OCTOBER 2017 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS UMC
POINT A MESSAGE FROM
DON MEADOR PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
ALWAYS... PATSY CLINE Bea Thompson with Jeannette and Dr. Mark Lewis
On August 18, 53 members of the Senior Adult Ministry gathered for an evening of Christian fellowship. We had dinner at the Downtown Aquarium followed by the play “Always…Patsy Cline” at the Stages Theater. A special guest and former member, Bea Thompson, joined us at the theater.
Nancy Story and Ann Anthony
Karen and Dick Lange
Storms have been in the news and on our minds a lot lately. “Harvey” and “Irma” were not welcomed visitors and we continue to pray for those affected by their visits to Houston and Florida. Storms seem to hit us when we least expect them. As someone once said, “Life is what happens when we’re making other plans”. It is important to remember that God works in the storms of life. If we are paying attention we can certainly see how God uses storms and works through them. Storms often play a part in the great revivals of faith. Noah, Jonah, Peter and Paul had profound encounters with God in the midst of storms. John Wesley, the father of Methodism, was terrified in a storm at sea. He observed a group of faithful Moravians, singing and praying with calm assurance even in the midst the storm. This caused him to seek a deeper faith and a greater understanding of the grace of God. This eventually led to a profound spiritual experience at Aldersgate, which filled him with new power to lead a movement of spiritual renewal throughout England. Life brings us many different kinds of storms. But the tragedies and challenges we call the storms of life do not have to destroy us. As devastating as they can be, yet placed in God’s hands, they can become part of our defining story and open the door to new possibilities. Our most painful experiences can become our defining moments by the grace of God. This is what Paul meant when he wrote in Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” Your friend,
Shirald and Suzanne Hendrix
Virginia and Jim Gilbert
Nancy Steinmeier, Suellen Davis, Eula Cole, Elizabeth Voran and Clarence Thompson
Steve Powell
ECLIPSE FEAST
ICE CREAM SOCIAL
The Friendship Class held its annual Ice Cream Social in Wesley Hall on August 4, with Ben Miller providing the entertainment.
The Perspectives Class had an “Eclipse Feast” on August 20, featuring Moon Pies and Sun Chips.
Kay Meador, Virginia Cray and Brenda McClendon
Robert Taylor
Nancy Gonzolez
INTRODUCING THE MINISTRY OF LOVING PRESENCE
The Senior Adult Ministry and the Elementary Children’s Ministry are partnering to bring you an exciting new opportunity. The Ministry of Loving Presence is a cross-generational program that’s a great way for you to get more involved at The Woodlands UMC. It will consist of the following volunteer opportunities: working as a greeter on Sunday mornings, serving on our Prayer Team for the children, offering hospitality for Elementary Ministry volunteers, being a loving presence for the children as they enter Sunday school classrooms, and preparing crafts during the week for the kids to make on Sundays. Please contact Senior Adult Ministries at 281.297.5935 for more information.
Judi Bonds, Gin Meinhardt and Marilyn Stinson
UPCOMING EVENTS SMALL GROUPS THE GATHERING PLACE Monday, October 2 The Gathering Place is an outreach program for adults who have early to moderate Alzheimer’s or dementia. Volunteers arrive at 8:45 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall and our guests arrive at 10:00 a.m. The theme will be “Octoberfest.” For more information, contact Chuck and Jean Abernathy at 936.449.6450. PRIME TIMERS LUNCHEON Wednesday, October 4 | 11:15 a.m. in Wesley Hall Dr. John Hull, The Woodlands UMC’s Pastor of Missions, will speak on our church’s response to Hurricane Harvey. Reservations are due by noon on Friday, September 29 to Joyce and Ken Nesmith at 281.367.5519. The cost is $7 per person. Checks are preferred, payable to TWUMC. LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, October 10 | 11:00 a.m. at Crisp Join us at 11:00 a.m. at Crisp which is located at 2520 Research Forest Drive, Suite 500 (the original location of Black Walnut Café.) The restaurant features $10 Lunch Specials. Reservations are due by Monday, October 9. For more information, contact Dolly Loftiss at 210.844.2062.
