The Senior Point — December 2021 by The Woodlands Methodist Church

DECEMBER 2021 EDITION

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

THESENIORPOINT THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

A MESSAGE FROM

LEE BREWER PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS

It was in the fourth century that the Church began officially celebrating the birth of Christ. The Feast of the Nativity was being celebrated in England in the sixth century. It wasn’t until the 12th century that the term “Christmas” was used. Christ’s mass, or a church service honoring the birth of Christ, became Christmas. December 25 was decided upon as the date for the celebration by the determination of one of the early Popes, and not because of any real knowledge of the date. At that point December 25 in the western Church became a “Holy Day,” a day set apart, when all other areas of life were to be put aside to focus on God and our own desire to be holy in the eyes of the Lord as we focused on the birth of our Christ. Over the centuries there have been many cultural traditions that have been added to what we think of as Christmas. Trees, decorations, candles, parties, food and presents are some of the wonderful things we think

about, and worry about, in the Christmas season. The family traditions, the church music, services and events, consume our thoughts, our days and plans. It is such a busy time as people prepare, travel and make purchases and arrangements. What was once a day focused on a church service has become a “Christmas season” where going to a church service is an addendum to the more important things on our schedules. A day that was focused on honoring Christ in church and in our thoughts so easily loses that focus to all the traditions that have grown up around what is now a holiday, and no longer a Holy Day. Luke 2:7 tells us: “and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in strips of cloth and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” May we remember to make room for Christ in our own Christmas: the greatest gift that anyone has ever been given. Bring the holy back into the holiday. O come, let us adore HIM!

Lee

ALL SAINTS’ REMEMBRANCE On All Saints’ Sunday, the church set aside time to remember those we loved dearly and have gone before us. We allow the memory of their faith to spur us on to a deeper worship of God and a greater faith and love in the Lord Jesus Christ. A service was held on November 7 at Grace Garden for the families that lost a loved one this year.

Merry Christmas from Senior Adult Ministry!

PRAYER MINISTRY A prayer vigil was held at St. Luke’s hospital. We were so blessed to see the twinkle in the eyes of the healthcare community as we extended Christ’s love to them. Rev. Joy Johnston led us in our prayer time. We had several on our prayer team that came to share in the prayers and Grace Ono led us in singing.

PRIME TIMERS Aaron, Ben and Eli make up the Hot Shots trio. The Hot Shots entertained us in November when they played a wide variety of music. They had us tapping our toes and singing right along with them. Bishop Bob Hayes gave a beautiful devotional.

THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS UPCOMING EVENTS PRIME TIMERS Wednesday, December 1 | 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall Celebrate the Season with Miles Pike. This will be a concert unlike any other! Miles has a five-octave range, and sings all the parts, from the lowest bass to high soprano notes. Come enjoy his talent and be encouraged by his humorous words and heartfelt message. Lunch is offered for $10 or just come to enjoy the music. Register by phone or online. For more information about this event contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935 *Note change in meeting room. GIFT CARD DRIVE We’ll be collecting $30 Walmart, Kroger or HEB grocery store gift cards. The cards will be donated to the Christmas Miracle grocery bags. Please bring your donations to Prime Timers or drop them by the main office. WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB Monday, December 6 | 7:00 p.m. | Zoom Our speaker will be well known and liked local photographer, educator and author Kathy Adams Clark. Kathy’s topic will be “Sunset to Sunrise.” Everyone and anyone are welcome, no matter what level of photography experience, to join us for this Zoom meeting! If you would like to receive the meeting link, please email us at info@TheWoodlandsCameraClub.org January will be our last Zoom meeting and we will be returning to in-person meetings in Aldersgate in February. WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH *Wednesday, December 8 | 11:00 a.m. | Eden Café Join us for homestyle cooking and fellowship at Eden Café. The restaurant is located at 33418 Egypt Ln, Magnolia 77354. All senior adults are welcome. Deadline for making a reservation is Monday, November 29 by noon. For more information about this group, contact Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 SHEPHERD CARE POINSETTIA PICK UP Thursday, December 9 | 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Foyer Shepherds pick up your poinsettia. SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, December 10 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us for a night of fun, fellowship, games, and refreshments. Our favorites are Mexican Train and Bridge. The cost is $1 per person. Bring a dish to share. For more information, contact Linda Henderson at 936.273.3167 or Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012 SHEPHERD CARE CHRISTMAS RECEPTION Monday, December 13 | 11:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Shepherds join us for our annual Christmas reception with Holy Communion for our Lambs and their family members. For more information contact Kay Meador at 832.444.8924 *PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING Friday, December 17 | 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Join us for our annual Christmas lunch and fellowship. For more information on this ministry, please contact Connie Norton at concetta44@comcast.net or 281.292.3875 *Note change in meeting day due to the holiday. CHRISTMAS WITHOUT THEM Sunday, December 19 | 6:00 p.m. | Robb Chapel Christmas Without Them is a service designed for those who have experienced a loss during the past year. Holy Communion will be served. For more information contact, Susan Goldsmith, Caring Ministry Assistant at 281.297.5353

