The Senior Point — November 2020 by The Woodlands Methodist Church

NOVEMBER 2020 EDITION

THE WOODLANDS UMC

POINT CARRY A LITTLE HONEY! Most of you who are reading this would probably agree that our weary and troubled world is in desperate need of something that would lift our spirits and give us hope for the days ahead. If that’s the case, I want to share with you a story taken from the Old Testament book of Genesis that shines an optimistic light into our darkness. It is the story of Joseph, the dreamer. Sold into slavery because of his fanciful dreams by his jealous brothers (Genesis 37:18-28), Joseph is taken to Egypt where he prospers because of his dreams. Eventually, he is made the governor of all the food distribution in Egypt during a great famine, and guess who comes before him from the land of Canaan seeking food? That’s right, his brothers, whom he hasn’t seen in many years. They did not know it was Joseph, but their long lost brother knew it was them. After devising an elaborate scheme to find out as much as he could about his family, Joseph keeps one of the brothers and vows not to release him until the youngest brother Benjamin, whom he has never seen, returns with them on their next trip to Egypt. When Israel, the patriarch of the family finds out that his son Simeon is being held by this stranger who also wants to see Benjamin, he is distraught, but instructs his sons in this manner: “If it must me so, then do this: take some of the best fruit of the land in your bags, and carry them down as a present to the man—some balm, and carry a little honey..” Genesis 43:11 Their father knew that “honey” might be interpreted as a sign of goodwill and cooperation; it could be seen as a peace offering; it might open some doors, build some bridges, mend some fences, and establish a relationship with this stranger in Egypt. “Carry some honey in your bags and take your brother Benjamin with you, and may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man.” (Genesis 43:12-14)

A MESSAGE FROM

LEE BREWER

PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS

It was Thanksgiving Day. The extended family was all gathered around the table covered with a bounty of delicious foods. After the blessing, the woman of the house asked, “Who wants to carve the turkey?” Her father replied, “You married him. You have to carve him.” Now, that is NOT the attitude we want to bring to our Thanksgiving table! However, the smile or the laughter that story elicits is. 2020 will probably not be a year that most of us will remember with great fondness. There have been just a few challenges along the way, haven’t there? For some of us there have been some great challenges, losses, hurts and disappointments. Nevertheless, just in the fact that we are here to bemoan the problems and pandemic of this time speaks to us of God’s providence and provision. To truly give thanks in this season requires us to make a choice to see and remember our blessings.

Over these last few months, we have been stretched to our limits by the emotional and psychological toll of this pandemic. We’ve become more isolated, separated from each other along political lines, racial lines and economic insecurities. Many family relationships and marriages have suffered. But what would happen if we decided to “carry a little honey” with us in our personal affairs and our interactions with others? What would our world look like if we decided to “carry a little honey” with us in order to build bridges instead of walls?

The hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” calls us to focus on the reasons we have for truly giving thanks in this season:

The honey which I speak of is represented with words such as: kindness, care, concern, compassion, empathy, understanding, and love. That’s what honey sounds like and feels like in 2020!

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—

So, I have decided to make it my priority during this dark stretch of our journey to mend fences, heal and restore broken relationships, build bridges, and take the best that Bob Hayes has to offer into the bright future God is preparing for us! And I ask you: Won’t you join me? Bishop Bob Hayes, Bishop in Residence

“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!” Morning by morning new mercies I see;

“Great is Thy faithfulness, “ Lord, unto me! My prayer for us all is that we each can find and focus on the blessings of the Lord this Thanksgiving. Even more, I pray that we can find the blessing in the gift of each day of life. Giving thanks for each of you! Lee

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SEPTEMBER SENIOR FITNESS CHALLENGE WINNERS! In September, our Senior Adult Fitness group offered a fitness challenge. The participants had to track their walking, join our senior fitness class via Zoom, read scripture and drink plenty of water. We are so proud of those who stepped up to the challenge! Well done friends! Tedi Armet

Carol Kellum

Becky Cottingham

Karin Spence

Pat Eckdahl

Nancy Steinmeier

Bet Ferguson

Teresa Thomas

Bill Ferguson

Charlie Tucker

Laverne Hopper

June Tucker

WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH Our Woodforest friends enjoyed a fajita lunch on the church porch.

