DECEMBER 2019 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS UMC
POINT CLIFF RITTER May I be one of the first to say “Merry Christmas” this year? I doubt it. It seems that Christmas Greetings have already begun in earnest. I think I heard a few Trick-or-Treaters say Merry Christmas this year. The local mall has been decorating for Christmas since hurricane season was at its peak. Nonetheless, with our December Newsletter you get a robust, heartfelt, “Merry Christmas!” from everyone in Senior Adult Ministy. Have you ever wondered why we love Christmas so dearly? Of course, there is the Jesus thing. We will celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Christ child, in earnest, and at the traditionally appointed moment this year. Actually, we should start our deep, reverential, worship of the coming of Christ at the beginning of Advent. That celebration should extend well beyond December 25th, all the way to Epiphany. It would be an answered prayer. Alas, the purists among us cannot become greedy. After all, ‘Tis the Season to be generous with our Christmas traditions. Of course, we love ALL things Christmas. I think we also like the nostalgia of Christmas as well. Our recollections of the best of Christmas past brings our traditions to life each year. We love to reminisce about past celebrations that have added meaning and depth to our family traditions through the generations. An easy ice breaker at the annual Christmas party with family or friends is a simple inquiry: “Tell me about your favorite Christmas memory.” It’s almost as if our thoughts take an emotional short cut to the moments that we cherish so dearly. We can relive that moment, and tell that story countless times, without giving it a second thought. Maybe it was when your first child was still in swaddling cloths. Maybe it was a special decoration your mom always set out for the holidays. Maybe it was when you finally found that perfect evergreen after a day long search through every Christmas tree lot in town. It is funny how often Santa appears in our recollections. Saint Nick and his sleigh pulled by reindeer will forever be etched in our hearts and minds. Christmas lights decorating homes in all the surrounding neighborhoods made our neighborhood a winter wonderland, even though I can only remember one year when it actually snowed. That didn’t matter. Mom and dad always loaded the family in the back of the Olsmobile Vista Cruiser wagon, and we looked all over our end of town for the house with the most beautiful decorations. Our house had bragging rights for a different reason. We had the tallest old cottonwood tree in our neighborhood. My dad would always take a single strand of Christmas lights to the very top of that tree. It was like a beacon for Rudolph. Every year our friends and neighbors would drive past to see if my dad actually made it higher than in years past. He had to use every extension cord we owned on his last climb into the heavens. He earned hero status in my mind after that incredible display of Christmas courage. I think my mom finally put an end to that tradition, much to the relief of the HOA. Either way, I’ll never forget the night my dad must have touched the bottom of Santa’s sleigh as he flew past our neighborhood. Epic! Of course, my more recent memories are filled with moments we all spend together at church. Candlelight and communion, Christmas carols and sacred hymns, reading the “real” Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke, just for tradition’s sake: these are the memories we are making this Christmas. I hope you get a chance to reminisce a little this year. Tell your grandchildren about your favorite Christmas memory. If your family is not near, tell your neighbor’s grandchildren. Tell a friend, or tell me. I really do want to hear, because your recollections capture the best of our times together, times past, times present and times yet to come. These are the best of times! Have a blessed and Merry Christmas! With grace and peace,
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY! Cliff Ritter, Pastor of Senior Adults
PERSPECTIVE CLASS The Perspectives Class members participated in the Kairos Commissioning Ceremony at the Estelle Unit in Huntsville.
2,500 cookies bagged for the Kairos weekend
Kairos Commissioning Ceremony in Huntsville
FRIENDSHIP CLASS In October, Helen Burgdorf and Ann Armstrong hosted a new members reception on behalf of the Friendship Class.
Beth & Terry Northrup and Dianne Payton
Beth Northrup & June Green
Helen Burgdorf, Hostess
Jerry & Ann Armstron, Hosts
SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS In October, our Single Life Widows group took a Houston Tea Tour! We toured the McGovern Centennial Gardens, shopped at British Isles in Rice Village, and had a wonderful lunch at Your Cup of Tea!
Diane Thibodeaux and Sandy Ramsey
Carolyn Lentz and Faye Dillon
Terri Wilson and Debbie Gilbride
Bev Glath, Rosemarie Shellshear, Teresa Thomas
GOLDENAIRES Our Goldenaires performed at the Interfaith Patriotic Breakfast at South County Community Center!
Glenda Bailey & Lynne Shoop
Valerie & Ken Ellis
Fay Pevey & Judi Bonds
Lilian Macauley
MARY MARGARET MANN Professional actress Mary Margaret Mann performed a dramatic monologue on Elizabeth Endicott, A Pilgrim’s Story for our Prime Timers gathering in November. Mary Margaret Mann is a very creative and talented storyteller! She took us on a journey through time as she wove in historical facts of the early Colonists and their first Thanksgiving!
