The Senior Point — January 2020 by The Woodlands Methodist Church

JANUARY 2020 EDITION

THE WOODLANDS UMC

POINT WHAT’S THE ONE THING? There’s a great line in the movie City Slickers starring Billy Crystal and Jack Palance. In the movie, a grumpy old cowboy named Curly tells Crystal’s character that the meaning of life is found in just one thing. “You stick to that, and the rest don’t matter.” There’s a pause in the dialogue and Crystal asks, “Whats the one thing?” Curly’s response? “You’ll just have to figure that out for yourself.” As a new year begins, so does the list of New Year’s resolutions. Truth be told, there are many things we may hope to achieve in the year ahead but, perhaps, one thing is essential. So what is that one thing? Interesting that Paul uses the phrase, “one thing” to the church of Philippi. Specifically, Paul says, “One thing I do: forgetting what’s behind and straining towards what’s ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14) For Paul, the one thing that was necessary in his life was this: not being held by the past but, instead, keeping God’s calling at the forefront of his life and pressing on. I must add, growing up in a little Baptist Church as a kid, I can still hear the words to this little hymn being sung by my grandmother, “The world behind me, the cross before me, no turning back, no turning back.” That’s good wisdom, right? That was Paul’s one thing. However, have you stopped to search out other passages of the “one thing” that’s found in God’s Word? Take a look. Here’s a few more. For David, the one thing was worship. One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. (Psalm 27:4) When the rich, young ruler thought his identity was in his stuff, Jesus replied, “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21) To the blind man being questioned about Jesus healing him on the sabbath, his response was this: Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see! (John 9:25) To Martha busy cleaning and working in the house while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, Jesus had these words to say: But few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:42) To the apostle Peter, what mattered was this: But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. (2 Peter 3:8) I love the wisdom found in God’s Word. To worship at the feet of the Lord, to make Him a priority in our lives, to tell what He has done, to keep our eyes focused on Christ’s return? Is there nothing more important? As the new year unfolds before us, may we ALL do the one thing well.

A MESSAGE FROM

CLIFF RITTER

PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS

Last year at this time we prayed for courage, humility and gratitude for the New Year! This year I want to echo those virtues and add one more: Unity! I believe we are part of a community of faith that honors the gifts and graces of all who choose to enter God’s “gates with thanksgiving and courts with praise!” As Psalm 100 says, “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Each one of us carries a treasure within. We are made in the image of God for the purposes of God. The Apostle Paul said, “God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be…As it is, there are many parts, but one body.” (1 Corinthians 12:18-19) We are drawn together in a divine unity of body, mind and spirit. As a reminder, Paul writes, “Those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor…there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” (1 Corinthians 12:22,25) We are all indispensable and deserving of special honor! The best part of our Senior Adult Ministry here at TWUMC is that we sincerely demonstrate an equal measure of concern for each other. From our freshman Seniors (55+) to our more seasoned, senior Seniors (85+) we share the extraordinary privilege of serving Christ together. You are known by reputation as a warm, gracious and accepting group of people where everyone is welcome. Thanks for being the hands and feet of Christ for our guests and for one another. As an aside, just in case you were looking for an update: Our blueberries are scheduled for planting just after the first of the year. Pray for good weather! May God grant us Unity, Peace and lasting Good Health in the New Year! Grace to You!

In Jesus’ name,

Mark Sorensen

Cliff Ritter

LUNCH BUNCH Lunch Bunch gathered at The Longhorn Steakhouse in November!

Main Campus Lunch Bunch Group

SHEPHERD CARE APPRECIATION LUNCHEON In November, Senior Adult Ministry hosted an appreciation luncheon for our Shepherd Care volunteers. Forty-two Shepherds were in attendance. Our guest speaker was Rev. Jim Crawford, Chaplin in Residence for The Village at The Woodlands Waterway. We had a wonderful meal and time of fellowship.

Shepherds enjoyed a wonderful meal!

Shepherd Group

SHEPHERD CARE CHRISTMAS RECEPTION Our Shepherd Care Ministry hosted a service of Holy Communion and a Christmas Reception for our Lambs and their families. David McKenery, with The Woodlands UMC Music Ministry, played the piano and led us in Christmas hymns, and Rev. Cliff Ritter gave a beautiful devotional based on the Christmas story in Luke 2:1-20.

Rev. Cliff Ritter

Valeria & Jay Reeves

Dennis Anderson & Evalyn Corely

Martha Robb & Carolyn Townley

Shirley Dorr

Rev. Cliff Ritter & Bonnie Phillips

Jan Owens & Rosemary Foster

PRACTIQUEMOS – LET’S PRACTICE SPANISH First and Third Mondays beginning Monday, February 3 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | Jones Library Let’s have some fun practicing Spanish with native Spanish speakers! This is a six-week session. Join Gloria Toro and MariCarmen Osawa in practicing basic Spanish. We’ll cover topics such as family, travel and Spanish phrases to convey specific ideas or instruction to a housekeeper or a gardener. No registration is required. Some knowledge of Spanish is preferred.

