AUGUST 2019 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS UMC
POINT Unfailing: Standing Strong on God’s Promises in the Uncertainties of Life Later this summer my fifth book will be released. It’s titled “Unfailing: Standing Strong on God’s Promises in the Uncertainties of Life.” My previous books were published by Abingdon, part of the United Methodist Publishing House. “Unfailing” is a joint venture between Zondervan, one of the country’s leading Christian Publishers, and Seedbed which is headed up by former TWUMC pastor J.D. Walt. The jumping off point for “Unfailing” are some of Joshua’s last words to the Israelites as he saw his death approaching. Joshua had suffered with the Israelites when they were in bondage in Egypt and had cried out for deliverance. He had seen God’s strong arm bring then out of slavery, provide for them in the wilderness, and then bring them into the Promised Land. Remembering all that he had seen God do, he spoke these words, “Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.” (Josh 23:14) God’s promises do not fail. And neither does the person who builds his or her life on those promises. The problem is we often build our lives on our circumstances, our emotions, our fears, or what others tell us about ourselves. And when we do, we fall and we fail. To overcome we must know what the promises of God are and we must know how to walk in them. “Unfailing” looks at seven great promises that God gives us to build our lives upon – his promises to forgive our sins, give us a new purpose, be a constant presence in our lives, give us the guidance we need, provide us with the power to change, give us the strength to endure, and to love us forever. One of the great joys of writing is to hear how your words have helped people in their walk with Jesus. It’s my prayer that “Unfailing” will help others stand strong on the promises of God, assured of his presence in their lives, and never fail the One who never fails us. Rob Renfroe, Loft Lead Pastor and Pastor of Discipleship
NEW YORK CITY HOLIDAY December 6 – 10, 2019 Come along with other members of the Senior Adult Ministry for a New York City Holiday. We will depart on December 6, 2019, for 5 days and 4 nights in Manhattan. Some highlights of the trip are a New York City Tour, Rockefeller Center, One World Observatory, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, a Broadway Show, Central Park, a Rockettes Holiday Show, a visit to the Christmas Store and a Holiday Lights tour. Cost for the trip is $3095 per person based on double occupancy, with a $100 per person booking discount, if your final payment is made by check. There is a Single Supplement of $950. This cost includes Round trip Airfare from IAH, 6 Meals (4 Breakfasts and 2 Dinners), Admissions per the itinerary, Baggage Handling, Hotel transfers and a Deluxe Motor coach. For more information or a copy of the brochure please contact Helen Burgdorf by phone 713.822.5728 or email hcburgdorf@comcast.net
A MESSAGE FROM
CLIFF RITTER
PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
It’s hard to imagine we are about to begin a new season of ministry along with the start of the upcoming School Year. In the past, things got started right after Labor Day. Now, we get charged up for the start of school in mid-August. It is the cycle of life with our young families. So, we get on board and we get started with our Fall programming right in the middle of the dog days of August. As a grandparent, I am delighted with the start of new things. Grandkids off to elementary school, or starting Kindergarten on the first day, or even those quiet (quieter) times with the little ones still too young to go to school. It is always a pleasure to see them grow, each in their own special season! If you find yourself as an empty nester, or an empty grand-nester, there are lots of ways to get involved with the children in our church. Our children’s ministry would be a wonderful place to volunteer. Even reading a book to the little ones, or working in the nursery on Sunday, or just being present for all the chaos would be a blessing to them and to you. We also have a team of volunteers that reads to the children at a local elementary school in Conroe. It’s a great way to stay connected to the heartbeat of our community. Otherwise, you might want to fully embrace your Senior status and spend some quality time with friends…or, by spending quiet time by the lake, or at the beach, or in the mountains. My personal metaphor for getting away from it all is captured by this simple phrase: “Gone Fishing.” I don’t even need bait on my hook, just putting a line in the water is enough. It is a way of life, a state of mind. It was my favorite thing to do with my grandfather: up at dawn, digging for worms, dragging the old aluminum Jon boat to the pond, and fishing around the bank until the sun started to rise high enough for the shadows of the pine trees to recede onto the shore. Now, that’s “Gone fishing.” That’s the perfect activity for a busy August morning. I hope you find some time to enjoy all we have to offer here at the church in August. Stay close to the AC, but don’t hesitate to venture out to try something new! See you at church! With grace and peace,
Cliff Ritter
PHOTO GALLERY FOR THE LOVE OF PIANO MUSIC On June 14, 2019, Mary Perry hosted a lovely piano recital in honor of Flag Day. A nice group of people from the Conservatory joined us in listening to a diverse selection of piano pieces. Dave Morton dressed in a period uniform and Mary had photos of her relatives who served in France in World War I. Watch the calendar for our next piano recital in September!
