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SEPTEMBER 2026 EDITION

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

ADULTS 55 OUTLOOK

+ MONTHLY

YOU NEVER GRADUATE FROM GROWING by Whitney Martz The Adult Discipleship Team

One of the beautiful truths about following Jesus is that there is never a point where we “arrive.” No matter our age or stage of life, God continues to shape us, teach us, and invite us to know Him more deeply. Discipleship is not a season of life. It is a lifelong journey. At The Woodlands Methodist Church, we are passionate about helping people take their next step in faith. Whether that means joining a Bible study, connecting through a Home Group, attending a Connect Class, participating in Faith Foundations, serving alongside others, or finding a place to build meaningful relationships, there are opportunities for everyone to continue growing in Christ. One of the greatest blessings of our church is the way generations walk together. Those who have faithfully followed the Lord for decades offer wisdom, encouragement and perspective that strengthen the entire body of Christ. At the same time, each new season of life provides fresh opportunities to learn, serve, and experience God’s faithfulness in new ways. Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds us, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together... but encouraging one another.” We were never meant to walk this journey alone. As we look forward to the fall, we invite you to consider what your next step might be. Perhaps it’s joining a Bible study, becoming part of a Home Group, attending a Connect Class, exploring Faith Foundations, or inviting someone to take that step with you. To learn more about the opportunities available this fall, visit our Adult Discipleship page at twmc.org/gather. We’d love to help you find the next step that’s right for you. No matter where you are in your walk with Christ, there is always room to grow, always someone to encourage, and always another opportunity to experience the goodness of God in community.

9/11 SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE, REFLECTION AND RENEWAL Friday, September 11 | Noon | Robb Chapel Join us on Friday, September 11, at noon in Robb Chapel for a Service of Remembrance, Reflection and Renewal as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. We will draw near to God in worship, reflection and prayer as we remember those who lost their lives and those who responded heroically, both at home and abroad. For more information, visit twmc.org/prayer

TALK ABOUT “REMEMBERING” by Rev. Chris McLain, Pastor of Caring and Adults 55+ Ministry

In our old denomination, hundreds of pastors and churches will answer this question with zero, “How many adult baptisms have you performed this year?” Imagine a community having a weekly encounter with the Holy Spirit and not a single adult was baptized over the 52 Sundays. While this question mattered, it also raised another question which was rarely asked: “How are you testifying to lives encountered and changed by the Holy Spirit?” This question would shift the focus from merely counting conversions to celebrating transformative encounters—the essence of sanctification. You see, it wasn’t that the Holy Spirit had stopped working in people’s lives; it was that people stopped telling the story. When someone’s life was being transformed internally (especially those who had already been baptized), there wasn’t a way to share the good news with the church. There wasn’t a moment to plant the gospel flag in the ground and hear the church singing “Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!” On Sunday, September 13, at The Woodlands Campus, we’ll host our Service of Baptism & Remembrance at 6:00 p.m. we will baptize some folks for the first time, and for those who have had a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit, we will “remember their baptism” through sprinkling or immersion each baptized believer will re-encounter their vows, as it is the nature of baptism as part of worship. We’ll be energized with the testimonies of God’s work, just like the Samaritan woman’s response to her conversation with Jesus: “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done!” To register, visit twmc.org/baptism

THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS

WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, September 8 | 11:00 a.m. | Caffe Di Fiore Meet us at Caffe Di Fiore, located at 10110 Woodlands Parkway #900, The Woodlands. To RSVP, please contact Dee Megee at 281.793.6622. SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Friday, September 25 | 11:30 a.m. | Chicken Salad Chick Meet us for lunch at Chicken Salad Chick located at 3026 College Park Dr., Suite A, The Woodlands. Register at twmc.org/singles

WOODFOREST CAMPUS

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Monday, September 21 | 10:00 a.m. Woodforest Classroom This support group is for caregivers of family and friends with chronic, long-term or terminal illness. No registration is required. The group meets on the first and third Monday of each month. For more information, contact Angela Street at 281.723.6819 WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH Thursday, September 10 | 11:00 a.m. | Good Charlie’s We’re meeting at Good Charlie’s, located at 545 Woodland Square Blvd, Conroe. To RSVP, please contact Roberta Duncan 281-415-7751 SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Friday, September 11 | 11:30 a.m. Crust Pizza Co. – Woodfrest Meet us for lunch at Crust Pizza at 2300 Woodforest Pkwy N., Montgomery, at 11:30 a.m. Register at twmc.org/singles BOOK CLUB Thursday, September 17 | 11:30 a.m. The Woodforest book club is currently reading The Little Liar by Mitch Albom. For more information, contact Diane Oakley at diane.r.oakley@att.net