GOLDENAIRES CHOIR Tuesdays | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Music Suite 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. 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! No audition is required. For more information, contact Ed Wandling at 281.355.0053. SENIOR FITNESS Tuesdays & 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.
SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, October 13 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in Aldersgate Hall Join us 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. SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY PLANNING MEETING Thursday, October 19 | 2:00 p.m. in Jones Library 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 Connie Norton at 281.292.3875. SHEPHERD CARE FALL LUNCHEON Thursday, October 26| 11:30 a.m. in Asbury Hall Join us for the annual Shepherd Care fall luncheon for Shepherds. Our speaker will be Dr. Ann Snyder, Executive Director of Generosity and Schools at The Woodlands UMC. Please RSVP to seniors@twumc.org or 281.297.5935 no later than Monday, October 23. AN AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES Friday, October 27 | 2:30 p.m. in the Music Suite Come see the movie White Christmas starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. Snacks will be served. RSVP by Tuesday, October 24 by signing up or by calling Dee and Dave Megee at 281.364.7114. All senior adults are welcome. This will be the last movie of the year, since the group takes off the months of November and December.
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 Single Life Widows group recently met at La Madeleine.
SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS
Fridays, October 13 & 27 This new group is designed to offer support and create fellowship, as we discover new ways of doing life alone. Friday, October 13 | Field Trip: Magnolia Market in Waco Friday, October 27 | Breakfast: Another Broken Egg in the Portofino Shopping Center If you would like to be notified of upcoming events, contact Terry Loughridge at tloughridge@twumc.org or 281.297.5932. MEN’S BOOK STUDY Wednesdays, October 11 & 25 | 10:00 a.m. in the Infant Care Room Join us for a men’s book study/Bible study, which meets twice a month. We have begun a new book, studying Rob Renfroe’s A Way Through The Wilderness. Contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.323 for more information. PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB Tuesday, October 17 | Noon – 2:00 p.m. in Allen Parlor Bring a brown bag for lunch, we will discuss the book The Flight of the Sparrow by Amy Belding Brown. Coffee and cookies will be provided. Contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 for more information. Everyone is welcome – men and women! WANT TO READ AHEAD? November 21 | One Man’s Christmas by Leon Hale
The Woodlands United Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281.297.5900 thewoodlandsumc.org
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OCTOBER 2017 2 Mon | 3 Tue | 4 Wed | 6 Fri | 10 Tue | 11 Wed | 13 Fri | 17 Tue | 19 Thur | 20 Fri | 24 Tue | 25 Wed | 26 Thur | 27 Fri | 31 Tue |
The Gathering Place 8:45 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Goldenaires Rehearsal 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Music Suite Prime Timers 11:15 a.m. in Wesley Hall Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. at Crisp Goldenaires Rehearsal 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Music Suite Men’s Book Study 10:00 a.m. in the Infant Care Room Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Single Life Widows trip to Waco Senior Adult Game Night 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in Aldersgate Hall Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Peggy’s Book Club Noon – 2:00 p.m. in Allen Parlor Goldenaires Rehearsal 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Music Suite Senior Adult 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 Goldenaires Rehearsal 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Music Suite Men’s Book Study 10:00 a.m. in the Infant Care Room Shepherd Care Fall Luncheon 11:30 a.m. in Asbury Hall Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Single Life Widows breakfast at Another Broken Egg An Afternoon at the Movies 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. in the Music Suite Please RSVP for November 1 Prime Timers by noon today Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. in Aldersgate Hall Goldenaires Rehearsal 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Music Suite
A LOOK INTO NEXT MONTH TRIP TO THE
INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL HOUSTON
Friday, November 3 Leave the church at 9:00 a.m. Return about 4:00 p.m. We will take a bus to the Quilt Festival at the George R. Brown Convention Center. For more information, contact Helen Burgdorf at 713.822.5728. GRIEF SHARE SEMINAR
SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS
November 13 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. in Aldersgate Hall For those grieving the loss of a loved one. Learn skills for coping with the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Visit thewoodlandsumc.org for information about these and other church events.