NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS UMC
POINT MISSIONS
A MESSAGE FROM
I am so excited! We just completed our Missions Emphasis Month and there was so much happening!
PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
We had two great Saturdays of Serve It Up in which so many of our church members fanned out all over the county to work with our local ministries to help those in need. We had service projects to help the homeless and foster children, we distributed food to the hungry, worked at the Women’s Shelter, Habitat for Humanity, and we started clearing the land that will become Miracle City, and so much more!! We had four beautiful displays showing the incredible depth and breadth our Missions Ministries, here in Montgomery County and around the world. I hope you had the opportunity to walk through each and to take it all in. It’s amazing, all our church is doing in the name of Jesus Christ!! This is also the month that we ask for giving pledges to Missions. ALL of our Missions are funded from these pledges. None of the resources needed comes from the regular church budget. We need your support for all that we do by making a pledge to Missions for 2020. If you haven’t done so already, you can either make a pledge on the church website, thewoodlandsumc.org or you can stop by the church office and pick up a pledge card. In addition to your pledges, some of the funding comes from the Craft Circle Boutique and Gala. We are so grateful to the Craft Circle! The Boutique at the Woodforest campus will be on Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 27 and at The Woodlands campus on November 16 and 17. The Gala will be November 23 (tickets are on sale every Sunday). We are so proud of you and grateful for all that you make happen through our church! Thank you for your support of our Missions Ministry!
John Hull Pastor of Missions
“
WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU AND GRATEFUL FOR ALL THAT YOU MAKE HAPPEN THROUGH OUR CHURCH!
”
CLIFF RITTER
November brings a season of change in these parts. The weather is finally cool-ish. Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I have already plowed my space in the orchard reserved exclusively for next year’s blueberries. They are taking the space where my grandfather raised vegetables for the entire family, black-eyed peas, okra, squash and potatoes of all sorts. We’ll need to make room for those later, but for now we need to get the plot ready for a late winter planting of bare root blues. One of these days we will have enough fruit for all our friends, the neighbors, and the deer and the goats. Like the pears, and the apples, and the plums, and the peaches, we are looking ahead for two or three years before we will see our first harvest. But, we’ve gotta get those plants in the ground now, so that they will all begin to bring a bountiful harvest when the time comes. I look forward to the day we can cook a blueberry pie or blackberry cobbler with berries right out of the garden. My grandmother’s recipe is ready and waiting. That will be a great Thanksgiving indeed! Sometimes I think our faith is a lot like what happens with a newly planted orchard. You have some good gains, lots of success, and then the weather turns hot and the rains won’t come. There will inevitably be a few plants that can’t stand the heat. Our faith grows and prospers, and then this or that challenge confronts us, and we realize this business of walking with Jesus is not for sissies. There are set backs along the way. But, in the garden, and in the orchard, and along our faith journey, we don’t give up. We just turn the soil, fertilize a little here and there, and replant with a hope that next year the rains will come, and the weather will cooperate, and the roots will take hold. Our faith is that way too. When we get discouraged or when life fails to cooperate, we need to persevere in what we know is right, and true and good. God will be faithful in the valley and on the mountain top. Sometimes we just need to restart and trust the seeds of faith will begin to bear spiritual fruit, in the good times and in the not so good times. November is a good time to turn the garden soil in preparation for an early Spring planting season. It is an even better time to prepare our hearts for the season ahead. Here in the South, it won’t be long before it’s time to plant new vegetable seeds in the garden and seeds of faith in our souls. We plant the seed and God delivers the harvest. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY! Cliff Ritter
SERVE IT UP! Our Seniors have been busy serving! On Serve it Up Saturday in September we gathered together to decorate and fill Breakfast Bags for Meals on Wheels of Montgomery County! Kristen Perkins, Development Director with Meals on Wheels spoke to us about the benefits of the Meals on Wheels breakfast program. We met our goal of 500 Breakfast Bags!
