MARCH 2022 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
THESENIORPOINT THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
JESUS IS WITH YOU Written by: Rev. Rob Renfroe
Years ago I came across a cartoon of a little guy who looked like he was overwhelmed and exhausted. Slumped over and looking defeated, he muttered: “In my next life, I want to come back as something easier than a human being.” We can all relate. There are the normal anxieties of life. There are the worries we have about those we love. There are illnesses, the loss of those we love, and financial setbacks. Throw in the pandemic and all the uncertainties and challenges it has brought and it can all be a little overwhelming. Life is difficult for all of us. Some seasons are harder than others. And life can be even more difficult when we decide to follow Jesus, maintain our integrity, and choose to keep our hearts open and be kind to those who mistreat us. When I was in college, Edward “Ted” Kennedy, Jr. (the Senator’s son) was diagnosed with bone cancer. He was only twelve years old. To save his life, his right leg was amputated. Cards, letters, phone calls, and telegrams came from all over the world to console him. The outpouring of love from around the world was tremendous. Most of the messages carried similar sentiments of compassion and sympathy: “We are praying for you,” “we love you,” “our hearts hurt for you.” One, however, was very different. It came from a former Green Beret. He sent the boy his green beret along with a message that was simple and direct. It said, “It’s a man’s journey. Get on with it.” Those may not be the words you or I would have sent, but they are important words for all of us to hear when life is difficult. Life is hard for everyone. And those of us who have the idea that we will escape life’s problems or that we are owed an explanation when we suffer pain and loss will fail to learn, grow and overcome. Life is not a child’s game; it’s a difficult journey. It won’t go easy on any of us, and we shouldn’t expect it to. But Jesus has promised that his grace will be sufficient for us. In John 16:33 he said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart for I have overcome the world.” Is your life difficult right now? Take heart. Jesus is with you. He can strengthen you. And if you lean into him, through his grace and power, you will overcome.
LECTIO DIVINA Written by: Rev. Joy Johnston
Lectio Divina are the Latin words for spiritual reading, and in particular the spiritual reading of Scripture. During the season of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter, we set aside a special time to prepare our hearts and lives to receive Christ once again. This year on Wednesdays at noon during the season of Lent we will be offering a Service of Prayer and Lectio Divina. Most Christians are familiar with a prayer service, but perhaps you’ve never heard the words “Lectio Divina.” Let me assure you, you’re not alone! I was in seminary before I heard those words for the first time! Lectio Divina are the Latin words for spiritual reading, and in particular the spiritual reading of Scripture. The practice of Lectio Divina dates back to the sixth century monk Saint Benedict who taught a way of reading Scripture that speaks deeply to our hearts. There are four parts to a Lectio Divina reading of Scripture – lectio, meditatio, oratio, contemplatio. In lectio a brief passage of Scripture is read slowly with the expectation that God will speak a word or phrase directly to us from that passage. With meditatio God reveals what the word or phrase we received during lectio means to us. Next we move slowly into to oratio, which is the prayer that naturally flows from lectio and meditatio. Then finally we move into contemplatio where we rest peacefully in God’s presence. I hope that you will join us beginning on Wednesday, March 9 at noon in Robb Chapel for a sweet time of prayer and spiritual reading of God’s Word.
2022 FITNESS KICK-OFF EVENT Our focus this year is grow in faith and strength. Sandra Huskey, an ironman and accomplished athlete and health coach, joined us for our 2022 fitness kick-off event. Sandra provided great tips and inspiration to our seniors. We offer fitness classes three times a week at the main campus and two times a week at the Woodforest Campus. Come and join us!
THE GATHERING PLACE Monday, March 7 | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall This month’s theme is Boot Scootin Country. For more information about this group and to register contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514 WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, March 8 | 11:00 a.m. | Russo’s Italian Kitchen Russo’s authentic Italian restaurant and pizzeria is located at 3335 College Park Dr., The Woodlands 77384. All senior adults are welcome. Deadline for making a reservation is Monday, March 7 by noon. For more information about this group and to make a reservation, contact Dee Megee at 281.793.6622
CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER Every Wednesday in March beginning March 9 Noon | Robb Chapel During the Lenten Season, Jesus invites us to journey with Him to the cross. It is a time to be led by the Holy Spirit to fast, pray, reflect, and draw closer to God in preparation for Easter. No registration required.