MONTGOMERY CAMPUS

MONTGOMERY LUNCH BUNCH Friday, September 11 | 11:30 a.m. | Napoli’s Italian Join us at Naploi’s Italian for lunch, located at 20873 Eva St., Montgomery. Sign up at the reservation table at church. WALDEN WOMEN’S GROUP Mondays | 6:00 p.m. Women of The Church at Montgomery are invited to join Linda Bench for a Bible study and fellowship every Monday evening. Kioku is located at 2020 Interstate 45 N, Conroe. For more information contact Linda Bench at 281.536.2652

CREEKSIDE CAMPUS

FIT FOR LIFE FITNESS CLASS Every Monday and Friday | 9:30 a.m. | Worship Space Our exercise classes are led by certified instructors and include sessions on strength training, muscle toning, and stretching, with modification available for all fitness levels. No registration is required. Come wearing comfortable clothes and tennis shoes. GAME NIGHT AT CREEKSIDE Friday, September 4 | 6:00 p.m. | Gathering Room Join us for fun and fellowship as we play Blank Slate, Mexican Train and Spades. Register at twmc.org/adults55 MAH JONGG Monday, September 14 and 28 | 9:30 a.m. Mah Jongg is now at Creekside! Whether you are a beginner or intermediate/advanced player, come join us! Visit twmc.org/adults55 to find more information about these and other events across TWMC’s campuses.

THE BEST PROM EVER!

On Saturday, August 8, TWMC hosted its annual Special Needs Prom, and this year’s Wild, Wild West theme made for a rootin’tootin’ good time! More than 100 youths, adults and families gathered to dance the two-step, celebrate our shining stars, and make wholesome memories together. We are incredibly grateful to our Prom Parent Team, dedicated staff and more than 50 volunteers for making the evening so special. Their love, hard work and joyful hearts helped make it “The Best Prom Ever!”

SAVE THE DATE WOODLANDS SPOTLIGHT Wednesday, October 7 | 11:30 a.m. | Wesley Hall Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of classic country with Kelley Peters and the Nobody’s Fool band! Kelley, who comes from a musical family, has been captivating audiences with her tribute to Patsy Cline since 2017. Join us as we catch her lively performance celebrating one of country’s most iconic voices. LUNCH AND LEARN SERIES National Museum of Funeral History Tour Monday, October 19 | 9:30 a.m. Depart TWMC Join us for a fascinating tour of the National Museum of Funeral History, where we’ll explore the traditions, histories and cultural significances of funeral practices from around the world. Admission tickets and lunch have been generously donated by Dignity Memorial of The Woodlands. Transportation is $15 per person LUNCH AND LEARN SERIES Celebration of Life 101 Monday, October 26 | Noon | Asbury Hall Dignity Memorial and Rev. Chris McLain will host a Celebration of Life 101 Lunch & Learn. Planning your memorial service in advance is a meaningful gift to your loved ones, helping reduce stress and uncertainty while ensuring your life is celebrated as you wish. The cost for this session is $10 per person. Light snacks will be served, or you can bring your lunch. LUNCH AND LEARN SERIES Obituary Writing Workshop Monday, November 2 | Noon | Asbury Hall Join us for an Obituary Writing Workshop, a hands-on class designed to help you create a thoughtful, heartfelt and wellwritten obituary. This class will be taught by author and TWMC Copywriter April Henley. The cost for this session is $10 per person. Light snacks will be served or bring your lunch.

90+ SPOTLIGHT LUNCHEON: CELEBRATING LIFE, LAUGHTER AND MEMORIES We had a terrific time at our Spotlight Luncheon, celebrating our church members who are 90 years young and older! The afternoon was full of smiles, laughter and warm friendship. The Goldenaires added to the fun with a musical trip back to the 1960s, as they sang favorite songs from the decade. It was the perfect soundtrack for a joyful celebration! We are grateful to everyone who joined us and who helped make this event a memorable occasion. Our 90+ members are an inspiration to us all, and it was a joy to honor their lives, stories and ongoing zest for life. Want to relive the fun? Visit our website to see all the wonderful photographs captured by the Camera Club. View the photos at twmc.org/adults55 and click on Adults 55+ Photo Gallery.

