THESENIORPOINT
THE MUNDANE BECOMES DIVINE
by Rev. Chris McLain, Pastor of Caring and Senior Adult Ministry
A few months ago, the Adults 55+ Ministry made a trip to the Bible Seminary Museum in Katy. The exhibit reminded me of a reality that I always shared in our confirmation classes but haven’t thought of sharing with our adults up until this moment.
The exhibit reminded us that the manger of the Gospels, the place where Jesus would have been laid, after being wrapped in those swaddling clothes, would not have been wooden, but would have been made of stone.
You read that right, stone. According to the Lignoma website, “[t]he first written record of a [wooden] crib set up in 1615 concerns the Benedictine monastery in Salzburg in Norberg.”*
What I have learned throughout Scripture is not to overlook obscure symbolism that might be part of the story. I want to fast forward to John 4 when Jesus meets the woman at the well and says: “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
In the first century, the Jewish people were almost obsessive about ritualistic washing. They went to the next level after reading passages like Leviticus 6:28 and 11:33-36. Stone jars, not clay, were to be used because the water remained ritually clean and able to be used for purification purposes.
Suddenly, laid in a vessel that would have been dirty, used by animals for feeding, we discover Jesus. Then, as it does in many parts of God’s beautiful story, the divine meets the mundane, and the perfect Son of God transforms filth into cleanliness, unmentionable to celebratory, and a manger into a vessel for “living water”!
In our broken world, often it feels like sickness, pain and death can become the norm. Everyone seems to have problems, serious worries and trauma. Jesus calls you and me to seek out the places that need healing and restoration and the throats that are parched from the dryness of the wilderness.
Join me in reading the lyrics written by Martin Luther in 1523:
Not by human flesh and blood; By the Spirit of our God Was the Word of God made flesh, Woman’s offspring, pure and fresh.
Savior of the Nations, Come
Jesus is about to break into the world once again. He will arrive “pure and fresh” and He will give “Living Water.” He will make the mundane of the world holy for the purpose of showing the world Emmanuel, “God with us.” The mundane is going to change. Maybe it’s the manger. Maybe it’s me. Maybe it’s all of us.
*https://www.lignoma.com/en/magazine/history-of-the-nativity-scene/
DECEMBER 2022 EDITION THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
Photograph courtesy of Angela Nobles Photography
Premier World Discovery presents NASHVILLE, SMOKY MOUNTAINS AND BLUEGRASS
April 26 – May 8, 2023
Highlights include Churchill Downs, The Ark Encounter in Williamstown (KY), Smoky Mountains National Park, Biltmore Estate in Asheville (NC), Dollywood and The Grand Ole Opry. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days. You should be in good health, be able to walk a flight of stairs or more, and be able to participate in walking tours or nature walks possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets with periods of standing. There could be some early and late activities, and temperature and altitude changes. This tour includes moderate physical activity.
Collette Tours presents ALASKA DISCOVERY LAND AND CRUISE September 13 – 24, 2023
Highlights include Denali National Park Tundra Wilderness tour, scenic train ride to Talkeetna, Alaska Wildlife Conserva tion Center in Anchorage, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Alaska’s capital city of Juneau, Ketchikan the Salmon Capital of the World and City of Totems, Vancouver. This means you’re a leisurely traveler. You like to discover the energy of a new place, but typically take it easy. You can handle at least one flight of stairs, board a coach and walk for 15-30 minutes at a time with little difficulty.
Both trips include standing and walking for short periods and may include slight activity for participation, as well as climbing on and off the bus. For more information, travel brochures are located at the Connection Point.
SAVE THE DATE
ADULTS 55+ TRIP
FOR 2023
OPPORTUNITIES
ADULTS 55+ LIVING Join us to talk about the full-range of possibilites for Adults 55+ to live their best life! • Budget Basics • Estate Planning • Retirement Planning • Retirement Landscapes These special gatherings are planned in January. Stay tuned for more information.
