THE WOODLANDS UMC
DECEMBER 2018 EDITION
POINT A MESSAGE FROM
CLIFF RITTER
PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
COME LET US ADORE HIM THIS ADVENT SEASON A SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS 2018 On December 2 at 5:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. you will have the opportunity to participate in a century-old worship service presented by a select group of singers. Nine alternating ‘lessons and carols’ provide a liturgy that parallels the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. A pre-musical concert of harp will begin fifteen minutes prior to each service. The service takes place in the Robb Chapel and no ticket is needed for this event.
CHRISTMAS MUSICAL 2018 Christmas Musical presented by the Chancel Choir, Sanctuary Orchestra and Drama Team. The musical will be presented Saturday evening, December 8 at 6:30 p.m. and again Sunday evening, December 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Main Sanctuary. You will have the opportunity to share the biblical story of Christmas in song, drama and narration. You will find your heart full of joy as you find the peace and hope of the season. A ticket is needed for this event. Tickets range from $5 to $15. Tickets are available at Connection Point and during the week in the church office.
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE WOODLANDS UMC SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY Church offices will be closed December 25 and 26.
Is it too early to pray for snow? As a native Houstonian, the dream of snow during the holidays is an aspirational goal at best. I ventured as far north as Dallas for a season, but the cold weather brought mostly ice storms while we were there. That didn’t deter my children from crafting ice statues on the patio table. There were a few times that we had enough snow to make snow angels in the brown grass covering our lawn. We always longed for a Bing Crosby kind of Christmas. Well, a pastor can still dream, right? I’m guessing Joseph and Mary never had to worry about snow drifts or ice patches complicating their journey to that Little Town of Bethlehem. ‘Tis the season for us to remember the time when Jesus took the form of a little child, came into the world in the most humble of circumstances, and changed the destiny of humanity forever. His Advent was just a small gift for all of us on Christmas Day, and a miraculous gift for the world. I absolutely love the hymns of the Season. I find that the more obscure stanza in each hymn reveals a surprising depth of meaning for our souls. For example, the third stanza from O Little Town of Bethlehem says: How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given; So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven. No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in. I pray that you will receive the wondrous gift of Jesus Christ in this season to come. I believe God desires a transformational relationship with each of us. If you have such a relationship already, then be a gift from heaven to someone you love. Share the joy of our faith, about a baby who was born on Christmas Day, and about a Savior who promises to come again. Merry Christmas!
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A Glance At Next Month The Gathering Place and Prime Timers will not meet in January. Senior Fitness New Year Kickoff!
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Reception to follow in Jones Library
Christmas Without Them 6:00 p.m. Robb Chapel
Christmas Musical: Come Let Us Adore Him 6:30 p.m. Sanctuary
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The Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
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25 NOVEMBER
Lessons and Carols Concert 5:00 and 6:30 p.m. Robb Chapel
MONDAY
SUNDAY
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Men’s Book Study 10:00 a.m. Infant Care Room
Prime Timers Luncheon 11:00 a.m. Wesley Hall Shepherd Care Poinsetta Delivery 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Dunnam Conference Room
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WEDNESDAY
THE WOODLANDS UMC CLOSED
Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. Macaroni Grill Shepherd Care Christmas Reception 1:30 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
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TUESDAY
Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
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Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
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& Support Group 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall Suicide: The Ripple Effect Movie 7:00 p.m. Harvest Worship Center Goldenaires Christmas Party 4:30 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall Shepherd Care Poinsetta Delivery 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Dunnam Conference Room
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THURSDAY
DECEMBER 2018 Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Friendship Class Christmas Party 5:30 p.m. Wesley Hall
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Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
Senior Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Senior Adult Game Night 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. Aldersgate Hall Single Life Widows Christmas Party 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Jones Library
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FRIDAY
Christmas Musical: Come Let Us Adore Him 6:30 p.m. Sanctuary
Perspectives Class Christmas Party 5:30 p.m. Wesley Hall Good News Class Christmas Party 5:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
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SATURDAY
UPCOMING EVENTS AN AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES Not meeting in December Please join us for an afternoon movie reconvening in January 25, 2019. All senior adults are welcome. LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, December 11 | 11:00 a.m. Each month we meet at a different restaurant for good conversation and Christian fellowship. This month, please join us at Macaroni Grill — 1155 Lake Woodlands Dr. Reservations must be made by noon on Monday, December 10. All senior adults are welcome. For more information, contact Dolly Loftiss at 210.844.2062 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 PRIME TIMERS LUNCHEON Wednesday, December 5 | 11:00 a.m. | Wesley Hall Join us in welcoming The Goldenaires. Reservations are due by noon on Friday, November 30, to Joyce and Ken Nesmith at 281.367.5519. Cost is $7 per person. Checks are preferred payable to TWUMC. GIFT CARD DRIVE We will be collecting $40 Walmart gift cards or to another grocery store. The cards will be part of the Christmas miracles boxes for the purchase of a turkey or other protein. Feel free to split the cost of a gift card with a friend. SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, December 14 | 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us for a night of fun, fellowship, games and light refreshments. Games include Mexican train, bridge, hand and foot, and Rummikube. The cost is $1 per person. Everyone is invited. Please bring a snack. For more information, contact Ann and Jerry Armstrong at 281.419.2666 or Jerry and Lil Whitehouse at 225.937.4893
CHRISTMAS WITHOUT THEM Sunday, December 16 | 6:00 p.m. | Robb Chapel Reception to follow in Jones Library.