SEPTEMBE *The Woodlands Campus

*Woodforest Campus

*Montgomery Campus

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Craft Circle 10:00 a.m. | Loft

WF Fit for L 8:30 a.m. | Fit for Life 9:00 a.m. | Ald Midweek Noon | Rob

WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Craft Circle 10:00 a.m. | Loft Woodlands Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Caffe Di Fiore

WF Fit for L 8:30 a.m. | Fit for Life 9:00 a.m. | Ald Men’s Boo 10:00 a.m Midweek Noon | Rob

WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Craft Circle 10:00 a.m. | Loft Peggy’s Book Club Noon | Allen Parlor

WF Fit for L 8:30 a.m. | Fit for Life 9:00 a.m. | Ald Midweek Noon | Rob

Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Fit for Life Fitness 9:30 a.m. | Creekside WF Caregivers Support 10:00 a.m. | WF Classroom Walden Women’s Group 6:00 p.m. | 3713 Poets Ct

WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Craft Circle 10:00 a.m. | Loft

WF Fit for L 8:30 a.m. | Fit for Life 9:00 a.m. | Ald Men’s Boo 10:00 a.m Midweek Noon | Rob

Labor Day All campuses closed

*Creekside Campus

Life Fitness WF Gym e Fitness dersgate Hall k Prayer bb Chapel

Life Fitness | WF Gym e Fitness dersgate Hall ok Study m. | C217A k Prayer bb Chapel

Life Fitness WF Gym e Fitness dersgate Hall k Prayer bb Chapel

Life Fitness WF Gym e Fitness dersgate Hall ok Study m. | C217A k Prayer bb Chapel

Life Fitness WF Gym e Fitness dersgate Hall e Widows a.m. an Restaurant me Night F Classroom

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

ADULTS 55+ *ALL Campuses

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Mah Jongg 2:00 p.m. | Room B204

10 WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall WF Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Good Charlie’s

WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Book Club 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus Mah Jongg 2:00 p.m. | Room B204

for Life Fitness 11 9:00Fita.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Fit for Life Fitness 9:30 a.m. | Creekside Caregivers Support 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

25 Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Fit for Life Fitness 9:30 a.m. | Creekside Prayer Shawl Ministry 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Single Life Widows 11:30 a.m. Chicken Salad Chick WF Game Night 6:00 p.m. | WF Classroom

AN INTERVIEW WITH SUE REED

By Linda Allen and Anita Combs, Congregational Care Members 90+ Team Born in 1935 in Carlos, Texas, Sue’s family moved to the Houston projects six years later for her father’s work in the shipyards. Growing up in the city, her life changed forever when a chance encounter introduced her to the man who would share her future. It started with a blind date. Sue Reed was 14 when she went out with Joseph, and it led to a happy marriage of 71 years. “I can’t talk about me without talking about Joseph,” she says, “We were one, just like God put us.” Joseph served as a combat medic in the Korean War. When he returned in 1952, he and Sue went to the courthouse to marry. Joseph, 20 years old and dressed in his uniform, and Sue, who was 16 and had her mother along, were told upon arrival that Joseph was too young to marry. Joseph’s Italian mother, wearing her apron and high heels, came down to the courthouse to tell the judge otherwise! Thus began a life of entrepreneurial adventures.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL PRAYER AT WILKINSON ELEMENTARY As a new school year begins, the Harvest Prayer Team had the privilege of gathering at Wilkinson Elementary School in Conroe to pray over the students, teachers and staff. The team was invited by the school’s principal to walk the campus and pray over each classroom, asking God to provide protection, wisdom, peace and blessing throughout the year. What a meaningful way to begin the school year by covering our local schools in prayer and trusting God to work in the lives of everyone who walks through their doors. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with school leaders and our community in prayer. Please continue to pray for Wilkinson Elementary and other schools throughout our community as students and educators begin another year of learning, growth and opportunity.

Together, they owned four hair salons. Sue was a stylist from 1960 until she turned 80 years old, though she keeps her beauty license current today. “We were partners in marriage and in business,” she says. If one business didn’t survive, they started another one. Joseph thought it up, and Sue made it happen. Whether it was owning a dress shop, a record store, a baseball card shop, or partnering with Lyle Lovett in owning racehorses, they never looked back. Sue is a beautiful soul turning 91 in September. She is thankful for her years with Joseph, their three children and wonderful mates, eight grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. And she remains ready for the next adventure!

PLAY MAH JONGG! Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to the game, we have two monthly opportunities for you to gather, play and connect with fellow Mah Jongg enthusiasts. Mah Jong Mondays: Mah Jongg Mondays is back! Join us in September on the second and fourth Monday of every month from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. In Hayes Hall. Mah Jongg Game Day: Can’t make Mondays? No problem! Play on the first and third Thursday of the month from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in Room B204. New! Mah Jong Mondays at Creekside: Mah Jong is now offered at the Creekside location, beginning August 24, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Register to play at twmc.org/adults55

Our Adults 55+ group enjoyed an exciting day of exploration and discovery at Space Center Houston! The group spent four hours on a self-guided tour of one of the city’s most popular attractions. Participants explored Independence Plaza, stepped inside the impressive full-scale space shuttle replica, toured fascinating galleries filled with historic artifacts, and watched “The Moonwalkers,” a short documentary narrated by Tom Hanks. It was a wonderful day filled with history, adventure, learning and plenty of memories. We are grateful for opportunities like this that bring our Adults 55+ group together for fun, fellowship and new experiences!

