JANUARY 2017 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS UMC
POINT A MESSAGE FROM
DON MEADOR PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
WELL-BEING AND SENIOR ADULTS BY SUSAN C. JONES, M.A., CRC, LMFT-S Executive Director, Grace Point Counseling Center, The Woodlands UMC Years ago, the elderly were often pictured sitting on the porch in their rocking chairs. Now they may be in a Zumba class and volunteering at concerts! Also, they are living at least ten years longer than before. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that between 2015 and 2050 those over 60 will double, from 12% to 22%. Senior adults make significant contributions to society, as family members, volunteers, and as active participants in the workforce. Mental health and emotional well-being are as important in older age as at any other time in life. Abigail Trafford, author of My Time: Making the Most of the Rest of your Life, states, “those who age well are the ones who develop their creativity, find ways to serve their communities and help others, and despite losses, keep and forge strong relationships. Having a purpose and being connected to others are essential factors for happiness and well-being.” As many senior adults do enjoy a full and rewarding life, some experience physical and mental disorders with depression being particularly prevalent. Depression, however, is not a normal part of aging. Multiple losses, role changes, loneliness and social isolation contribute to depression. Depression is serious and professional counseling should be considered. Many seniors today are much more intentional about their well-being. Many activities-group exercise, music, educational and social events are cognitively stimulating and promote relationship interaction thereby helping to reduce isolation. Growing also in popularity are intergenerational events. The sharing of each life story is most rewarding. Deepening faith and continuing to grow spiritually contribute to a purposeful and meaningful life. As has been noted:
Welcome to another new year! As senior adults we’ve been able to say “Happy New Year!” many times. And aren’t we grateful to be able to say it once again? Surely we are excited about the New Year and what it holds for us. As Susan Jones says in her article on this page, “To live well is to age well, to age well is to live well.” It is a joy to be in ministry with so many wonderful senior adults who are “aging well and living well.” May God bless us all throughout the New Year. As we strive to deepen our faith, to grow spiritually, and to serve others in Christ’s name, we will continue to discover the key to a purposeful, meaningful, and joy-filled life. May God’s peace, love, and joy abide with you and sustain you every moment of every day of the coming year. Your friend,
This piece was used in a recent Sunday School lesson taught in the Friendship Class by Bill Scott. Several people have requested it. Adapted fom
WHEN GOD SAYS NO by Anonymous
I ask God to take away my habit, God said No, it is not for me to take away, but for you to give up. I ask God to grant me patience, God said No. Patience is a by product of tribulations; it isn’t granted, it is learned. I ask God to give me happiness, God said No, I give you blessings; happiness is up to you.
Today we are older than yesterday. Today we are younger than we are going to be tomorrow. To live well is to age well. To age well is to live well.
I ask God to spare me pain. God said No, suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to Me.
BECAUSE YOU SHOULDN’T GO THROUGH LIFE’S CHALLENGES ALONE gracepointcenter.com
I ask God for all things that I might enjoy life. God said No, I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.
SHEPHERD CARE LUNCHEON Thirty-two Shepherds attended the annual ShepherdCare Fall luncheon which was held in Jones Library on November 17. Dr. Ed Robb, Senior Pastor at The Woodlands UMC, was the speaker and he thanked the group for its great contribution to the church. Dr. Robb’s assistant, Amy Jones, also attended. Rev. Don Meador and Karen Freeman, Shepherd Care coordinator, honored three special people: Grace Ono, Betty Patton, and Joyce Nesmith, who have provided gifts for the Shepherd Care Lambs. Tony Benedetto and Pam Tesch, who have also provided gifts, were not able to attend. For more information on our Shepherd Care program please see page 3.
Grace Ono, Betty Patton, and Joyce Nesmith
Dr. Ed Robb thanking the Shepherds.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
The Perspectives class recently provided lunch to Habitat for Humanity construction workers and the homeowner, Kay Ballard.
Chuck Abernathy, Jean Abernathy, Bob Duggins, Kay Ballard, Charla Duggins, Martha Taylor, Randy Jones, Robert Taylor
Group of workers taking their lunch break in the shade.
