APRIL 2020 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS UMC
POINT WHAT EASTER STANDS FOR “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 Once again we find ourselves celebrating the Day of Resurrection, simply known to Christians around the world as Easter! This season represents the cornerstone of our faith, and the foundation on which all our beliefs are built. Easter stands for victory! It stands for several kinds of victory. In the first place, it stands for the victory of life over death. Everything we know about life seems to indicate that God intends to have the last word, and Easter proves it. The early explorers dispelled the ancient belief that if you sailed far enough on the ocean you would come to the place where the world sloped downhill, and ships would slide down into the abyss and be destroyed by monsters. But when these explorers returned with proof that other worlds existed beyond their horizons, it ended that theory once and for all, because they had gone where no person had ever gone before and returned. The resurrection marked the end of our misconception of death in exactly the same way. Why? Because Jesus had gone beyond the grave and returned alive! Easter stands for the victory of goodness over evil. When Jesus was betrayed, he continued to love; when he was denied he continued to be loyal; and when he was crucified he continued to be forgiving. The message of Easter reminds us that even these kinds of evil do not have the last word. Goodness has the last word. Even though the priest and government officials conspired to put Jesus to death, God restored him to life. And lastly, Easter stands for the victory of hope over fear. It is safe to say that the oldest hope of the human race is that life would continue beyond death. Primitive cultures as well as advanced civilizations have cherished that same hope. Ancient graves and even the great Pyramids contain food stored away for the journey into the next world, indicating our obsession with the unknown. The resurrection marks the victory of that hope over our fears. In John Masefield’s play, “The Trial of Jesus,” Pilate’s wife asks the Roman centurion, “Do you think he (Jesus) is dead?” The centurion replies: “No lady, I don’t” “Then where is he?” she persists. The centurion answers, “Let loose in the world, lady, where neither Roman nor Jew can stop his truth.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
A MESSAGE FROM
CLIFF RITTER
PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
God is doing great things among us! It’s a simple proclamation of an elementary truth. If we look closely, we see God at work in our community, in our church, and in our families. God moves in ways that are grand, and in ways that are almost imperceptible. In both cases, our best strategy is to ride the wave that follows in the wake of God’s work. I always rejoice when I see God at work doing the big things of God, especially when those things yield life impacting results. We celebrate the victories we find when God shows up in a big way. But, I have come to appreciate the small moves of God even more intensely. When we sense the presence of God it gives us clarity of thought and spirit. We may not see the path, but we know God directs our every step. It is an act of faith that allows us to persevere, to press on toward the goal, to ultimately overcome. God is good, all the time! In great victories, and in small gains that build our trust day by day, God is good. I trust you are celebrating a glorious Easter this year! As you read this newsletter, you are either planning all the events of Easter around your house, or you are basking in the wonderful experience of Resurrection Sunday. I know one thing for sure, our church does Easter well! I hope you have been able to enjoy all the moments celebrated in the church. They draw us near to God. At the orchard, Easter marks the last and final guarantee that the freezing weather is behind us. At least the Almanac says we are done with winter. The seedlings are ready to be planted. In addition to the fruit trees, I hope to get some red potatoes in the ground early this year. Of course, I always attempt to grow my tomato crop in containers at my house. I think we should have a contest to see who can grow the biggest tomato this year. I’m always a fan of the “Big Boy” but you may have a secret seed stash. Challenge made and accepted! Well, it’s on to Spring in earnest! I pray for our families, each and every day. Celebrate every day, as a gift from God designed just for you! With grace and peace,
Bishop Hayes, Bishop in Residence
Photo submitted by Jean Drummond with The Woodlands Camera Club.
Cliff Ritter
WOODFOREST GAME NIGHT Our Woodforest seniors are meeting the second Friday of each month for food and fellowship!
Ann Horton, Lora Parker, Denny Parker
Linda Loyd and Scott Dollar, Duane Hendricker, Marilyn Hendricker
Sandy Daniel, Michael Daniel, Mary Kemeny, Tom Kemeny
Joe Adams, Angela Street, Jim Street
SENIOR ADULTS DINNER AND STAGES THEATRE OUTING In March, our seniors enjoyed a lovely meal at The Aquarium and then went to the musical production of The Fantasticks at The Stages Theater in Houston.