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS UPCOMING EVENTS
PRIME TIMERS Wednesday, March 2 | 10:15 a.m.* | Aldersgate Hall Join us to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with The McTeggart Irish Dancers of South Texas. You won’t want to miss this special celebration! We are offering a brunch for $10. Event will end in time to attend the noon Ash Wednesday service. Register by phone or online. For more information about this event contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935 *Special time for Ash Wednesday. WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB Monday, March 7 | 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Do you enjoy taking photos, whether with your smart phone or a digital camera? Then March will be a great month to visit The Woodlands Camera Club, sponsored by our church. Join other photo enthusiasts on Monday, March 7 at 7:00 p.m. in Aldersgate Hall for a presentation by Earl Nottingham, former chief photographer for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as well as Shoot and Share photos by our own club members. To subscribe to the club’s e-mail newsletter, visit thewoodlandscameraclub.org 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 hybrid senior adult fitness class. Our online class via Zoom meets the same time as the face-to-face classes. Zoom Meeting ID: 735 678 773 | Password: SFIT
SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, March 11 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us for a night of fun, fellowship, games and refreshments. The cost is $1 per person. Bring a dish to share. For more information, contact Linda Henderson at sbucker1@comcast.net or Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012 PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB Tuesday, March 15 | Noon | Aldersgate Hall* Guest author Kathryn Lane will join us to review her book Revenge in Barcelona: A Nikki Garcia Thriller. Next month we will review The Murder of William Marsh Rice: A Galveston Storm Novel by Paul A. Spellman. For more information about Peggy’s Book Club, contact Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal. net or Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660. *Change in meeting room is due to our guest speaker. GOSPEL HOUR Sunday, March 20 | 5:00 p.m. | Sanctuary Bishop Hayes and our church organist, David McKenery, invite everyone to our Sunday afternoon Gospel Hour service on March 20. David’s SpiritWind Band and The GloryLand Big Band will be our special guests. They will perform some of your gospel favorites along with a hymn-sing where everyone can participate! Refreshments immediately following. PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING Friday, March 25 | 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Crochet or knit for those in need. Join us for fellowship each month. For more information on this ministry, please contact Connie Norton at concetta44@comcast.net or 281.292.3875 MEN’S BOOK STUDY 2nd and 4th Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. | C217-A This group is studying Max Lucado’s book Begin Again – Your Hope and Renewal Start Today. For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232. GOLDENAIRES CHOIR Wednesdays | 2:30 p.m. | Choir room For more information, contact Ed Wandling at 281.355.0053
MARCH 2022
THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
*Green text represents events at The Woodlands Campus and blue text represents events at the Woodforest Campus
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1 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym
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WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Rec Center Room 1 WF Caregivers Support 10:00 a.m. | Classroom Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Woodlands Camera Club 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
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WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Rec Center Room 1
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Gospel Hour 5:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
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WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Rec Center Room 1
28 WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Rec Center Room 1
WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym Woodlands Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. Russo’s Italian Kitchen
WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym Peggy’s Book Club Noon | Aldersgate Hall
22 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym
29 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym
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Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class -CANCELEDPrime Timers 10:15 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Ash Wednesday Service Noon | Robb Chapel WF Mid-week Chapel Service Noon | WF Worship
9 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | C217-A Contemplative Prayer Noon | Robb Chapel
16 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Contemplative Prayer Noon | Robb Chapel
23 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | C217-A Contemplative Prayer Noon | Robb Chapel
30 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Contemplative Prayer Noon | Robb Chapel
3 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym
10 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym WF Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Picnic and Baseball WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym WF Book Club 11:30 a.m. | WF Classroom Friendship Class Manna Bag Project 2:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor
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24 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym
31 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym
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WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium 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 Pickleball 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Senior Adult Game Night 6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall WF Movie Night 6:00 p.m. | WF Worship
WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
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1 APRIL
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WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Prayer Shawl Ministry 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor WF Senior Adult Game Night 6:00 p.m. | WF Worship
WOODFOREST CAMPUS UPCOMING EVENTS
WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH Thursday, March 10 | 11:00 a.m. | WF Porch Join us for a good old-fashioned picnic and a bean bag baseball game. Hot dogs will be provided. Deadline for making a reservation is Monday, March 7. To make a reservation and sign up to bring a dish, contact Ann Horton at 936.588.1663 or wyanhorton@gmail.com WOODFOREST MOVIE NIGHT Friday, March 11 | 6:00 p.m. | WF Worship Join for a movie night and fellowship. Stay tuned for our next selection. To register for this event, contact Jerry Brandt at 713.907.3606 WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB Thursday, March 17 | 1 1:30 a.m. | Woodforest Classroom Join us this month to review Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan. If you’d like to read ahead, in April we will review The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067
SERVE TEAMS
You have been uniquely purposed and placed at The Woodlands Methodist Church to make a difference in the lives of others. Be part of what God is doing through our church by joining a serve team. Two teams with other seniors you can serve alongside are the Bulletin Stuffers and Pew Refreshers. These teams have great fun working together as they assist in providing communication materials for our weekend worship experiences. thewoodlandsmethodist.org/serve
THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
The Woodlands Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380
SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, March 25 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | WF Worship Space Join us for game night! Bring a snack to share. The cost of this event is $1 per person. All adults are welcome. No registration required. For more information, contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935 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.
CONSECRATED HOLY COMMUNION ELEMENTS
RESOURCE CORNER CONGREGATIONAL CARE Congregational Care is a priority for our pastors. If you or someone you know is hospitalized, in rehabilitation or in hospice care – local or in the Texas Medical Center – we would love to send a pastor or a Caring Ministry volunteer to visit and pray with you and your family. Rev. Joy Johnston Pastor of Caring Ministry and Special Needs Ministry 281.297.5900 jjohnston@twmc.org Margarita McCarthy Director of Prayer and Care Ministry 281.822.8250 mmccarthy@twmc.org
Caring Ministry is offering consecrated Holy Communion elements for those of you worshiping at home. Stop by the main administration office to pick up elements.
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Photos will be shared on the Senior Adult Facebook page. facebook.com/TWMCsenioradults
Susan Goldsmith Caring Ministry Administrative Assistant 281.297.5953 sgoldsmith@twmc.org Teri Rossi Senior Adult Ministry Administrative Assistant 281.297.5935 trossi@twmc.org The Woodlands Methodist Church 281.297.5900 The Church at Woodforest 281.822.8182