THE WOODLANDS UMC
MARCH 2019 EDITION
POINT THE GATHERING PLACE
A MESSAGE FROM
Thank you to our Gathering Place volunteers! This group puts in endless numbers of hours to make sure our Gathering Place participants are well cared for and loved!
PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
CLIFF RITTER
Spring comes early around here! There are so many signs of new life around us. It is a wonder for each of us to behold. Spring is a time of celebration and renewal.
First row: Elizabeth Berry, JoAnn Johnson, Carla Burchard, Wanda Obrien, Jean Abernathy, Linda Mercer, and Dee Hansen Second row: Art Burchard, Rosalind Gosney, Charles Berry, Natalie Benson, Katelin Warren, Jane Fuller, Betty Rae Barney, Nedra Brandt, Cindy Hoffman, Pam Baker, Connie Norton, and Jerry Barney Third row: Chuck Abernathy, Robert Obrien, Charles Lindahl, Morris Davidson, Berry Wertz, Ken Ellis, Susan Fronk, Ted Hoffman, Sharon Reimer, Priscilla May, Valerie Ellis, Jan Cissna, and Jerry Brandt
Kimberly Constant, Connecting Ministry and Outreach As Pastor of Connecting Ministry and Outreach, I call myself the “cruise ship director” of our vibrant and active church community. Working alongside Connecting Ministry Assistant Michelle DeCantillon, we make it our goal to connect with our first-time visitors, frequent attenders, and new members to answer their questions about the church and help them get plugged into the life of our congregation. Every week, I reach out to first time visitors who have attended either Harvest or Traditional worship services. I also follow up with a handwritten note card to those who have visited three times, and again to those who have visited ten times. The goal is to convert visitors to members so that we can continue to grow our wonderful church with committed followers of Christ. In addition, we host several informational gatherings. Two of those are beneficial to all our church members, even those who have been here since the beginning! “Starting Point,” which is held three times a year, provides information about the newest programs, mission opportunities, small groups, and Bible studies. This is a great meeting to attend if you are interested in trying something new or learning about the latest offerings. We’ve also begun hosting monthly “Coffee with the Pastor” gatherings, an informal question and answer session and chance to get to know our pastors a little better. Perhaps I am a little biased, but I like to say that I have the best job in the entire church. I love meeting new people and helping to make our big church feel like a family! Kimberly Constant, Connecting Ministry and Outreach
Before the first full week of March is over, we will find ourselves on the threshold of the Lenten Season. Ash Wednesday is March 6th this year. It is one of my favorite worship services in the Christian calendar. Ash Wednesday derives its name from the placing of repentance ashes on the foreheads of participants to either the words “Repent and believe in the Gospel” or the classic reminder, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” It begins the season of reflection and introspection. I hope you will join us for all the planned activities in the Lenten Season. Our Senior Adults will be busy, as usual, in the coming month. We will be signing up volunteers for our prayer team that will support the Good Friday Service at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. You may remember the days when we celebrated Easter at the Pavilion. This year we will host the Good Friday worship event. There will be many opportunities for volunteers, but I especially want our Senior Adults to consider praying with our friends and neighbors upon request. We will announce training events to be scheduled in the weeks leading up to Easter. We will get a nifty tee-shirt to wear that evening to help identify us as members of our prayer team. We will be doing God’s work as we serve others. I hope you will join me in this community outreach. Watch the Sunday bulletins for more details. God has been so gracious to us! There is no day better than today to share the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Tell a friend, share with a neighbor, that Jesus loves them! With grace and peace, Cliff Ritter
FLASHBACK PHOTOS SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Perspectives Class members volunteered to provide lunch for the Habitat for Humanity workers in Conroe on Saturday, January 19. The best part was getting to meet the homeowner, Cynthia, who was putting sweat equity into her new home. Thanks to all who volunteered to make this Mission activity a success.
Our Single Life Widows group enjoyed a lovely salad luncheon at Kathy Wynns’ home in January!
Perspectives Class volunteers for Habitat for Humanity
Sherry Ortiz, Linda Dugas-Katen and Faye Dillon
PRIME TIMERS Pianist and signer Glennie Scott performed Love songs at our Prime Timers luncheon on February 6.
