FEBRUARY 2019 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS UMC
POINT Author Missy Buchanan to Speak at the Shepherd Care Meeting this Month!
experiences came as I helped care for my own elderly parents in their final years. Today I find fresh inspiration in the lives of older adults who graciously invite me to pull up a chair and listen to both their joys and concerns about growing old. I hope to see you on Thursday, February 14 at the Shepherd Care gathering.
Sometimes you just know when you’ve experienced a holy nudge: a stirring of your soul that moves you in a certain direction. For me, the nudge has moved me to reach out to older adults, especially those who are struggling to find purpose and who need a dose of spiritual encouragement.
Grace, Missy
As a writer and speaker, I find my inspiration in real-life situations involving older adults. Initially those
WHY MARRIAGE MATTERS The truth is that your marriage matters to God (Gen. 2:22-25; Matt. 19:6; Mark 10:9). Your marriage matters to your family and your marriage matters to the community as well. Consider the following statements from empirically supported research from the secular sciences about marriage: 1. Marriage increases the likelihood that fathers and mothers have good relationships with their children. 2. Growing up outside an intact marriage increases the likelihood that children will themselves divorce or become unwed parents. 3. Children who live with their own two married parents enjoy better physical health, on average, than do children in other family forms.
4. Marriage is associated with reduced rates of alcohol and substance abuse for both adults and teens. 5. Married people, especially married men, have longer life expectancies than do otherwise similar singles. 6. Marriage is associated with better health and lower rates of injury, illness, and disability for both men and women. Astonishingly, the social sciences have been soft on defining marriage for philosophical reasons. You probably can guess why. Marriage is not designed to simply make a couple happy and produce a family (Gary Thomas, Sacred Marriage). Marriage is designed to make us better as individuals and to be conformed in the image of Christ who is the bridegroom of the Church (John 3:2930). Your marriage matters. Dr. Stew Grant, Marriage and Family Ministries
A MESSAGE FROM
CLIFF RITTER
PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
Chocolate truffles are flying off the shelf at the local confectionery. It’s that time of year, no doubt. We take it by faith that St. Valentine is the patron Saint of love. And we make the less influential saints at Cadbury, Hershey and Hallmark very happy at this time of year. There’s so much happening around the church in February. We will host a great author and speaker, Missy Buchanan, this month at our Shepherd Care meeting. Her presentation will be open to everyone who has an interest in Wellness and Spirituality for Older Adults (that’s you and me!). If you want to go for a Sunday drive someday soon, I’d suggest going out to the Woodforest Campus over on Fish Creek Thoroughfare, just across the street from Stewart Elementary on the corner of Woodforest Parkway and Fish Creek. The new building is taking shape, and we can all be proud of the work done by Pastor Brent Parker and his staff. In addition, the new recreation center on the Woodlands Campus is also taking shape. It will be great to have all our senior adult recreation activities coordinated under one roof in the future. We recently launched our third day of senior adult exercise each week. Of course, all our classes are open to all Senior Adults. You can adapt the exercises to work with your personal fitness level. Plus, the classes are free to the participants. Finally, we are working hard to expand the Senior Point with more helpful information for our community. Thank you for being patient with us as we grow. With grace and peace, Cliff Ritter
WISHING YOU A HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! — The Woodlands UMC
FLASHBACK FROM JANUARY PERSPECTIVES CLASS
CHRISTMAS MIRACLES
Perspectives Sunday School Class wrapped up their Lessons and Carols session with the A Capella choir and Abby Salazar painting a scene on glass from Royal David’s City of Bethlehem.
Sally Moorman and Mary Lou Florian participated in our Christmas Miracles deliveries to Lamar Elementary School. A big thank you to our Seniors who donated grocery store gift cards!
A Capella Choir
Sally Moorman (left) and Mary Lou Florian (right)
Abby Salazar
Christmas Miracles boxes
SASSY SISTERS
SHEPHERD CARE CHRISTMAS RECEPTION
Dr. Robb stopped by to present our “Sassy Sisters” Judi bond, BJ Dunlap, Gin Meinhardt, Helen Burgdorf, Sue Stephenson and Dixie Jackson with a beautiful TWUMC 40th Anniversary Christmas Ornament. Dr. Robb thanked the team for the diligent work each month!
