb Chapel 7:00 p.m. | Harvest and Loft Worship Centers HOLY SATURDAY — APRIL 15 3:00 p.m. | Children’s Easter Service in the Sanctuary 6:00 p.m. | Loft Easter Service EASTER SUNDAY — APRIL 16 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. | Easter Services in multiple worship venues 5:30 p.m. | Harvest Evening Easter Service
Find more information at thewoodlandsumc.org/easter