UPCOMING EVENTS THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS PRIME TIMERS LUNCHEON *Wednesday, January 8 | 11:15 a.m. | Asbury Hall Join us in welcoming back Holly Steinke from The Woodlands Township and members of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office as they talk about Scams and How to Avoid Becoming a Victim. Cost is $7 per person. *This is a special meeting date due to the holiday falling on the first Wednesday of the month. Reservations are due by noon on on Friday, January 3, 2020 to Ken and Joyce Nesmith at 281.367.5519 SENIOR ADULT FITNESS KICK-OFF Wednesday, January 10 | 8:15 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Is it FIT you’re looking for? Join us for our 2020 Senior Adult Fitness New Year kick-off event! This special event will be held at both campus locations. We’ll have a short work-out session, refreshments and raffle prizes. Our guest speaker is Julie A. Pauls, PHD, PT, President of Atlas Posture, Inc. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn how to align your body for the perfect posture. No registration is required. PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Friday, January 10 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Join us for our quarterly meeting! For more information on this ministry, please contact Connie Norton at concetta44@ comcast.net or 281.292.3875 SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, January 10 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us for a night of fun, fellowship, games and light refreshments. Our favorites are Mexican Train and Bridge, but we also offer Bunco, Parcheesi and Backgammon! 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 Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012

LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, January 14 | 11:00 a.m. | Main Campus Join us at The Red Phoenix Hunan Restaurant. The restaurant is located at 3091 College Park Dr. #170, Conroe, TX 77384. All senior adults are welcome to join us for this time of Food, Fun and Fellowship! Reservations are due by NOON on Monday, January 13 by calling Dolly Loftiss at 210.844.2062 SENIOR ADULT PLANNING MEETING Thursday, January 16 | 2:00 p.m. | Jones Library Join us in planning our 2020 senior adult activities! All senior adults are welcome!

WOODFOREST CAMPUS SENIOR ADULT FITNESS KICK-OFF Wednesday, January 8 | 8:15 a.m. | Woodforest Gymnasium For more information, please refer to the same listing under The Woodlands Campus. SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, January 10 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Woodforest Campus Join us for our first Senior Adult Game Night in Woodforest! Let’s play Mexican Train together. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to play, we’ll teach you. The cost for this event is $1 per person to help pay for refreshments. All senior adults are welcome. No registration required. For more information, contact Teresa Thomas at 936.648.3340 LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, January 14 | 10:45 a.m. | Woodforest Campus Join us for our first Woodforest Senior Adult Lunch Bunch gathering! We’ll be carpooling from the Woodforest Church parking lot and headed to the Hodge Podge Lodge at 300 Prairie St. in downtown Montgomery. All senior adults are welcome. Reservations are due by NOON on Friday, January 10 by calling Ann Horton at 936.588.1663 or email wyanhorton@ gmail.com WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB Thursday, January 16 | 12:30 p.m. | Woodforest Classroom Join us for our first book club meeting! Bring your sack lunch and let’s discuss our book choices. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067

CRAFT CIRCLE CELEBRATES A 40-YEAR ANNIVERSARY! The craft circle started with a small group of ten to twelve women and has grown to two hundred forty-five women on the roster! The group began with a minimal selection of handicrafts and small boutique items such as homemade jellies and cookies. They contributed supplies and brought their personal sewing machines to work on projects. Today, our craft circle has nine different project teams that create beautiful works of art, such as needlepoint, quilts, painted artwork and sculpture. This year the Woodforest Campus has joined the team and contributed generously to missions. Craft Circle has raised over 3.5 million dollars for missions. Thank you to the Craft Circle leadership team and all the volunteers that work tirelessly year after year. Congratulations on the 40-year anniversary! If you are interested in joining our craft circle team, our project year will begin on January 21, 2020. We meet every Tuesday, from January through December from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. We hope you’ll join us!

Member, Eula Malson, founded Craft Circle in 1980!

Craft Circle Boutique

SMALL GROUPS THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS GOLDENAIRES CHOIR Goldenaires and The Woodlands United Methodist Children’s choir performed at the December Prime Timers gathering!

PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB Tuesday, January 21 | 12:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Stay tuned for our 2020 book choices! Bring your sack lunch and join us for our monthly book review. For more information about this group, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 PARK MANOR WORSHIP *There is no worship service scheduled for January We’ll see you next month! 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. *Note this worship service is once a month. SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Friday, January 10 | 11:00 a.m. | Asbury Hall Friday, January 24 | 11:00 a.m. | Jones Library This group is designed to offer support and create fellowship, as we discover new ways of doing life alone. We hope you’ll join us on January 10 for a movie and fellowship and on January 24 for a book discussion with Rob Renfroe! Register for these events online. For more information, contact Terry Loughridge at 281.297.5932

