JUNE 2019 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS UMC
POINT REACH Construction Update Our church is now in full construction mode at both The Woodlands Campus and The Woodforest Campus. We are blessed to have such a vibrant, giving community who can catch the vision and make it a reality. Let me update you on our current construction. Our current projects are all slated for completion on time and on budget. The Recreation Center will be finished by the end of the summer. The Woodforest campus will be completed in mid-August with the Church at Woodforest members worshipping in their new facility the weekend after Labor Day. In the Main Building, the gym is being demolished and rebuilt with added children’s ministry rooms upstairs and adult classroom space downstairs. Wesley Hall is undergoing expansion, and we are adding a dedicated hospitality area. In addition, “back of the house” space for an updated food service area and facilities and housekeeping are being built. Construction will begin on the Atrium on June 3. The Atrium and the Atrium entrance will be closed until construction is complete in December. The Sunday morning coffee area will be relocated to the south corner of the Narthex. Upon completion of the Atrium construction, we will have a dedicated coffee space, beautiful stairwell with water feature and more adult classrooms. You can see that we are well on our way towards meeting the goals of our REACH campaign. We are so thankful for the prayers and resources provided by our Senior Adult community as we prepare for continued growth and ministry in and beyond our church walls. Ed Robb, Senior Pastor
A MESSAGE FROM
CLIFF RITTER
PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
Do you have a call to ministry? This is a common question asked of folks who are preparing to enter seminary or ministry training. What is your calling? This is a question for all of us. God has a unique plan for each of us. I believe that includes the work we are “called” to do in every season of life. When we were young and recently married, God may have called us to careers or to raise our children. I know that is a work for the young at heart and young in years! I praise God everyday that I’m now called to be a Grandparent and not a Parent. Raising kids is a task without end! Our call is constantly evolving as we pass through the predictable stages of life. One thing that is certain, no matter what season we are in now, we have a vital and dynamic calling from God to the work we do for God. It is a Holy calling! Some are called to preach. Some are called to teach. Some are called to serve. All are called to love one another. That’s something we can do together. Whatever label we put on it, we are called to do something for God that gets us moving in body, mind and spirit. So, what are you doing for God? This Fall we are opening our new children’s area here on the main church campus. We are praying for more children than ever before every Sunday. Our Children’s Pastors and Directors are putting out the call…an invitation for everyone…especially our Senior Adults. We need volunteers to serve in the Children’s Ministry. You can do this! We can do this together!
Woodforest Exterior Rendering
Main Building (Children’s Area) Rendering
You may be asked to assist, or to read, or just sit with a child who would be thrilled to know someone like their Grandma or Grandpa, someone who really cares, someone who really has time to listen, again and again. You can do this! We can do this! Watch for more details about how we can be in the most rewarding of all ministries together. I’m excited to help our families be better than ever, and I’m excited that we can help! With grace and peace, Cliff Ritter
Main Building (Recreation) Rendering
Main Building (Atrium) Rendering
PHOTO GALLERY PRIME TIMERS Our Prime Timers met at Burroughs Park for their yearly picnic. Fellowship, good food and fun were had by all!
Dave Morton, Harry Jones, Scott Bucker
Susan Morton & Joyce Nesmith
Jeannette Lewis & Katie Ricks
Judith Stanley, Sandy & Jim Atherton, Marie & Harlin Hartman, Nancy Steinmier
Ken Nesmith
Ruth Myers
Giny Gonzalez entertained the group with music bingo!
Jim & Margi Davies
Scott Bucker & Harold Kerr
SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Our Single Life Widows group had a great day at the Houston Zoo!
