MARCH 2021 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS UMC
POINT THE SPIRIT OF GOD
A MESSAGE FROM
LEE BREWER
Written by: Mark Sorensen
I heard a story once of a man who had saved up all of his hard earned money to take a cruise. Because he saved up enough money to just cover the cost of the ticket, he figured he’d just eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches throughout the duration of the trip since he couldn’t afford anything else. About three days into his trip, surprise: he got tired of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Walking past the lavish buffet bars and seeing the variety of foods made him second guess his decision. So, he speaks to a waiter in a restaurant and asks him the following question: “How much for some steak and potatoes tonight?” The waiter replies, “Excuse me?” “How much money does it cost for me to eat off the buffet bar this evening. I brought peanut butter and jelly sandwiches because I wanted to save some money, but seeing all of this food has made me second guess the wisdom in that decision.” The waiter, looking a little uncomfortable, looked at the man, put a hand on his shoulder and replied, “Sir, I am not sure how to tell you this, but, all the food you see here was a part of the cost of the ticket you had already purchased. All you need to do is get a plate.” Ouch. I wonder if that’s not a picture of the children of God today. Too many of us may be settling for peanut butter and jelly sandwich sized servings of faith and it’s leaving us unsatisfied. I love a quote from a book I read recently: “If you don’t feel a strong desire for the manifestation of the Glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of this world, your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great. God did not create you for this. There is an appetite for God and it can be awakened.” -John Piper, from the book, The Hunger of God. When Jesus rose, ascended, and was seated at the right hand of God the Father, we were granted access to all the spiritual meals made available through that ticket of freedom that Jesus claimed for us all. All the help, enablement, and strength is found in Him. Remember. It was fresh WORD and WIND that brought a valley of dry bones to life. It happened then, it still happens today. As we walk into a new year, may we not forget that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is the same Spirit that lives and resides within the people of God today. May we all taste and see that, indeed, the Lord is good. Amen
PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary of Magdala went to the tomb… ” — John 20:1 “While it was still dark,” is a phrase we can all relate to in life. There are times when we awaken at three in the morning and our mind races with worries and fears. The world outside is lightless and silent. The childhood fears of being unable to see what is there, or is coming, still haunt us. It does not have to be physically dark, however, for us to get overwhelmed by doubts and fear. Mary’s life was much more darkened by the death of Jesus and her hopes than by the physical absence of light. She thought her life and the world would change with Jesus being present. Everything was soon going to be made right. But she was going to a tomb and the loss that it embodied. What she did not yet know was that the stone had been rolled away. The tomb was empty! The Jesus that she thought was gone had risen, just as the sun was about to rise again. The year that has passed between this coming Easter and the one we last celebrated has been filled with darkness in many ways: financial, physical, medical, loss and dissension. Worries, doubts and fears have come in so many different forms, and it is so easy to get lost in the darkness. All the evidence seems to point to despair. BUT, that darkness does not win! The tomb is EMPTY! Jesus is risen and the dawn is still coming! All the fears of the night are going to be washed away in the glory of the risen SON! May the Lord help us all to begin anew in this Easter celebration. Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! And behold, He makes all things new! Praying for each of us a true resurrection Easter,
Photo Credit: Jean Drummond with The Woodlands Camera Club
Lee
EVELYN SCHILLING RETIRES
SENIOR ADULT FITNESS
Society of St. Stephens presented Evelyn with a beautiful floral arrangement for her years of service with the SOSS ministry. Evelyn retired in February 2021 after serving as our TWUMC receptionist for nineteen years! If you see Evelyn in the hall, wish her well on her retirement. She will be missed.
Senior fitness is offering a hybrid fitness option on our main campus as well as a face to face class in Woodforest. Stop by to pick up your fitness shirt if you have not already received one.
WOODFOREST PICKLEBALL IS BACK! Join us for Pickleball on Monday’s at 8:30 a.m. on our Woodforest campus.
SUPPORT SHEPHERD CARE MINISTRY Shepherd Care is our ministry of friendship for our members who are in local nursing homes, senior adult, 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. Shepherds will be delivering Easter Lilies next month. Staytuned for more details. COMPUTER SUPPORT MINISTRY Computer Tip: Remember, do not download anything if you are not sure who sent it! If you need computer assistance or assistance with Zoom, please call Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232
ELDERRIDE MINISTRY This group is taking a break and will reconvene in 2021. 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 This group is taking a break and will reconvene in 2021. For more information contact HAPS’ at www.hapsonline. org. Parkinson’s Disease Exercise and Support Group meets Thursdays at 1:30 pm 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.
