Adults 55+ Monthly Outlook: January 2023

ADULTS 55+

GRACE AND PEACE TO YOU, FRIENDS.

I recently picked up (and dusted off) a book from my bookshelf that I hadn’t read in a while called Dangerous Wonder: The Adventures of Childlike Faith by Michael Yaconelli. I first found this book early on in my youth ministry days, and it was such a gift to me then. To be honest, I was always a little overwhelmed when it came to saying “yes” to Jesus’ invitation to “follow me.” I had struggles with my imperfection, poor self-esteem and, well, my mess! Who am I kidding — I still have those struggles. Perhaps you do too. But then I started to look at the lives of the disciples. They were messy too! Each of them was far from perfect, yet Jesus lovingly walked beside them. Even after ascending to be with the Father, He kept the conversation going through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Breathtaking to think about it all, right?

Well, in the book Dangerous Wonder, there is a chapter titled “Daring Playfulness.” In it, Yaconelli suggests that, perhaps, we’re putting way too much pressure on ourselves. He goes even further to suggest that we’re aging the wrong way!

Read on:

Life is tough. It takes up much of your time, all your weekends, and what do you get in the end of it? I think that the life cycle is all backward. You should die first, get that out of the way. Then you live twenty years in an old-age home. You get kicked out when you’re too young. You get a gold watch; you go to work. You work forty years until you’re young enough to enjoy your retirement. You go to college, you party until you’re ready for high school, you go to grade school, you become a little kid, you play. You have no responsibilities. You become a little baby, you go back into the womb; you spend your last nine months floating, and you finish up as a gleam in somebody’s eye.

I love that paragraph. There’s something very biblical with the idea of “dying first” and “getting that out of the way.” We just finished the Advent season, culminating with incredible Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, and even though the new year has arrived, I can’t help but think about the story of Simeon found in Luke 2:2535. Simeon was part of a faithful Jewish remnant who had a single purpose: to look for the Messiah every single day. When Simeon laid eyes on Him and held Him in his arms, his response? “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.” (Luke 2:29) With Jesus came peace. That seems to be a theme with Jesus, by the way. Remember what He said to His disciples in John 16:33? “I have said these things to you so that, in me, you might have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.”

The good news? Peace has come. With that comes the assurance that we’re never alone. I don’t know what 2023 holds but of this I am certain: God has it all in His hands. Peace comes when we trust Him with every single day and live out of the joy that comes from surrendering it all to Him.

Here’s to a new year! It’s a joy to walk alongside you all. To God be the glory!

–Rev. Mark Sorensen, Senior Pastor

MONTHLY OUTLOOK

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

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

In 2001 as part of my ministry internship, I took a spiritual inventory types test known as the Enneagram. What I find most useful about this evaluative tool is not that it points out my strengths and my weaknesses or shows me my similarities or differences from others, but it highlights the motivations behind my actions.

As we embark on 2023, the television will tell you “New Year, New You.” However, if you do not recognize the motivations behind past failed actions, you will not be able to see transformation in the future.

You are reading this as we head towards Epiphany. Epiphany celebrates the appearance of Jesus into the world and recounts the Magi, who present their gifts to the Messiah as well as escape from Herod the Great.

Herod the Great, a practicing Jew, was chosen by the Romans as the king of Israel. When he hears of the “King of the Jews” being born, Scripture says he is “troubled.” (Matthew 2:3) It’s in this moment the king faces inner turmoil. If there is another king, at the very least, there will be no need for Herod, and in the extreme this new king will be set up against Herod’s established throne. I mean, who likes to be dethroned?

Herod fails to identify his motivation correctly. If he had identified his primary motivation as “serving the Kingdom of God and holding its ‘kingship’ for the One, True King,” then he could have held a beautiful role in the greatest story ever. Instead, he does what many of us do:

• Circles the wagons (2:4)

• Creates secrecy (2:7)

• Bends the truth to cover up his true motivations and intentions (2:8)

Friends, God is calling you into a beautiful relationship of being made holy through the mystery of innocence. The mystery of the Christ Child. I pray that part of your spiritual growth this new year will be the difficult work of asking God to heal your motivations. If you have holy motivations, then you can have holy outcomes.