Lil Whitehouse, Jerry Whitehouse, Darlene Daniels, Carolyn Lentz, Harold Kerr
Carolyn Lentz, Darlene Daniels
Brenda McClendon, Martha Taylor, Lil Whitehouse
Helen Burgdorf, Brenda McClendon
SENIOR ADULTS CRIGHTON THEATRE AND DINNER OUTING WF Lunch Bunch hosted members from both campuses to see the musical romantic comedy Thoroughly Modern Millie at the Crighton Theatre and dinner at the Pacific Yard House restaurant.
Jane Maggart, Ray McMurtry, Judy McMurtry, Doyle Honeycutt, Pam Honeycutt
Judy Marshall, Carol Kellum, Randy Kellum, Dianne Payton
Teresa Thomas, Sandra Storenski, Margaret Waterhouse
Anna Brandt Tommie Sheppard, Scherrie Burson, Gail Getschman, Ann Horton, Wayne Horton
PERSPECTIVES CLASS AT KATY PACKATHON! Perspectives Class participated in the Katy Feed the Hunger Packathon. Feed the Hunger meal packets are designed to help malnourished children and families, both overseas and here in the U.S. One million meal packets were put together this year!
Leigh Ann Jordon, Paul Varga
Charla Duggins, Eric and Donna Maier
Greg Jordon, Leigh Ann Jordon, Jane Jordon, Paul Varga, Martha Taylor
Ted and Alma Dealing
UPCOMING EVENTS THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS PRIME TIMERS LUNCHEON Wednesday, April 1 | 11:15 a.m. | Asbury Hall Join us as we welcome Pastor Rob Renfroe! Cost is $10 per person. Reservations are due by noon on Friday, March 27 to Ken and Joyce Nesmith at 281.367.5519 PRACTIQUEMOS – LET’S PRACTICE SPANISH *Monday, April 6 and 20 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | Jones Library Let’s have some fun practicing Spanish with native Spanish speakers! This is a six-week session. Join Gloria Toro and MariCarmen Osawa in practicing basic Spanish. We’ll cover topics such as family, travel, food and helpers around the house! *Last two classes of this six-week session.
WOODFOREST CAMPUS SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT *Friday, April 17 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Woodforest Campus Join us for Senior Adult Game Night in Woodforest! Let’s play Mexican Train, Hand and Foot, Scrabble, Bridge or 42 together. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to play, we’ll teach you. Bring a dish to share! The cost for this event is $1 per person to help cover the cost of snacks. All senior adults are welcome. No registration required. For more information, contact Teresa Thomas at 936.648.3340. *Note change in meeting date. LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, April 14 | 11:30 a.m. | Picnic on the Patio Join us for an afternoon of food, fun and fellowship on the patio. Bring your favorite picnic food to share and your pitching arm as we celebrate the opening of baseball season and Spring. Paper products and drinks will be provided. All senior adults are welcome! For additional information contact, Ann Horton at 936.588.1663 or wyanhorton@gmail.com
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY QUARTERLY MEETING Friday, April 3 | 10:00 a.m. | *Lenox Parlor For those who love to knit, or crochet are invited to participate! Hand work may be done at home and we will meet occasionally for fellowship and to pray for the recipients of our shawls. Shawls will be given in faith, hope and love to those in need. For more information on this ministry, please contact Connie Norton at concetta44@comcast.net or 281.292.3875. *Note change in meeting room. SHEPHERD CARE EASTER LILY PICK-UP Thursday, April 9 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Lenox Parlor Pick up your Lamb’s Easter Lily! SENIOR ADULT PLANNING MEETING Thursday, April 16 | 2:00 p.m. | Jones Library Join us in planning our Senior Adult activities. All seniors are welcome! SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT *Friday, April 3 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us for a night of fun, fellowship, games and light refreshments. Our favorites are Mexican Train and Bridge. We also play Hand and Foot, Bunco, Parcheesi and Backgammon. The cost is $1 per person. Please bring a dish to share. All senior adults are welcome. For more information, contact Ann and Jerry Armstrong at 281.419.2666 or Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012. *Note change in meeting date. LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, April 14 | 11:00 a.m. | Main Campus Join us at Nona’s Italian Grill. The location is 3091 College Park, Suite 185, The Woodlands. All senior adults are welcome to join us for this time of food, fun and fellowship! Reservations are due by noon on Monday, April 13 by calling Dolly Loftiss at 210.844.2062
Celebrate With Us Sunday, April 12
Find information about service times and special events at thewoodlandsumc.org/easter
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK Senior Adult Ministry has a new community Facebook page! Watch our ministry page for upcoming events and photos from our activities! Like us on Facebook! http://bit.ly/2uZ0eB0
