The Senior Point — October 2021 by The Woodlands Methodist Church

OCTOBER 2021 EDITION

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

THESENIORPOINT THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

PSALM 55

A MESSAGE FROM

“Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught. (vs 1-2a). Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you. (vs 22a).” – Psalm 55

PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS

LEE BREWER

Written by: Joy Johnston

Wars, pandemics, political strife, natural disasters, economic upheaval, and the list goes on. Not only are all these things happening in our community and world, but as I write I am waiting to hear if dear friends in New Orleans are safe after living through Hurricane Ida while another close friend’s life hangs in the balance as she undergoes surgery. To say the least, it’s been a rough couple of years, and I find myself feeling exactly like the writer of Psalm 55, when he cried out, “Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught” (vs 1-2a). Maybe you’ve felt the same thing recently! It’s easy to think that now is one of the most difficult times in history; however, things really haven’t changed much in the last three thousand or so years since the psalmist composed Psalm 55. Psalm 55 is a prayer for help written in the first person in which the writer is describing how he has been afflicted by a general urban lawlessness and betrayal of a close friend. Both things are all too familiar to us today as well. So where do we turn for hope? The Psalmist knew then and what is still true today – our help is in the Lord our God. Indeed, along with the psalmist, we too can, “Cast our cares on the Lord, and he will sustain us” (vs 22.a). We can trust that God will listen to our prayers and answer us. Like the psalmist so long ago, I too declare, “But as for me, I trust in you, O God” (Psalm 55:23b). We need not despair because God goes with us through these days and times of rejoicing will return.

Yellowstone Travelers

October is a month of variation and anticipation. Leaves begin to change colors; the temperatures begin to cool; and the months of big holidays are on the near horizon once again. Change is literally in the air around us. Changes in our personal life are often less welcome than the changes in nature. Certainly, we often want our circumstances to change, but that is as long as it does not entail US having to change! We would like to change our weight – as long as it doesn’t mean changing our diet. We would like to have more energy – as long as it doesn’t include getting out of the recliner. A perfect example of how we would like things to be is seen in an invention that was popular for decades in America: the vibrating belt machine. Some of you remember them, don’t you? All you had to do was wrap the belt around you and let the machine shake that fat away! No, it didn’t work. In Romans 12:2, Paul tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Transformed, changed, into people who think differently so we can act differently. I know very well that the older we get the harder it is to change things. We get comfortable and have things just the way we like them. Yet, perhaps, the Lord is calling us to respond to the world around us and make some changes in the way we think, the way we act, so that others can receive the blessings only we can give by being willing, and able, to change. Looking forward to change,

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Lee

PARDON OUR DUST!

OCTOBER FUN FACT

Sanctuary Fun Facts:

This is National Popcorn Popping Month! Those little, hard kernels become fluffy flowers of goodness. Enjoy some popcorn and may the Lord soften all of our hearts to change and become something new and wonderful.

• The bulk of the scaffolding is coming down, the only remaining sections being left up is the tower up into the dome. • The installation of the stained-glass window panels is on the calendar. • The new pew seats are scheduled to be delivered by the end of October.

90’S CELEBRATION AT PRIME TIMERS What a wonderful time it was to get together with many of our 90-year-old members to celebrate them, their lives, and the difference they have made in so many lives! It was truly a blessing to be able to get together again and enjoy our family in the Lord. Thank you for all of you who were a part, who came to celebrate friends and family, and for those who did such an amazing job of making it go so well. A BIG thank you to Louise and the Goldenaires for being such a beautiful part! (And no one would believe you have only practiced an hour in the last year!) Thank you to our Pastoral Ministry team for the planning and execution and their continual care and kindness. And thank you again, Jon Steen, for the beautiful piano music. Written by: Lee Brewer