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS UPCOMING EVENTS THE WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB March 1 | 7:00 p.m. | Via Zoom The Camera Club is full of energy and excitement this Spring, with SIX Special Interest Groups (including mirrorless cameras) and new monthly workshops, all created to help you become a better photographer! March 1, Charles Needle, an awardwinning, Colorado-based fine art photographer, author, speaker and workshop leader, will be discussing “Impressionistic Photography: How to Use Your Camera (or Smartphone) as a Paintbrush.” So unlock your creative potential and discover how to craft painterly photographs using nothing but your digital camera (or smartphone). You’ll learn how to see in new ways and take your photography to an entirely new, mind-blowing level! For information on joining the meeting, e-mail the club at info@TheWoodlandsCameraClub.org *NEW*THE HOLY WALKAMOLIES Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning March 2 | 9:00 a.m. Meet at the Recreation Center Join our spring senior adult walking club! Meredith Covell our Sports Director will lead this group. We will meet at the Rec Center for light stretching, a short devotional and a walk around the neighborhood. Tuesdays is the beginners’ group and Thursdays is our advanced group. The advanced group will cover more distance and be faster paced. Groups are limited to fifteen people per group. Bring a friend! Register online at thewoodlandsumc.org/group-detail/215102 PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING March 9 | 2:00 p.m. | Via Zoom Join us for virtual fellowship! Zoom details shared via email. 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. Caring Ministry delivered ten prayer shawls and quilts to our members in January. For more information on this ministry, please contact Connie Norton at concetta44@comcast.net or 281.292.3875 PASTOR LED LUNCHTIME SERIES WITH DR. LEE A. BREWER March 3 | Noon | Hybrid Option This is the last class for this installment of Dr. Brewer’s noontime study. We are continuing with a study of the specific history of the Christian faith as it developed from the early church to our current United Methodist understanding of the Christian faith and life. Register online for this class. *NEW*GRIEF SHARE Wednesdays beginning February 24 1:30 p.m. | Otterbein room If you are experiencing a season of grieving, join Grief Share for a 13-week small group experience navigating the challenges of grief. This course explains both the spiritual and practical issues of grief and suggests specific strategies to guide you back to fullness of life.
PRAYER MINISTRY John Wesley describes the Christian life in relation to prayer, making it his fourth mark of discipleship. Prayer is the way we create, commune, and sustain our relationship with God. We at The Woodlands United Methodist Church are a praying Church. We have Prayer Teams available in the Harvest, Loft, Traditional and Woodforest services. If you would like prayer, prayer team members are available after the Chapel and Traditional services. We would love to pray for you! In addition, if you have a heart for prayer or the gift of prayer, we would love for you to join our prayer team as well. — Margarita McCarthy
FUTURE EVENTS PRIME TIMERS Meets the first Wednesday of each month Prime Timers is taking a break until the May picnic. Stay-tuned for new programming. SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Second Friday of each month | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Main Campus Aldersgate Hall This group is taking a break and will reconvene in 2021. For more information, contact Linda Henderson at 936.273.3167 or Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012 LUNCH BUNCH Second Tuesday of each month | 11:00 a.m. | Main Campus This group is taking a break! Stay-tuned for future gatherings! All senior adults are welcome to join us for this time of food, fun and fellowship! For more information about this group, contact Dolly Loftiss at 210.844.2062
WOODFOREST CAMPUS UPCOMING EVENTS WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH March 11 | 11:30 a.m. | Pie in the Sky Pie Co Join us for a lunch at Pie in the Sky Pie Company on 3600 N Loop 336 in Conroe. We have reserved a space on the patio. Deadline for making a reservation is Monday, March 8. Please text or call Angela Street at 281.723.6819. Face masks and social distancing encouraged.
FUTURE EVENTS SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Fourth Friday of each month | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Woodforest Campus Worship Center This group is taking a break and will reconvene in 2021. 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. All senior adults are welcome! No registration required. For more information, contact Teri Rossi at trossi@twumc.org CREIGHTON THEATRE + DINNER Save the Date | April 18 | Matinee WF Lunch Bunch is sponsoring a Creighton Theatre outing to see Nunsense. Stay-tuned for more details.
SMALL GROUPS Our small groups are re-opening with COVID-19 protocols in place. We hope you will join us if you feel safe. Check out our hybrid options in many groups.