Rev. Don Meador, Kristen Perkins and Connie Norton
Margi Davies
Jim Huston and Connie Norton
Ken Nesmith and Bonnie Huston
Bonnie & Jim Huston
Erica, Isaac and David Castillo
Margaret Randerson, Jim Davies and Mary Grace Randerson
Gerry and Jayce Love
Beth Northrup with granddaughter
Serve it Up group!
Connie Norton, Nancy Steinmeier, Rev. Cliff Ritter, Kay Meador and Rev. Don Meador
Meals on Wheels Breakfast Bags
FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANA BAGS The Friendship Class has been collecting food and filling mana bags for the 1960 Hope Center! Mary Kerr and Kay Meador cochair the Manna Bag Project for the Friendship Class.
Harold & Mary Kerr, Scott Bucker, Judy Stanley, Mary Grace Randerson and Kay Meador
Manna Bags
Mary Grace Randerson
Mary Kerr with Hope Center 1960’s Chairman of the Board, Debbie Johnson.
FRIENDSHIP CLASS MISSION’S DINNER The Friendship Class enjoyed food and fellowship at their Missions dinner on September 27th! Luke Redus with Compassion United shared stories about United Compassion and Conroe House of Prayer.
Barbara & Bill Scott
Karen Freeman, Norma Toth and Nancy Steinmeier
Harold & Mary Kerr with speaker, Luke Redus
Jacob Reitzel (Media Staff), Rev. Don Meador and Rev. Cliff Ritter
UPCOMING EVENTS SAVE THE DATE: ARTPLAY FOR SENIORS, CHRISTMAS GREETINGS WORKSHOP Monday, December 9 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall In honor of the Christ child’s birth, the Magi presented their gifts. Presentation is an important part of the gift, culminating our thoughtfulness with beautiful wrappings, topped with ribbons and gift tags. ARTPlay invites you to join the fun and fellowship at our Christmas Greetings workshop. We will explore a plethora of tools and mediums as we craft gift tags and greeting cards used to adorn gifts or send to loved ones. All supplies are included. Fee: $15.00 per person. Register online or email Teri Rossi, Senior Adult Ministry at trossi@twumc.org
LUNCH BUNCH Our Lunch Bunch group dined at Landry’s in September!
Derle Lindner and Harold Kerr
SHEPHERD CARE FALL APPRECIATION LUNCHEON Thursday, November 14|11:30 AM|Jones Library Join us for our annual appreciation luncheon to honor our faithful Shepherds! The speaker will be Rev. Jim Crawford, a United Methodist pastor, who in retirement is serving as Chaplain at The Village on the Waterway in The Woodlands. PRIME TIMERS LUNCHEON Wednesday, November 6 | 11:15 a.m. | Asbury Hall Join us in welcoming back Mary Margaret Mann as she presents: Elizabeth Endicott the Pilgrim Break out of the ordinary! Chart a course for high-seas adventure with Elizabeth Endicott. This daring adventure was a journey of epic proportions, and her story will open a remarkably intimate window into the day-to-day experience of the early Colonists. Your own holiday will be enriched as she recounts the first winter and the beauty of the land in spring, as well as the exhilaration of that “first Thanksgiving” celebration. Reservations are due by noon on Friday, November 1 to Ken and Joyce Nesmith at 281.367.5519. Cost is $7 per person. Checks are preferred, payable to TWUMC. ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE We’ll be collecting nonperishable food items for the Interfaith Food Pantry. Bring your donations to Prime Timers. SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, November 8 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall *Note our new time! 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, November 12 | 11:00 a.m. Join us at The Longhorn Steakhouse located at 26805 I-45, The Woodlands. The lunch menu has combos starting at $7.99 and includes an array of delicious options. All senior adults are welcome. Reservations are due by Monday, November 11 at noon. Call Dolly Loftiss at 210.844.2062 SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS: GRIEF SHARE SEMINAR Tuesday, November 5 | 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Our Surviving the Holidays seminar is especially for people who are grieving a loved one’s death. For more information contact, Susan Goldsmith, Caring Ministry Assistant 281.297.5953
Tom & Libby Heintz
Mary Kerr, Gay Lindner and Barb Olson Dr. Mark Lewis and Norma Toth
Dolly Loftiss
Nancy Gonzalez and Merle Spoon
ASTROS GAME Astros Here We Come! Our Single Life Widows and Single Sixty Something’s enjoyed an afternoon Astros game!
