OCTOBER 2019 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS UMC
POINT THE SEASONS OF OUR LIVES Fall is in the air . . . somewhere . . . in a land far away from Texas! One of the things I miss about living in the Pacific Northwest is the seasons! Especially fall. I love seasons, don’t you? They help us mark the passing of time, they provide a change in the rhythms of our daily lives, and they remind us of the order and beauty with which God has imbued creation. Did you know that the Christian year is ordered according to seasons too? Sacred seasons such as Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, Kingdomtide, Advent, and my favorite . . . Ordinary Time. Bishop Hayes and I would love for you to join us as we take an in-depth look at this fascinating, often overlooked, aspect of the church. Every Monday in October at noon we will lead a lunchtime study of these seasons of the Christian calendar as we look at their purpose and significance, utilizing lectionary readings and passages that will enhance our understanding of these special times in the life of the church. So grab yourself a pumpkin spice latte and let’s celebrate the sacred seasons that add meaning and order to our walk of faith!
Kimberly Constant, Pastor of Outreach and Connecting Ministry
A MESSAGE FROM
CLIFF RITTER
PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
My grandkids have already decorated their house for Halloween! Pumpkins, and straw, and all things scary are the rage with the little ones in this season. I remember the trick-ortreat festivals at the local Elementary School. It was the highlight of our school year. At my school, the classroom doors opened onto what was essentially an open, outdoor but covered corridor. This made the Halloween festival even more spectacular. We were going in and out of what grew increasingly dark outside. It was an ominous trek for a first grader, but we were all grown up in the 5th grade. So, we were put in charge of helping the little ones. We still had booths with cotton candy and Frito-pies, corn dogs and popcorn, all provided by the moms who served on the PTA. You had to buy those tickets that came from the circus on a big roll. Each ticket became like currency if you wanted to go in to play the games set up in each classroom. A pickle might cost two tickets, or so. Nonetheless, those were the days when kids in my neighborhood went door to door, well into the evening, collecting bags full of candy. They do that in my neighborhood these days. It has been resurrected as a tradition. I’m glad.
CELEBRATING MEMBERS Senior Adult Ministry and church friends celebrated our 90-year-old and older members at a special event in August. Margi Davies gave a devotional, Rev. Cliff Ritter prayed for the gathering and Dr. Mark Lewis entertained us with his humor. Marianne Ed, age 100, and Thelma Evans, age 102, were Dr. Lewis was honored this year, celebrating his 90th crowned Queen for the Day by Dr. birthday! Mark Lewis! A big thank you to Bella LaTaste and Jill McKechnie, with The Woodlands Camera Club for capturing the beautiful photos of our honorees and church members.
This year I think I’ll dress up like Elvis. My grandkids will think I’m dressed like the dad on their favorite Cable television cartoon, Vampirina (Ask your grandkids!) Either way, I have the wig, and the cool shades, and the white shoes, so it’s on for Elvis, at least for the kids who come to my door. Just plain old fun! Sometimes we just need to lighten up! Make sure you have some candy for the little ones who muster the courage to knock on your door this year. Turn your light on. Put a little pumpkin with some scary decorations on your front porch, but not too scary. Sit outside in a lawn chair and get to know your neighbors. Who knows, you may see them at church on the next Sunday. Don’t be a Turkey, that comes next month! It is a joy to be your pastor! Happy Halloween! With grace and peace,
