MARCH 2020 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS UMC
POINT NEW YEAR, NEW CHANGES January brought us a new year, new beginnings, and the unveiling of the newly renovated atrium area. I hope by now you have had the chance to see this beautiful space for yourself, especially the Connection Point area. Updates to this space include a more open layout, a visual display of photos showcasing our traditional worship venue, and even a table on wheels that can be easily moved. We hope that this bright, inviting Connection Point will encourage people to stop by and find out more about the programs and ministries of our church. One opportunity that we want to highlight is a program called Alpha. Beginning Tuesday, March 17 at 7:00 p.m. we will meet at Blue Door Coffee on The Woodlands Waterway for coffee, dessert, fellowship, and an opportunity to ask and discuss tough questions of faith. Geared towards those seeking to know more about God as well as people who want to be able to articulate their own faith well, this program will help us reach out into the community as we seek to help more people know Jesus Christ. We invite everyone to join us for this wonderful class, and please, bring a friend or two!
Kimberly Constant, Pastor of Outreach and Connecting Ministry
AMERICAN HERITAGE TOUR APRIL 30 – MAY 6, 2020 Come along as we travel to Washington DC and Williamsburg. We will tour Washington DC, the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, WWII and Vietnam War Memorials, US Naval Academy, Arlington National Cemetery, Changing of the Guard, Marine Corps War Memorial, Smithsonian Museums, Mt. Vernon, Jamestown Settlement, Colonial Williamsburg and possibly a White House tour. For more information and a brochure, contact Helen Burgdorf at 713.822.5728 or hcburgdorf@comcast.net
A MESSAGE FROM
CLIFF RITTER
PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
March finds us solidly in the midst of the Lenten season. I trust you are prayerfully considering all the important aspects of life that draw us closer to God. When we press the pause button on the usual chaos that surrounds our busy lives, we can tune our hearts to a different sound. It may begin as the sound of silence. But, if we are patient, and persistent, the silence takes on a more robust character. We first begin to hear the heartbeat of God. Then, from the resonance of those holy echoes, we begin to hear the voice of God. It begins as a whisper, and God’s voice gains clarity as we eliminate the white noise of daily life. When we tune our hearts to the divine silence that follows the chaos of the cross, we hear the voice of love, the sound of holiness, a resonant hope that penetrates our spirits. What we hear, or what we experience in the eternal now, has the power to change us from within. And, we know God is present. Can we listen? Yes, but the question is more difficult, can we hear? I believe God is reaching out to each of us. Sometimes God speaks clearly, sometimes God whispers our name. Usually, God gives us a spiritual sense of direction, evidence of God’s presence revealed in the silence of the moment. Our challenge is not to search near and far, but to hear the divine voice from the Holy Spirit within. God is here, within, between the gentle heartbeat of daily life. God is speaking. Are you listening? Can you hear? May God bless our Lenten season and our Easter celebration to come. With grace and peace,
Cliff Ritter
WELLNESS FOR LIFE!
PRIME TIMERS
Our annual Senior Fitness kick-off event was very successful! The kick-off event was held at The Woodlands and Woodforest Campuses. Garrett Ritter, Athletic Director announced our theme for this year is, “Wellness For Life!” Garrett spoke to the importance of a healthy spirit as well as a healthy body. Our guest speaker was Julie A. Pauls, PT, PhD with Atlas Posture. Julie shared her story and instructed us in identifying good posture patterns. Fitness, food and fellowship was had by all!
In January, The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department gave our Prime Timers group a captivating presentation on how to avoid scams, and Holly Stienke with The Woodlands Township provided community emergency contact information.
Woodforest Senior Fitness kick-off event
In February, Glennie Scott, Houston’s favorite singing pianist was our Prime Timers guest. Glennie shared some of her favorite love songs with the group.
The Woodlands Campus Senior Fitness kick-off event
Julie A. Pauls, PT, PhD with Atlas Posture
WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH WOODFOREST GAME NIGHT In January, Woodforest Lunch Bunch met at Hodge Podge Woodforest hosted their first Game Night on Friday, January 10. Lodge in Montgomery for food and fellowship! Fifty-one people joined to play Mexican Train!