JOIN US FOR A SNEAK PEAK OF THE
AND CRUISE TRIP
ALASKA LAND
Sunday, December 11 | 10:45 a.m. | Asbury Hall
PAINTED CHURCHES TOUR
TOP GOLF
In October we toured four of the painted churches in Shulenburg. The Saints Cyril and Methodious Catholic Church of Dubina was the first settlement in Texas to be founded by Czech-Moravians. The church is decorated with frescoes and stenciling. Ammannsville, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church has a dusty rose ceiling. The ceiling is painted with stencil ing, infill, freehand and marbling techniques. St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Praha has beautiful, vaulted ceilings and was painted by a famous Swiss artist. Nativity of Mary, Blessed Virgin Catholic Church in High Hill is a classic example of the Gothic Revival style. The church has stunning Victorian features but also a European background of the German and Czech-Moravian settlers as well.
In October we met at Top Golf in Spring for a night of fun and games.
The Single Life Widows group also toured the painted churches.
CAMPUS
SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS
Register for these events online. Friday, December 2
Citizens Grill located at 315 Enclave Drive, Suite 300, Conroe Friday, December 16 Christmas Party Friday, January 6
Treehouse Cafe located at 12202 FM 1488, Magnolia
THE GATHERING PLACE
Monday, December 5 | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Join us for Home for the Holidays. For more information about this group and to register, contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514
THE WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB
Monday, December 5 | 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
The guest presenter will be local photographer Kathy Adams Clark on the topic “Traveling Today: Options, Pickpockets, Crowds and Covid.” Everyone is welcome. For more information, visit thewoodlandscameraclub.org
SHEPHERD CARE CHRISTMAS RECEPTION
Tuesday, December 6 | 11:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Shepherds join us for our annual Christmas reception with Holy Communion for our Lambs and their family members. RSVP to Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935
PRIME TIMERS
Wednesday, December 7 | 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall
Join us for an Advent lunch. Our program is Songs of the Season. We will welcome Bishop Bob Hayes and David McKenery’s band SpiritWind. Cost of lunch is $10. First time to Prime Timers? Enjoy lunch on us! Register for this event online.
SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT
Friday, December 9 | 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 Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012
HYBRID SENIOR ADULT FITNESS*
Senior Adult Intermediate Fitness
Mondays | 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall
Senior Adult Basic Fitness Wednesdays and Fridays | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Continue your health and wellness journey by joining us for hybrid senior adult fitness classes. Our online classes meet via Zoom the same time as the face-to-face classes.
Zoom Meeting ID: 735 678 773 Password: SFIT
Activity Level 1 *We’ll be taking a fitness break from Monday, December 19 – January 9, 2023.
ANNUAL FITNESS KICK-OFF EVENT
Monday, January 9 | 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall
Tuesday, January 10 | 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
ADULT PICKLEBALL
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Rec Center Gym
Mondays and Fridays | 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
LINE DANCING
Tuesdays | 11:00 a.m. - Noon | Woodforest Gym
Thursdays | 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
The current session ends on December 15. A new session will begin January 10.
The newly offered class is taught by Yvonne Savala. The class includes a variety of Line Dances, Waltz, Country Latin and more. Class is open to everyone. The cost is $10 per person. For more information, please contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.8935
WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH
Tuesday, December 13 | 11:00 a.m. | Eden Café
Join us for a homestyle lunch at this family-owned restaurant. Eden Café is located at 33418 Egypt Lane, Magnolia, 77354. To make a reservation, call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, December 12.
PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, December 13* | Noon | Allen Parlor
Join us this month for our annual Christmas party. Stay tuned for our next book review. For more information about Peggy’s Book Club, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net. *Note the change in meeting date.
MEN’S BOOK STUDY
Wednesday, December 14* | 10:00 a.m. | Room C217-A
This group is studying Philip Yancey’s What’s So Amazing About Grace. You are welcome to join at any time. For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232. *We will return to our normal schedule after the holidays.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING
Friday, December 16* | 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
Crochet or knit for those in need. Join us for our yearly Christmas party. For more information on this ministry, please contact Connie Norton at concetta44@comcast.net or 281.292.3875 *Note change in meeting date.
GOLDENAIRES CHOIR
Rehearsals every Wednesday | 2:30 p.m. | Choir Room
The Goldenaires, our senior adult choir, is the perfect way for you to spread joy through singing. No audition required. For more information, contact Ed Wandling at 281.788.9880
CLASS NEWS
FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAG PROJECT
Thursday, December 15 | 2:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor
Friendship class comes together to put snack bags together for the 1960 Hope Center.
