The Senior Point — February 2022 by The Woodlands Methodist Church

FEBRUARY 2022 EDITION

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

THESENIORPOINT THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

GRANDPARENTING WELL

LENT

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.

Friends! Let me tell you something exciting…

Written by: Dr. Stew Grant

— Proverbs 17:6 Ogden Nash said, “When grandparents enter the door, discipline flies out the window.” There is some truth in that. As parents, we did our time with the discipline. Discipline is hard. But Grandparenting is not supposed to be about discipline necessarily. Grandparenting is a break from discipline at least in partiality. Your loving role and positive influence as a grandparent have exponential benefits to both the grandchild and your child as their parent. It is in the research. Whenever a grandparent shows their grandchild unconditional love and support, the parents are benefitting from that very special support. The support can be in the forms of safety, grace, reinforcement just to name a few. This help is crucial for a child’s development. Grandparents are often an introduction to family ties, unconditional acceptance and even community. One of the biggest mistakes in parenting is thinking you are your child’s best friend. That’s a lower relationship to the high calling of parenting. And it undermines discipline. However, Grandparents have a unique position in the development of their grandchild. You are a fact-checker and not the political kind or maybe you are. You are a source of normalcy and functionality. You are a sure guide in an unsure world to them. Some kids around puberty doubt their security and question their existence as normal or par. But those questions cease in grandma’s and grandpa’s house. Grandparents have a unique and limited window to speak truth into their grandchild’s life. So, grandparents are also much better than a best friend. In truth, there is a high calling for grandparents. The high calling of grandparenting is teacher of God’s ways! Deuteronomy 6:1-2 “Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the rules that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over, to possess it, that you may fear the Lord your God, you and your son and your son’s son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long.” Sadly, yes sadly we are in a culture that idolizes youth and youthfulness. Wisdom from elderly advice is passed over for quick wit and cleverness. A migration of marginalization is occurring as generational distinctions are emphasized in derogatory ways. ‘Millennials, X’ers, Boomers’ all have faint barely discernable lines but the labels stick and one generation does not use the other labels fondly. And if one offers another unsolicited advice then often the result is more or less resentment. How do we ‘grandparent’ well in this day and age? We continue to teach those things which are positive and good. Just like we did to their parents and it was years before they realized the lesson. We teach them about Jesus and the abundant life of faith. We emphasize the highest hierarchy of values that comes from Scripture. When you feel like it is not working, candy and money help. This is like shaking them up like a soda can and handing them back to their parents. We are not going for perfection here. Also, buy them the loudest toys you can find.

Written by: Chris McLain

My favorite season is almost here. No, it’s not the season of Spring… It’s the Christian season of Lent. This is the church season of repentance and preparation for God’s greatest work in the world, the work of salvation. This year, Ash Wednesday is March 2! This means we have work to do! Over the next month, whether you are a planner or not, I’d love to challenge you to seriously consider fasting for Lent. John Wesley said that fasting is one of the “means of grace.” It’s one of the ways we experience God’s unmerited favor. When we deny ourselves something that is either a luxury or a necessity, we start to understand our reliance on God as provider! Jehovah-Jireh is the name for God that means “The Lord provides.” As we draw nearer to God, we recognize that He really is always with us! It makes the Advent/Christmas moniker Immanuel, “God with us,” even more poignant. So, start praying today about how you can deny yourself this Lenten season. Whether it’s your morning coffee, your afternoon soap opera, or your Tuesday bridge game, we can all find a way to grow closer to God by spending more time in prayer and intentionality. Finally, as we remember those words annually spoken over us when our foreheads receive lightly oiled, crossshaped ashes from last year’s palm branches, and as we prepare to receive the comments from the folks at the lunch table next to us. Hear them again “…. From dust you have come, and to dust you shall return.”

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY FROM SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY!

NEW FOR 2022!

A new look for the New Year! We are streamlining the senior newsletter. Check out our current upcoming events. Recurring small group details will be listed on the senior adult webpage. Photos will be shared on the Senior Adult Facebook page. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TWMCsenioradults

SHEPHERD CARE Shepherd Care hosted a Christmas reception and brunch for their Lambs and family members.

Sarah Purcell and Martha Robb

Don and Carolyn Crawford

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 hybrid senior adult fitness class. Our online class via Zoom meets the same time as the face-to-face classes. Zoom Meeting ID: 735 678 773 | Password: SFIT THE GATHERING PLACE Monday, February 7 | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us for a valentine themed gathering. For more information about this group and to register contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514 WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, February 8 | 11:00 a.m. | BJ’s Restaurant BJ’s puts a spin on your favorite foods, including deep dish pizzas, salads, sandwiches, pastas, steaks, and so much more! All senior adults are welcome. Deadline for making a reservation is Monday, February 7 by noon. For more information about this group, and to make a reservation, contact Dee Megee at 281.793.6622

Barbara Green, Peggy Bailey, James and Sandra Shoelen

Jan Ritchey, Jay and Valeria Reeves, Ann Armstrong

VOW RENEWAL SERVICE Thursday, February 24 | 1:00 p.m. | Robb Chapel Join us to proclaim and reaffirm your wedding vows with family and friends once again. Rev. Joy Johnston, Pastor of Caring Ministry and Rev. Stew Grant, Pastor of Marriage and Family will officiate this special service. For more information about this event contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935. Register online.

THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS UPCOMING EVENTS PRIME TIMERS Wednesday, February 2 | 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall Laughter is good for the soul. Join us in welcoming Kristie Edge our church member and a local comedian. Kristie will speak to us on the “Funny Side of Love.” Lunch is offered for $10. Register by phone or online. For more information about this event contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935 WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB Monday, February 7 | 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join for a special presentation by returning local photographer Dave Clements. Entitled “So You Want to Shoot the Super Bowl,” the presentation will feature stories and photos from Dave’s previous assignments photographing professional football’s biggest game. We are looking forward to being together for the first time since early 2020 and invite anyone with an interest in photography, from beginner to experienced hobbyist. For more information visit thewoodlandscameraclub.org

SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, February 11 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us for a night of fun, fellowship, games, and refreshments. The cost is $1 per person. Bring a dish to share. For more information, contact Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012 or Linda Henderson at sbucker1@comcast.net SHEPHERD CARE QUARTERLY MEETING Thursday, February 17 | 2:00 p.m. | Jones Library Shepherds join us for our quarterly meeting. Our guest speaker is Margarita McCarthy with our Prayer Ministry team. If you would like to learn more about becoming a Shepherd or if you know of a church member who might benefit from this friendship ministry, contact Kay Meador at 936.321.5159 PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING Friday, February 25 | 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Crochet or knit for those in need. Join us for fellowship each month. For more information on this ministry, please contact Connie Norton at concetta44@comcast.net or 281.292.3875 PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB Tuesday, February 15 | Noon | Allen Parlor* Join us in reviewing Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict For more information about Peggy’s Book Club, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net. *Note change in meeting location. **SAVE THE DATE! Tuesday, March 15 Guest author Kathryn Lane will join us to review her book Revenge in Barcelona: A Nikki Garcia Thriller. MEN’S BOOK STUDY 2nd and 4th Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. | C217-A* This group is studying Max Lucado’s book Begin Again – Your Hope and Renewal Start Today. They are on chapter eight of twenty chapters. You are welcome to join at any time. For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232. *Note change in meeting location.

FEBRUARY 2022

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

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

30 JANUARY

1 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 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

21 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

27 Crighton Theatre Outing 2:00 p.m. | Conroe

28 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

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 Woodlands Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | BJ’s Resturant

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 | Allen Parlor

22 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

1 MARCH

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

9 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | C217-A

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 Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | C217-A

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

WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

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. | WF Classroom Shepherd Care Quarterly Meeting 2:00 p.m. | Jones Library

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 Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Ransom’s Steakhouse & Saloon

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 Vow Renewal Service 1:00 p.m. | Robb Chapel Friendship Class Manna Bag Project 1:30 p.m. | Allen Parlor

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 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall WF Movie Night 6:00 p.m. | WF Worship

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

WOODLANDS EVENTS (continued) GOLDENAIRES CHOIR Wednesdays* | 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 *Note new meeting day.

WOODFOREST CAMPUS UPCOMING EVENTS

WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH Thursday, February 10 | 11:00 a.m. | Ransom’s Steakhouse Ransom’s Steakhouse is a family-friendly restaurant that specializes in steaks and Texas favorites like Chicken Fried Steak and Mayhaw Glazed Salmon. Ransom’s is located at 300 C B Stewart Drive, Montgomery 77356. Deadline for making a reservation is Monday, February 7. For additional information please contact Ann Horton at 936.588.1663 or wyanhorton@gmail.com

PASTOR-LED LUNCHTIME STUDY WITH DR. ED ROBB FACING THE HEARTBREAKS OF LIFE: WHAT WE LEARN FROM JOB Join Dr. Ed Robb and author Jennifer Morgan for a fiveweek study on the Book of Job on Tuesdays at noon beginning February 1 - March 1 in Asbury Hall. There will also be the option to attend via Zoom. Coffee and water will be provided. Please feel free to bring your lunch. To register, visit twmc.org/discipleship or contact Lisa Blanchard at 281.297.5979 or lblanchard@twmc.org

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

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

WOODFOREST MOVIE NIGHT Friday, February 11 | 6:00 p.m. | Woodforest Worship Join us to watch Jonah, a Sight and Sound theatre production. Jonah is a prophet, and a man on the run. From whom? From God! After a series of wild adventures involving a seaport called Joppa, a huge boat, and a terrible storm, Jonah finds himself in the belly of a giant fish. But this isn’t the end. To register for this event, contact Jerry Brandt at 713.907.3606 WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB Thursday, February 17 | 1 1:30 a.m. | Woodforest Campus In February we will review The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. If you would like to read ahead, in March we will review Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067 SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, February 25 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | WF Worship Space Join us for game night! Bring a snack to share. The cost of this event is $1 per person. All adults are welcome. No registration required. For more information, contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935 CRIGHTON THEATRE AND DINNER OUTING Sunday, February 27 | 2:00 p.m. | Conroe Join us for a theatre and dinner outing. “The Drowsy Chaperone” is a musical within a comedy. Let “The Drowsy Chaperone” take you back to the Tottendale residence in 1928 - a time of excitement, passion, and of course prohibition. Cost of a theatre ticket is $19 per person. Dinner will be at Joe’s Italian restaurant in Conroe. Register online. 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.

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 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 The Woodlands Methodist Church 281.297.5900 The Church at Woodforest 281.822.8182

CONSECRATED HOLY COMMUNION ELEMENTS Caring Ministry is offering consecrated Holy Communion elements for those of you worshipping at home. Stop by the main administration office to pick up elements.