2027

TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES

View itineraries and more information at twmc.org/adults55

ISLANDS OF NEW ENGLAND Discover the charm and history of New England’s coastal gems June 4-11, 2027 This is an eight-day guided tour with Collette Travel Agency and includes an optional twonight Boston post-tour extension. Discover New England’s coastal treasures, from Providence and Newport to Plymouth, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Registration Deadline: December 4, 2026

SCOTLAND September 8-16, 2027 This unforgettable nine-day guided journey explores the beauty, history and charm of Scotland. Along the way, you’ll enjoy thoughtfully planned stops in iconic destinations such as Edinburgh and Glasgow, take in the breathtaking scenery of Loch Lomond, and experience a memorable cruise on the legendary Loch Ness. The tour also includes visits to the historic Blair Castle, the picturesque town of Pitlochry and the fascinating Rosslyn Chapel. Registration Deadline: February 1, 2027

WELCOME MARY LOU The Woodlands Methodist Church is pleased to welcome Mary Lou Florian as our new Caring Ministry Coordinator. Mary Lou joins our staff after serving for several years in public education, first as an elementary music teacher and most recently as a school counselor in Conroe ISD. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to caring for and encouraging others, making this new role a natural extension of her gifts and calling. As Caring Ministry Coordinator, Mary Lou will walk alongside our church members and community during some of life’s most significant moments. She will coordinate funeral and memorial services, facilitate hospital visits, support those experiencing crisis and grief, and offer compassionate care and encouragement wherever it is needed. Mary Lou and her husband, Denton, are longtime members of The Woodlands Methodist Church and have two grown children, Mindy and Daniel. In her spare time, Mary Lou enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and enjoying music. Please join us in welcoming Mary Lou to our staff. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve God and His people through the Caring Ministry of our church.

RESOURCE CORNER CARING AND ADULT OUTREACH Join us in bringing the love and compassion of Jesus to five Woodlands-area senior living communities through weekly worship services, Communion, Bible studies, prayer and ministries of healing. You can also bring that same love to our more than 100 members who are 90 years young and older through a one-on-one relationship by joining our 90+ Outreach. If you feel called to serve in this way, training is required. Contact Debbie Russell, Lay Volunteer Coordinator, at drussell@twmc.org SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Our group typically meets twice a month, sometimes more if an opportunity arises. The group is designed to offer support and create fellowship for women navigating life after the loss of a spouse. Activities include lunches at local restaurants in The Woodlands, Spring, Magnolia, Tomball and Montgomery areas, book studies, movies at local cinemas, and field trips. It’s amazing to witness what God can do in the midst of one of our greatest losses! For more information, visit twmc.org/singles or contact Terry Loughridge-Odom at tloughridge@twmc.org PRAYER MINISTRY If you or your family would like prayer, prayer teams are available after church services, or you can contact the Caring Team at 281.297.5900 GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDS This group will address the challenges, rewards and practical skills needed to raise children for the second time. Meetings will be held the first and third Thursdays of each month, September 2026 – May 2027. GRIEF SHARE Navigate the challenges of grief in a supportive, 13-week small group experience. This course explains the spiritual and practical issues surrounding loss while offering specific strategies to guide you back to a full life. The Woodlands Methodist Church Beginning Tuesday, September 15 | 1:00 p.m. | B110 The Church at Woodforest Please check the website for the full schedule.

prayer and care

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 them, you and the family. Visit twmc.org/prayer-request for more information.

SUPPORT CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Fridays, September 4 and 18 | 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor This support group is for caregivers of family and friends with chronic, long-term or terminal illness. No registration required. For more information, contact Ned Dean at 713.578.0146 COMPUTER SUPPORT MINISTRY If you need computer support, contact Jerry Barney at 915.373.3707 or jbarney177@gmail.com NEED A RIDE? If you need a ride to a medical appointment in The Woodlands or Conroe areas, contact John Cunningham at 713.594.4499. Please call at least 48 hours in advance. You can also contact John to volunteer. Contact Caring Ministry: The Woodlands Methodist Church | 281.297.5900 The Church at Woodforest | 281.822.8182 The Church at Montgomery | 281.297.5900 Covenant Church at Creekside | 832.510.4823 Email | caringministries@twmc.org

MIDWEEK PRAYER We invite you to join us every Wednesday at noon in Robb Chapel at The Woodlands Campus for our Midweek Prayer Service. This is a great opportunity to pause in the middle of the week to worship God, listen to His Word and be guided in Spirit-led prayer. We hope you’ll join us.

• Save a tree. Sign up for our e-newsletter. GO • Photos will be shared on the Adults 55+ Facebook page, so follow us there. Find Woodlands Camera Club photos at DIGITAL! • gallery.thewoodlandscameraclub.org/Service-Projects/TWCC-Prime-Timers