SEPTEMBER 2021 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
THESENIORPOINT THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
A FAMILY REUNION
A MESSAGE FROM
When I was a kid growing up, I used to love our family reunions. Getting the chance to spend time with grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins was something that I always looked forward to. We would play games, eat a lot, and catch one another up on the happenings of our lives since we were last together.
PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
LEE BREWER
Written by: Brent Parker
As I got older, and especially since getting married and having kids of my own, my participation in these family reunions has waned. In fact, the occurrences of family reunions have dropped off as well. And, I don’t think that mine or my family’s reunion patterns are unique. With the rise of Facebook, most of us can simply open an app on our phone or open our computer and catch up on the news of our family members. Additionally, as a result of placing our children in so many summer activities, finding a weekend that will fit each family member’s calendar seems nearly impossible. This past year of COVID, with the travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines associated with it, didn’t make it any easier to gather for these heartwarming and bond building moments. Though it’s not quite the same, and there remain plenty of excuses for not being an active participant, our ability to gather with the church family just might fill the gap that we’ve recognized within us. Whether it’s returning to the sacred space of your favorite worship service, stepping back into your Sunday school class or small group, or showing up for one of the Senior Adult ministry events, I’m confident that you’ll experience those feelings of warmth, joy, and belonging that you once felt when you were getting together with the church family before. The author of Hebrews reminds us that we should not give up meeting together (10:25). We were created to be together in community! And, there’s not nearly as many travel arrangements or calendaring challenges involved in making the decision to come back home to the church. So, what are you waiting for? Can your pastors, Sunday school teachers, and Senior Adult ministry team plan to see you this week? We sure hope so. The family reunions just aren’t the same without you!
“not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25
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September is here, and it marks several events in life in much of the northern hemisphere. First, of course, traditionally September is when school begins again and there is much celebration and thanksgiving among parents. It is also the month that marks the beginning of meteorological autumn: in September the amount of light and dark become almost identical, with the period of dark each day becoming longer than the light until the spring equinox turns things around. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Ecclesiastic New Year begins on September 1 because it was the time of harvest, and the cycle of the year is seen as being complete. All of these point in the direction of change: things are different in significant ways this month. Change is a necessity of life – especially the spiritual life. Jesus tells Nicodemus the key to finding real life is being “born again.” In Christ we are changed to see and approach life differently with the goal each day of becoming more like Christ. We strive to see the fruits of righteousness in our lives and to touch the lives of others. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us to do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Gal. 6:9-10) Working on the changes God wants me to make,
Lee
PRIME TIMERS
ASTROS GAME
The Woodlands Township and Specialist Carlos Tavarez with Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department joined us to talk about Personal Safety. Tavarez recommends we download The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office mobile application to your phone. The app allows residents to connect with the sheriff’s office to submit tips and receive public safety news and information. The app icon will look like the image to the left.
A group of seventy seniors and grandchildren cheered on the Astros during the July 8th Astros vs. Oakland A’s game. The final score was Athletics 2 and Astros 1. The Astros did not win but we had a goodtime.