Dr. Robb and Sassy Sisters
Shepherd Care hosted a Christmas Reception for our Lambs. It was a wonderful time to be together doing the holiday season.
Cliff Ritter, Janie Slowensky, Joyce Turner, Mary Middlebrooks, Martha Robb, Jeanette Downham, Evalyn Corley and Eloise Lindahl.
CALLING ALL AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS! Are you an amateur photographer? Would you like to share a special travel or nature photo with us? Send photos to trossi@twumc.org
UPCOMING EVENTS AN AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES Friday, February 22 | 2:30 p.m. | Music Suite Join us in viewing She’s Having a Baby with Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern. This is a 1988 American romantic comedy film directed and written by John Hughes. The film portrays a young newlywed couple, Kristy and Jake Briggs played by Elizabeth McGovern and Kevin Bacon, who try to cope with married life and their parents’ expectations. No reservation is needed. For more information, contact Glenda Bailey at glendabailey@gmail.com. All senior adults are welcome. PRIME TIMERS LUNCHEON Wednesday, February 6 | 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall Join us for our monthly luncheon in Wesley Hall. Our entertainment will be Glennie Scott, well known to Houston audiences as a pianist-singer. Since the 1960’s, Glennie has performed continuously in Houston for hotels, restaurants/ piano bars, theaters, and churches. Reservations are due by noon on February 1 to Joyce and Ken Nesmith at 281.367.5519. The cost is $7 per person and checks are preferred, payable to TWUMC.
LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, February 12 | 11:00 a.m. Join us at Salt Grass Steakhouse in Shenandoah at 11:00 a.m. The address is 19533 I-45 South. Reservations are due by Monday, February 11 at noon. Call Dolly Loftiss at 210.844.2062. All senior adults are welcome. SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, February 8 | 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 SHEPHERD CARE QUARTERLY MEETING Friday, February 14 | 2:00 p.m. | Asbury Hall Join us in welcoming author and speaker Missy Buchanan! Missy is a well-known author on topics of aging and faith. Missy has appeared on Good Morning America and written multiple books on aging.
SHEPHERD CARE - A FRIENDSHIP MINISTRY The Shepherd Care program was begun as a way for our church to maintain contact with Senior Adults who are no longer able to be as active as they once were. It is a program based on friendship. The persons in the program who receive attention are called “Lambs” and the volunteers who keep in contact with them are called “Shepherds.” Currently 37 Lambs are benefitting from the friendship of 41 Shepherds. Some Shepherds work in teams or couples, and some visit several lambs. In addition to contacting the Lambs, the Shepherds are asked to attend quarterly meetings. The next meeting will be February 14 at 2:00 p.m. in Asbury Hall. Our guest speaker will be Missy Buchanan, a popular author and speaker on topics of aging and faith. The meeting is open to anyone interested. If you would like to learn more about becoming a Shepherd or if you know of a church member who might benefit from this ministry, please call Kay Meador, Chairperson, at 936.321.5159
Janie Slowensky and Jeanette Downham
First row: Norma Toth, Jeannette Lewis, Katy Ricks Second row: Bonnie Phillips, Eloise Lindahl, Charlie Lindahl
Dr. Mark Lewis and Martha Robb
Shepherd Care Volunteers
SMALL GROUPS
SUPPORT
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Friday, February 15 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.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.
HELP FOR THOSE STRUGGLING WITH DIVORCE Join our 6-week Divorce Care seminar and support group for people who are separated or divorced. We will meet on Wednesdays from January 23 – February 27 at 7:00 p.m. in Jones Library. Cost is $35. Find more information and register at thewoodlandsumc.org/divorcecare
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. All seniors are welcome. For more information, contact Ed Wandling at 281.355.0053 GRIEF SHARE Mondays, started January 21 | 7:00 p.m. | D206 Wednesdays, started January 23 | 1:00 p.m. | D206 A 13-week small group experience navigating the challenges of grief. This course explains both the spiritual and practical issues of grief and suggests specific strategies to guide you back to fullness of life. Learn how your experience of grief can be transformed into something positive. THE GATHERING PLACE Monday, February 4 | 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 Mardi Gras! MEN’S BOOK STUDY Wednesday, February 13 and 27| 10:00 a.m. | Infant Care Room Join us for a continuation of The Joy Stealers by Rob Renfroe. New members are welcome any time. For more information, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE First and Third Tuesday of each month | 7:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor A small adult support group sponsored by the United Way Agency for those who have lost someone to suicide.