CHRISTMAS PARTIES Friendship Class: Friday, December 7 at 5:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall. Contact Ferol and Olin Johnson at 281.367.6866 Good News: Saturday, December 1 at 5:00 p.m. in Aldersgate Hall. Contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 Perspectives: Saturday, December 1 at 5:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall. Contact Steve Powell at 936.273.9679 Goldenaires: Thursday, December 13 at 4:30 p.m. in Aldersgate Hall. Contact Ed Wandling at 281.355.0053 Single Life Widows: Friday, December 14 at 11:00 a.m. in Jones Library. Contact Terry Loughridge at 281.297.5932
SHEPHERD CARE FALL LUNCHEON Our Shepherd Care members met for a lovely luncheon on Thursday, November 8. Dr. Stew Grant spoke to us on the importance of love in our relationships with others. Kay Meador recognized Karen Freeman for leading the group for many years and Katy Ricks was also recognized as the longest serving member in the group.
SHEPHERD CARE POINSETTIA PICK UP Wednesday, December 5 and Thursday, December 6 Poinsettia pick up is scheduled for Wednesday, December 5 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. and Thursday, December 6 from 8:00 – 5:00 p.m. in the Dunnam Conference Room. THE GATHERING PLACE Monday, December 3 | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us for The Gathering Place. The theme for this month is Merry Christmas! For more information, contact Chuck and Jean Abernathy at 936.449.6450
Rev. Stew Grant
Marilyn Stinson and Kay Meador
Katie Ricks
Rev. Cliff Ritter
COME LET US ADORE HIM: CHRISTMAS MUSICAL December 8 and 9 | 6:30 p.m. | Sanctuary Join for our Christmas musical performance. MOVIE: SUICIDE: THE RIPPLE EFFECT Thursday, December 13 | 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Harvest Worship Join us for this community wide event: movie, Q & A and discussion with local counseling professionals. This movie is a documentary and movement focusing on the devastating effects of suicide and the positive ripple effects of inspiration and hope that are helping millions heal and stay alive.
The Woodlands United  Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281.297.5900 thewoodlandsumc.org
NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID N. HOUSTON, TX PERMIT #296
Return Service Requested
INTERFAITH CELEBRATION OF VETERANS
THE GOLDENAIRES PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE: Monday, December 3 10:30 a.m. | TWUMC The Gathering Place
The Goldenaires performed at the Interfaith Patriotic breakfast on November 8 at the South County Community Center.
Wednesday, December 5 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall Primetimers Luncheon Tuesday, December 11 10:00 a.m. | Silverado Senior Living 11:00 a.m. | The Conservatory Wednesday, December 12 4:00 p.m. Park Manor in The Woodlands
Karen and Harry Jones
Charles and Eloise Lindahl, Glenna Wandling
Roger and Lilian Macauley
Thursday, December 13 4:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Goldenaires Christmas Party Tuesday, December 18 9:30 a.m. The Village at The Waterway 10:30 a.m. Brookdale in The Woodlands
Carolyn and Alan Bowman and Ed Wandling
Pam Baker and Fay Pevey
Wednesday, December 19 10:30 a.m. | The Forum 11:30 a.m. | Copperwood Apartments
Visit thewoodlandsumc.org for information about these and other church events.