Charles & Marka White
Carolyn Lentz, Dee Megee, Judy Stanley
Specialist Carlos Tavarez
Alice & Mike Widmier
Cindy Rook
Dr. Brewer, Glenna Wandling
EULA MALSON Craft Circle recently surprised Eula Malson with a 90th Birthday Party. Eula is the only remaining member from that first Craft Circle group, and she has contributed so much during those 41 years! She is currently Table Chair for the Needlepoint table. Helen Burgdorf
Karen & Harry Jones
Judy Stanely, Valerie Ellis, Rich Cox Ken & Joyce Nesmith
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS UPCOMING EVENTS
PRIME TIMERS Wednesday, September 1 | 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall Join us in celebrating our 90 and Older members. The Goldenaires will perform, and Dr. Mark Lewis will recognize our honorees. This is a sweet time to honor our friends. Cost of a lunch is $10. For more information about this event contact Helen Burgdorf at 713.822.5728. Registration online. WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH *Wednesday, September 8 | 11:00 a.m. | Shanghai Bistro Join us for lunch at the Shanghai Bistro restaurant on 4223 Research Forest Dr, The Woodlands. All senior adults are welcome to join us for this time of food, fun, and fellowship! Deadline for making a reservation is Monday, September 6 by noon. For more information about this group, contact Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 *New meeting day* TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME Wednesday, September 8 | 11:30 a.m. | Church Parking Lot Join us to watch the Astros take on the Seattle Mariners. The bus will pick up from both the Woodforest Campus and Woodlands Campus. Lunch will be at the stadium. This outing is open to all seniors, and friends. Cost of this event is $60. For additional information please call Helen Burgdorf at 713.822.5728. Registration online. SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, September 10 | 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 EXPRESSIONS – WATERCOLOR 2 Tuesdays beginning September 14 – October 5 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. | Hayes Hall A Join us for fellowship through art. We will continue our work with watercolors. Classes provide an opportunity to tap into your creative self, freely pushing the limits of your curiosity and imagination in a breathable environment. Both artists and nonartists are very welcome! Class is offered by Abby Salazar. This event is $50 and covers all supplies. Registration online. THE QUESTIONS I WANT TO ANSWER: PASTOR LED SERIES BY DR. LEE BREWER Tuesday, September 14 | Noon | Aldersgate Hall Kick-off event! After this summer’s series on “Questions You Want to Ask the Preacher,” this builds upon some of the areas of interest and answers from that study with an eightweek study taking place at noon on Tuesdays in 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. PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING Friday, September 24 | 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 on this ministry, please contact Connie Norton at concetta44@comcast.net or 281.292.3875
SERVE IT UP MISSIONS OPPORTUNITY – HOMELESS MINISTRY SNACK BAGS Saturday, September 25 | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Be the hands and feet of Christ by joining in packing homeless ministry snack bags. Our goal is 500 snack bags! All supplies will be provided. The cost of this event is $10 per person. The cost is to help cover the serve it up supplies and mission t-shirt. All are welcome. Registration online. GRIEF SHARE OPPORTUNITIES Grief Share Mondays starting September 13 | 7:00 p.m. | Zoom Wednesdays starting September 15 | 1:00 p.m. | C110 Loss of Spouse | Wednesday, September 8 2:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
FUTURE EVENTS WE’RE GOING TO BRANSON! October 18 - 22, 2021 Experience world famous live entertainment, outdoor beauty, and delicious food. Attractions will include Clay Cooper’s Country Express, a dinner cruise aboard the Showboat Branson Belle, “Jesus” at the Sight and Sound Theater and much more. For more information contact Helen Burgdorf at 713.822.5728. HOLY WALKAMOLIES Start date TBD Join us for our fall session of the Holy Walkamolies. We will meet at the Rec Center for light stretching, a short devotional and a walk around the neighborhood. Stay tuned for more information and registration.