Carolyn Lentz, Diane Thibodeaux, Patty Davide and Kathy Wynns
Kitty Singletary and Teresa Thomas
Group Photo
Lelah Feeley and Judy Bridges
SMALL GROUPS CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Friday, November 1 and 15 | 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, November 4 | 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us for our monthly meeting and fellowship. We welcome all ages and all skill levels!
Bill Bass, speaker, at The Woodlands Camera Club Lunch and Learn
Bill Bass and Mac Rodgers with The Woodlands Camera Club gave a very informative presentation at our Lunch and Learn in September! The group was introduced to film and shutter speed, depth of field, and composition. For more information about Camera Club events, contact Jean Drummond at 281.467.8817 or thewoodlandscameraclub.org 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 Goldenaires Performance Schedule Fall 2019 Nov. 7 | 9:00 a.m. | Interfaith Patriotic Breakfast at South County Community Center Dec. 2 | 10:30 a.m. | TWUMC The Gathering Place Dec. 3 | 10:15 a.m. | Silverado Senior Living | 11:00 a.m. | The Conservatory Dec. 4 | 11:15 a.m. | Prime Timers Luncheon Dec. 5 | 10:00 a.m. | Regent Care 11:00 a.m. | Woodlands Heathcare Dec. 9 | 10:00 a.m. | Park Manor | 11:00 a.m. | Luncheon - TBD | 1:30 p.m. | Reunion Court of The Woodlands Dec. 17 | 10:30 a.m. | Cooperwood Apartments | 11:30 a.m. | The Forum Dec. 18 | 3:00 p.m. | Park Manor | 4:00 p.m. | The Village at The Waterway Dec. 20 | 10:45 a.m. | The Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church The Gathering Place THE GATHERING PLACE Monday, November 4 | 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. We hope you’ll join us at the Gathering Place! The theme for this month is “Shoe-in”! For more information about this program, contact Chuck and Jean Abernathy at 936.449.6450
MEN’S BOOK STUDY Wednesday, November 13* | 10:00 a.m. | Infant Care Room The Men’s Book Study will begin 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. *Please note we will not meet on November 27. For more information, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY For those who love to knit, or crochet are invited to participate! For more information on this ministry, please contact Connie Norton at concetta44@comcast.net or 281.292.3875. Our next quarterly meeting is December 13. The art of knitting and crocheting should be shared from generation to generation! As an extension of our Prayer Shawl Ministry we would like to gather the names of those who would be interested in teaching our church friends of all ages how to knit and crochet. You don’t need to be an expert or part of the Prayer Shawl Ministry! This will be a great opportunity to share what you know with others who want to learn this craft! To sign up to teach, please contact Teri Rossi, Senior Adult Ministry at trossi@twumc.org SENIOR ADULT FITNESS Tuesdays and Fridays | 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Wednesdays | 8:15 - 9:05 a.m. | Woodforest Gymnasium 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. MEN’S (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, November 19 | 12:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Bring a brown bag lunch and join us in discussing the book The Christmas Train by David Baldacci. Stay tuned for news of a December gathering! Coffee and cookies are provided. Everyone is welcome! For more information, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 PARK MANOR WORSHIP *Wednesday, November 6 | 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. *Note this worship service is once a month. SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Friday, November 8 | 11:00 a.m. | Breakfast Meeting Friday, November 22 | 11:00 a.m. | Thanksgiving Lunch 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.