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. For more information, contact Ed Wandling at 281.355.0053 CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Friday, January 3 and 17 | 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 and Michelle DeCantillon. THE WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB Monday, January 6 | 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us for our monthly meeting and fellowship. We welcome all ages and all skill levels! For more information, contact Jean Drummond at 281.467.8817 or thewoodlandscameraclub.org THE GATHERING PLACE Monday, January 6 | 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. We hope you’ll join us at the Gathering Place! The theme for this month is “Snow Fun.” For more information about this program, contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514 MEN’S BOOK STUDY Wednesday, January 8 and 22 | 10:00 a.m. Infant Courtesy Room D105 The Men’s Book Study is working through a study of The Wesleyan Way by Bishop Scott Jones. In this exciting and inspiring study, Bishop Jones helps seekers and believers to envision and practice discipleship as a way of life. Presenting Christianity from a Wesleyan perspective, he invites participants into a deeper, more thoughtful, more active commitment to Christ. For more information, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 SENIOR ADULT FITNESS Tuesdays and Fridays | 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall SENIOR ADULT FITNESS INTERMEDIATE CLASS Thursdays | 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. | Rec Center Activity Room 1 Join us for muscle toning, strength training and stretching using hand weights, tubes and chairs. Segments include warmup, strength training, stretching and cool-down. Modifications can be made for any fitness level. MENS (OVER 55) PICK-UP BASKETBALL Thursdays | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Gymnasium Join us for pick-up basketball, friendly competition and great exercise! No registration required.

SINGLE SIXTY-SOMETHINGS Tuesdays | 6:30 p.m. | Room D207 This group consists of men and women eager to grow! We meet every Tuesday to grow spiritually through studying great books and enjoying lively discussions. We get together socially once a month which allows us time to learn more about each other. Watch the calendar for our scheduled events.

WOODFOREST CAMPUS PICKLEBALL Tuesdays and Thursdays | 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. Woodforest Gymnasium Join us for Pickleball! 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. SENIOR ADULT FITNESS Wednesdays | 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. | Woodforest Gymnasium

SUPPORT COMPUTER SUPPORT MINISTRY If you need computer assistance, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 SHEPHERD CARE Shepherd Care is our ministry of friendship for our members who are in local nursing homes, senior adult residences and private residences. New shepherds and new lambs are always welcome. If you know if someone in need of companionship or if you would like to volunteer to be a Shepherd, please contact Kay Meador at 936.321.5159 ELDERRIDE 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. 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 1:30 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.

JANUARY 2020

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

SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER

MONDAY 30

TUESDAY 31

WEDNESDAY 1

THURSDAY 2

TWUMC Administrative office closed

5 Friendship Class 9:30 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Bring Mana items

7 The Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall The Woodlands Camera Club 7:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall

8 WF Senior Adult Fitness 9 Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. WF Gymnasium Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall

Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Friendship Class 3:00 p.m. | Jones Library Fill mana bags Lunch Bunch (Woodlands) The Red Phoenix Hunan Restaurant Lunch Bunch (Woodforest) Hodge Podge Lodge

Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. WF Gymnasium Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Peggy’s Book Club 12:30 p.m. Aldersgate Hall

28 Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. WF Gymnasium Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall

Kick-off Event 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. WF Gymnasium Men’s Book Study 10:00 – 12:00 p.m. Infant Care Room Prime Timers 11:15 a.m. | Asbury Hall

3 Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Rec Center Activity Room 1

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. WF Gymnasium Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Rec Center Activity Room 1

WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. WF Gymnasium

Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Rec Center Activity Room 1 Woodforest Book Club 12:30 p.m. | Woodforest Classroom SAM Planning Meeting 2:00 p.m. | Jones Library

23 WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. WF Gymnasium Men’s Book Study 10:00 – 12:00 p.m. Infant Care Room

Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. WF Gymnasium Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Rec Center Activity Room 1

30 WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. WF Gymnasium

FRIDAY

Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. WF Gymnasium Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Rec Center Activity Room 1

SATURDAY 4

Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

Senior Adult Fitness Kick-off Event 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Prayer Shawl Ministry Quarterly Meeting 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Single Life Widows 11:00 a.m. | Asbury Hall Senior Adult Game Night 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Senior Adult Game Night 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | WF Campus

Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Single Life Widows 11:00 a.m. | Jones Library

31 Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall

FEBRUARY

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/seniors Contact us at 281.297.5935 or seniors@twumc.org

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? “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)

LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOUSE BUILD For over the past 10 years, The Woodlands UMC has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for families striving to achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life through affordable housing. There are several opportunities to serve in January! For more information, contact Sherry Lewallen at 281.466.8627

A GLANCE AT NEXT MONTH (FEBRUARY) Senior Adult Ministry Conversational Spanish February 3 Shepherd Care Quarterly Meeting February 13

RESOURCE CORNER CARING MINISTRY HOSPITAL VISITATION & PRAYER Congregational care is a priority for our pastors, leaders and congregation. Care may come in the form of a visit while you are in the hospital, at home while you are caring for a loved one, or a phone call to offer support. If you or someone you know is hospitalized locally or at the Texas Medical Center, please call Caring Ministries at 281.297.5953 and we will schedule pastoral visitation.

THE WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB Photo submitted by Jean Drummond with The Woodlands Camera Club. (right)

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