Flag Day decorative table
Piano Recital
Dave Morton
ARTPLAY FOR SENIORS In June, Abby Salazar held a four-session watercolor class just for our seniors! This session began with watercolor basics and added in different techniques. No experience is necessary for these classes! You won’t want to miss our next session in the Fall!
Watercolor Class
Kathy Smith
Watercolor Class
Abby Salazar
VAN GOGH TRIP Our seniors visited the Vincent van Gogh exhibit at The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. The exhibition showcased portraits, landscapes, and still lifes drawn from the collections of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the Kroller-Muller Museum in Otterio, the Netherlands.
Judy Stanley, Alice Widmier, Darlene Daniels, Helen Burgdorf, Carolyn Lentz, Gail Forstner, Lynne Turner, Nancy Steinmeier, Georgann Hinton and Fay Pevey
Museum Docent, Dolly Loftiss, and Georgann Hinton
Richard Barlow, Barbara Barlow, Kay Nichols and Nancy Steinmeier
Dolly Loftiss and Ginny Nail
Virginia Bettes, Ruth Myers and Carolyn Lentz
Rev. Cliff Ritter and Dr. Mark Lewis
UPCOMING EVENTS FRIENDSHIP CLASS ICE CREAM SOCIAL Friday, August 2 | 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Don’t miss this opportunity to fellowship! PRIME TIMERS LUNCHEON Wednesday, August 7 | 11:15 a.m. | Asbury Hall Join us as we honor our members who are 90 and older! We’ll celebrate with a luncheon and a program given by Dr. Mark Lewis! Reservations are due by noon on Friday, July 31 to Joyce and Ken Nesmith at 281.367.5519. Cost is $7 per person. Checks are preferred, payable to TWUMC. FLU SHOTS IN SEPTEMBER Flu Shots will be available at the Prime Timers luncheon in September! More details next month! SHEPHERD CARE QUARTERLY MEETING Thursday, August 8 | 2:00 p.m. | Jones Library Join us as we welcome Rev. Kimberly Constant. 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 LOSS OF SPOUSE SEMINAR Wednesday, August 28 | 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall This one-day seminar is designed to help us process our grief and think about what life after the loss of a spouse might bring. The seminar is filled with practical information that will encourage us to grieve together, and to grieve well. Register for this event online.
SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, August 9 | 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us for a night of fun, fellowship, games and light refreshments. The cost is $1 per person. Please bring a snack to share. All senior adults are welcome. For more information, contact Ann and Jerry Armstrong at 281.419.2666 or Jerry and Lil Whitehouse at 225.937.4893 LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, August 13 | 11:00 a.m. | Guadalajara Hacienda Join us at Guadalajara Hacienda in The Woodlands at 27885 Interstate 45. This Mexican restaurant is an area favorite with a very nice lunch menu. It’s located just across the parking lot from Target. All senior adults are welcome. Reservations are due by Monday, August 12 at noon. Call Dolly Loftiss at 210.844.2062 MUSIC BINGO Friday, August 16 | 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us for music bingo! This last session of music bingo will be a tribute to Elvis Presley. Come in your 50’s attire to play bingo! There will be prizes to be won and sweet treats! All senior adults are welcome! Register by emailing Teri Rossi at trossi@twumc.org AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES This event has been cancelled. Stay tuned for future scheduled movies. SENIOR ADULT PLANNING MEETING Thursday, August 15| 2:00 p.m. |Jones Library We hope you’ll join us to plan our Senior Adult events! SINGLE SIXTY - SOMETHINGS Thursday, August 29 | Astros Outing Join us for our Astros outing! Game time is 1:10 p.m. For more information contact Terry Loughridge at 281.297.5932 SAVE THE DATE FOR A LUNCH AND LEARN Save the date for our Lunch and Learn with The Woodlands Camera Club on September 13!
RE|ENGAGE VOW RENEWAL On June 21, nine couples spent their Friday evening in Robb chapel renewing their marriage vows. These couples had completed the re|engage marriage ministry program within the last two years. As a statement of faith six couples signed up to participate in the service. After they each affirmed their vows, three couples in the audience were also inspired to renew their vows. Reverend Kimberly Constant and Reverend Stew Grant officiated this annual event for re|engage couples.
Rev. Kimberly Constant, Christopher and Sally White, Rev. Stew Grant
Brian & Karin Schmaltz
Larry & Jasi Blews
Grant & Alexa Harvey
SMALL GROUPS CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Friday, August 2 and 16 | 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. GOLDENAIRES CHOIR Our Goldenaires are taking a summer break! Practices will resume Tuesday, September 3. 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, August 5 | 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. Join us for the Gathering Place. The theme for this month is “You are my Sunshine”! SENIOR FITNESS Tuesdays and Fridays | 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us twice a week for a muscle toning, strength training and stretching using hand weights, tubes and chairs. Segments include warm-up, strength training, stretching and cool-down. Modifications can be made for any fitness level. SENIOR ADULT FITNESS INTERMEDIATE CLASS Thursdays | 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Move through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength. This is a functional fitness class and all exercises can be adapted to your personal fitness level. PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Those who love to knit or crochet are invited to participate. Although most of the hand work will be done at home, 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, please contact Connie Norton at concetta44@comcast.net or 281.292.3875. Next gathering is September 13.
