DECEMBER 2020 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS UMC
POINT LIVING OUT CHRISTMAS A Message From Lee Brewer, Pastor to Senior Adults “Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel” (which being interpreted is, “God with us”). — Matthew 1:23 A long time ago, an old cobbler had a dream on Christmas Eve. The Lord appeared to him and said, “I am coming to visit you tomorrow, so look for me when I pass and I will come to be with you.” Immediately the old man awakened and began to prepare for Jesus’ visit. He gathered extra wood to make the Lord a warm fire. He brought out his finest pair of shoes as a gift. He placed the best of his simple food on the table for the Lord to eat. Then he waited at the window for the Lord to come. It was a harsh, cold winters day that the cobbler looked out on. Soon, an old street sweeper came by, shivering in the cold as he tried to sweep the blowing snow from the road. The cobbler took pity and called him in and placed the extra wood on the fire to get him warm. The old man thanked him again and again for the respite and the warmth as he went back into the cold to do his task. Later, a poor boy came limping past the cobbler’s window. The boy’s feet were wrapped only in rags. The cobbler brought him in and placed the fine leather shoes on his feet. They were a perfect fit, and the boy was no longer limping when he left. As the sun was setting, a young woman with a baby huddled in her arms struggled against the wind and snow that blustered down the road. The cobbler looked at the table set for Jesus, and thought of how he had already given away the wood and the shoes meant for the Lord. But seeing her need there was nothing he could do but respond. He called her in and fed her and her child the meal he had prepared. Her face was no longer drawn, and she was no longer shivering as she thanked him and returned to her journey. When the night came, the cobbler sadly knelt to pray. “Lord, I know why you did not come. I gave away what was meant for you. Please forgive me.” Then the voice of Jesus came saying: “Oh my child. I did come. I came as an old man needing warmth, as a boy needing shoes, and a mother and child who were hungry. For when you have done it for the least of these my children, you have done it unto me.” When Christ was born he came as Emmanuel, God with us, to show us in person the love and care of our God. The story of Christmas is God Incarnate; God made flesh. It is wonderful to enjoy the season and celebration of Christmas: the time of gifts, family, gatherings and merry festivity. Yet, we need to also follow the example of Christmas and see how we can also be the hands and feet of Christ in service to others. We can be the means of God being present in someone else’s life. Don’t forget our special opportunities for worship and service this December: Creative Christmas at the Loft: Friday, December 4 Lessons and Carols in the Sanctuary: Sunday, December 6 Night of Carols on the plaza/fairway: Sunday, December 13 Let it Snow family event at Woodforest campus: Friday, December 18 Christmas Without Them: Sunday, December 20 Children’s Live Museum/Live Nativity/Walk Through Bethlehem in Wesley Plaza: Tuesday, December 22 Our multiple Christmas Eve services: December 23 and 24 Praying that we live out Christmas even as we celebrate it, Lee
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY!
A BIG THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO SUPPORTED OUR MISSIONS PROJECTS IN OCTOBER! Through your willingness to serve we…… • Provided breakfast and dinner for the homeless through Compassion United • Put together gift bags for at-risk children at Sam Houston Elementary School • Built and stained fencing at Inspiration Ranch • Built a gazebo/picnic tables and painted exterior areas at a youth home for Angel Reach • Packed Backpack Buddy bags and Family Food Boxes for Montgomery County Food Bank • Collected food for both the Angel Reach and Interfaith Food Pantries • Built and raised walls for our newest Habitat House • Prepared meals and provided exterior repairs for the Women’s Shelter • Provided light auto maintenance for God’s Garage • Shopped for Back to School clothing for at-risk children • Created ornaments, decorated gift bags and prepared Bibles for children through Angel Tree • Prepared breakfast bags for food insecure senior adults through Meals on Wheels • Sewed toiletry bags and filled cinch sacks with essential items for the homeless • Provided legal counsel for at-risk families through Community Christian Legal Aid
Volunteering building together
Organized the donated canned foods
Working together
Serving food
UPCOMING EVENTS FUTURE EVENTS THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS *NEW* PRIME TIMERS December 2 | 11:15 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us as we welcome back Mary Margaret Mann as she presents His Majesty and The Magi. After many years of service, Ken and Joyce Nesmith have decided to retire from their job of taking reservations. You will now need to register and pay online. Cost for Prime Timers will be $10 per person. Seating will be limited to 4 per table with a maximum of 54 people. Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, please register by noon on Wednesday, November 25, 2020. For more information contact Helen Burgdorf at 281.397.3726. Register for this event at www.thewoodlandsumc.org/senior-adult SHEPHERD CARE POINSETTIA PICK UP December 3 | 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Dunnam Conference Room Shepherds pick up your poinsettias.