UPCOMING EVENTS SMALL GROUPS PRIME TIMERS LUNCHEON Wednesday, January 4 Join us at 11:15 a.m. for our monthly luncheon in Wesley Hall. Amanda Badnek and Lucy Gomez from Interfaith will join us to talk about senior adult programs in the area. Reservations are due by noon on Friday, December 30 to Joyce and Ken Nesmith at 281.367.5519. The cost is $7 per person and checks are preferred, payable to TWUMC. LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, January 10 Join us at 11:00 a.m. at Olive Garden, 26715 I-45S in The Woodlands. Reservations are due by Monday, January 9. For more information, contact Joanne Black at 936.273.3045. SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, January 13 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.
GOLDENAIRES CHOIR Tuesdays | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Music Suite The Goldenaires rehearse each week. This is a group of folks who like singing together and providing music for various functions such as Prime Timers, funerals and visits to senior facilities. There is no need to audition. The group will resume rehearsals on Tuesday, January 10, under the direction of Stephen Jones, The Woodlands UMC’s Music Associate, Organist. For more information, or to get involved, contact Ed Wandling at 281.355.0053. SENIOR EXERCISE 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 warmup, 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. The group will meet on Tuesday, January 3, but will not meet on Friday, January 6.
AN AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES Friday, January 27 Come see the movie, Miss Hopper, blending lush animation sequences with live-action drama, director Chris Noonan constructs this unconventional biopic about the personal life of beloved children’s author and illustrator Beatrix Potter. Meet in the large choir rehearsal room at 2:30 p.m. Snacks will be served. Please RSVP by Tuesday, January 24 by signing up or by calling Dee and Dave Megee at 281.364.7114. All senior adults are welcome.
SUPPORT 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. 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 858.204.0011. 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. Computer Tip: Think twice before installing free programs/ software on your computer. Remember the old saying, “There is no free lunch.” If you need assistance getting into the building from your car for any of our senior adult activities, please contact us at 281.297.5935 and we would be happy to help!
2017 SENIOR ADULT FITNESS KICK-OFF
Tuesday, January 10 | 8:30 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall We will begin with our exercise class at 8:30 a.m., followed by a presentation on fitness and nutrition by Sandra Huskey, The Woodlands UMC’s Fitness Director. There will be snacks, games, new senior exercise t-shirts, and drawings for prizes. Start 2017 out right by bringing your friends and coming to this event! MEN’S BOOK STUDY Wednesdays, January 11 & 25 | 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. PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB Tuesday, January 17 | Noon in Allen Parlor Bring a brown bag for lunch, we will discuss the book At the Water’s Edge by Sara Gruen. Coffee will be provided. Contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 for more information. Want to read ahead? February’s book will be Loving Frank by Nancy Horan and March’s book will be Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk.
The Woodlands United Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281.297.5900 thewoodlandsumc.org
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JANUARY 2017 1
Sun | HAPPY NEW YEAR! (Church offices closed on Monday, January 2)
3
Tue | Senior Exercise 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall
4 Wed | Prime Timers 11:15 a.m. lunch in Wesley Hall 7
Fri | No exercise class
1 0 Tue | 2017 Senior Adult Fitness Kick-off 8:30 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. at Olive Garden Goldenaires Rehersal 3:00 p.m. in the Music Suite 11 Wed | Men’s Book Study 10:00 a.m. in the Infant Care Room 1 3 Fri | Senior Exercise 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Senior Adult Game Night 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in Aldersgate Hall 1 7 Tue | Senior Exercise 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Peggy’s Book Club Noon – 2:00 p.m. in Allen Parlor Goldenaires Rehersal 3:00 p.m. in the Music Suite 20
Fri | Senior Exercise 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall
24 Tue | Senior Exercise 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Goldenaires Rehersal 3:00 p.m. in the Music Suite 25 Wed | Men’s Book Study 10:00 a.m. in the Infant Care Room 27 Fri | Senior Exercise 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall An Afternoon at the Movies 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. in the Music Suite Please RSVP for Prime Timers noon today 31 Tue | Senior Exercise 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Goldenaires Rehersal 3:00 p.m. in the Music Suite
A LOOK INTO NEXT MONTH PRIME TIMERS LUNCHEON
Wednesday, February 1 Join us at 11:15 a.m. for our monthly luncheon in Wesley Hall. Reservations are due by noon on Friday, January 27 to Joyce and Ken Nesmith at 281.367.5519. The cost is $7 per person and checks are preferred, payable to TWUMC.
SENIOR ADULT EXERCISE
Friday, February 3 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Stay fit in 2017! Come exercise with us twice a week.
Visit thewoodlandsumc.org for information about these and other church events.