Queens for the Day
Cliff Ritter
90 AND OLDER CELEBRATION OF LIFE Dr. Mark Lewis presented the ladies with red roses and the men with a golden bunny.
Dr. Robb celebrated with his mother, Martha Robb
Group photo of our honorees
Peggy Renfroe with her father, Al Carl and Barbara Borcherding
Marcella Mayeur
Jackie Waters and mother, Mary Stewart
Jim and Ruth Galey
Eloise Lindahl and Norma Toth
Margaret and Mary Grace Randerson
Clarence Thompson
Floyd Guest
Elaine McDow
Margery Haselton and Linda Porter
Audrey Cole
Lorrie Foster
Mary Middlebrooks
Evalyn Corley
Lorene Clouser
Alice Lofton
Mary Jon Smith
Gene Hengst
Norma Buckley
Bernice Brown
Patsy Tarvin
Ruby Hoose
UPCOMING EVENTS PRIME TIMERS LUNCHEON Wednesday, October 2 | 11:15 a.m. | Asbury Hall Join us as we welcome Tony Mac, a singer and DJ. Tony comes recommended to us by some of our members. Reservations are due by noon on Friday, September 27 to Joyce and Ken Nesmith at 281.367.5519. Cost is $7 per person. Checks are preferred, payable to TWUMC.
GOSPEL SHOW AND SING ALONG In July, David McKenery and his band SpirtWind performed to a packed house at our Gospel Show and Sing Along. Good old-fashioned gospel music, peach cobbler and ice cream, were a great way to spend a summer afternoon!
LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, October 8 | 11:00 a.m. Join us at The Omega Grill, located at 399 Sawdust Rd., just west of I-45 South. All senior adults are welcome. Reservations are due by Monday, October 7 at noon. Call Dolly Loftiss at 210.844.2062 SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, October 11 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall *Note our new time! 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 SENIOR ADULT PLANNING MEETING Thursday, October 17 | 2:00 p.m. | Jones Library Join us in planning our Senior Adult events! WOODFOREST CAMPUS CRAFT CIRCLE BOUTIQUE October 26 & 27 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. You’re invited to come and see what the women of Woodforest have been up to! We’ll be showcasing, artwork, sewn creations and other types of handmade goodness at the Woodforest Worship Center! Shop early! All proceeds benefit The Woodlands United Methodist Church Missions Ministry.
LUNCH BUNCH In August, our Lunch Bunch group dined at Guadalajara Hacienda in The Woodlands!
SAVE THE DATE SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS: GRIEF SHARE SEMINAR Tuesday, November 5 | 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
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 The wolf is at the door. Microsoft support, Apple support, Internet support, Social Security, and the IRS will not call you about a computer problem! Don’t let the wolf on your computer. 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.
MUSIC BINGO Our seniors enjoyed Music Bingo this summer! The August session was a tribute to Elvis Presley! Elvis stopped by for a minute before we played bingo and had coke floats!
SMALL GROUPS CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Friday, October 4 and 18 | 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. WOODFOREST SENIOR ADULT FITNESS Wednesdays | 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Join us for muscle toning, strength training and stretching using hand weights, tubes and chairs. Modifications can be made for any fitness level. Come and fellowship! No registration needed and there is no cost for this class! THE GATHERING PLACE Monday, October 7 | 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 “Squirrels, Acorns and Corn”! MEN’S BOOK STUDY Wednesday, October 9 and 23 | 10:00 a.m. Rev. Don Meador will lead a discussion about the Methodist denomination in the Infant Care Room D105. He will answer questions on faith and share things that many of us may not know. The next book study will be The Wesleyan Way by Scott Jones. It is available at the Church bookstore for $15.58 with a 10% discount for use in a church class. 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. SENIOR ADULT FITNESS Tuesdays and Fridays | *8:15 – 9:05 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us twice a week for 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. *Note new time. SENIOR ADULT FITNESS INTERMEDIATE CLASS Thursdays | *8:15 – 9:05 a.m. | Rec Center Activity Room 1 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. *Note new time and location.
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 SINGLE SIXTY-SOMETHINGS Tuesdays | 6:30 p.m. | Room D207 Join us for our new study, Love Does by Bob Goff. 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. MEN’S (OVER 55) PICK-UP BASKETBALL Thursdays | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Join us for pick-up basketball, friendly competition and great exercise at the Recreation Center Gymnasium! No registration required! PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB Tuesday, October 15 | 12:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Bring a brown bag lunch and join us in discussing the book The Leavers by Lisa Ko. If you’d like to read ahead, next month is The Christmas Train by David Baldacci. Coffee and cookies are provided. Everyone is welcome! For more information, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Friday, October 11 | 11:00 a.m. | Martha’s Bloomers Friday, October 25 | 11:00 a.m. | Houston Tea Tour Register for these events online. For more information, contact Terry Loughridge at 281.297.5932 PARK MANOR WORSHIP *Wednesday, October 2 | 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. PARK MANOR Park Manor presented our church volunteers with a beautiful trophy to recognize their seven-year commitment to the residents at Park Manor.