2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us that “if anyone is in Christ they are part of the new creation.” Then and only then will you experience a “New Year, New You!”

INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH

Our Prayer Shawl Ministry ladies presented Rev. Joy Johnston with a beautiful prayer shawl.

Friends gathered for a trek to the International Quilt Festival on November 4 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Woodforest met for lunch at Eden Café. This group meets the second Thursday of each month for food and fellowship.

NOVEMBER PRIME TIMERS

WOODFOREST BARBECUE AND BEAN BAG BASEBALL

Our Woodforest friends gathered for a barbecue lunch and a competitive game of bean bag baseball.

The Woodlands Men’s Chorus group, led by Cliff Rabon, performed a medley of patriotic music at our November gathering.

THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS

THE GATHERING PLACE

Tuesday, January 3* | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Join us for a Happy New Year celebration. For more information about this group and to register, contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514. *Note the date change due to the holiday.

PRIME TIMERS

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

Join us for a concert with the award-winning gospel music artist Miles Pike. Miles has a five-octave range. Come enjoy his talent and be encouraged by his humorous words and heartfelt message. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this one-of-a-kind Christian concert. The cost for lunch is $12. Register for this event online.

WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH

Tuesday, January 10 | 11:00 a.m. | Uptown Asian Fusion

Join us for lunch at Uptown Asian Fusion. This restaurant is located at 6700 Woodlands Parkway, Ste. 250, 77382 in the Sterling Ridge Shopping Center. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, January 9.

ADULT GAME NIGHT

Friday, January 13 | 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

PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB

Tuesday, January 17 | Noon | Allen Parlor

Join us this month to review A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny. If you would like to read ahead, in February we will review Rebecca by Daphne du Mauria. 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, January 27 | 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

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

MEN’S BOOK STUDY

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

This group is studying Philip Yancey’s What’s So Amazing About Grace. You are welcome to join at any time. For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232

ADULTS 55+ LIVING

HYBRID ADULT FITNESS

Adult Intermediate Fitness

Mondays | 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

Adult Basic Fitness

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

Continue your health and wellness journey by joining us for hybrid adult fitness classes. Our online classes meet via Zoom the same time as the face-to-face classes. Zoom Meeting ID: 735 678 773 Password: SFIT Activity Level 1

ADULT PICKLEBALL

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Rec Center Gym

2023 FITNESS KICKOFF

Monday, January 9 | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Join us to kick off a new year of fitness classes in 2023 as we move “Forward in Fitness.” Peggy Renfroe will be our guest to kick off the year, walking us through Moving in Faith and Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” We will also have a short version of our classes and some refreshments. This will be a lot of fun! We hope to see you there! No registration required.

ADULTS 55+ LINE DANCING

Thursdays, January 12 - March 2 | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Join us for some Texas Two-Step and many other well-known line dances. Dances will be broken down for easy learning. Wear smooth soled shoes. The cost of the eight-week session is $10. Register online. Activity level 2

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 required. For more information, contact Ed Wandling at 281.788.9880

THE WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB

We are taking a holiday break. Our next meeting will be Monday, February 6.

CLASS NEWS

FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAG PROJECT

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

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

LUNCH AND LEARN

Are you or your parents unsure about what life looks like in retirement? Does the language of different types of care and living situations make you nervous? Are your family and financial goals unified? Let’s talk about it. Register for these events online at twmc.org/adults55

RETIREMENT

LANDSCAPES

Monday, January 23

Noon | Hayes Hall A Elizabeth Strauss with All Organized and Marcia Burt with Conservatory at Champion Forest Come join us for a full-range overview of living possibilities for Adults 55+. Let’s talk about different living possibilities to live your best life.

BUDGET BASICS

Monday, January 30 Noon | Hayes Hall A Terry Loughridge, Single Life Ministry Coordinator and Financial Peace University Coordinator

Your budget doesn’t have to be scary, but it’s always better to have a plan. Every household needs three budgets. Let’s get together and learn why.