Mary Erkmann and Lora Parker

Jim and Angela Street

Pam and Doyle Honeycutt

Jim Erkmann

UPCOMING EVENTS FUTURE EVENTS THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS *NEW*FOOD DRIVE AND CHRISTMAS MIRACLES GIFT CARD DONATIONS It’s a tradition! Before COVID Prime Timers brought food for Interfaith to the November luncheon and $30 gift cards from Walmart, HEB or Kroger’s for the church’s Christmas Miracles program to the December meeting. This year the need is greater than ever. We can still donate food to Interfaith by dropping off nonperishable items at the Loft on the mornings of Oct. 17 and 24. The church plans to assemble 1300 food boxes for Christmas and Angel Tree gifts for about 300 children and seniors. We can help by dropping off $30 grocery gift cards at the church or sending a check marked Christmas Miracles by December 1. Let’s be the hands and feet of God. Have a blessed holiday. For more information contact Mary Kerr at 936.231.8449. THE WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB November 2 | 7:00 p.m. | Via Zoom Did you ever want to check out the camera club? Now is a good time to take up a new hobby! On November 2, a professional photographer from Kingwood will show us how to take better pictures of something we view every day Food! This meeting, starting at 7:00 p.m., will be presented via Zoom. If you would like to attend, please send a note to info@ TheWoodlandsCameraClub.org and we will send you the link! *NEW* SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS: GRIEF SHARE SEMINAR November 8 | 1:30 p.m. | Woodforest Worship Center November 10 | 3:00 p.m. | TWUMC 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 at 281.292.5953 *NEW*THE CHILI COOK OFF OF 2020! November 12 | 11:30 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Who doesn’t love a good bowl of chili? Bring your A game and sign up to compete in our chili cook off contest. Competition chili is not pre-made. Prepare your homemade chili recipe and bring it prepared in a crockpot for judging on November 12. Chili will be judged on aroma, consistency/texture and taste. Amateur chefs only please. Registration is limited to twelve people. Register for this event at people.thewoodlandsumc. org/RegistrationInstance/1795 *NEW*THE HOLY WALKAMOLIES Tuesdays and Thursdays October 6 - December 7 | 9:30 a.m. Meet at the Recreation Center Join our new 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 on the Woodlands waterway. Tuesday’s is our half-mile beginners’ group and Thursday’s is our one-mile beginners’ group. Distance will be added gradually. Groups are limited to fifteen people per group. Bring a friend! Register for this event at www. thewoodlandsumc.org/group-detail/215102 PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING November 10 | 10:00 a.m. | Via Zoom Join us for virtual fellowship! Zoom details shared via email. For 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. For more information on this ministry, please contact Connie Norton at concetta44@comcast.net or 281.292.3875

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 Ann Armstrong at 281.419.2666 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 SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Second 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 Teresa Thomas at 936.648.3340 NEW* WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH WITH DR. LEE BREWER November 9 | 11:30 a.m. | Woodforest Porch Join us for a lunch on the porch with our Senior Adult Ministry Pastor, Dr. Lee Brewer. We will enjoy a devotional and a boxed lunch from Jason’s Deli. The boxed lunch will be $5.00 per person. Deadline for placing an order is Tuesday, November 3. Please email Teri Rossi at trossi@twumc.org to sign up for this event. Face masks and social distancing encouraged.

RESOURCE CORNER “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” — Gal. 6:10 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. 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

SMALL GROUPS Due to COVID-19 our small groups are not meeting face to face; however, there are many opportunities to meet your friends online via Zoom. We hope you will join some of our unique online opportunities! We are sending prayers for continuous good health and well-being.

THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS GOLDENAIRES CHOIR This group is taking a break and will reconvene in 2021. The Goldenaires, is 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 November 2 | 10:00 a.m. | Wesley Hall Join us for a Gathering Place Care Kit project. For more information about this program, contact Pam Baker 832.381.4514 SAVE THE DATE: CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP 1st and 3rd Fridays | 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Our Caregivers Support Group will meet again beginning December 4, 2020. This is a support group for caregivers of family and friends with chronic, long term or terminal illness. Group will be led by Dr. Lee Brewer. MEN’S BOOK STUDY *November 11 | 10:00 a.m | Zoom Beginning November 11, 2020, we will begin the study of 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? *No meeting November 25, 2020. For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 SENIOR ADULT FITNESS Tuesdays and Fridays | 8:15 - 9:05 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Thursdays | 8:15 - 9:05 a.m. | Rec Center Activity Room 1 Garrett Ritter said, “We are looking forward to both in person and online options starting during phase 4 of our reopen plan. Stay tuned for dates and times!” 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. Our senior fitness is currently meeting online Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9:00 – 9:40 a.m. We hope you will join us! Meeting ID: 735 678 773 | Password: SFIT PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB This group is taking a break and will reconvene when the church reopens. You may want to join our Women’s Ministry Book Club group. The Women’s Ministry Book Club is meeting the last Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m. via Zoom. This is a great way to stay connected with other avid readers! For more information check the TWUMC website. For more information about Peggy’s Book Club, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 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 PICKLEBALL Tuesdays and Thursdays | 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. | Gymnasium This group will reconvene when the WF campus is reopened! 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. 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. CRAFT CIRCLE BOUTIQUE *New* Saturday, November 7 | 9:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m. | Porch Sunday, November 8 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Porch Join us in supporting our craft circle group as they offer a variety of quality artistic, handmade gift designs and home décor. All proceeds go to our Missions Ministry. For more information contact, Arlene Seekatz at 936.588.3929 WF BOOK CLUB *New* November 12 | 11:30 a.m. | Porch Let’s meet on the porch for lunch and a book review! Join us in reviewing This Tender Land by William Krueger. If you would like to read ahead next month, we will review How to Walk Away by Katherine Center. 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.

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 COMPUTER SUPPORT MINISTRY Computer Tip: Don’t reply to emails from people you don’t know. Although it isn’t pleasant to think about, there are scammers out there who send alluring emails to try to steal personal information. You can steer clear of these cyber criminals by choosing not to open or reply to any emails from people you don’t know. If you need computer assistance, 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 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.

NOVEMBER 2020

*Green text represents events at The Woodlands Campus and blue text represents events at the Woodforest Campus

SUNDAY 1

All Saints Day

Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom WF Lunch Bunch with Dr. Lee Brewer 11:30 a.m. | WF Porch

16 TWUMC Craft Circle Boutique 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Wesley Hall

TUESDAY 3

Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. | Wesley Hall The Woodlands Camera Club 7:00 p.m. | Zoom

WF Craft Circle Boutique 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. WF Porch Surviving the Holiday 1:30 p.m. Woodforest Worship Center

MONDAY

DECEMBER

Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom

TWUMC Craft Circle Boutique 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Wesley Hall

Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom

TWUMC Closed

Happy Thanksgiving

WF Craft Circle Boutique 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. WF Porch

The Holy Walkamolies 9:30 a.m. | Rec Center

SATURDAY 7

The Holy Walkamolies 9:30 a.m. | Rec Center WF Book Club 11:30 a.m. | WF Porch The Chili Cook Off 11:30 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom

FRIDAY 6

The Holy Walkamolies 9:30 a.m. | Rec Center

Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom

The Holy Walkamolies 9:30 a.m. | Rec Center

Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | Zoom

The Holy Walkamolies 9:30 a.m. | Rec Center

THURSDAY

Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom

The Holy Walkamolies 9:30 a.m. | Rec Center Prayer Shawl Ministry 10:00 a.m. | Zoom Surviving the Holiday 3:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom

The Holy Walkamolies 9:30 a.m. | Rec Center

Senior Adult Fitness Class 9:00 a.m. | Zoom

WEDNESDAY

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 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? “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)

HOLIDAY EVENT TO SUPPORT MISSIONS Our Craft Circle ladies have been working diligently to create a wide variety of handmade items! You won’t want to miss their treasure trove of handicrafts! CRAFT CIRCLE BOUTIQUE Saturday, November 14 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Wesley Hall Sunday, November 15 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Wesley Hall MISSIONS CONFERENCE 2021 We are all aware that COVID-19 has severely affected our local community as well as people all over the world. But do we really understand the impact of this pandemic on our mission’s partners and the people they help? Missions Pastor John Hull interviewed leaders of these partner ministries via Zoom both locally and around the world to bring their stories to you. Listen to our missions stories at: https://www.thewoodlandsumc.org/ missions Check out ways to serve our community at thewoodlandsumc. org or for more information, contact Sherry Lewallen at 281.466.8627.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM OUR FINANCE TEAM In an effort to save trees and postage, the church is converting your monthly giving statements from paper copy to email (paper statements will still be mailed at yearend). If you would prefer to continue receiving a paper copy of your statement throughout the year, or to request giving envelopes, please let us know by emailing finance@ twumc.org or calling 281.297.5934

Visit thewoodlandsumc.org for information about these and other church events.