UPCOMING EVENTS THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS PRACTIQUEMOS – LET’S PRACTICE SPANISH Monday, March 2 and 16 | 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, food and helpers around the house. PRIME TIMERS LUNCHEON Wednesday, March 4 | 11:15 a.m. | Asbury Hall Join us as we welcome the “Hot Shots.” This three-piece band made up of Eli (10), Ben (11) and Aaron (13) plays the banjo, ukulele, cello, bass, piano, guitar and a few kazoos. This trio of talented boys will definitely “put a smile on your face, a song in your heart, a snap in your fingers and a tap in your toes!” Cost is $10 per person. Reservations are due by noon on Friday, February 28 to Ken and Joyce Nesmith at 281.367.5519
WOODFOREST CAMPUS SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, March 13 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Woodforest Campus 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 Sunday, March 1 | 2:00 p.m. | Crighton Theatre Outing For those who made a reservation, we’re looking forward to seeing you at the theatre! Ann Horton will meet you outside of Crighton Theatre with your ticket. The theatre is located at 234 N. Main, Conroe, 77305. After the show, we’re headed to Pacific Yard House for dinner! Pacific Yard house is located at 101 Metcalf Street, Conroe, 77301. All senior adults are welcome! For additional information contact, Ann Horton at 936.588.1663 or wyanhorton@gmail.com
MUSEUM TRIP Thursday, March 5 | 11:00 a.m. | Museum of Fine Arts Join us as we visit the Museum of Fine Arts to see the Norman Rockwell, American Freedom Collection. We will leave the church at 11:00 a.m., have lunch at Cleburne’s Cafeteria and spend the afternoon touring the museum. For more information, please contact Helen Burgdorf at 713.822.5728 or hcburgdorf@comcast.net FOR THE LOVE OF PIANO MUSIC Friday, March 27 | 1:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us for Christian fellowship, piano music and refreshments. No registration is needed, all are welcome! For more information contact Mary Perry at mperry32@icloud.com LUNCH AND LEARN WITH A MASTER GARDNER Monday, March 30 | 11:30 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Spring comes early in Montgomery County! “Bluebirds are a sign of spring and gentle south breezes they bring.” Bring your sack lunch and join Master Gardner, Linda Crum in learning how to attract bluebirds and other birds to your yard. There will be an opportunity to enroll in the Texas Bluebird Society. No registration is needed. SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, March 13 | 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, March 10 | 11:00 a.m. | Main Campus Join us at The Olive Oil Greek Restaurant. The location is 373 Sawdust Road, Spring, TX. This family owned restaurant has authentic Greek and American dishes. All senior adults are welcome to join us for this time of food, fun and fellowship! Reservations are due by noon on Monday, March 9 by calling Dolly Loftiss at 210.844.2062 SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR 2020 ASTROS OUTINGS Houston Astros vs. Philadelphia Phillies Thursday, July 9 | 7:10 p.m. Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners Wednesday, August 19 | 1:10 p.m. Tickets will go on sale in May. Stay tuned for more details.
Join us on March 5 as we visit the Museum of Fine Arts to see the Norman Rockwell Collection.
