JULY 2020 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS UMC
POINT NEW BEGINNINGS I pray all of you are safe and healthy as we navigate our way through these uncertain times. We look forward to a time when we can be together again. In the meantime, the church business continues, and we have some staff changes to share with you. Most of you are aware that Rev. Cliff Ritter has recently been appointed to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Cliff has served our congregation well over the last 11 years, and he will be missed. Cliff ‘s ministry to Senior Adults has been particularly important as he has led many of you on great trips, helped guide various events and gatherings, and assisted some of you through life’s difficult transitions. Cliff’s ability to listen thoughtfully and provide Christ-filled counsel to those needing help has been so valuable to our church and our community. We wish Cliff all the best as he begins developing and supporting the congregation at St. Luke’s UMC. On July 1 Dr. Lee Brewer will join our staff as the new Pastor of Caring Ministry and Senior Adult Ministry. We look forward to his presence on our ministry staff. He has served churches in the Baltimore/ Washington Conference but began as a pastor to churches in Texas. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in the pastoral counseling arena as he received his PhD in Pastoral Ministry/Counseling from Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He and his wife Cheryl relocated here to be closer to family. Their son lives in Dickinson and is the father of Lee and Cheryl’s two grandchildren while their daughter is an RN living in California. Dr. Brewer will be sharing more about himself and his experiences in the months to come. I know you all will be blessed by his pastoral gifts. Join me in welcoming him to The Woodlands UMC.
Ed Robb, Senior Pastor
A MESSAGE FROM
CLIFF RITTER
PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
Well, the day has come. Saying goodbye is really hard. I mostly want to express my gratitude. Thank you all for including me in your daily lives and in your faith journey. To be honored is the greatest virtue and gift that can be given to a pastor. You have honored me and my family beyond our greatest imagination. We have been privileged to walk this path along with you. Saying goodbye feels like we are leaving one community to take up residency in an entirely different place. But among friends, this feels very different. I don’t feel like we are leaving this community, but we are simply adding a new group of friends. It was Jabez who called upon the Lord, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. (1 Chronicles 4:10). God has answered our prayers to expand our territory to allow us to be more inclusive of so many of our friends deep in the heart of Houston. For that I am thankful. And, I am thankful that we will continue to be in covenant relationship as followers of Jesus Christ. Indeed, it is the Methodist way! Blessings to you, and Godspeed! With grace and peace,
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY Happy Fourth of July from Senior Adult Ministry! Photo provided by Pete Poulsen with The Woodlands Camera Club.
Cliff Ritter
ZOOM EXERCISING Our Seniors are exercising via Zoom! We would love for you to join us!
OUR SENIORS ARE BUSY! Our seniors with family and sunshine!
Lorrie Foster dressed in her swimsuit to recognize the beginning of Summer!
Dr. and Mrs. Mark Lewis with greatgranddaughter, Loly.
Peter and Pat Eckdahl celebrated a social distancing birthday with their granddaughter.
Jeanette Lewis celebrating Spring!
EVENTS There are many opportunities to lend a hand from home! Check out our local missions’ projects!
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS THE WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB Monday, July 6 | 7:00 p.m. | Via Zoom The Camera Club will continue all meetings on Zoom through August. Pete Poulsen said, “We continue to have well attended and popular monthly club meetings the first Monday evening of each month and our several Special Interest Groups during the month.” All are open to anyone interested. Information and scheduling are available at thewoodlandscameraclub.org or email info@thewoodlandscameraclub.org PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY QUARTERLY MEETING Friday, July 10 | 10:00 a.m. | Via Zoom Join us for virtual fellowship! All 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 PRIME TIMERS LUNCHEON First Wednesday | 11:15 a.m. | Asbury Hall This group is taking a break this month! Stay-tuned for future events! For more information about this gathering, please contact Helen Burgdorf at 281.397.3726 SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Second Friday of each month | 6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall This group is taking a break and will reconvene in September. For more information, contact Ann and Jerry Armstrong at 281.419.2666 or Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012
WOODFOREST CAMPUS SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Second Friday of each month | 6:00 p.m. | Woodforest This group is taking a break and will reconvene in September. 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 to help cover the cost of snacks. All senior adults are welcome. No registration required. For more information, contact Teresa Thomas at 936.648.3340 LUNCH BUNCH Fourth Tuesday of each month | 11:30 a.m. This group is taking a break and will reconvene in September. Join us for an afternoon of food, fun and fellowship on the patio. All senior adults are welcome! For additional information contact, Ann Horton at 936.588.1663 GEORGIA PEACH BAKE-OFF CONTEST! Wednesday, July 27 | 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. | Woodforest Hey Woodforest Seniors! Are you ready to bake? Senior Adult Ministry is sponsoring a Peach bake-off contest using the Georgia peaches from the Young Life fundraiser! Each family will be given four Georgia peaches to be used in one dessert, jam, or drink. One entry per family. Drop off your winning entry to the WF campus on Wednesday, July 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Judging will take place on the WF patio. Recipe and photo to be shared in the August newsletter! We cannot wait to taste your favorite peach recipe! Register for this event by Wednesday, July 22 by emailing trossi@twumc.org
LUNCH BUNCH Second Tuesday of each month | 11:00 a.m. | Main Campus This group is taking a break this month! Stay-tuned for future gatherings! All senior adults are welcome to join us for this time of food, fun and fellowship! For more information, contact Dolly Loftiss at 210.844.2062
RESOURCE CORNER CARING MINISTRY We are here to help! Our Caring Ministry team is available by phone or email! If you need assistance or prayer, please reach out to us! Rev. Joy Johnston Pastor of Caring Ministry and Special Needs Ministry 281.297.5900 jjohnston@twumc.org Dr. Lee 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
Photo provided by Pete Poulsen, The Woodlands Camera Club.
