The story of Easter never grows old. It is a timeless drama written and directed by God Himself.
Each year when I reflect on that first Easter morning, I imagine standing with the women who came to the tomb at dawn, wondering who would move the stone. I picture the soldiers trembling in fear as the angel rolled the stone away and sat on it. I think of the disciples who ran to the tomb and found it empty.
But the most powerful moment comes when the angel speaks the words that change everything:
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!”
Those words turned fear into hope and sorrow into joy. The women ran to tell the others that death could not hold Him.
Alleluia! He is risen! He is risen indeed!
How often do we worry about the stones in our own path — the barriers, obstacles and fears that seem impossible to move? Yet the resurrection reminds us that God has already done the impossible.
Because Jesus lives, death does not have the final word. God has given us both a reason to live and the promise of eternal life with Him.
“He is not here; He has risen!”
Prayer:
Gracious God and Holy Father, the resurrection story reminds us that death is only a transition to the next phase of our lives with Jesus, our risen Lord and Savior. We thank you for allowing us to be participants in the Easter story, and reminding us why we are people of hope and not despair, of life and not death.
Amen
ADULTS 55+ NEWSLETTER UPDATE
• Newsletters will no longer be mailed in bulk
VICTORY, POWER, RESURRECTION
by Rev. Chris McLain, Pastor of Caring and Adults 55+ Ministry
Here’s something neat. The highest holy day of the Christian calendar, Easter Sunday, even at its latest date of April 25, is still only five months into the calendar. This means every Christian year, we get to experience seven months in Light of the resurrection. In a basic sense, it amplifies the phrase: “We are a resurrection people” who believe in:
• The victory of Christ over the grave.
• The power of the Holy Spirit to radically change lives.
• The love of God that can resurrect all of creation.
Ephesians 3:17b-19 says: “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
During lent we fasted for 40 days, focusing on our sin, brokenness, shame and dying to self. Now, we have seven months to live in the resurrection! To live as those who are “filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” In 10 months, we will be back at Ash Wednesday, and in 11.5 months we will be celebrating another Easter. So, let me ask you this:
Will you be so brave this Easter to ask God, through this resurrection power, to increase your capacity, to bump up the measure, so you might encounter Him more fully in the year to come? Because when Lent and Easter 2027 roll around I hope you can say: “I am more victorious, I am more powerful, and I am more in love with those around me. I am part of a resurrection people.”
• Printed copies will be available at the Main Office and Connection Points at all campuses and venues
An Interview with a Living Legacy – In Their Own Words
When asked the key to such a successful marriage, Larry Ludtke said the cardinal rule for both he and Erika was that they never turned out the light when mad at one another. Throughout their years together, her love and support gave him the freedom to follow his heart’s desire, ultimately making his art possible.
Erika Lewandowski Ludtke was the wife of the wellknown figurative bronze sculptor Larry Ludtke. His biography and bronze sculpture, “Christ Head,” are displayed in our church’s glass case in the foyer of the Traditional sanctuary.
Larry often said that his romance with art began with his romance with Erika. Their 48-year marriage included travel and encounters with many fascinating people and places. Larry became known for the extraordinary bronze likenesses he created, including three U.S. presidents, legendary Texans, decorated military heroes and many commissioned works.
You cannot talk about Erika without talking about Larry. Their lives were intricately entwined.
Erika was a native of Berlin, Germany, and a survivor of the Allied bombings during World War II. She was seventeen when the war ended. After coming to the U.S., she worked for SAS Scandinavian Airlines.
She and Larry met in 1959 at an arranged lunch set up by a mutual friend from the golf course. The friend told Larry that this woman could “out-talk you and is just as sharp a girl as any guy could want to meet.” Larry later remembered praying, “Dear God, don’t let this beautiful woman ever get away from me.”
Four months later they were married at Ludtke Methodist Church in Denver Harbor in Houston, Texas. Together they built a family with their children, Erik, Ellen, Kim and Larry, along with Erika’s adopted daughter, and were blessed with two granddaughters, Pilar and Karen.
The love and partnership between Erika and Larry was the foundation for everything else in their lives. Erika was the center of Larry’s world, and he adored her.
For those who wish to learn more about Larry’s life and work, the book Life in Bronze is available in our church’s art gallery.
