THE WOODLANDS UMC
MAY 2019 EDITION
POINT Missions
A MESSAGE FROM
I never cease to be amazed at the impact our church is having here locally and around the world.
PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
A few weeks ago, I traveled to Patna, India. In India, only approximately 2% of the population is Christian. I was working with Hope for Today, a dynamic Indian ministry that we have supported for years. The program is called the “Church Planting Discipleship Movement” (CPDM). The purpose is to train young Christian leaders who have a desire to lead others to Christ. The men and women who attend are amazing, as they have a passionate love for Jesus Christ, and they are willing to risk their lives so that others will know Him. This ministry provides them with teaching and materials that cover the whole Bible. I was part of the teaching team and I taught six books of the Bible (Exodus, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Nehemiah, Romans, and James). I wish you could have been there with me to see their joy and their passion for the Gospel. It is amazing. Our church started this ministry in 2013. Let me share with you all that God has done during this time. • To date, 537 believers have completed the two-year program. • 160 more are being trained now. • These trained leaders have led 28,253 people to Christ. • 4,086 people have been baptized. • 6,328 new House Churches have been planted • The ministry started in one city. CPDM is now being conducted in nine cities in eight states and in two countries (India and Nepal)! All of this is the result of support from The Woodlands United Methodist Church! Know that your gifts to Missions are changing lives!! Check out Global Mission opportunities at missions.thewoodlandsumc.org/serve Rev. John Hull, Pastor of Missions
CLIFF RITTER
May flowers. There is a newness about May that always captures my imagination. The Easter Season is behind us and we are starting to feel the power of the summer sun. The kids are busy finishing up school, and parents are putting the final details together for that long-awaited summer vacation. It’s a good time to check in with friends and neighbors, before the busy summer months ahead. In May we can really enjoy being in Houston. The weather is warm, but not searing hot like in July or August. We might even see one or two cool evenings, now and again. I’m not sure why, but I think May might be a great month for a revival. The church is still feeling the passion of Easter, and we are finishing strong in our Bible Studies. We know the Annual Conference is right around the corner. In the old days, and in the smaller churches, folks would begin to wonder if they might get a new pastor this year. But, those decisions are not as abrupt as they once seemed to be. In our church, it looks like we will keep what we’ve got for now. That’s good for us. So, back to revival. It sounds a little old fashioned. But, it may still be the best word. Awakening is also a word we hear quite a bit in the halls of the church. We can agree, I think, that the church needs to be finding fresh new ways to worship God. That’s been true in every generation. As a Senior Adult, I think the best way I can encourage the younger generation is to help them to be awakened to the love of God. They will re-live, and re-store, and re-fresh the faith that has been passed down through us, if we encourage them. I recently heard that I need to empower all the people in our ministry. We need to unleash the Holy Spirit among us. So, let’s get at it. Let’s be about revival, and reawakening, and restoring all that is good about the church. It’s time to welcome Jesus into our lives once again! With grace and peace, Cliff Ritter
The Woodlands United Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281.297.5900 thewoodlandsumc.org
HOW WILL YOU SERVE? GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES Guatemala Men’s Team | May 24- June 2 Construction of a Christian school in a Mayan village. Kiev Kiev, Ukraine Seminary Mission Trip | May 9 – 19 The team will catalog and shelf books as well as engage with seminary students. LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES Blood Drive May 5 | 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The Woodlands campus in the Family Life Center gymnasium or at The Loft in the Donor Coach. Breakfast in the Park May 4 | 9:15 – 11:00 a.m. Prepare and serve food for the homeless at Lewis Park in Conroe. Sign up at missions.thewoodlandsumc.org
RESOURCE CORNER CAREGIVERS CONFERENCE SPONSORED BY INTERFAITH OF THE WOODLANDS Saturday, May 4 | 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Conference is located at Christ Church United Methodist on 6363 Research Forest Drive. The conference offers free skill-building and informative workshops for family members caring for a loved on.
A GLANCE AT NEXT MONTH (JUNE) ARTPLAY FOR SENIORS WATERCOLOR SESSION June 6 PRAYER SHAWL MEETING June 14 FOR THE LOVE OF PIANO MUSIC June 14 SENIOR ADULT MUSIC BINGO June 21 ASTROS BASEBALL GAME June 27
Visit thewoodlandsumc.org for information about these and other church events.
PHOTO GALLERY PRIME TIMERS
PERSPECTIVES CLASS
On March 6, the Heart-Lites performed at the Prime Timers gathering.
On March 9, members from the Perspectives class put in a hard day’s work with Habitat for Humanity.
Judy Brown and Elaine Nance
Jim Stanley and Habitant Homeowner Cynthia Taplin
The Heart-Lites singing group
Kevin Hendryx
ARTPLAY FOR SENIORS Participants of our ARTPlay for Seniors experimented with mixed media! Watch for our next session in June.
Robert Taylor and Bill Sauerbrey
Mark Weller
CALLING ALL AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS! Are you an amateur photographer? Would you like to share a special travel or nature photo with us? Send photos to trossi@twumc.org
SMALL GROUPS CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Friday, May 3 and 17 | 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.
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.
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN GROUP Wednesday, May 15 | 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
PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB Tuesday, April 21 | 12:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Bring a brown bag lunch and join us in discussing the book Killers Of The Flower Moon by David Grann. If you’d like to read ahead, next month is Blood and Money by Thomas Thompson. Coffee and cookies are provided. Everyone is welcome! For more information, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660
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, May 6 | 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 Hats and Horses Abound! MEN’S BOOK STUDY Wednesday, May 8 and 22 | 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.