Teri Rossi Senior Adult Ministry Administrative Assistant 281.297-5935 trossi@twumc.org
SMALL GROUPS Due to COVID-19 our small groups are not meeting face to face; however, there are many opportunities to meet your friends online via Zoom. We hope you will join some of our unique online opportunities. We are sending prayers for continuous good health and well-being.
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS GOLDENAIRES CHOIR Tuesdays | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Music Suite This group is taking a break and will reconvene in September. 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 THE GATHERING PLACE First Monday of each month | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall This group has projects planned for July and August. Details to be sent directly to Gathering Place volunteers. The Gathering Place is for adults who have been diagnosed with early to moderate dementia. For more information about this program, contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514 MEN’S BOOK STUDY Our men’s book study group will be meeting on and off over the summer. 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 Our senior fitness is currently meeting online Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. Join us for 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. Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 735 678 773 Password: SFIT PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB Third Tuesday of each month | 12:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall This group is taking a break and will reconvene in September. For Summer reading you may want to join our Women’s Ministry Book Club group. This group is meeting the last Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m. via Zoom. This is a great way to stay connected with other avid readers. For more information on our Women’s Ministry Book Club check the TWUMC website. For more information about Peggy’s Book Club, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Check our TWUMC website for current 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 SINGLE SIXTY-SOMETHINGS This group is taking a break for the summer! 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. | Gymnasium This group will reconvene when the WF campus is reopened. 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. CRAFT CIRCLE Second and Fourth Thursday | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Gym This group will reconvene when the WF campus reopens. We welcome all who have creative skills or no skills to join us in sewing, knitting, painting and crafting to create beautiful works to sell at our Craft Circle Boutique. Times are flexible, bring a sack lunch or a snack. For more information contact, Arlene Seekatz at 936.588.3929 BOOK CLUB Third Thursday of each month | 12:30 p.m. | Classroom This group is taking a break and will reconvene in September. Join us for our monthly book club meeting! Bring your sack lunch and let’s review our book selection. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067 SENIOR ADULT FITNESS Mondays and Wednesdays | 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. | Gymnasium For more information, please refer to the same listing under The Woodlands Campus.
SUPPORT SHEPHERD CARE Next meeting is scheduled for August 13. 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 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: Download Windows and program updates when your computer pops up an alert to get the latest bug fixes and security updates. If you need computer assistance, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 ELDERRIDE This group is taking the summer off and will reconvene in September. 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 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. For more information on current meeting dates and times please contact HAPS’ at www.hapsonline.org
JULY 2020
*Green text represents events at The Woodlands Campus and blue text represents events at the Woodforest Campus
SUNDAY 28 JUNE
MONDAY 29
TUESDAY 30
WEDNESDAY 1
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Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom Gathering Place Volunteer Project 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall The Woodlands Camera Club 7:00 p.m. | Zoom
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Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom
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29 Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom Woodforest Peach Bake-off Judging 9:00 a.m. | WF Patio
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Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom
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Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom
Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom
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HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom Prayer Shawl Ministry 10:00 a.m. | Zoom
Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom
Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom
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Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom
Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom
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CAMPUS HOLIDAY
Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom
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SATURDAY
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Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom
WOODFOREST PEACH DELIVERY!
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AUGUST
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 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
LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES 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) NOTES OF ENCOURAGEMENT Write notes of encouragement to those who are in assisted living/nursing homes, group homes, prison or those working on the front lines. Bring the notes to the drop box located outside the doors of the main office at The Woodlands and Woodforest campuses. Sign up for this event at thewoodlandsumc.org/ missionscoronavirus
HOMELESS MINISTRY SNACK BAGS We are collecting snack bags to distribute to our Homeless Ministry partners. Assemble the bags and drop off at The Woodlands campus, Loft building or at our Woodforest campus! This is a great project for all ages! Purchase supplies from the snack bag shopping list at thewoodlandsumc.org/ missionscoronavirus MYSTERY ISLAND MISSIONS PROJECT Our Children’s Ministry is sponsoring a virtual missions project! The goal is to collect school supplies for students at Sam Houston Elementary and other local schools. To make shopping easy, a Woodlands UMC Amazon wish list has been created to find the needed supplies! Donations will be taken until August 12, 2020. Find more information about donating at thewoodlandsumc.org/children SOCIETY OF ST. STEPHEN We continue to help families in need, especially now.
JUNE ENCOURAGEMENT NOTES Caring Ministry delivered notes of encouragement to our friends at The Village! Our members have provided over 1,100 notes for our local nursing home residents!
PRAY Pray for the homeless, low income families, seniors, all who are sick, and protection for everyone! Sign up for these events at thewoodlandsumc.org/missions or for more information, contact Sherry Lewallen at 281.466.8627
Visit thewoodlandsumc.org for information about these and other church events.