PARK MANOR WEEKLY WORSHIP Wednesdays | 4:00 p.m. | Park Manor Join us and our clergy as we take a ministry of presence to the residents of Park Manor nursing home. Everyone is encouraged to join in reaching out and enriching the lives of these people who, for the most part, are no longer able to attend church outside the home. GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN GROUP This support group is taking a summer break! Stay tuned for future meeting date and times! For more information, contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935 SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Friday, August 9 | Movie & Fellowship Thursday, August 29 | Astros Game For more information about Single Life Widows, contact Terry Loughridge at 281.297.5932 SINGLE SIXTY-SOMETHINGS Tuesdays | 6:30 p.m. | Room D207 This group consists of men and women eager to grow! 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! MEN’S BOOK STUDY This group will break for the summer and reconvene on Wednesday, September 11. Stay tuned for our next study! For more information, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232
ASTRO’S TRIP On June 27, our Seniors cheered on the Astros!
PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB Tuesday, August 20 | 12:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Bring a brown bag lunch and join us in discussing the book Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. If you’d like to read ahead, next month is Same Kind Of Different As Me by Ron Hall. Coffee and cookies are provided. Everyone is welcome! For more information, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 Richard & Barbara Barlow
Dale & Marilyn Clinton and Connie Cooper
Lilian & Roger Macauley
Harold & Mary Kerr
Judy Stanely
Carl Cooper
SUPPORT COMPUTER SUPPORT MINISTRY Keyboard shortcuts for faster Web browsing: If text is too small press the Ctrl Key + Plus Sign at the same time to zoom in and press the Ctrl Key + Minus Sign at the same time to zoom out. 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. 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 1:00 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.
AUGUST 2019 SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
28 JULY
29
30
31
1
4
5
6
7
Friendship Class 9:30 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Bring manna items
11
The Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
12
Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
Prime Timers 11:15 a.m. Asbury Hall
13 Senior Adult Fitness
14
20
21
8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. Guadalajara Hacienda Friendship Class 2:00 p.m. | Jones Hall Fill manna bags
18
19
25
26
27 Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
28 Grief Share Loss of Spouse Seminar 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
SATURDAY
2
3
8
9
10
15Senior Adult Fitness
16
17
22
23
24
Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall Shepherd Care Quarterly Meeting 2:00 p.m. | Jones Library
Intermediate Class 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall SAM Meeting 2:00 p.m. | Jones Library
Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Peggy’s Book Club 12:30 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
FRIDAY
Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
29Senior Adult Fitness
Intermediate Class 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall Single Sixty-Somethings Astros Game
Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Friendship Class Ice Cream Social 6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Single Life Widows Movie & Fellowship Senior Adult Game Night 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Music Bingo 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
30 Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
31
The Woodlands United Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281.297.5900 thewoodlandsumc.org
HOW WILL YOU SERVE? LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES WOMEN’S SHELTER WORK DAY | Saturday, August 10 | 8:00 a.m. – Noon | Caravan from the Loft Help with various projects at the Women’s shelter such as cooking meals, maintenance and cleaning. Sign up at mission.thewoodlandsumc.org THIRD SUNDAY FOOD DRIVE | Sunday, August 18 | Leave food donation by your car Donated food items are picked up by volunteers from the Boy Scouts and delivered to our local food pantry. BLOOD DRIVE | Sunday, August 25 Family Life Center Gymnasium | 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | The Woodlands Campus The Loft Donor Coach | 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | The Woodlands Campus Music Room | 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | The Church at Woodforest If you have medical eligibility questions, call Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center at 713.791.6612 Sign up for these events and other local mission opportunities at missions.thewoodlandsumc.org Watch for our September Serve It Up Opportunities!
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 Susan Goldsmith, Caring Ministry at 281.297.5953 or Teri Rossi, Senior Adult Ministry at 281.297.5935 and we will schedule a pastoral visit.
A GLANCE AT NEXT MONTH (SEPTEMBER) Flu Shots September 4 The Gathering Place Planning Meeting September 9 Prayer Shawl Quarterly Meeting September 13 Lunch and Learn with the Woodlands Camera Club September 13 For the Love of Piano Music September 23 Friendship Class Budget Meeting September 26 Friendship Class Missions Dinner September 27
Visit thewoodlandsumc.org for information about these and other church events.