SMALL GROUPS THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Friday, April 3 and 17 | 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor A support group for caregivers of family and friends with chronic, long term or terminal illness. Group is led by Rev. Cliff Ritter and Michelle DeCantillon. THE WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB Monday, April 6 | 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us for our monthly meeting and fellowship. We welcome all ages and all skill levels! For more information, contact Jean Drummond at 281.467.8817 or thewoodlandscameraclub.org GOLDENAIRES CHOIR Tuesdays | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Music Suite The Goldenaires, our senior adult choir, is the perfect way for you to spread joy through singing. No audition is required. For more information, contact Ed Wandling at 281.355.0053 THE GATHERING PLACE Monday, April 6 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall The Gathering Place is for adults who have been diagnosed with early to moderate dementia. The theme for this month is “Rainbows and Lollipops.” For more information about this program, contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514 MEN’S BOOK STUDY Our men’s book study group is taking a break and will reconvene in September! For more information, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232
WOODFOREST CAMPUS PICKLEBALL Tuesdays and Thursdays | 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. | Gymnasium Join us for Pickleball! Pickleball is a paddle sport created for all ages and skill levels. The rules are simple, and the game is easy for beginners to learn. This game will be played indoors, with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. The game is played as doubles or singles. No registration required. CRAFT CIRCLE Second and Fourth Thursday | 11:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Gymnasium We welcome all who have creative skills or no skills to join us in sewing, knitting, painting and crafting to create beautiful works to sell at our Craft Circle Boutique. Times are flexible, bring a sack lunch or a snack. For more information contact, Arlene Seekatz at 936.588.3929 BOOK CLUB Thursday, April 16 | 12:30 p.m. | Classroom Bring your sack lunch and join us for our monthly book review. This month we are reviewing The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall and Laura Kamoie. If you would like to read ahead, next month is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067 SENIOR ADULT FITNESS Mondays and Wednesdays | 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. | Gymnasium For more information, please refer to the same listing under The Woodlands Campus. *WF Senior Adult Fitness cancelled on Monday, April 13 due to campus closure on Easter Monday.
SENIOR ADULT FITNESS Tuesdays and Fridays | 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall SENIOR ADULT FITNESS INTERMEDIATE CLASS Thursdays | 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. | Rec Center Activity Room 1 Join us for muscle toning, strength training and stretching using hand weights, tubes and chairs. Segments include warmup, strength training, stretching and cool-down. Modifications can be made for any fitness level. MENS (OVER 55) PICK-UP BASKETBALL Thursdays | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Gymnasium Join us for pick-up basketball, friendly competition and great exercise! No registration required. PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB Tuesday, April 21 | 12:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Bring your sack lunch and join us for our monthly book review. This month we are reviewing 1776 by David McCullough. If you would like to read ahead, next month is The Ragged Edge of Night by Olivia Hawker. For more information about this group, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Friday, April 10 | Good Friday Service and Lunch Friday, April 24 | Trip to Brenham This group is designed to offer support and create fellowship, as we discover new ways of doing life alone. We hope you’ll join us for these outings! Register for these events online. For more information, contact Terry Loughridge at 281.297.5932 SINGLE SIXTY-SOMETHINGS Tuesdays | 6:30 p.m. | Room D207 This group consists of men and women who are eager to grow in Christ! We meet every Tuesday to grow spiritually through studying great books and enjoying lively discussions. We get together socially once a month which allows us time to learn more about each other. Watch the calendar for our scheduled events.
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. Next meeting is scheduled for May 14. This meeting will be a Congregational Care training with Rev. Cliff Ritter. If you know of someone in need of companionship or if you would like to volunteer to be a Shepherd, please contact Kay Meador at 936.321.5159 COMPUTER SUPPORT MINISTRY Think twice before installing free programs or software on your computer! Remember, “There is no free lunch!” If you need computer assistance, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 ELDERRIDE We are so grateful for our ElderRide ministry! Our ElderRide team drives our members to over 125 appointments per year. The total mileage driven is about 4000 miles per year. Contact Ken and Linda Keith at 936.271.3810 if you need a ride to a medical appointment. ElderRide supports The Woodlands and our Woodforest neighbors! Please call at least 48 hours in advance. PARKINSON’S DISEASE EXERCISE AND SUPPORT GROUP Parkinson’s Disease Exercise and Support Group meets every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in Aldersgate Hall. For more information, contact Dale Mefford at 936.443.5351, or go to the Houston Area Parkinson’s Society’s website. We are in the north group.