WATCH NIGHT SERVICE Friday, December 31 | Noon | Robb Chapel The final night of the year finds many Christians reflecting on the events of the past and looking ahead with expectancy to the future. Early Methodists, led by John Wesley, would devote a night to a new covenant with our Lord, to a new commitment to witness and serve through the renewal of the Holy Spirit. This year, we will be hosting a Watch Night Service at noon in Robb Chapel on Friday, December 31 officiated by Dr. Lee Brewer. The focus will be hopeful as we reflect on God’s faithfulness, love, grace, and provision throughout the year. This is a time of renewed hope and enthusiasm as we worship God through Jesus Christ and spend time in corporate prayer, confession, and covenant renewal. The service will be live streamed and recorded to be played again on our church YouTube channel at 11:00 p.m. for those prayer warriors that are looking for a traditional midnight service. We hope you will join us as we join our hearts in worship and renewal. For more information about this service contact Margarita McCarthy, Prayer Ministry Assistant at 281.822.8250 *NEW* PICKLEBALL Tuesdays and Thursdays | 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym No pickleball on Tuesday, December 28. Join us for Pickleball! 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. No registration required. *Bring your own paddle and we’ll provide the indoor balls. For more information about this group, contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935

WOODFOREST CAMPUS UPCOMING EVENTS WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH *Thursday, December 9 | 11:00 a.m. | Citzens Grill Cafe Join us for a special Americana lunch at Citizens Grill. The restaurant is located at 315 Enclave Drive Suite 300, 77384. Deadline for making a reservation is Monday, November 29. For additional information please contact Ann Horton at 936.588.1663 or wyanhorton@gmail.com. *Note new meeting time. WOODFOREST MIDWEEK CHAPEL Wednesday, December 15 | 12:15 p.m. | Woodforest Chapel Midweek worship was a part of church life for many of us growing up. Here is a time we can lift our voices in familiar songs and keep our week focused on the Lord. Join us for this special time. SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT We are taking a break in December. See you next month! Join us for game night! Let’s play Mexican Train, Hand and Foot, Farkle, and 42 together! Bring a snack or a dessert to share! The cost for this event is $1 per person. All senior adults are welcome! No registration required. For more information, contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935

SMALL GROUPS

SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Check the twmc.org website for the most current activities. For more information, contact Terry Loughridge at 281.297.5932

THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Friday, December 3 | 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 Dr. Lee Brewer. No registration needed. THE GATHERING PLACE Monday, December 6 | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall The theme for December is Christmas Celebration. The Gathering Place ministry is an ecumenical ministry for adults who have been diagnosed with early to moderate dementia. This ministry is provided in partnership through the Care Partners organization. For more information about The Gathering Place, contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514 MEN’S BOOK STUDY *Wednesday, December 8 | 10:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall B We are studying Max Lucado’s book Begin Again: Your Hope and Renewal Start Today. Come join us in this discussion of the book along with a short DVD by the author. Take the next step toward hope and renewal. All men are welcome. For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 *No meeting on November 24. 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. Equipment will be sanitized between classes. 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 Tuesday, December 21 | Noon | Aldersgate Hall Join us this month for our annual Christmas party. For more information about Peggy’s Book Club, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net GOLDENAIRES CHOIR Tuesdays | 2:30 p.m. | Choir room 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

WOODFOREST CAMPUS

*NEW*WOODFOREST CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Monday, December 6 | 10:00 a.m. | Classroom A support group for caregivers of family and friends with chronic, long term or terminal illness. Group is led by Angela Street. No registration needed. WOODFOREST CRAFT CIRCLE 2nd and 4th Thursday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Woodforest Gymnasium We are taking a break in December. See you next month. For more information contact, Barbara Green at 713.248.1228. PICKLEBALL *Mondays and Fridays | 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Woodforest Gymnasium Join us for Pickleball! Pickleball is a paddle sport created for all ages and skill levels. 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. *No pickleball on Monday, December 27. WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB Thursday, December 16 | 11:30 a.m. | Woodforest Campus Join us for a Christmas party and discuss our book choices for next year. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067 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. Please note the Woodforest class is a face-to-face class only.