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Friday, March 5 and 19 | 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor A support group for caregivers of family and friends with chronic, long term or terminal illness. Group will be led by Dr. Lee Brewer. No registration needed. THE GATHERING PLACE Currently serving our clients through “at home” projects The Gathering Place ministry is an ecumenical ministry for adults who have been diagnosed with early to moderate dementia. This ministry is provided in partnership through the Care Partners organization. There is a simple eligibility process to determine if this program is the right fit for you. For more information about The Gathering Place, contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514 MEN’S BOOK STUDY March 10 and 24 | 10:00 a.m. | Via Zoom We are studying Max Lucado’s book “Out Live Your Life.” Come join us in this discussion of the book along with a short DVD by the author. It’s not enough for you to do well. You want to do good. You want your life to matter. You want to live in such a way that the world will be glad you did. But, how can you? How can I? Can God use us? For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 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 a hybrid senior adult fitness class. The hybrid class will follow all CDC guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19. Please wear a mask upon entry to the building, during exercise the mask may be removed. Hand sanitizer stations will be available upon entry to the building. Equipment will be sanitized between classes. Registration is required to secure a “face-to-face” spot. Our online class via Zoom will meet the same time as the face-to-face classes. Zoom Meeting ID: 735 678 773 | Password: SFIT PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB March 16 | Noon | Aldersgate Hall Join us in March to discuss The Ragged Edge of Night by Olivia Hawker. If you would like to read ahead, in April we will review Educated by Tara Westover. Bring your sack lunch and beverage to join us for a lively discussion. Men and Women are welcome. For more information about Peggy’s Book Club, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net
GOLDENAIRES CHOIR This group is taking a break and will reconvene in 2021. 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 SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS This group is taking a break. Stay-tuned for future 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
WOODFOREST CAMPUS WOODFOREST CRAFT CIRCLE 2nd and 4th Thursday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Woodforest Gymnasium We welcome all who have creative skills or no skills to join us in sewing, knitting, painting, crafting, and holiday cheer to create beautiful works to sell at our Craft Circle Boutique! All proceeds go to our Missions Ministry. Times are flexible, bring a sack lunch or a snack! For more information contact, Barbara Green at 713.248.1228 *NEW* PICKLEBALL Mondays | 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Woodforest Gymnasium Pickleball is back! 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. Masks required when off the court. WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB March 18 | 11:30 a.m. | Woodforest Classroom Let’s meet for lunch and a book review! Join us in reviewing The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate. If you would like to read ahead, in April we will review Elizabeth Street by Laurie Fabiano. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067 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.
MARCH 2021
*Green text represents events at The Woodlands Campus and blue text represents events at the Woodforest Campus
SUNDAY 28 FEBRUARY
MONDAY 1 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. Rec Center, Activity room 1 The Woodlands Camera Club 7:00 p.m. | Zoom
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8 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. Rec Center, Activity room 1
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Daylight Savings
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Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. Rec Center, Activity room 1
22 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. Rec Center, Activity room 1
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29 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. Rec Center, Activity room 1
TUESDAY 2 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium The Holy Walkamolies 9:00 a.m. Recreation Center
9 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium The Holy Walkamolies 9:00 a.m. Recreation Center Prayer Shawl Ministry 2:00 p.m. via Zoom
16 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium The Holy Walkamolies 9:00 a.m. Recreation Center Peggy’s Book Club Noon | Aldersgate Hall
23 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium The Holy Walkamolies 9:00 a.m. Recreation Center
30 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium The Holy Walkamolies 9:00 a.m. Recreation Center
WEDNESDAY 3 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Pastor Led Lunchtime Series Noon | Hybrid
10 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. via Zoom
17 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
24 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. via Zoom
31 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
THURSDAY 4
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WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium The Holy Walkamolies 9:00 a.m. Recreation Center
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WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium The Holy Walkamolies 9:00 a.m. Recreation Center WF Lunch Bunch 11:30 a.m. Pie in the Sky Pie Co
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APRIL
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Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
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Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
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WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium The Holy Walkamolies 9:00 a.m. Recreation Center
SATURDAY
Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
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WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium The Holy Walkamolies 9:00 a.m. Recreation Center WF Book Club 11:30 a.m. | WF Classroom
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FRIDAY
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Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.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/senior-adults 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
HOW WILL YOU SERVE?
RESOURCE CORNER
“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)
CARING MINISTRY We truly seek to be the body of Christ at The Woodlands United Methodist Church and to live that out in word and deed. As a Pastoral Care team we are here for you when you may need prayer, support, counseling, or a listening ear. Please feel free and welcome to contact us.
CONROE HOUSE OF PRAYER (CHOP) Saturday, March 27 | 5:15 p.m. | 115 West Davis, Conroe Join The Woodlands UMC to help prepare and serve dinner for 60 people from the Conroe homeless community with Compassion United. We provide and serve food at CHOP on the 4th Saturday of each month. This is a family-friendly event. Register online at thewoodlandsumc.org/event/1234 BREAKFAST IN THE PARK Saturday, March 20 | 9:15 a.m. | Lewis Park Breakfast in the Park is Compassion United flagship outreach. We prepare and serve breakfast to those without homes in a park located in downtown Conroe. Sign up to prepare a breakfast meal or serve on Saturday morning. Register for this event at thewoodlandsumc.org/event/1205 Check out other ways to serve our community at thewoodlandsumc.org or for more information, contact Sherry Lewallen at 281.466.8627.
Rev. Joy Johnston Pastor of Caring Ministry and Special Needs Ministry 281.297.5900 jjohnston@twumc.org Dr. Lee A. 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 Teri Rossi Senior Adult Ministry Administrative Assistant 281.297.5935 trossi@twumc.org Margarita McCarthy Caring Ministry Prayer Assistant 281.822.8250 mmccarthy@twumc.org
Visit thewoodlandsumc.org for information about these and other church events.