Mary Margaret Mann
UPCOMING EVENTS SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PARTIES PRIME TIMERS LUNCHEON Wednesday, December 4 | 11:15 a.m. | Asbury Hall Join us in welcoming the Goldenaires for their holiday performance and a special concert by The Woodlands United Methodist School Children’s Choir. Cost is $7 per person. Checks are preferred, payable to TWUMC. Reservations are due by noon on Wednesday, November 27 to Ken and Joyce Nesmith at 281.367.5519 GIFT CARD DRIVE We’ll be collecting $30 Walmart, Kroger or HEB grocery store gift cards. The cards are a part of the Christmas Miracle boxes for the purchase of a turkey or other meat. Bring your donations to Prime Timers on December 4. ARTPLAY FOR SENIORS, CHRISTMAS GREETINGS WORKSHOP Monday, December 9 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall In honor of the Christ child’s birth, the Magi presented their gifts. Presentation is an important part of the gift, culminating our thoughtfulness with beautiful wrappings, topped with ribbons and gift tags. ARTPlay invites you to join the fun and fellowship at our Christmas Greetings workshop. We will explore a plethora of tools and mediums as we craft gift tags and greeting cards used to adorn gifts or send to loved ones. All supplies are included. Fee: $15.00 per person. Register online or email Teri Rossi, Senior Adult Ministry at trossi@twumc.org LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, December 10 | 11:00 a.m. Join us at Macaroni Grill, located at 1155 Lake Woodlands Dr. All senior adults are welcome to join us for this time of Food, Fun and Fellowship! Reservations are due by Noon on Monday, December 9 by calling Dolly Loftiss at 210.844.2062
GOOD NEWS Saturday, December 7 | 5:00 p.m. | Asbury Hall Contact Lee Ann Sewell at 936.321.8349 PERSPECTIVES Saturday, December 7 | 5:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Contact Janet Whitfield-Murphy at 832.212.3674 SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Friday, December 13 | 11:30 a.m. | Jones Library Contact Terry Loughridge at 281.297.5932 FRIENDSHIP CLASS Tuesday, December 17 | 6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Contact Jim or Sandra Atherton at 346.351.8552 GOLDENARIES Thursday, December 19 | 3:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Contact Ed or Glenna Wandling at 281.355.0053
FRIENDSHIP CLASS OFFICERS Here’s a photo of this years officers for the Friendship class whose term began this fall.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Friday, December 13 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Join us for our quarterly meeting! For more information on this ministry, please contact Connie Norton at concetta44@ comcast.net or 281.292.3875 SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, December 13 | 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, but we also offer Bunco, Parcheesi and Backgammon! 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 Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012
Sue Stephenson-Treas., Bill Scott-Pres., Jim Atherton-1st,VP, Dick Olson2nd VP. Not pictured is secretary, Nancy Gonzalez.
FRIENDSHIP CLASS TEACHERS The Friendship Class has a group of people who rotate giving the lesson on a weekly basis. Here are the Friendship Class teachers.
CHRISTMAS WITHOUT THEM Sunday, December 22 | 6:00 p.m. | Robb Chapel Christmas Without Them is a service designed for those who have experienced a loss during the past year. Communion will be served.
Harlan Hartman, Harold Kerr, Gay Lindner, Bill Scott, Don Meador, Dave Morton, Karen Freeman. Not pictured are Joe Floyd and Marka White.
SMALL GROUPS THE WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB Monday, December 2 | 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 THE GATHERING PLACE Monday, December 2 | 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. We hope you’ll join us at the Gathering Place! The theme for this month is “Home for Christmas.” For more information about this program, contact Chuck and Jean Abernathy at 936.449.6450 WOODFOREST SENIOR ADULT PLANNING MEETING Tuesday, December 3 | 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Woodforest Classroom Join us in planning our Woodforest senior adult activities. 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. GOLDENAIRES CHOIR Tuesdays | 2:00 - 3:00 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. Our Goldenaires are performing in December. For more information, contact Ed Wandling at 281.355.0053 Goldenaires Performance December Schedule Dec. 2 | 10:30 a.m. | TWUMC The Gathering Place Dec. 3 | 10:15 a.m. | Silverado Senior Living | 11:00 a.m. | The Conservatory Dec. 4 | 11:15 a.m. | Prime Timers Luncheon Dec. 5 | 10:00 a.m. | Regent Care 11:00 a.m. | Woodlands Heathcare Dec. 9 | 10:00 a.m. | Park Manor | 11:00 a.m. | Luncheon - TBD | 1:30 p.m. | Reunion Court of The Woodlands Dec. 17 | 10:30 a.m. | Cooperwood Apartments | 11:30 a.m. | The Forum
MEN’S BOOK STUDY Wednesday, December 11* | 10:00 a.m. Infant Courtesy Room D105 The Men’s Book Study is working through a study of The Wesleyan Way by Bishop Scott Jones. In this exciting and inspiring study, Bishop Jones helps seekers and believers to envision and practice discipleship as a way of life. Presenting Christianity from a Wesleyan perspective, he invites participants into a deeper, more thoughtful, more active commitment to Christ. *This is our only meeting for the month. For more information, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB Tuesday, December 17 | 12:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall No book review this month, but we’d love for you to join us for a Christmas lunch! Stay tuned for our January book choice. For more information, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS *Friday, December 13 | 11:00 a.m. | Christmas Party Register for this event online. *Note, this is our only event in December. Stay tuned for our next event in January! For more information, contact Terry Loughridge at 281.297.5932 PICKLEBALL Tuesdays and Thursdays | 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. Woodforest 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. 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. SENIOR ADULT FITNESS Tuesdays and Fridays | 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Wednesdays | 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. | Woodforest Gymnasium 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. *Blue text represents events at The Woodforest Campus
Dec. 18 | 3:00 p.m. | Park Manor | 4:00 p.m. | The Village at The Waterway Dec. 20 | 10:45 a.m. | The Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church The Gathering Place PARK MANOR WORSHIP *Wednesday, December 4 | 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. *Note this worship service is once a month. CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Friday, December 6 and 20 | 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.