PASTOR LED LUNCHTIME SERIES WITH DR. LEE A. BREWER January 13 | Noon | Hybrid Option Save the date for a second installment of Dr. Brewer’s noontime study. We are continuing with a study of the specific history of the Christian faith as it developed from the early church to our current United Methodist understanding of the Christian faith and life. We are offering a hybrid option. If you would like to join Dr. Brewer in the classroom or online, please register at www.thewoodlandsumc.org/senior-adult SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Second Friday of each month | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Main Campus Aldersgate Hall This group is taking a break and will reconvene in 2021. For more information, contact Linda Henderson at 936.273.3767 or Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012
*NEW*CHRISTMAS EXPRESSIONS FOR SENIOR ADULTS PRESENTED BY ABBY SALAZAR December 7 | 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Fee: $20 includes all supplies Angels of God: We have seen God’s angels as messengers and facilitators – doing His bidding, fulfilling His plan. You are invited to join in a time of devotion and creative expression as we paint on board our own bidders of God, our own angels, inspired by the artist Ann Neilson. Registration is required for this event. Go to www.thewoodlandsumc.org/senior-adult
LUNCH BUNCH Second Tuesday of each month | 11:00 a.m. | Main Campus This group is taking a break! Stay-tuned for future gatherings! All senior adults are welcome to join us for this time of food, fun and fellowship! For more information about this group, contact Dolly Loftiss at 210.844.2062
THE WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB December 7 | 7:00 p.m. | Via Zoom Did you ever want to check out the camera club? Now is a good time to take up a new hobby! The “Learning to Shoot” SIG will be photographing Christmas lights near the Waterway again this year, and the two newest SIGs, the Canon and Nikon Mirrorless Camera groups, will still be actively focusing on learning to use their cameras. Our speaker will be Kathy Adams Clark - “A Deep Dive into Depth of Field.” The link to this Zoom meeting is always in our monthly newsletter, or you can email us for information at info@TheWoodlandsCameraClub.org
SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Second Friday of each month | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Woodforest Campus Worship Center This group is taking a break and will reconvene in 2021. 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. All senior adults are welcome! No registration required. For more information, contact Teresa Thomas at 936.648.3340
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING December 8 | 2:00 p.m. | Via Zoom Join us for virtual fellowship! Zoom details shared via email. 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 THE HOLY WALKAMOLIES AWARDS PARTY Half mile group | Tuesday, December 8 10:45 a.m. | Recreation Center One-mile group | Thursday, December 10 10:45 a.m. | Recreation Center Join us after the walk to recognize your accomplishment! CHRISTMAS WITHOUT THEM December 20 | 6:00 p.m. | Sanctuary Christmas Without Them is a service designed for those who have experienced a loss during the past year. Communion will be served.
WOODFOREST CAMPUS
*NEW* WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH December 10 | 11:30 a.m. | Rudy’s Texas Bar-B-Q Join us for a lunch at Rudy’s Texas Bar-B-Q on Hwy 105. Rudy’s offers a variety of meats cooked on a woodfired pit with oak and you’ll want to try the yummy sides. We have reserved the party room and have spots for 26 people. Deadline for placing an order is Tuesday, December 8. Please text or call Angela Street at 281.723.6819 to sign up for this event. Face masks and social distancing encouraged.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM OUR FINANCE TEAM In an effort to save trees and postage, the church is converting your monthly giving statements from paper copy to email (paper statements will still be mailed at yearend). If you would prefer to continue receiving a paper copy of your statement throughout the year, or to request giving envelopes, please let us know by emailing finance@ twumc.org or calling 281.297.5934
SMALL GROUPS Our small groups are re-opening with COVID-19 protocols in place. We hope you will join us if you feel safe. Check out our hybrid options in many groups.
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Friday, December 4 and 18 | 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor A support group for caregivers of family and friends with chronic, long term or terminal illness. Group will be led by Dr. Lee Brewer. No registration needed. THE GATHERING PLACE December 7 | 10:00 a.m. | Wesley Hall Join us for a Gathering Place Care Kit project. The theme is Home for the Holidays. For more information about this program, contact Pam Baker 832.381.4514 MEN’S BOOK STUDY *December 9 | 10:00 a.m. | Via Zoom We are studying Max Lucado’s book “Out Live Your Life.” Come join us in this discussion of the book along with a short DVD by the author. It’s not enough for you to do well. You want to do good. You want your life to matter. You want to live in such a way that the world will be glad you did. But, how can you? How can I? Can God use us? For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232. *Only one meeting this month. We will resume in January. *NEW* HYBRID SENIOR ADULT FITNESS Senior Adult Intermediate Fitness Mondays | 9:00 a.m. | Rec Center Activity Room 1 Senior Adult Basic Fitness Wednesdays and Fridays | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Woodforest Senior Adult Basic Fitness Tuesdays and Thursdays | 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Continue your health and wellness journey by joining us for a hybrid senior adult fitness class. The hybrid class will follow all CDC guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19. Please wear a mask upon entry to the building, during exercise the mask may be removed. Hand sanitizer stations will be available upon entry to the building. Bring your own equipment. Registration is required to secure a “face to face” spot. Our online class via Zoom will meet the same time as the face to face classes. Zoom Meeting ID: 735 678 773 | Password: SFIT PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB December 8 | 11:30 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us for fellowship and a box lunch. Our regular meetings will resume in January. Let’s meet in January to discuss Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. Bring your sack lunch and join in for a lively discussion. Men and Women are welcome. For more information about Peggy’s Book Club, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 GOLDENAIRES CHOIR This group is taking a break and will reconvene in 2021. The Goldenaires, is 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 SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS This group is taking a break. Stay-tuned for future activities! This group is designed to offer support and create fellowship, as we discover new ways of doing life alone. For more information, contact Terry Loughridge at 281.297.5932
WOODFOREST CAMPUS PICKLEBALL Pickleball will resume soon. Stay-tuned for more details. 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. WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB December 17 | 11:30 a.m. | Woodforest Classroom Let’s meet for lunch and a book review! Join us in reviewing How to Walk Away by Katherine Center. If you would like to read ahead next month, in January we will review Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067 *NEW* HYBRID SENIOR ADULT FITNESS Tuesdays and Thursdays | 8:30 a.m. | Woodforest Gymnasium For more information, please refer to the same listing under The Woodlands Campus.