Save the Date
WOODLANDS SPOTLIGHT
Friday, May 1 | 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall
Join us for a lively afternoon of music and Derby day fun! Jim Sloan and his trio — regular performers at Red Brick Tavern — will play uplifting bluegrass gospel as we celebrate the Kentucky Derby.
Dress in your Derby best for photos — ladies, bring your fascinators and gentlemen, your straw boater hats. Tickets are $12 per person.
BEAUTIFUL, THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL
Sunday, May 24 | Depart TWMC at 12:30 p.m.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is a jukebox musical that chronicles the life and career of legendary singer-songwriter Carole King. It follows her personal and professional journey, from her early years as a young songwriter in New York City to her rise as a groundbreaking solo artist, while showcasing many of her iconic songs.
The cost of this event is $90 (includes transportation and theatre ticket).
ASTROS VS. PIRATES
Thursday, June 4 | 7:10 p.m. game
Daikin Park | Depart TWMC at 5:00 p.m.
Get ready for a fun-filled evening of baseball, hot dogs, and great company as the Houston Astros take on the Pittsburgh Pirates! Come cheer, snack, and enjoy the excitement of the game with fellow fans—it’s the perfect night out for classic ballpark fun.
The cost of the event is $98 per person (includes transportation and baseball ticket).
BYE, BYE BIRDIE
Sunday, July 12 | 2:00 p.m.
Crighton Theatre, Conroe
Bye, Bye Birdie is a comedic musical set in the late 1950s that follows rock star Conrad Birdie’s draft into the Army, sparking a publicity stunt that unleashes comic chaos in a small town. The cost of this event is $23 per person. This is a meet-us-thereevent
Dinner after the show is dutch.
BEHOLDING HIM: A PRAYER AND WORSHIP CONFERENCE
Friday, May 1 – Saturday, May 2
Harvest Worship Center
Too often our prayer and worship focus on ourselves — our style, posture and words. The Apostle John invites us instead to behold the beauty of God in the Book of Revelation. When we see who He is, we better understand who we are, and true worship begins.
Join us for Beholding Him as Allen Hood, founder of Excellencies in Christ Ministries, leads us in discovering the beauty of our identity in Christ and the authority we have in His name.
Friday, May 1 | 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 2 | 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Harvest Worship Center
The cost is $45, which includes a box lunch, snacks, water and coffee.
BUDDY HOLLY
The Buddy Holly Experience, starring Ian Montez and his Maybe Baby Band, brought the spirit of the decade to life with energetic performances of Buddy Holly’s iconic hits along with songs from his rockin’ contemporaries.
The Woodlands Camera Club
Saturday, April 11 | 10:00 a.m. | Zoom Meeting
Join us for a visit with LA based advertising and film producer Jared Huskey – “I almost had a Super Bowl Ad” detailing his journey helping with the youth of this church to living in Los Angeles and working for an ad agency.
The Zoom link requires no password or log in information: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84458733973?pwd=E WIWrIOGAl13rnIoRztl97saB7Frq9.1
THE GREAT GATSBY
After enjoying the excitement of The Great Gatsby, we continued the evening with a wonderful dinner at Birraporetti’s in Houston, where everyone relaxed, shared conversation, and reflected on a memorable night out together.
Houston Ship Channel Tour Depart TWMC at 11:00 a.m.
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
Golden Connection 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. | Creekside Woodlands Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. | Triple Pepper
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
Golden Connection 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. Creekside
Peggy’s Book Club Noon | Allen Parlor
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
Golden Connection 10:00 a.m. | Creekside
WF Fit for Life
8:30 a.m. | Fit for Life
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate
Midweek
Noon | Robb
Discover Switzerland
Documentation
1:00 p.m. | Jones
WF Fit for Life
8:30 a.m. | Fit for Life
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate
Men’s Book 10:00 a.m.
Midweek
Noon | Robb
WF Fit for Life
8:30 a.m. | Fit for Life
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate
Midweek
Noon | Robb
WF Fit for Life
8:30 a.m. | Fit for Life
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate
Men’s Book
10:00 a.m.