APRIL 2020
*Green text represents events at The Woodlands Campus and blue text represents events at the Woodforest Campus
SUNDAY 29 MARCH
MONDAY 30
TUESDAY 31
WEDNESDAY 1
2
Prime Timers 11:15 a.m. | Asbury Hall
5
6 WF Senior Adult Fitness
Friendship Class 9:30 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Bring Mana items
12
13
20 WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. WF Gymnasium PRACTIQUEMOS 10:00 a.m. | Jones Library
26
8 Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. WF Gymnasium Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
14
Campuses Closed
HAPPY EASTER!
19
7
8:15 – 9:05 a.m. WF Gymnasium The Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall PRACTIQUEMOS 10:00 a.m. | Jones Library The Woodlands Camera Club 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
27 WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. WF Gymnasium
Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Friendship Class 3:30 p.m. | Jones Library Fill mana bags Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Nona’s Italian Grill WF Lunch Bunch 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus Picnic on the Patio
21
15
22
Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. WF Gymnasium Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Peggy’s Book Club 12:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
28
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
3
4
Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. WF Gymnasium Shepherd Care Easter Lily Pick-up 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Lenox Parlor Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Rec Center Activity Room 1
10
11
16
17
Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. WF Gymnasium Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Rec Center Activity Room 1
9
Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. WF Gymnasium Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Rec Center Activity Room 1 WF Book Club 12:30 p.m. | WF Classroom Senior Adult Planning Meeting 2:00 p.m. | Jones Library
23
Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Prayer Shawl Meeting 10:00 a.m. | Lenox Parlor Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Game Night 6:00 p.m. | Main Campus
Single Life Widows Good Friday Service and Lunch Senior Adult Fitness Cancelled Good Friday Service
30
Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. WF Gymnasium Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Rec Center Activity Room 1 Senior Adults Depart for Washington D.C.
18
Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Game Night 6:00 p.m. WF Worship Center
24
Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. WF Gymnasium Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Rec Center Activity Room 1
29 Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. WF Gymnasium Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
THURSDAY
25
Single Life Widows Brenham Trip
1
MAY
2
CAMPUS MAPS
ABOUT OUR MINISTRY THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS
THE WOODLANDS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2200 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands, TX 77380
CONROE
Find more information at thewoodlandsumc.org/seniors Contact us at 281.297.5935 or seniors@twumc.org Like us on Facebook
The Woodlands United Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380
WOODFOREST CAMPUS THE CHURCH AT WOODFOREST
The Senior Adult Ministry at The Woodlands United Methodist Church is a vital part of our church, with new and expanding opportunities for involvement.
105 2854
700 Fish Creek Thoroughfare Montgomery, TX 77316
I-45
1488
LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES HOW WILL YOU SERVE? “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” — 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) HOPE BEYOND BRIDGES Saturday, April 11 | 9:00 a.m. | TWUMC Kitchen Come join us as we serve together with Hope Beyond Bridges to deliver meals to the homeless along I-45. We’ll prepare a warm meal and deliver the food in church vans. This is a family friendly opportunity, children 10 years and older are welcome. Sign up for this event online. BLOOD DRIVE Sunday, April 26 | Woodlands and Woodforest Campus Our church sponsors several Sunday mornings drives each year to help ensure adequate blood supplies are available to residents of the Gulf Coast Region of Texas. Sign up for this event online.
A GLANCE AT NEXT MONTH (MAY) Prime Timers Burroughs Park Picnic May 6 Shepherd Care Meeting May 14 Friendship Class Missions Dinner May 16
Sign up for these events at thewoodlandsumc.org/missions or for more information, contact Sherry Lewallen at 281.466.8627
RESOURCE CORNER CARING MINISTRY HOSPITAL VISITATION & PRAYER Congregational care is a priority for our pastors, leaders and congregation. Care may come in the form of a visit while you are in the hospital, at home while you are caring for a loved one, or a phone call to offer support. If you or someone you know is hospitalized locally or at the Texas Medical Center, please call Caring Ministries at 281.297.5953 and we will schedule pastoral visitation.
Visit thewoodlandsumc.org for information about these and other church events.