Carolyn Lentz, Kathy Wynns, Faye Dillon, and Diane Thibodeaux Glennie Scott
Judy Bridges, Terri Wilson, Carolyn Lentz, and Diane Thibodeaux
Lelah Feeley, Dee Morgan, Cindy Wood, and Sandy Ramsey
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
GOOD FRIDAY WITH BOB GOFF CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS FOR GOOD FRIDAY! If you’d like to volunteer at our Good Friday service on April 19 at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Shift times TBD. Please send your contact information to Teri Rossi at trossi@twumc.org
UPCOMING EVENTS AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES Friday, March 29 | 2:30 p.m. | Music Suite Join us in viewing: Patriot Games. Patriot Games is a 1992 American spy thriller film directed by Phillip Noyce and based on Tom Clancy’s novel of the same name. It is a sequel to the 1990 film The Hunt for Red October, but with different actors in the leading roles, Harrison Ford starring as Jack Ryan and Anne Archer as his wife. James Earl Jones is the lone holdover, reprising his role as Admiral James Greer. No reservation is needed. For more information, contact Glenda Bailey at glendabailey@gmail.com. All senior adults are welcome. ARTPLAY FOR SENIORS OFFERED BY ABBY SALAZAR Four Fridays in March beginning March 1 1:00 – 2:30 p.m | Loft Craft Circle Room Art, they say, is the expression or application of human creativity and imagination. ARTPlay is an art class designed for Seniors in the TWUMC community, who would appreciate a fun, clever, and judgement free zone to stretch their creative/ artistic muscles. This will be an opportunity to have a good time with like-minded creatives. No experience is necessary just come expecting to have a good time. ARTPlay participants will meet once a week for four weeks. Class fee is $50.00 for all four sessions (all supplies will be provided). WEEK 1: LEGACY: Cave Art WEEK 2: The Meaning of Color WEEK 3: Spinning a Yarn WEEK 4: Through the Looking Glass
LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, March 12 | 11:00 a.m. Join us at The Olive Oil Greek Restaurant located at 373 Sawdust Rd, just off I-45 Southbound. Greek, as well as American foods, are served at this long-standing family run restaurant. Reservations are due by Monday, March 11 at noon. Call Dolly Loftiss at 210.844.2062. All senior adults are welcome. PRIME TIMERS LUNCHEON NEW TIME! Wednesday, March 6 | 11:15 a.m. | Asbury Hall Join us for our monthly luncheon in Asbury Hall (note the change in rooms due to construction). We welcome back The Heart-Lites, a group of dedicated women who enjoy singing for various community events. Reservations are due by noon on March 1 to Ken and Joyce Nesmith at 281.367.5519. The cost is $7 per person and checks are preferred, payable to TWUMC. SENIOR ADULT EDUCATIONAL MEETING Monday, March 4 | 2:00 p.m. | Jones Library We hope you’ll join us for our “State of the Economy” presentation. Our speaker is Jim Downham with J.P. MorganChase Bank. All senior adults are welcome. SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, March 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
FOR THE LOVE OF PIANO MUSIC: Friday, March 15 | 1:30 -3:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us as we praise God “For the Love of Piano Music.” St. Patrick’s Day will be the theme as we gather together. Everyone is welcome! For details, call Mary Perry 281.543.5881
BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT Somehow, I thought I was different! After retirement, my plan was to reinvent myself. I began scheduling activities intended to prolong the aging process, improve health, and stimulate the mind. Despite all my efforts though, something was out of control. My body began changing without my permission! Something was missing! The exercise program for seniors has changed my life dramatically! I am receiving and reaching out in new relationships. The instructors are so knowledgeable about exercises appropriate for seniors. Everyone is accepted regardless of ability or level of expertise! I am improving in strength and physical agility, intellectually and spiritually! Physically, I can now go up and down stairs without hesitation, lift dishes to a high shelf, reach down to tie my shoes, carry groceries, flower pots and packages from the car into the house. Intellectually, I am learning to make aging my friend, and how to strengthen that relationship. Spiritually, I am at peace embraced by a loving God and His people. Lorraine Pratt
SMALL GROUPS CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP NEW TIME! Friday, March 1 and 15 | 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. GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN GROUP Wednesday, March 20 | 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Allen Parlor Come and join us on the third Wednesday of each month, starting on March 20. This will be our first meeting, so we can plan, share and get to know each other as we travel this journey together. Come join us! Group will be led by Lois Crowley. For more information, contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935
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 THE GATHERING PLACE Monday, March 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 Dogs of our Lives! MEN’S BOOK STUDY Wednesday, March 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 SENIOR FITNESS 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. 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.
SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY TRIPS The Senior Adult Ministry will be offering two trips in 2019. The first will be Santa Fe in May (May 15 – 18, 2019) and the second Canadian Rockies via Rail (July 20 – 27, 2019). For additional information or to sign up, please contact Helen Burgdorf at home 281.397.3726 or cell 713.822.5728. Seating is limited for both trips. SANTA FE IN MAY May 15 – 18, 2019 Flying into Albuquerque, we will continue our trip via motor coach to Santa Fe going by way of the Turquoise Trail and stopping in an artist community of Madrid. The next day we take a walking tour to see the State Capitol Building, stroll the Old Santa Fe Trail past the San Miguel Mission and see the Loretto Chapel Museum (the Miraculous Staircase). We will drive to Chimayo to see El Santuario de Chimayo, a little church built in 1816 and believed to have healing powers. Friday will be a free day in Santa Fe with multi museum passes for the New Mexico Art Museum, New Mexico History Museum, International Folk Art Museum and the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture. All museum passes are included in the price of the trip. Meals included are 3 breakfasts at the hotel, 1 lunch and 2 dinners. Airfare is also included in price. Cost of the trip per person: Double occupancy: $1,165 Single occupancy: $1,425 CANADIAN ROCKIES VIA RAIL July 20 – 27, 2019 For additional information or to sign up, please contact Helen Burgdorf.
PARK MANOR Once a week our members and clergy join the residents at Park Manor for a time of worship and fellowship.
PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB Tuesday, March 19 | 12:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Bring a brown bag lunch and join us in discussing the book Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. If you’d like to read ahead, next month is Charm of Revenge by Ron Secret. 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 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. Next gathering is March 8. SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Wednesday, March 6 | Ash Wednesday service Friday, March 8 | Field Trip to Houston Zoo Friday, March 22| Rob Renfroe speaks on book, Joy Stealers For more information, contact Terry Loughridge at 281.297.5932
L to R: Ken Nesmith, Rev. Cliff Ritter, Joyce Nesmith, Karen Freeman, Harold Kerr, Mary Kerr, Barbara Fulmer and Richard Fulmer.
PARK MANOR WEEKLY WORSHIP Wednesdays | 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.
MARCH 2019 SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY
MONDAY 25
TUESDAY 26
WEDNESDAY 27
THURSDAY 28
FRIDAY 1 Senior Adult Fitness
SATURDAY 2
8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor ARTPlay for Seniors 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Loft Craft Circle room
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4 The Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall Senior Adult Educational Meeting 2:00 p.m. Jones Library
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11
5
6 Prime Timers Luncheon 11:15 a.m. Asbury 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 Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. The Olive Oil Greek Restaurant
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19 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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26 Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.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
14 Men’s Book Study 10:00 a.m. Infant Care Room
20
Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
21
NEW! Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Allen Parlor
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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
28 Men’s Book Study 10:00 a.m. Infant Care Room
Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Prayer Shawl Quarterly Meeting 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor ARTPlay for Seniors 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Loft Craft Circle Room Single Life Widows Houston Zoo Senior Adult Game Night 5:00 –7:30 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
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9
15Senior Adult Fitness
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8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor For the Love of Piano Music 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall ARTPlay for Seniors 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Loft Craft Circle Room
29ARTPlay for Seniors
1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Loft Craft Circle Room Afternoon at the Movies 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. Music Suite Single Life Widows Rob Renfroe, Guest Speaker
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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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HOW WILL YOU SERVE?
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE April 19 | The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
BREAKFAST IN THE PARK Saturday, March 9 Lewis Park in Conroe Provide and serve breakfast to the homeless community in Conroe. Set up, serve meals and clean up.
SHEPHERD CARE EASTER LILY PICK-UP April TBD
RESOURCE CORNER HARVARD MEN’S HEALTH WATCH Let the doctors and researchers at the Harvard Medical School show you the way to a longer, healthier, happier life! Each month you’ll be briefed on the latest health research and advances that will affect and improve your health. HARVARD WOMEN’S HEALTH WATCH Harvard Women’s Health watch focuses on health from a woman’s perspective. New prevention strategies, new diagnostic techniques, new medications and treatments. From heart disease in women to breast cancer, from diet and nutrition to vitamins and supplements from hormone therapy to exercise and strength training. For more information on these newsletters go to: www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/ General subscription inquires: mail to hhp_info@health.harvard.edu or call 877.649.9457
CONROE HOUSE OF PRAYER Saturday, March 23 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. | CHOP Help to prepare and serve dinner for 60 people from the Conroe homeless community. This is a family-friendly event. CREATIVE HANDS SEWING Thursday, March 14 | 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. Loft Craft Circle Room Friday, March 15 | 9:00 – Noon Loft Craft Circle Room Gather to work on small projects! We can use all skill levels to help cut, assemble, organize, iron and sew projects ranging from blankets for the homeless to tote bags for Human Trafficking victims. Sign up at missions.thewoodlandsumc.org
Visit thewoodlandsumc.org for information about these and other church events.