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. PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Those who love to knit or crochet are invited to participate. Although most of the hand work will be done at home, 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, please contact Connie Norton at concetta44@comcast.net or 281.292.3875. Next gathering is June 14. SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Friday, May 10 | Blue Bell Creameries | Brenham, TX Friday, May 24 | La Madeleine Restaurant For more information about Single Life Widows, contact Terry Loughridge at 281.297.5932 SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY TRIPS If you are registered for the Santa Fe in May trip (May 15 – 18) please join us for a Trip Documentation Meeting on May 8 at 2:00 p.m. in Jones Library. Last minute documentation will be distributed and questions answered. The Canadian Rockies VIA Rail trip has been canceled.
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 Our computer support ministry is free of charge! 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. 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.
MAY 2019 SUNDAY 28 APRIL
MONDAY 29
TUESDAY 30
WEDNESDAY 1
THURSDAY 2
Prime Timers Picnic 9:00 a.m. Burroughs Park
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6 The Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
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7 Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
14 Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. Nona’s Italian Grill
Celebrate Mother’s Day!
Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
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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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Senior Adult Fitness
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Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class Men’s Book Study 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Aldersgate Hall Infant Care Room Senior Adult Game Night Parkinson’s Exercise Santa Fe Trip & Support Group 5:00 –7:30 p.m. Documentation Meeting 1:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Aldersgate Hall 2:00 p.m. Shepherd Care Single Life Widows Jones Library Quarterly Meeting Blue Bell Creameries 2:00 p.m. | Jones Library
NEW! Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Allen Parlor
Intermediate Class 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY SANTA FE TRIP
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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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28 Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
23 Men’s Book Study 10:00 a.m. Infant Care Room
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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
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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
24 Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Single Life Widows La Madeleine Restaurant
31 Senior Adult Fitness 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Afternoon at the Movies 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. Music Suite
25 Friendship Class Missions Dinner 5:30 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
1 JUNE
UPCOMING EVENTS PRIME TIMERS PICNIC Wednesday, May 1 | 9:00 a.m. | Burroughs Park Join us for the annual Prime Timers Barbecue at Burroughs Park. Social time at the park begins at 9:00 a.m. and lunch will be served at 11:00 a.m. Join in the fun as we kick off our Summer Music Bingo event with our own Giny Gonzalez! Reservations are due by noon on Friday, April 26 to Ken and Joyce Nesmith at 281.367.5519. The cost is $8 per person and checks are preferred, payable to TWUMC. Directions to Burroughs Park: 9738 Hufsmith Road in Tomball – from the intersection of Woodlands Parkway and Kuykendahl road, turn south on Kuykendahl road, go 3. 6 miles, turn right on Hufsmith road, go 1. 2 miles and arrive at Burroughs Park on the right. SHEPHERD CARE QUARTERLY MEETING Thursday, May 9 | 2:00 p.m. | Jones Library Our speaker, Susan Goldsmith, Administrative Assistant to Rev. Cliff Ritter, will discuss her role in the church. SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, May 10 | 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
LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, May 14 | 11:00 a.m. Join us for Lunch Bunch at Nona’s Italian Grill located at 3091 College Park Dr., Conroe, TX 77384. (This is in the shopping center behind Sonic and Whataburger). Reservations are due by Monday, May 13 at noon. Call Dolly Loftiss at 210.844.2062. All senior adults are welcome. FRIENDSHIP CLASS MISSION DINNER Saturday, May 25 | 5:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us in Aldersgate Hall for a potluck dinner benefitting missions. AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES Friday, May 31 | 2:30 p.m. | Music Suite Join us in viewing the movie Life, a 2017 American sci-fi horror film directed by Daniel Espinosa, written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, and Ryan Reynolds. The film follows a six-member crew of the International Space Station that uncovers the first evidence of life on Mars. No reservation is needed. All senior adults are welcome. For more information, contact Glenda Bailey at glendabailey@gmail.com
MEET OUR GOLDENAIRES!
First row, L to R: Linda Henderson, Laverne Hopper, Natalia DeGuzman, Elaine McDow, Eloise Lindahl, Lillian McCauley, Carol Bailey Second row: L to R: Mary Kerr, Faye Peavy, Judy Bonds, Kay Nichols, Karen London, Carolyn Bowman, Don Meador Third row: L to R: Alan Bowman, David McKenery, Glenda Bailey, Linda Burley, Becky Wolfe, Glenna Wandling, Karen Jones, Ruth Myers, Kathy Smith, Harry Jones Last row: L to R: John Thees, Charles Lindahl, Bobby Smith, Gordon Wright, Harold Kerr, Jerry Whitehouse, Ed Wandling
GOLDENAIRES PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Wednesday, May 8 3:00 p.m. | Regent Care Center 4:00 p.m. | Park Manor, Woodlands
Tuesday, May 28 12:30 p.m. | The Conservatory 1:30 p.m. | Silverado Senior Living
Friday, May 17 10:30 a.m. | Genesis Healthcare (Woodlands Healthcare) 11:30 a.m. | The Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church | The Gathering Place
Wednesday, May 29 10:15 a.m. | Reunion Court (Brookdale) 11:00 a.m. | The Village at the Waterway
Monday, May 20 10:30 a.m. | Park Manor, Conroe 11:30 a.m. | Red Phoenix Restaurant Wednesday, May 22 10:00 a.m. | Copperwood 11:00 a.m. | The Forum
Monday, June 3 10:30 a.m. | TWUMC | The Gathering Place Wednesday, June 5 11:00 a.m. | Prime Timers Luncheon | Asbury Hall