L to R: Ling Dekay, Lelah Feeley, Kathy Wynns, Faye Dillon, Carolyn Lentz, Darlene Daniels, Diane Thibodeaux
L to R: Rayleen Rittebberry, Teresa Thomas, Debbie Gilbride, Rosemarie Shellshear, Ling Dekay, Faye Dillon, Kathy Wynns, Diane Thibodeaux, Lelah Feeley, Carolyn Lentz, Darlene Daniels
UPCOMING EVENTS AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES Friday, June 28 | 2:30 p.m. | Music Suite Join us in viewing The Best Years of Our Lives, a 1946 American drama film directed by William Wyler and a seven Academy Award winner! The film is about three United States servicemen re-adjusting to civilian life after coming home from World War II. No reservation is needed. All senior adults are welcome. For more information, contact Glenda Bailey at glendabailey@gmail.com ASTRO’S BASEBALL GAME OUTING Thursday, June 27 | 11:30 a.m. Join us as we watch the Astros take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. The bus will depart the church at 11:30 a.m. and we will not leave until the game is over. Lunch will be at the stadium. The cost is $49 per person for the ticket. Checks are preferred, please make payable to TWUMC. For additional information or to sign up please call Helen Burgdorf at 713.822.5728 FOR THE LOVE OF PIANO MUSIC Friday, June 14 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us for an afternoon of Christian fellowship, piano music and refreshments. No registration is needed, all are welcome. This event is scheduled for Friday, June 14 in Aldersgate Hall. For more information contact Mary Perry at mperry32@icloud.com LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, June 11 | 11:00 a.m. Join us at The Toasted Yolk restaurant located at 200 East Shore Drive, Suite 100. This is just off the intersection of Grogan’s Mill and East Shore Dr., next to Frost Bank. This long-time popular Conroe breakfast and lunch venue has a wide variety of delicious options we can now enjoy in The Woodlands. All senior adults are welcome. Reservations are due by Monday, June 10 at noon. Call Dolly Loftiss at 210.844.2062
MUSIC BINGO Friday, June 21 | 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us in our first gathering of music bingo! Where there is life there is music and where there is music there is life! There will be prizes to be won and sweet treats! All senior adults are welcome! Register by emailing Teri Rossi at trossi@twumc.org PRAYER SHAWL MEETING Friday, June 14 | 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Come and fellowship with us while we work on our handiwork. Refreshments will be served! PRIME TIMERS LUNCHEON Wednesday, June 5 | 11:15 a.m. | Asbury Hall Join us as we welcome the Goldenaires who will serenade us with Broadway tunes! Reservations are due by noon on Friday, May 31 to Joyce and Ken Nesmith at 281.367.5519. Cost is $7 per person. Checks are preferred, payable to TWUMC. SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, June 14 | 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 SUMMER FUN — ARTPLAY WITH ABBY SALAZAR Thursdays in June | 1:00 – 2:20 p.m. | Loft Craft Circle Room An adventure in watercolors! These four sessions will begin with the watercolor basics then add fun techniques, even a little mixed media, that will really spruce up your paintings. We will go from “What’s that?” to “Well done!” No experience required, and ALL supplies will be included. $25 for all four sessions. Register online at thewoodlandsumc.org/ senior-adults or contact Teri Rossi at trossi@twumc.org
HIGH ISLAND PHOTOGRAPHY Thanks to Linda Henderson, photographer and Scott Bucker for sharing their nature photos from High Island Texas Bird Sanctuary.
Take a look at the Snowy Egret with yellow feet!
The Purple Gallinule is a common bird in swamps and marshes.
The mama alligator was watching our every move!
Ball of mating snakes. Can you identify the snake breed?