COMPUTER SUPPORT MINISTRY Our computer support ministry is Free of charge! If you need computer assistance, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 ELDERRIDE 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.
SENIOR ADULT FITNESS KICK-OFF EVENT Our Senior Adult Ministry hosted a very successful Fitness Kick-off event on Friday, January 11. Cliff Ritter welcomed the group and Garrett Ritter spoke about the importance of banding together to encourage one another in community. Garrett referenced, Romans: 1:11-12 “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encourages by each other’s faith.” The group received new fitness t-shirts and enjoyed a light breakfast after their morning workout and games.
SENIOR FITNES 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. SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Friday, February 8 | Valentine’s Luncheon Friday, February 22 | Breakfast at Black Walnut For more information, contact Terry Loughridge at 281.297.5932 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. PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB Tuesday, February 19 | 12:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Bring a brown bag lunch and join us in discussing the book The Kept by James Scott. If you’d like to read ahead, next month is Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Coffee and cookies are provided. Everyone is welcome! For more information, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY: Those who love to know 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 March 8.
Fitness Kick-Off Event
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY GROUP Our Prayer Shawl Ministry group had their first quarterly meeting on Friday, January 11. Cliff visited with the group while they worked on their projects.
Cliff Ritter, JoAnn Johnson, Jennifer Weeks, Lillian McBride and Kathy Heldman
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The Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
MONDAY
SUNDAY
Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
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Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Peggy’s Book Club 12:30 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
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Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. Salt Grass Steakhouse
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TUESDAY
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Men’s Book Study 10:00 a.m. Infant Care Room
Men’s Book Study 10:00 a.m. Infant Care Room
Prime Timers Luncheon 11:15 a.m. Wesley Hall
WEDNESDAY
Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
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Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
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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. | Asbury 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
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THURSDAY
FEBRUARY 2019 Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
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MARCH
Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Afternoon at the Movies 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. Music Suite Single Life Widows Breakfast at Black Walnut
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Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Allen Parlor
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SATURDAY
Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Single Life Widows Valentine’s Luncheon Senior Adult Game Night 5:00 –7:30 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
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The Woodlands United Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281.297.5900 thewoodlandsumc.org
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A GLACE AT NEXT MONTH (MARCH) SENIOR ADULT EDUCATIONAL MEETING March 4 PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING March 8 FOR THE LOVE OF PIANO MUSIC March 15 SENIOR ADULT TRIP INFORMATIONAL MEETING March 21
RESOURCE CORNER THE WOODLANDS RECOVERY & WELLNESS The Woodlands Recovery and Wellness offers Intensive Outpatient programs helping participants find relief from the pain of living with depression and anxiety. For more information call 713.897.9989 or visit thewoodlandsrecovery.com ALL ORGANIZED Moving from the home you’ve lived in for 20+ years into a smaller home can bring many emotions. We help relieve the stress and assist you in making the tough decisions about what stays and what goes. For more information call Mary Anderson or Elizabeth Strauss at 281.460.6534
HOW WILL YOU SERVE? BACK 2 BASICS FOSTER CARE GIRLS’ GALA February 9 | Two opportunities to serve Bake and drop off a dessert or volunteer to set up, serve and clean up the dinner WOMEN’S SHELTER WORK DAY February 9 | 8:00 – Noon | Caravan from the Loft Help with various projects at the Women’s Shelter such as cooking meals, maintenance and cleaning. THIRD SUNDAY FOOD DRIVE February 17 | 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. Sign up at missions.thewoodlandsumc.org
Visit thewoodlandsumc.org for information about these and other church events.