NOVEMBER 2019 SUNDAY 27 OCTOBER
MONDAY 28
TUESDAY 29
WEDNESDAY 30
THURSDAY 31
FRIDAY 1
SATURDAY 2
Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
3
4 Friendship Class 9:30 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Bring mana items
10
The Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall The Woodlands Camera Club 7:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
11 The Woodlands
Methodist School Veterans Day Lunch and Celebration 11:00 a.m. School Cafeteria 12:30 p.m. Patriotic Performance TWUMC Sanctuary
17
18
5
6 WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. WF Gymnasium Prime Timers 11:15 a.m. Asbury Hall
Senior Adult Fitness
8:15 – 9:05 a.m.
Aldersgate Hall Grief Share Seminar: Surviving the Holidays
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
12Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m.
13 WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. WF Gymnasium Men’s Book Study 10:00 a.m – Noon Infant Care Room
Aldersgate Hall
Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. The Longhorn Steakhouse Friendship Class 3:00 p.m. | Jones Library Fill mana bags
19
20
Senior Adult Fitness
8:15 – 9:05 a.m.
Peggy’s Book Club 12:30 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
24
25
26
27
Senior Adult Fitness
8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall
Intermediate Class 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Rec Center Activity Room 1 Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
14Senior Adult Fitness
Intermediate Class 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Rec Center Activity Room 1 Shepherd Care Fall Appreciation Luncheon 11:30 a.m. | Jones Library Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
21 Senior Adult Fitness WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. WF Gymnasium
Aldersgate Hall
7Senior Adult Fitness
Intermediate Class 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Rec Center Activity Room 1 Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
28 WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. WF Gymnasium
8 Senior Adult Fitness
9
8:15 – 9:05 a.m.
Aldersgate Hall Single Life Widows 11:00 a.m. Breakfast Meeting Senior Adult Game Night 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
15
16
Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
22 Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Single Life Widows 11:00 a.m. Thanksgiving Lunch
29 Happy Thanksgiving! TWUMC Administrative office closed
23 Missions: Craft Circle Gala 6:00 p.m. Woodlands Resort and Conference Center
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The Woodlands United Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281.297.5900 thewoodlandsumc.org
HOLIDAY EVENTS TO SUPPORT MISSIONS CRAFT CIRCLE MASTERPIECE GALA AND AUCTION Craft Circle Masterpiece Gala and Auction is quickly approaching! The ladies of the Craft Circle have been working diligently all year to create a wide variety of handmade items! You won’t want to miss their treasure trove of handicrafts! Join us in supporting our Craft Circle Boutique and Masterpiece Gala! All proceeds benefit our local and international missions programs! Boutique and Chef Favorites Saturday, November 16 | 9:00 a.m – 1:00 p.m. | Main Campus Sunday, November 17 | 9:00 a.m – 1:00 p.m. | Main Campus Masterpiece Gala and Auction Saturday, November 23 | 6:00 p.m. | The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center
HOW WILL YOU SERVE? HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOUSE BUILD Saturday, November 16 | 8:00 a.m. | 1505 Creekhaven Court The Woodlands UMC has partnered with Habitat for Humanity for over ten years! Habitat for Humanity builds homes for families striving to achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life through affordable housing. Register for this event online or contact Sherry Lewallen, Local Missions Coordinator 281.466.8627
RESOURCE CORNER
A GLANCE AT NEXT MONTH (DECEMBER) Trip Documentation Meeting December 2 Shepherd Care Christmas Reception December 3 ARTPlay for Senior: Christmas Greetings Workshop December 9 Prayer Shawl Ministry Quarterly Meeting December 13 Christmas Without Them December 22
MEALS ON WHEELS MONTGOMERY COUNTY Meals on wheels provides home-delivered meals and rides to seniors and the disabled throughout Montgomery County. The heart of their mission is to offer seniors in need the comfort of a warm meal and a friendly face. If you or your loved one are in need or assistance, please call 936.271.2183.
Visit thewoodlandsumc.org for information about these and other church events.