90 AND OLDER CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Elizabeth Voran
Bonnie Phillips
Bev Robb and her mother, Bernice Brown
Hands on Program
OCTOBER 2019 SUNDAY 29 SEPTEMBER
MONDAY 30
TUESDAY 1
WEDNESDAY 2 Prime Timers 11:15 a.m. Asbury Hall WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 a.m. WF Gymnasium
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7 Friendship Class 9:30 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Bring mana items
13
The Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
14
8
9
Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. The Omega Grill Friendship Class 2:00 p.m. | Jones Library Fill mana bags
15
Men’s Book Study 10:00 a.m – Noon Infant Care Room WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 a.m. WF Gymnasium
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20
21
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23 Men’s Book Study 10:00 a.m – Noon Infant Care Room WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 a.m. WF Gymnasium
27 Woodforest Campus Craft Circle Boutique 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Woodforest Worship Center
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29
3Senior 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
10 Senior 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
17Senior Adult Fitness
WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 a.m. WF Gymnasium
Peggy’s Book Club 12:30 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
THURSDAY
30
4 Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
11Senior Adult Fitness
Serve it Up Saturday!
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8:15 – 9:05 a.m.
Aldersgate Hall Single Life Widows 11:00 a.m. Martha’s Bloomers Senior Adult Game Night 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
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Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
24 Senior Adult Fitness
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Intermediate Class 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Rec Center Activity Room 1 Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.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
SATURDAY 5
Intermediate Class 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Rec Center Activity Room 1 Parkinson’s Exercise & Support Group 1:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall SAM Planning Meeting 2:00 p.m. | Jones Library
31 Senior Adult Fitness WF Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 a.m. WF Gymnasium
FRIDAY
26
Senior Adult Fitness 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Aldersgate Hall Single Life Widows 11:00 a.m. Houston Tea Tour
1
NOVEMBER
Woodforest Campus Craft Circle Boutique 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Woodforest Worship Center
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The Woodlands United Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281.297.5900 thewoodlandsumc.org
HOW WILL YOU SERVE? GEEZER SQUAD Geezer Squad is a group of about 45 retired or semi-retired volunteers who build wheel chair ramps and perform other handyman projects. We are also very active with Habitat for Humanity. To learn more visit geezersquad.org DRIVING FAMILY FUTURES Our Missions Ministry accepts donations of vehicles to provide transportation for families coming out of homelessness. We partner with local ministries to match donated cars with families who are actively pursing ways to improve their current circumstances. Your car could change a life! To donate or to learn more about this program contact Sherry Lewallen, Local Missions Coordinator 281.466.8627 Check out the local opportunities for Serve it Up Saturday, October 5! Sign up for Serve it Up Saturday or other local mission opportunities at thewoodlandsumc.org/missions
A GLANCE AT NEXT MONTH (NOVEMBER) Surviving the Holidays November 6 The Woodlands Methodist School Veterans Day Lunch and Celebration November 11 Shepherd Care Fall Luncheon November 14
RESOURCE CORNER THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP: NATIONAL NIGHT OUT COMMUNITY SAFETY EXPO Saturday, October 5 | Noon – 3:00 p.m. | Northshore Park Watch public safety demonstrations by law enforcement K-9’s, The Woodlands Fire Department and Montgomery County Hospital District and more! This is a family friendly event and has free admission. For more information, call The Woodlands Township, 281.210.3800 THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP: NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY Saturday, October 26 | 10:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m. | The Woodlands Township and Rob Fleming Center Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents, supported by law enforcement personnel, will collect unwanted medications for safe disposal by the DEA at no charge. For more information, call The Woodlands Township, 281.210.3800 Visit thewoodlandsumc.org for information about these and other church events.