The Senior Point — February 2021 by The Woodlands Methodist Church

FEBRUARY 2021 EDITION

THE WOODLANDS UMC

POINT 20/20 Grandparents provide a crucial anchor point for their grandchildren. A grandparent’s home is often the place and relationship outside of the nuclear home where a child learns of unconditional love and acceptance. That is the place where they learn they are special to somebody other than mom and dad. It is the place of storytelling. It is a place of play and a place not to take things too seriously. It is a place where values are formed. Wisdom is shared. And just maybe a disaster is prevented when you warn that little child about the dangers of owning a Dodge or Nissan. While a place of protection and boundaries, it is not necessarily a place of discipline. After all, we did our stint of that. Why should we be the ones to deny our children the joys of discipline? This past year my wife and I became grandparents. Many here at the church told me with a wink and twinkle in their eye that life begins at grandchildren. I understand that a little bit. I hope our future grandchildren never have to learn the lessons of this past year the way we have had to learn them. But it is likely they will. The truth is that this pandemic is relatively temporary in some ways. We must be vigilant in the future for such threats, but our mission has not changed in any way. We are still to win people to Christ—especially our children and grandchildren, disciple them in faith and help those in need. By the way, you would be comforted and even proud how the staff and members of your church reached out to those less fortunate in our county this past year. We learned hard lessons last year. And we were reminded that relationships are why we live. Also, Faith and Family is the only true legacy worth having. Or perhaps it is a Faithful Family. We have yearned to be in each other’s presence, but we were cautioned with the dangers. We wanted simple things like a family meal, but fear was an unwelcome intruder. Our kids and grandkids have this fear. And fear is a bad motivator. And on both sides of this spectrum, it seems to thrive. Fear tends to rob the future of hope. God’s remedy is His love (1 Peter 5:7; 1 John 4:18). Our job is simply to follow in kind. So, while there is no amount of social media that will beat a face to face conversation or embrace from a family member, I will take a video chat over nothing. There is love to convey to our family. Not a passive head nod but a courageous declaration that we will get through this and be stronger for it. Our grandchildren need it, and our legacy demands it. Stew Grant

A MESSAGE FROM

LEE BREWER

PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS

February is an unusual month. It is the shortest month of the year and marks the end of winter in the meteorological calendar. It has many names in other countries to mark the uniqueness of the time of year in which it falls. In Old English it was known as the “cabbage month” or the “mud month.” In Poland and Ukraine, it is known as the “month of hard frost.” More appealingly, it is known in Finnish as the “month of the pearl” because of the tendency for ice to melt during the day on leaves and refreeze at night to form “pearls.” It is also well known in much of the world as “Lee’s birthday month.” (Okay, maybe not so much the last one.) Our name for the month comes from the Roman designation of Februarius from the Latin word for purification, and that fits well with the beginning of our season of Lent that starts on February 17 this year. Lent is the time that the Christian Church and people prepare for Easter. It lasts for forty days in remembrance of Jesus fasting and praying in the wilderness for forty days as he prepared for his public ministry. Therefore, in response to Jesus’ example, Christians have traditionally set aside this time as one of personal preparation to more fully live out the Christian life that Jesus gave to us through his death and resurrection at Easter. Self-denial, fasting and daily devotional studies are the ways in which much of the Church strives to follow the example of Christ during this holy season. Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent. The focus of Ash Wednesday is on our personal need for repentance. Jesus came to die upon the cross for our sins, and we are called to repent of our sins and acknowledge our need for God’s saving grace. The ashes that are marked upon our forehead remind us that our lives are fleeting and that today is the day to repent and believe. The words of Gen. 3:19 are repeated to focus our hearts and minds on the reality of our fragile existence: “for dust you are and to dust you will return.” As we enter the Lenten Season, may each of us turn our hearts and minds towards the message of the gospel and a new emphasis on living out our Christian faith. I hope that you will join us in person or online at our noon or evening service on Ash Wednesday to make this month a special one in our lives and in the Christian year. Remembering God’s grace,

WISHING YOU A HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY FROM SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY! Lee

CRAFT CIRCLE CREATING ART THAT BENEFITS TWUMC MISSIONS If you have an interest in sewing, doll-making, floral design, quilting, painting, counted cross-stitch, needlepoint or any other creative art, and would like to use your gifts to serve others, you are invited to join Craft Circle. The items created are sold with all proceeds used towards support of Global and Local Missions Ministry partners. All are welcome to participate. Woodforest Campus (resumes Thursday, January 14) 2nd & 4th Thursdays | 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. in Woodforest Gym Contact Barbara Green at 713.248.1228 for more information. The Woodlands Campus (resumes late January) Contact Diana Crawley at 832.279.5452 for more information.

PERSPECTIVES CLASS Perspective class members enjoyed a beautiful weaving by Abby Salazar while studying the book of John.

THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS UPCOMING EVENTS THE WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB February 1 | 7:00 p.m. | Via Zoom On Monday evening February 1 at 7:00, our TWUMC sponsored Camera Club is hosting Guy T Phillips from the Dallas area in another informative Zoom virtual meeting. Open to anyone interested in photography at any level (from smartphone to high-end camera), Guy T’s talk will help us prepare for taking photos at “events,” from family birthday parties and gatherings to weddings to large community and church activities. As we move through 2021, we will hopefully start gathering together a little more and want to use “the camera we have with us” to capture the excitement. For information on joining the meeting the club e-mail info@TheWoodlandsCameraClub.org PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING February 9 | 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 PASTOR LED LUNCHTIME SERIES WITH DR. LEE A. BREWER Wednesdays | Noon | Hybrid Option Join us 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

PRAYER “With all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.” — Ephesians 6:18 PRAYER MINISTRY John Wesley describes the Christian life in relation to prayer, making it his fourth mark of discipleship. Prayer is the way we create, commune, and sustain our relationship with God. Wesley viewed prayer as “the chief of these means of grace, whether in secret or with the great congregation.” We at The Woodlands United Methodist Church are a praying Church. We have Prayer Teams available in the Harvest, Loft, Traditional and Woodforest services. If you would like prayer, prayer team members are available after the Chapel and Traditional services. We would love to pray for you! In addition, if you have a heart for prayer or the gift of prayer, we would love for you to join our prayer team as well. Margarita J. McCarthy, Caring Ministry Prayer Assistant

FUTURE EVENTS *NEW* SAVE THE DATE - THE HOLY WALKAMOLIES Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning March 2 9:00 a.m. | Meet at the Recreation Center Join our spring senior adult walking club! Meredith Covell our Sports Director will lead this group. We will meet at the Rec Center for light stretching, a short devotional and a walk around the neighborhood. Tuesdays is the beginners’ group and Thursdays is our advanced group. The advanced group will cover more distance and be faster paced. Groups are limited to fifteen people per group. Bring a friend! Register online. PRIME TIMERS Meets the first Wednesday of each month Prime Timers is taking a break until March. Stay-tuned for new programming. 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 the spring. For more information, contact Linda Henderson at 936.273.3167 or Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012 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

WOODFOREST CAMPUS UPCOMING EVENTS WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH February 11 | 11:30 a.m. | Location TBD Join us for lunch! Deadline for making a reservation is Monday, February 8. Please text or call Angela Street at 281.723.6819

FUTURE EVENTS SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Fourth Friday of each month | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Woodforest Campus Worship Center This group is taking a break and will reconvene in the spring. 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 Teri Rossi at trossi@twumc.org

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, February 5 and 19 | 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 February 1 | Home project Join us in a Valentine’s card shower for our clients. For more information about this program, contact Pam Baker 832.381.4514 MEN’S BOOK STUDY February 10 and 24 | 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 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. 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 *NEW* PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB February 16 | Noon | Aldersgate Hall Let’s meet in February to discuss 1776 by David Mccullough. If you would like to read ahead, in March we will review The Ragged Edge of Night by Olivia Hawker. Bring your sack lunch and beverage to join us for a lively discussion. Men and Women are welcome. For more information about Peggy’s Book Club, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net GOLDENAIRES CHOIR This group is taking a break and will reconvene in 2021. 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 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 WOODFOREST CRAFT CIRCLE 2nd & 4th Thursday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Woodforest Gymnasium We welcome all who have creative skills or no skills to join us in sewing, knitting, painting, crafting, and holiday cheer to create beautiful works to sell at our Craft Circle Boutique! All proceeds go to our Missions Ministry. Times are flexible, bring a sack lunch or a snack! For more information contact, Barbara Green at 713.248.1228 *NEW* PICKLEBALL Mondays | 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Woodforest Gymnasium Pickleball is back! 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. Masks required when off the court. WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB February 18 | 11:30 a.m. | Woodforest Classroom Let’s meet for lunch and a book review! Join us in reviewing Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. If you would like to read ahead, in March we will review The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate. 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 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: Only charge your computer, tablet, or phone when the battery is running low on charge. Charging your device all day can reduce the battery life. If you need computer assistance or assistance with Zoom, 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 pm 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.

FEBRUARY 2021

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

SUNDAY 31 JANUARY

MONDAY 1

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. Rec Center, Activity room 1 The Woodlands Camera Club 7:00 p.m. | Zoom WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium

Happy Valentine’s Day!

15 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. Rec Center, Activity room 1 WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Prayer Shawl Ministry 2:00 p.m. via Zoom

16 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Peggy’s Book Club Noon | Aldersgate Hall

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. Rec Center, Activity room 1 WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium

TUESDAY

MARCH

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium

WEDNESDAY 3 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Pastor Led Lunchtime Series Noon | Hybrid

10 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. via Zoom Pastor Led Lunchtime Series Noon | Hybrid

17 Ash Wednesday Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Pastor Led Lunchtime Series Noon | Hybrid

24 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. via Zoom Pastor Led Lunchtime Series Noon | Hybrid

THURSDAY 4 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium

11 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium WF Lunch Bunch 11:30 a.m. | Location TBD

18 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium WF Book Club 11:30 a.m. | WF Classroom

25 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium

FRIDAY 5

SATURDAY 6

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

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

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

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

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/senior-adults 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)

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.

CREATIVE HANDS MINISTRY Thursday, February 11 | 4:00 p.m. | Craft Circle room Friday, February 12 | 9:00 a.m. | Craft Circle room We can use all skill levels to help cut, assemble, organize, iron and sew projects for people in need in our community. Sample projects include: lap blankets for senior adults in local assisted living facilities, toiletry bags for the homeless, Christmas stockings for under served children in our area, or tote bags for Human Trafficking victims. All ages are welcome! THIRD SUNDAY FOOD DRIVE Sunday, February 21 | 8:00 a.m. | Parking Lot Collect food and leave it by your car in the parking lot of the church on the third Sunday for volunteers from the Boy Scouts to pick up and deliver to local food pantry. Check out other ways to serve our community at thewoodlandsumc.org or for more information, contact Sherry Lewallen at 281.466.8627. 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 Dr. Lee A. Brewer Pastor of Caring Ministry and Senior Adult Ministry 281.297.5900 lbrewer@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 Margarita McCarthy Caring Ministry Prayer Assistant 281.822.8250 mmccarthy@twumc.org

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