ONLINE REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS Go to an internet page, search for The Woodlands United Methodist Church On the main church webpage, at the top of the page, go to Ministries Under the Ministries dropdown, choose Senior Adults Scroll to the bottom of the webpage Under Upcoming Events, find your event, click on the event Click Register Create an account or continue as a guest Choose the number of registrants, then click Next Fill in the registrant information, then click Next Review Registration, include confirmation email address, then click Next Under payment method, add credit card information, click Finish When registration is completed you will receive a confirmation email. For assistance with online registration, please contact Teri Rossi, Senior Adult Ministry at 281.297.5935
SMALL GROUPS THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Friday, March 6 and 20 | 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, March 2 | 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 GOLDENAIRES CHOIR Tuesdays | 2:30 - 3:30 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, March 2 | 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. The theme for this month is “Boot Scootin’ Country.” For more information about this program, contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514 MEN’S BOOK STUDY Wednesday, March 11 and 25 | 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 PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Those who love to crochet or knit 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. Our next meeting is April 3. For more information on this ministry, please contact Connie Norton at concetta44@comcast.net or 281.292.3875 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. PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB Tuesday, March 17 | 12:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Bring your sack lunch and join us for our monthly book review. This month we are reviewing Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. If you would like to read ahead, next month is 1776 by David McCullough. For more information about this group, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660
SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Friday, March 13 | Visit Brookwood Community Friday, March 27 | Painted Churches Tour 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 for a trip to the Brookwood Community where we’ll tour the grounds and learn about this amazing community. You also don’t want to miss the opportunity to learn about the Czech people and see the beautiful historic churches! Register for these events online. For more information, contact Terry Loughridge at 281.297.5932 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. | 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. No registration required. CRAFT CIRCLE Second and Fourth Thursday | 11:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Gymnasium 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 Thursday, March 19 | 12:30 p.m. | Classroom Join us for our monthly book club meeting. Bring your sack lunch to review our selected book. This month we are reviewing America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie. If you would like to read ahead, next month is The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall. 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. ELDERRIDE Our ElderRide ministry provides members with transportation to medical appointments. We are currently looking for volunteers to drive for our Woodforest community. We invite you to join this vital ministry. Volunteer driving is easy. There is no weekly commitment, we simply let you fit trips into your schedule. If you would like to learn more about this volunteer opportunity, please contact Teri Rossi, Senior Adult Ministry at trossi@twumc.org
MARCH 2020
*Green text represents events at The Woodlands Campus and blue text represents events at the Woodforest Campus
SUNDAY 1
MONDAY 2
TUESDAY 3
WF Senior Adult Fitness Friendship Class 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. 9:30 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall WF Gymnasium Bring Mana items PRACTIQUEMOS WF Lunch Bunch 10:00 a.m. | Jones Library Creighton Theatre Outing and Pacific Yard House Restaurant The Woodlands Camera Club 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
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16 WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. WF Gymnasium PRACTIQUEMOS 10:00 a.m. | Jones Library
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Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. WF Gymnasium Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
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Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. WF Gymnasium Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Lunch Bunch The Olive Oil Greek Restaurant Friendship Class 3:00 p.m. | Jones Library Fill mana bags
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30 WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. WF Gymnasium Lunch and Learn with the Master Gardner 11:30 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
11 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
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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
1 Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. WF Gymnasium Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
APRIL
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
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 Norman Rockwell Museum Trip 11:00 a.m. TWUMC East parking lot
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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
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WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. WF Gymnasium
Pickleball 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. WF Gymnasium Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
THURSDAY 5
WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. WF Gymnasium Prime Timers 11:15 a.m. | Asbury Hall
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
WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. WF Gymnasium
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10 WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. WF Gymnasium
WEDNESDAY
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 Book Club 12:30 p.m. | WF Classroom
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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 Trip to Brookwood Community 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
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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
Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Single Life Widows Painted Churches Tour For the Love of Piano Music 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
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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
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) LOFT MISSIONS: BREAKFAST IN THE PARK Saturday, March 14 | 9:15 a.m. | Lewis Park Come join the Loft as we serve breakfast to those suffering from homelessness through Breakfast in the Park. Sign up to prepare a breakfast item to bring the day of service. Adults and children of all ages are welcome! MONTGOMERY COUNTY FOOD BANK SATURDAY MARKET Saturday, March 28 | 8:00 a.m. | TBD Montgomery County Food Bank’s Mobile Market Program is a traveling pantry that delivers nutritious food, including fresh produce and refrigerated items, directly to communities with a high need. Volunteers will be setting up food distribution stations, handing out the food that been sorted and pre-boxed, praying with families and cleaning and sorting trash.
A GLANCE AT NEXT MONTH (APRIL) Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting April 3 Senior Adult Planning Meeting April 16 Washington D.C. Trip April 30 – May 6
Sign up for these events at thewoodlandsumc.org/missions or for more information, contact Sherry Lewallen at 281.466.8627
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.
Visit thewoodlandsumc.org for information about these and other church events.