WOODFOREST CAMPUS
WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH
Thursday, December 8 | 11:00 a.m. | Amore
Join us for lunch at Amore Fine Dining. The location is 14860 Hwy 105 W Montgomery, 77356. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, December 5.
WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB
Thursday, December 15 | 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus
Join us for our annual Christmas party. If you would like to read ahead, in January we will review The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067
SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT
We are taking a break this month. Join us for game night in January! Bring a snack or a dessert to share. The cost for this event is $1 per person. All adults are welcome! No registration required. For more information, contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935
WOODFOREST SENIOR ADULT FITNESS
Woodforest Senior Adult Basic Fitness* Tuesdays and Thursdays | 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
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.
THE WOODLANDS
DECEMBER 2022
*Green text represents events at The Woodlands Campus and blue text represents events at the Woodforest Campus.
NOVEMBER
Christmas Without Them
6:00 p.m. | Robb Chapel
Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall
The Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
The Woodlands Camera Club 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Shepherd Care Christmas Reception 11:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
WF Senior Adult Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym
WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Prime Timers 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall
WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
Senior Adult Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall
WF Caregivers Support 10:00 a.m. | Classroom
WF Senior Adult Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym Woodlands Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Eden Café
Peggy’s Book Club Noon | Allen Parlor
Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | Room C217-A
WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
Senior Adult Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
WF Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Amore
Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Senior Adult Game Night 6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
Senior Adult Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
WF Book Club 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus
Friendship Class Manna Bag Project 2:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor
Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
TWMC ClosedMerry Christmas!
TWMC Closed
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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
RESOURCE CORNER SUPPORT
COMPUTER SUPPORT MINISTRY
If you need computer support, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232
NEED A RIDE?
If you need a ride to a medical appointment, contact Ken or Linda Keith at 281.796.7447. Please call at least 48 hours in advance.
SHEPHERD CARE
Shepherd Care is a ministry of friendship for our members who are in local nursing homes or private residences. 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 Carolyn Crawford at 281.682.9142
PRAYER AND CARE MINISTRY
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. Contact Caring Ministry at The Woodlands Methodist Church | 281.297.5900 The Church at Woodforest | 281.822.8182
CONSECRATED HOLY COMMUNION ELEMENTS
Caring Ministry is offering consecrated Holy Communion elements for those of you worshipping at home. Stop by the main administration office to pick up elements.
CARING MINISTRY UPCOMING EVENTS
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Friday, December 2 | 11:00 a.m. | The Woodlands Allen Parlor Monday, December 19 | 10:00 a.m. | Woodforest Classroom
A support group for caregivers of family and friends with chronic, long term or terminal illness.
CHRISTMAS WITHOUT THEM
Sunday, December 18 | 6:00 p.m. | Robb Chapel
This service is designed for those who have experienced a loss. Holy Communion will be served. For more information contact Susan Goldsmith at 281.297.5353
THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
The Woodlands Methodist Church
2200 Lake Woodlands Drive
The Woodlands, Texas 77380
A NOTE FROM REV. CHRIS MCLAIN
I can’t tell you what an exciting nine months it has been serving with you all in ministry. During these months, I have talked with many adults on both campuses. No matter how many times I have introduced myself as pastor of “Senior Adult Ministries,” I have always been met with the same awkward response: “I don’t feel old enough to beconsidered a senior!”
With that in mind, I have some exciting news to share. We have recognized that active communities are reaching out to those who are 55 years and older, and this new landscape is divided not by age, but by individuals and activity levels. Building a family under a name only, without keeping individuals and their different needs in mind, put more focus on the name and limited the ministry we all care so much about. Therefore, to better engage more of our
guests and members, we are embracing thenew moniker Adults 55+ Ministry.
I mentioned last month in our newsletter that some changes are on the horizon. In January 2023, our ministry will change overto this new name. In addition, starting withthe January edition, Senior Point newsletterwill now be known as Monthly Outlook.
I hope you will embrace this new ministryfocus and encourage folks to join us forour exciting programs, studies and outings. Together, we can grow this ministry,offering these wonderful opportunitiesfor connection and fellowship with aneven larger group. I’m looking forward toembarking on this new journey. Join me! - Chris