SUPPORT COMPUTER SUPPORT MINISTRY If you change your phone number, change your profile on each of your applications that require a password. 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 1:30 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.
DECEMBER 2019 SUNDAY 1
MONDAY 2
Friendship Class 9:30 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Bring mana items
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The Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall Senior Adult Trip Documentation Meeting 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Jones Library The Woodlands Camera Club 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
9 Lessons & Carols 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. Robb Chapel
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ARTPlay for Seniors, Christmas Greetings Workshop 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
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Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Shepherd Care Christmas Reception 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Aldersgate Hall WF Senior Adult Planning Meeting 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Woodforest Classroom
Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Macaroni Grill Friendship Class 3:00 p.m. | Jones Library Fill mana bags
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WEDNESDAY 4
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24 Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
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31 Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
THURSDAY 5
WF Senior Adult Fitness Cancelled Prime Timers 11:15 a.m. | Asbury Hall
Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Rec Center Activity Room 1 Shepherd Care Poinsettia Pick Up 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Dunnam Conference Room Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
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12Senior Adult Fitness
WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. WF Gymnasium Men’s Book Study 10:00 – 12:00 p.m. Infant Care Room
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Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Peggy’s Book Club 12:30 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
Christmas Without Them 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Robb Chapel Reception to follow in Jones Library
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Christmas Musical: A Child Changed the World 6:30 p.m. | Sanctuary
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TUESDAY
Intermediate Class 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Rec Center Activity Room 1 Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:30 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
19Senior Adult Fitness
Intermediate Class 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Rec Center Activity Room 1 Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:30 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. WF Gymnasium
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Merry Christmas! TWUMC Administrative office closed
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JANUARY
FRIDAY 6
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Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Prayer Shawl Ministry Quarterly Meeting 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Single Life Widows 11:00 a.m. | Jones Library Senior Adult Game Night 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
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14 Christmas Musical: A Child Changed the World 6:30 p.m. | Sanctuary
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Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
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Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
TWUMC Administrative office closed
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SATURDAY
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The Woodlands United Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281.297.5900 thewoodlandsumc.org
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)
A GLANCE AT NEXT MONTH (JANUARY)
LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES
Prime Timers January 8
Angel Reach There are many opportunities to serve at Angle Reach, a ministry for foster care teens who have aged out of CPS, and provide support for Kinship families. Serving opportunities range from meal planning to providing meals, administrative volunteers to job coaching and so much more. For more information on how to serve with this organization contact info@angelreach.org, or call 936.202.8498.
WF Senior Adult Fitness Kickoff January 8
Special Request: Crock-pot or casserole meals are needed on the 4th and 5th Mondays of each month for a group of 15 aged-out/homeless young adults. Please contact phyllis.bell@angelreach. org for more information on providing a meal. Christmas Miracles Join us in supporting Christmas Miracles and Angel Tree. Christmas trees will be set up outside of all worship venues with tags to purchase gifts and clothing for those in need over the upcoming holiday season. You and your family are welcome to sponsor a child or senior adult.
Prayer Shawl Quarterly Meeting January 10 Senior Adult Fitness Kickoff January 10 SAM Planning Meeting January 16
RESOURCE CORNER MEALS ON WHEELS MONTGOMERY COUNTY Meals on wheels provides home-delivered meals and rides to seniors and the disabled throughout Montgomery County. The heart of their mission is to offer seniors in need the comfort of a warm meal and a friendly face. If you or your loved one are in need of assistance, please call 936.271.2183.
Visit thewoodlandsumc.org for information about these and other church events.