WOODFOREST CAMPUS UPCOMING EVENTS
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME Wednesday, September 8 | 11:30 a.m. | Woodlands Campus Please reference Woodlands Campus copy. WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH Thursday, September 9 | 11:30 a.m. | Mia’s Table Join us for lunch at Mia’s Table, 18450 I-45 S, Shenandoah. Mia’s table is a Carrabba family restaurant. A causal family-friendly atmosphere serving American style food. Deadline for making a reservation is Monday September 6. For additional information please text or call Angela Street at 281.723.6819 MIDWEEK CHAPEL Wednesday, September 15 | 12:15 p.m. | Woodforest Chapel This fall there is going to be a midweek chapel service followed by coffee and fellowship. Mark your calendar for Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17, and Dec. 15 to be a part of this special time. Please send Teri Rossi or Pam Broussard your favorite hymn title and we will choose the top hymns to sing at these services! *NEW* SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, September 24 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | WF Worship Center Join us for Senior Adult Game Night in Woodforest! 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 GRIEF SHARE OPPORTUNITIES Grief Share | Mondays starting September 13 6:30 p.m. | Classroom 104 Loss of Spouse | Sunday, September 12 2:00 p.m. | Classroom 104
SMALL GROUPS THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Friday, September 3 | 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor A support group for caregivers of family and friends with chronic, long term or terminal illness. Group will be led by Dr. Lee A. Brewer. No registration needed. THE GATHERING PLACE PLANNING MEETING Wednesday, September 22 | 11:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Currently serving our clients through “at home” projects. 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 September 8 and 22 | 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 *September 21 | Noon | Dunnam Conference Room *Note new meeting room. Join us this month to discuss The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict. If you would like to read ahead, in October we will review Bellevue: Three Centuries of Medicine and Mayhem at America’s Most Storied Hospital by David Oshinsky. 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 Peggy’s Book Club hosted author Bob Davis to review his book Gusher! A Novel of The Rockefeller Oil Empire.
*NEW* 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, September 3 | 11:30 p.m. | Citizens Grill Join us for lunch at Citizens Grill on Hwy 1488, Magnolia Texas. To register, visit our Single Life page online. Friday, September 17 | 7:00 p.m. | Single Life Comedy Night Comedy night will be held at The Loft, 2200 Lake Woodlands Dr. The Woodlands, Texas. 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 September 16 | 11:30 a.m. | Woodforest Campus Let’s meet for lunch and a book review! Join us in reviewing The Night Portrait by Laura Morelli. If you would like to read ahead, in October we will review Lost Identify by J. Allen Reed. 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.
CHRIST HEAD SCULPTURE The Christ Head sculpture was created by sculptor Lawrence M. Ludtke and donated to our church by Erika Ludtke. The sculpture is now on display in the main hallway across from the administration office. Stop by to see this beautiful piece of art.
SEPTEMBER 2021
THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
*Green text represents events at The Woodlands Campus and blue text represents events at the Woodforest Campus
SUNDAY 29 AUGUST
MONDAY 30
TUESDAY 31
WEDNESDAY 1 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Prime Timers 11:15 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
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7 The Woodlands Methodist Church Closed
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13 WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. Recreation Center Room 1
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20 WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. Recreation Center Room 1
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27 WF Pickleball 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. WF Gymnasium Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. Recreation Center Room 1
WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium
14 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Pastor Led Series Noon | Aldersgate Hall Expressions – Watercolor 2 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. | Hayes Hall A
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WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Pastor Led Series Noon | Aldersgate Hall Peggy’s Book Club Noon Dunnam Conference Room Expressions – Watercolor 2 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. | Hayes Hall A
28 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Pastor Led Series Noon | Aldersgate Hall Expressions – Watercolor 2 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. | Hayes Hall A
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Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall B Astros Game 11:30 a.m. | Church Parking Lot Woodlands Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Shanghai Bistro
15 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall WF Midweek Chapel 12:15 p.m. Woodforest Worship
22 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall B
29 Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
THURSDAY 2 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium
9 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium WF Lunch Bunch 11:30 a.m. | Mia’s Table
16 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium WF Book Club 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus
23 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium Manna Bag Project 2:00 p.m. | Jones Library
30 WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gymnasium
FRIDAY 3
SATURDAY 4
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
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Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Senior Adult Game Night 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall
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Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Single Life Widows Check Website
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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
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OCTOBER
Serve it Up Missions Opportunity 9:00 a.m.
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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 thewoodlandsumc.org/senior-adults Contact us at 281.297.5935 or seniors@twumc.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@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 Margarita McCarthy Caring Ministry Prayer Assistant 281.822.8250 mmccarthy@twumc.org
Visit thewoodlandsumc.org for information about these and other church events.