Bernice Brown and family

Elizabeth Voran

Lisa Short and Bob Naugle

Lillian McBride

Gene Hengst

Eula Malson, Norma Buckley and Arlene Holden

Margery Haselton and Linda Porter

Martha Robb and family

Goldenaires Group

Jon Steen

Patsy Tarvin and family

Mary Grace and Margaret Randerson

LaVon Olson and Dr. Lee Brewer

Rev. Joy Johnston

Sarah Parsons and Evalyn Corley

Tommie Sheppard and Anna Brandt

THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS UPCOMING EVENTS

WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB Monday, October 4 | 7:00 p.m. | Zoom The Camera Club will be meeting on Monday evening, October 4 on Zoom. Our speaker will be professional photographer Kevin Gourley discussing “Enhanced Lighting for Portraiture.” We welcome everyone to join us! If you would like to receive the link to this meeting, please email us at info@ TheWoodlandsCameraClub.org PRIME TIMERS Wednesday, October 6 | 11:15 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Rev. Mark Sorenson is our guest speaker this month. You won’t want to miss his inspiring message. Cost of a lunch is $10. Deadline for registration is Friday, October 1st. Register by phone or online. For more information about this event contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935 FLU SHOT CLINIC 2021: SPONSORED BY WALGREENS Wednesday, October 6 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor It’s time for your flu shot. Walgreens is offering Flu, Highdose Flu, Pneumonia and Tetanus. Medicare patients please bring your ID card, and a photo ID. Medicare will be billed directly. If you are not on Medicare, Walgreens will file a claim with your health insurance for reimbursement. All are welcome. For more information about this event contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935. Registration online. THE QUESTIONS I WANT TO ANSWER: PASTOR LED SERIES BY DR. LEE BREWER Tuesdays in October | Noon | Aldersgate Hall The series will focus on areas of theology, philosophy and the Bible that often bring the greatest number of questions in people’s spiritual lives. Registration online.

*NEW* PICKLEBALL Tuesdays and Thursdays | 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Rec Gym 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. *Bring your own paddle and we’ll provide the indoor balls. For more information about this group, contact Teri Rossi at 281-297-5935 WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH *Wednesday, October 13 | 11:00 a.m. | Kitchen 1488 Join us for a taste of New Orleans cuisine at the Kitchen 1488 restaurant on 4130 FM 1488, Magnolia. All senior adults are welcome to join us for this time of food, fun, and fellowship! Deadline for making a reservation is Monday, October 11 by noon. For more information about this group, contact Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 *New meeting day* SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, October 8 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us for a night of fun, fellowship, games, and refreshments. Our favorites are Mexican Train and Bridge. The cost is $1 per person. Bring a dish to share. For more information, contact Linda Henderson at 936.273.3167 or Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012 PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING Friday, October 22 | 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor 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, please contact Connie Norton at concetta44@ comcast.net or 281.292.3875 WE’RE GOING TO BRANSON! October 18 - 22, 2021 The Branson trip has been cancelled due to low registration.

FUTURE EVENTS SHEPHERD CARE FALL LUNCHEON Wednesday, November 17 | 11:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

WOODFOREST CAMPUS UPCOMING EVENTS

TOUR THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH Monday, October 4 | 11:00 a.m. | Dunnam Conference Room Do you want to learn more about the history of The Woodlands Methodist Church and go behind the scenes? Join us for a personalized tour offered by Angela Branch, Executive Director of Administration for our church. Let’s meet at the Woodforest campus at 10:15 a.m. and carpool to the main campus. After the tour we’ll eat lunch at the church café. To register for this event, please contact Jerry Brandt at 713.907.3606 MIDWEEK CHAPEL Wednesday, October 20 | 12:15 p.m. | Woodforest Chapel An Exciting New Worship Opportunity for the fall! Midweek worship was a part of church life for many of us growing up. Here is a time we can lift our voices in familiar songs and keep our week focused on the Lord. I hope you will mark your calendar for Oct. 20, Nov. 17, and Dec. 15 to be a part of this special time. Send Teri Rossi, or Pam Broussard your favorite hymn title. We will choose the top 16 hymns that people tell us they love as one of the four we sing at each of these services!

WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH *Thursday, October 14 | 11:00 a.m. | Eden’s Cafe Join us for a homestyle cooked lunch at Eden’s Cafe. Deadline for making a reservation is Monday, October 11. For additional information please contact Ann Horton at 936.588.1663 or wyanhorton@gmail.com. *Note new meeting time. SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, October 22 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | WF Worship Center Join us for game night! Let’s play Mexican Train, Hand and Foot, Farkle, and 42 together! Bring a snack or a dessert to share! The cost for this event is $1 per person. All senior adults are welcome! No registration required. For more information, contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935 Join us for game night and bring a friend!

SMALL GROUPS THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Friday, October 1 | 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 Dr. Lee A. Brewer. No registration needed. THE GATHERING PLACE Stay-tuned for more information on face-to-face gatherings. The Gathering Place ministry is an ecumenical ministry for adults who have been diagnosed with early to moderate dementia. This ministry is provided in partnership through the Care Partners organization. There is a simple eligibility process to determine if this program is the right fit for you. For more information about The Gathering Place, contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514 MEN’S BOOK STUDY October 13 and 27 | 10:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall B We are studying Max Lucado’s book “Begin Again: Your Hope and Renewal Start Today.” Come join us in this discussion of the book along with a short DVD by the author. In Begin Again, pastor and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado celebrates God’s promise to restore and renew. Max will prepare you for the journey ahead, this compilation—which also includes original content from Max—assures us of the new possibilities ahead. All men are welcome. For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232 HYBRID SENIOR ADULT FITNESS Senior Adult Intermediate Fitness Mondays | 9:00 a.m. | Rec Center Activity Room 1 Senior Adult Basic Fitness Wednesdays and Fridays | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Woodforest Senior Adult Basic Fitness Tuesdays and Thursdays | 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Continue your health and wellness journey by joining us for a hybrid senior adult fitness class. The hybrid class will follow all CDC guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19. Please wear a mask upon entry to the building, during exercise the mask may be removed. Our online class via Zoom will meet the same time as the face-to-face classes. Zoom Meeting ID: 735 678 773 | Password: SFIT PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB October 19 | Noon | Dunnam Conference Room Join us this month to discuss Bellevue: Three Centuries of Medicine and Mayhem at America’s Most Storied Hospital by David Oshinsky. If you would like to read ahead, in November we will review The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson. Bring your sack lunch and beverage to join us for a lively discussion. Men and women are welcome. For more information about Peggy’s Book Club, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net GOLDENAIRES CHOIR Tuesdays | 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 is required. For more information, contact Ed Wandling at 281.355.0053 SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Friday, October 1 | 11:00 a.m. | Boating Excursion and Lunch Join us for a boating excursion on Lake Conroe and lunch at Fajita Jacks. To register, visit our Single Life page online. Friday, October 15 | Check Website To register, visit our Single Life page online. For more information, contact Terry Loughridge at 281.297.5932

WOODFOREST CAMPUS WOODFOREST CRAFT CIRCLE 2nd and 4th Thursday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Woodforest Gymnasium We welcome all who have creative skills or no skills to join us in sewing, knitting, painting, crafting, and holiday cheer to create beautiful works to sell at our Craft Circle Boutique! All proceeds go to our Missions Ministry. Times are flexible. Bring a sack lunch or a snack! For more information contact, Barbara Green at 713.248.1228 PICKLEBALL Mondays | 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Woodforest Gymnasium 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. WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB October 21 | 11:30 a.m. | Woodforest Campus Let’s meet for lunch and a book review! Join us in reviewing Lost Identify by J. Allen Reed. If you would like to read ahead, in November we will review The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067 SENIOR ADULT FITNESS Tuesdays and Thursdays | 8:30 a.m. | Woodforest Gymnasium 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.

MISSIONS OPPORTUNITY Driving Family Futures – Donate a car to Missions

Your car could change a life. Our Missions Ministry accepts donations of vehicles to provide transportation for families coming out of homelessness. Find out more by contacting Sherry Lewallen at slewallen@ twumc.org

YELLOWSTONE Thirty-four members of the Senior Adult Ministry enjoyed their trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. The weather was perfect, and we saw lots of God’s wonderful creations.