SUPPORT COMPUTER SUPPORT MINISTRY Computer Tip: Seniors are often targeted for financial abuse; it is important to keep your online information safe. Guard your personal information. Be wary of unrealistic offers. If you need computer assistance or assistance with Zoom, please call Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 ELDERRIDE MINISTRY Our ElderRide team is ready to take you to your medical appointments. 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 281.796.7447 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.

Monday, December 6

10:30 a.m.

TWMC Gathering Place

Wednesday, December 8

10:00 a.m.

Park Manor, The Woodlands

Wednesday, December 8

10:45 a.m.

Reunion Court of The Woodlands

Thursday, December 9

10:00 a.m.

The Village at The Waterway

Tuesday, December 14

10:00 a.m.

Bridgewood Farms

Wednesday, December 15

9:30 a.m.

The Conservatory

Wednesday, December 15

10:30 a.m.

Auberge

Thursday, December 16

10:00 a.m.

The Forum

Thursday, December 16

10:30 a.m.

Regent Care

Thursday, December 17

10:30 a.m.

Copperwood Apartments

DECEMBER 2021

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

*Green text represents events at The Woodlands Campus and blue text represents events at the Woodforest Campus

SUNDAY 28 NOVEMBER

MONDAY 29

TUESDAY 30

WEDNESDAY 1 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Prime Timers 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall

Christmas Without Them 6:00 p.m. | Robb Chapel

WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Rec Center Room 1 Shepherd Care Christmas Reception 11:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym Manna Bag Project 2:00 p.m. | Jones Library

WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Rec Center Room 1

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Midweek Chapel 12:15 p.m. | Woodforest Worship

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym Peggy’s Book Club Noon | Aldersgate Hall

TWMC Closed

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall B Woodlands Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Eden Café

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

TWMC Closed

THURSDAY 2

FRIDAY 3

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym Parkinson’s Support Group 1:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

SATURDAY 4

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Single Life Widows Check Website

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. | Woodlands Gym WF Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Citizens Grill Parkinson’s Support Group 1:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall SC Poinsettia Pick Up 3:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Foyer

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym WF Book Club 11:30 a.m. | Woodforest Campus Parkinson’s Support Group 1:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Prayer Shawl Ministry 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Single Life Widows Check Website

WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Senior Adult Game Night 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym

Merry Christmas

31 Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym

Watch Night Noon | Robb Chapel

CAMPUS MAPS

ABOUT OUR MINISTRY THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

2200 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands, TX 77380

The Senior Adult Ministry at The Woodlands Methodist Church is a vital part of our church, with new and expanding opportunities for involvement.

Find more information at twmc.org/senior-adults Contact us at 281.297.5935 or seniors@twmc.org Like us on Facebook

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

CONROE

The Woodlands Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380

WOODFOREST CAMPUS THE CHURCH AT WOODFOREST

105 2854

700 Fish Creek Thoroughfare Montgomery, TX 77316

I-45

1488

CONSECRATED HOLY COMMUNION ELEMENTS

RESOURCE CORNER CONGREGATIONAL CARE Congregational Care is a priority for our pastors. If you or someone you know is hospitalized, in rehabilitation or in hospice care – local or in the Texas Medical Center – we would love to send a pastor or a Caring Ministry volunteer to visit and pray with you and your family. Rev. Joy Johnston Pastor of Caring Ministry and Special Needs Ministry 281.297.5900 jjohnston@twmc.org Dr. Lee A. Brewer Pastor of Caring Ministry and Senior Adult Ministry 281.297.5900 lbrewer@twmc.org

Caring Ministry is offering consecrated Holy Communion elements for those of you worshiping at home. Stop by the main administration office to pick up elements. SUNDAY CHRYSOSTOM CHAPEL PRAYER Prayer is the truest form of worship. As one of our Methodist Hymns express, “Prayer is the soul’s simplest desire, unuttered or expressed, the motion of a hidden fire that trembles in the breast” (Hymn #492). If you have this desire to pray, you are welcome to join us in Chrysostom Chapel on Sunday mornings from 8:00 to 8:20 a.m. as we join our hearts in faith and follow Christ to pray for our pastors and our church family.

Susan Goldsmith Caring Ministry Administrative Assistant 281.297.5953 sgoldsmith@twmc.org Teri Rossi Senior Adult Ministry Administrative Assistant 281.297.5935 trossi@twmc.org Margarita McCarthy Caring Ministry Prayer Assistant 281.822.8250 mmccarthy@twmc.org

Visit twmc.org for information about these and other church events.