ESTATE PLANNING

Monday, February 6 Noon | Hayes Hall A Gina A. Price with Price & Price Attorneys at Law

Stop putting it off! One of the greatest ways we can care for our families is to make hard decisions on their behalf.

RETIREMENT PLANNING

Monday, February 13 Noon | Hayes Hall A Doug Garrison, Certified Financial Planner with Cerity Partners, LLC.

When’s the last time you thought about your retirement goals? Join us as for an informational talk about investments, goal setting and generosity.

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

Happy New Year!

TWMC Closed

The Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hal

Prime Timers 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall

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

Fitness Kickoff Event

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

WF Fitness Kickoff Event 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym WF Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym Woodlands Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. Uptown Asian Fusion

Hybrid Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | C217-A

Loss of Spouse Seminar 1:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

WF Adult Fitness Basic Class

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

WF Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Rudy’s BBQ

Hybrid Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Adult Game Night 6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

WF Adult Fitness Basic Class

TWMC Closed

WF Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym WF Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym

Peggy’s Book Club Noon | Allen Parlor

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

Hybrid Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall Retirement Landscapes Noon | Hayes Hall A

WF Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym WF Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym

Grief Share Support 1:00 p.m. | B110 Hybrid Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | C217-A

Overcoming the Grip of a Narcissist Noon | B200 Grief Share Support 1:00 p.m. | B110

FEBRUARY

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall A Way Through the Wilderness 10:00 a.m. | B201

WF Book Club 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus Manna Bag Project 2:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor

WF Adult Fitness Basic Class

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

A Way Through the Wilderness 10:00 a.m. | B201

Overcoming the Grip of a Narcissist 5:00 p.m. | B205

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

Hybrid Adult Fitness Basic Class

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

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

Hybrid Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall Budget Basics Noon | Hayes Hall A

WF Adult Fitness Basic Class

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

WF Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym

WOODFOREST CAMPUS

WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH

Thursday, January 12 | 11:00 a.m. | Rudy’s BBQ

Join us for lunch at Rudy’s Bar-B-Q. The location is 14545 HWY 105 W, Conroe. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, January 9.

WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB

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

Join us to review The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict. Stay tuned for our 2023 book choices. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067

ADULT GAME NIGHT

Friday, January 27 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | WF Worship

Join us for game night! Bring a snack or a dessert to share. The cost for this event is $1 per person. All adults are welcome! No registration required. For more information, contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935

WOODFOREST ADULT FITNESS

Woodforest Adult Basic Fitness

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

For more information, please refer to the same listing under The Woodlands Campus. Please note the Woodforest class is a face-to-face class only.

Adult Pickleball

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

Adults 55+ Line Dancing

Tuesdays, January 10 - February 28 | 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym

The cost of the eight-week session is $10. Register online. Activity level 2

CARING MINISTRY UPCOMING EVENTS

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP

Friday, January 6 | 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

The Woodforest group is not meeting in January due to the holiday.

A support group for caregivers of family and friends. No registration required. For more information contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935

LOSS OF SPOUSE SEMINAR

Wednesday, January 11 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

GRIEF SHARE SUPPORT

Wednesdays, beginning January 18 | 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. | B110

This is a 13-week class.

OVERCOMING THE GRIP OF A NARCISSIST

Wednesdays, beginning January 25 | Noon | B200 Thursdays, beginning January 26 | 5:00 p.m. | B205

A WAY THROUGH THE WILDERNESS Thursdays, beginning January 19 | 10:00 a.m. | B201

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 to pick up elements.

2023 FITNESS KICK OFF

Monday, January 9 | 9:00 a.m. The Woodlands Campus

Tuesday, January 10 | 8:30 a.m. Woodforest Campus

Join us as we move “Forward in Fitness” to kick off a new year of fitness classes. We will have a short version of our classes and some refreshments. We hope to see you there! No registration required.

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

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

NEED A RIDE?

If you need a ride to a medical appointment, contact Ken or Linda Keith at 281.796.7447. 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

PRAYER AND CARE MINISTRY

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 at The Woodlands Methodist Church | 281.297.5900 The Church at Woodforest | 281.822.8182

Photos will be shared on the Adults 55 + Facebook page. Like us on Facebook.