OCTOBER 2021

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

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

SUNDAY 26 SEPTEMBER

MONDAY 27

TUESDAY 28

WEDNESDAY 29

THURSDAY 30

FRIDAY 1

SATURDAY 2

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support Group 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Single Life Widows Check Website

WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Rec Center Room 1 WF Campus Tour 10:30 a.m. | WF Parking Lot Woodlands Camera Club 7:00 p.m. | Via Zoom

11 WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Rec Center Room 1

18 WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Rec Center Room 1

25 WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Rec Center Room 1

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym Pastor Led Series Noon | Aldersgate Hall

12 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym Pastor Led Series Noon | Aldersgate Hall

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym Pastor Led Series Noon | Aldersgate Hall Peggy’s Book Club Noon | Dunnam Conference

26 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym Pastor Led Series Noon | Aldersgate Hall

6 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Flu Shot Clinic 9:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Prime Timers 11:15 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

13 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall B Woodlands Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Kitchen 1488

20 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Midweek Chapel 12:15 p.m. Woodforest Worship

27 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall B

7 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym Parkinson’s Support Group 1:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym WF Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Eden’s Cafe Parkinson’s Support Group 1:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

8 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Senior Adult Game Night 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Woodlands Pickleball 10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Woodlands Rec Gym Parkinson’s Support Group 1:30 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Single Life Widows Check Website

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Prayer Shawl Ministry 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor WF Game Night 6:00 p.m. Woodforest Worship

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

CAMPUS MAPS

ABOUT OUR MINISTRY THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

2200 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands, TX 77380

The Senior Adult Ministry at The Woodlands Methodist Church is a vital part of our church, with new and expanding opportunities for involvement.

Find more information at twmc.org/senior-adults Contact us at 281.297.5935 or seniors@twmc.org Like us on Facebook

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

CONROE

The Woodlands Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380

WOODFOREST CAMPUS THE CHURCH AT WOODFOREST

105 2854

700 Fish Creek Thoroughfare Montgomery, TX 77316

I-45

1488

PRAYER MINISTRY

RESOURCE CORNER

PRAYER MINISTRY “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:16 -18

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.

John Wesley describes the Christian life in relation to prayer, making it his fourth mark of discipleship. Prayer is the way we create, commune, and sustain our relationship with God. Wesley viewed prayer as “the chief of these means of grace.” We at The Woodlands Methodist Church are a praying Church. We have Prayer Teams available in the Harvest, Loft, Traditional, and Woodforest services. If you would like prayer, prayer teams are available after each of the services and after the Chapel and Traditional services as well. We would love to pray for you! In addition, if you have a heart for prayer or the gift of prayer, we would love for you to join our prayer team as well. Contact our Caring Ministry Prayer Assistant at 281.822.8250 SUNDAY CHRYSOSTOM CHAPEL PRAYER Prayer is the truest form of worship. As one of our Methodist Hymns express, “Prayer is the soul’s simplest desire, unuttered or expressed, the motion of a hidden fire that trembles in the breast” (Hymn #492). If you have this desire to pray, you are welcome to join us in Chrysostom Chapel on Sunday mornings from 8:00 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. as we join our hearts in faith and follow Christ to pray for our pastors and our church family.

Rev. Joy Johnston Pastor of Caring Ministry and Special Needs Ministry 281.297.5900 jjohnston@twmc.org Dr. Lee A. Brewer Pastor of Caring Ministry and Senior Adult Ministry 281.297.5900 lbrewer@twmc.org Susan Goldsmith Caring Ministry Administrative Assistant 281.297.5953 sgoldsmith@twmc.org Teri Rossi Senior Adult Ministry Administrative Assistant 281.297.5935 trossi@twmc.org Margarita McCarthy Caring Ministry Prayer Assistant 281.822.8250 mmccarthy@twmc.org

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