SUPPORT SHEPHERD CARE MINISTRY Shepherd Care is our ministry of friendship for our members who are in local nursing homes, senior adult, and private residences. New Shepherds and new Lambs are always welcome. 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 Computer Tip: Reach Out. Do not be afraid to reach out and ask for help when you make the choice to learn about technology. If you need computer assistance, please call Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 ELDERRIDE MINISTRY This group is taking a break and will reconvene in 2021. 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 This group is taking a break and will reconvene in 2021. For more information contact HAPS’ at www.hapsonline.org. Parkinson’s Disease Exercise and Support Group meets Thursdays 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 2020
*Green text represents events at The Woodlands Campus and blue text represents events at the Woodforest Campus
SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER
MONDAY 30
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
1 WF Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium
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Hybrid Senior Adult 8 Fitness Intermediate Class WF Hybrid Senior Adult 9:00 a.m. Fitness Basic Class Rec Center, Activity room 1 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Gathering Place The Holy Walkamolies Awards 10:00 a.m. | Wesley Hall 10:45 a.m. | Rec Center Christmas Expressions Peggy’s Book Club for Senior Adults 11:30 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall 12:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Prayer Shawl Ministry The Woodlands Camera Club 2:00 p.m. | Zoom 7:00 p.m. | Zoom
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Lessons and Carols 5:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
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Night of Carols 6:00 p.m. | Fairway
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Christmas Without Them 6:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
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Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. Rec Center, Activity room 1
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WF Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium
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Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. Rec Center, Activity room 1
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WF Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium
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Campus Closed
WF Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium
2 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Prime Timers 11:15 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
9 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | Zoom
16 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
23 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
30 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
3 Shepherd Care Poinsettia Pick-Up 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Dunnam Conference Room WF Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium
10 WF Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium WF Lunch Bunch 11:30 a.m. Rudy’s Texas Bar-B-Q The Holy Walkamolies Awards 10:45 a.m. | Rec Center
17 WF Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium WF Book Club 11:30 a.m. | WF Classroom
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WF Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium
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Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
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Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
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Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
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WF Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium
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SATURDAY
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Merry Christmas!
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JANUARY
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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
HOW WILL YOU SERVE?
RESOURCE CORNER
“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)
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” — Galatians: 6:10
BREAKFAST IN THE PARK Saturday, December 5 | 9:15 a.m. | Lewis Park We prepare and serve breakfast to those without homes in a park located in downtown Conroe. Those preparing food will be asked to drop off their items at the Loft on Saturday morning. The food will be transported up to Conroe where it will be distributed to the homeless. We will also need five volunteers to participate in the serving. These volunteers will arrive at 9:15 a.m. Register to prepare food or to serve the food at https://www.thewoodlandsumc.org/event/1105
CARING MINISTRY We truly seek to be the body of Christ at The Woodlands United Methodist Church, and to live that out in word and deed. As a Pastoral Care team we are here for you when you may need prayer, support, counseling, or a listening ear. Please feel free and welcome to contact us.
COMPASSION UNITED MOBILE FOOD PANTRY Saturday, December 12 | 6:00 a.m. | Terry’s Table Food Pantry We are partnering with Compassion United, a homeless ministry located in Conroe, and the Montgomery County Food Bank to distribute food to at-risk families. Location address is Terry’s Table, 18856 FM 1484 Conroe, 77303. Register for this event at https://www.thewoodlandsumc.org/event/1106
Dr. Lee A. Brewer Pastor of Caring Ministry and Senior Adult Ministry 281.297.5900 lbrewer@twumc.org
Check out other ways to serve our community at thewoodlandsumc.org or for more information, contact Sherry Lewallen at 281.466.8627.
Rev. Joy Johnston Pastor of Caring Ministry and Special Needs Ministry 281.297.5900 jjohnston@twumc.org
Susan Goldsmith Caring Ministry Administrative Assistant 281.297.5953 sgoldsmith@twumc.org Teri Rossi Senior Adult Ministry Administrative Assistant 281.297-5935 trossi@twumc.org
Visit thewoodlandsumc.org for information about these and other church events.