SMALL GROUPS CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Friday, June 7 and 21 | 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, June 19 | 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Allen Parlor Come and join us on the third Wednesday of each month. We can plan, share and get to know each other as we travel this journey together. 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. For more information, contact Ed Wandling at 281.355.0053 THE GATHERING PLACE Monday, June 3 | 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 “Brides and Grooms”! MEN’S BOOK STUDY Wednesday, June 12 and 26 | 10:00 a.m. | Infant Care Room Join us in our new study Dare to be UNcommon by NFL football coach Tony Dungy. This seven-session study reinforces important life lessons. We will explore scripture, engage in discussion, encounter character-building insights, and uncover what it means to live a life of true significance. 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. PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB Tuesday, June 18 | 12:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Bring a brown bag lunch and join us in discussing the book Blood and Money by Thomas Thompson. If you’d like to read ahead, next month is The Joy Stealers by Rob Renfroe. Coffee and cookies are provided. Everyone is welcome! For more information, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 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. SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Friday, June 14 | 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast at Snooze Friday, June 28 | 11:00 a.m. | Lunch at Chicken Salad Chick For more information about Single Life Widows, contact Terry Loughridge at 281.297.5932
LUNCH BUNCH Lunch Bunch met at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in April!
SUPPORT 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 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 Warning about computer scams: If you get a message screen about an immediate problem on your computer – DO NOT Click on it to cancel or call the number. Shutdown your computer and then restart your computer! If you need computer assistance, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 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.
L to R: Gay Linder, Ginny Nail, Dolly Loftiss, Linda Morrill
L to R: Harlan Hartman, Marie Hartman, Dr. Mark Lewis and Norma Toth
FRIENDSHIP CLASS
PARKINSON’S DISEASE EXERCISE AND SUPPORT GROUP Parkinson’s Disease Exercise and Support Group meets every Thursday at 1:00 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. Friendship Class group assembles Manna Bags for a homeless shelter
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The Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
MONDAY
SUNDAY
Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate 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 Peggy’s Book Club 12:30 p.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 Toasted Yolk
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TUESDAY
JUNE 2019
Prime Timers 11:15 a.m. Asbury Hall
Men’s Book Study 10:00 a.m. Infant Care Room
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Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Allen Parlor
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WEDNESDAY
Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Aldersgate Hall ARTPlay for Senior Watercolors 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Loft Craft Circle Room Astro’s Game Outing 11:00 a.m. Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
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Intermediate Class 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Aldersgate Hall ARTPlay for Senior Watercolors 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Loft Craft Circle Room Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
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8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Single Life Widows 11:00 a.m. Chicken Salad Chick Afternoon at the Movies 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. Music Suite
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8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Music Bingo 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Aldergate Hall
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Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
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FRIDAY
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SATURDAY
Senior Adult Fitness Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Intermediate Class Aldersgate Hall 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Single Life Widows Aldersgate Hall 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast at Snooze ARTPlay for Senior Watercolors Prayer Shawl Ministry 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Loft Craft Circle Room For the Love of Piano Music Parkinson’s Exercise 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall & Support Group Senior Adult Game Night 1:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall 5:00 – 7:30 p.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 ARTPlay for Senior Watercolors 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Loft Craft Circle Room
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THURSDAY
The Woodlands United Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281.297.5900 thewoodlandsumc.org
HOW WILL YOU SERVE? LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES Food Drive Sunday, June 16 | During church services Bring donated food and leave it by your car in the church parking lot on the third Sunday. The Boy Scouts will pick up the food and deliver to local food pantry. Elizabeth’s Place 2nd and 4th Thursdays | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Elizabeth’s Place volunteers mentor expectant and very young moms as they take on the responsibilities of their new parenting role. If you are a woman who has a heart for teenage mothers, we would love to talk to you about how you can support this important ministry. Contact Sherry Lewallen at slewallen@twumc.org
A GLANCE AT NEXT MONTH (JULY) SENIOR ADULT MUSIC BINGO July 19
Conroe House of Prayer Saturday, June 22 | 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Help to prepare and serve dinner for 60 people from the Conroe homeless community. This is a family friendly event.
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 Susan Goldsmith, Caring Ministry at 281.297.5953 or Teri Rossi, Senior Adult Ministry at 281.297.5935 and we will schedule a pastoral visit. Visit thewoodlandsumc.org for information about these and other church events.