Midweek
Noon | Robb
WF Fit for Life
8:30 a.m. | Fit for Life
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate
Midweek
Noon | Robb
ADULTS 55+
*Creekside Campus *ALL Campuses
Life Fitness
WF Gym
Life Fitness
Aldersgate Hall
Midweek Prayer
Robb Chapel
Switzerland
Documentation Meeting
Jones Library
Life Fitness
WF Gym
Life Fitness
Aldersgate Hall
Book Study
a.m. | C217-A
Midweek Prayer
Robb Chapel
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. | B204
Golden Connection
7:00 p.m. | Creekside
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. | Marsala’s Italian
Golden Connection
7:00 p.m. | Creekside
WF Fit for Life Fitness
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
Life Fitness
WF Gym
Life Fitness
Aldersgate Hall
Midweek Prayer
Robb Chapel
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
WF Book Club
11:30 a.m. | WF Campus
Mah Jongg
2:00 p.m. | B204
Golden Connection
7:00 p.m. | Creekside
Life Fitness
WF Gym
Life Fitness
Aldersgate Hall
Book Study
a.m. | C217-A
Midweek Prayer
Robb Chapel
WF Fit for Life Fitness
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Golden Connection
7:00 p.m. | Creekside
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
Casual Bridge
12:30 p.m. | B107
Single Life Widows
Check Website
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Fit for Life Fitness
9:30 a.m. | Creekside
Low Vision Support Group
10:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall
Montgomery Lunch Bunch
11:30 a.m.
Monty’s Lighthouse
Adult Game Night
6:00 p.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
Single Life Widows
Check Website
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
WF Game Night
6:00 p.m. | WF Classroom
Life Fitness
WF Gym
Life Fitness
Aldersgate Hall
Midweek Prayer
Robb Chapel
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS
WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH
Tuesday, April 14 | 11:00 a.m. | Triple Pepper Triple Pepper is located at 3091 College Park Dr #170, The Woodlands. All are welcome. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, April 13.
WOODFOREST CAMPUS
WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH
Thursday, April 9 | 11:00 a.m. | Marsala’s Italian
Join us for authentic Italian cuisine. This restaurant is located at 100 Scarborough Dr Conroe. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, April 6.
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
*Monday, April 20 | 10:00 a.m. | WF Classroom
This support group is for caregivers of family and friends with chronic, long-term or terminal illness. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Angela Street at 281.723.6819
*No meeting on April 6 due to church holiday
MONTGOMERY CAMPUS
MONTGOMERY LUNCH BUNCH
Friday, April 10 | 11:30 a.m. | Monty’s Lighthouse
Join us for Cajun seafood. This restaurant is located at 15250 TX-105, Montgomery. To make a reservation contact Donna Carr at 936.443.6748 or Sally Tinsman at 936.499.9687 by Monday, April 6.
WALDEN WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY AND FELLOWSHIP AT THE HOME OF DEE FERRIS
Women of the Church at Montgomery are invited to join Linda Bench and others for Bible study and fellowship every Monday evening. Currently, the group is studying Finding I Am by Lysa TerKeurst All women are welcome. The group meets at the home of Dee Ferris, 3713 Poets Ct, Montgomery. For more information contact Linda Bench at 281.536.2652.
CREEKSIDE CAMPUS
GOLDEN AGE GATHERING
Tuesdays | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Wednesdays | 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Join us on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for fellowship and a time for learning. For more information contact Anna Vargas anna@connexsteps.org.
Woodforest Spotlight
In February, Woodforest had the pleasure of hosting Tommy and Kelly Peters for a beautiful afternoon filled with heartfelt, sweet love songs that created a warm and memorable atmosphere for everyone in attendance.
Woodlands Spotlight
In March, we welcomed Yelba to The Woodlands campus for a lively and entertaining ABBA tribute performance, where guests enjoyed an afternoon filled with the timeless hits, vibrant energy, and nostalgic charm of one of the most beloved pop groups of all time.
TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES
DISCOVER AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY
June 2026
This is a nine day guided tour, tracing the story of the nation’s rise on a journey through Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C.
Discover America documentation meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 28 at 1:00 pm in Jones Library.
SCOTLAND
September, 2027
View itineraries at twmc.org/adults55
TUSCANY, LAKE MAGGIORE, ITALIAN RIVIERA
September 2026
This is a nine-day guided tour with an optional two-night Turin and Piedmont Wine Country pre-tour extension. Experience the romance of Italy’s lakes region, the colorful coast of the Italian Riviera and the rolling hills of Tuscany. Highlights include Lake Maggiore, Isola Bella Palace and Garden, Stresa Parma, Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre, Lucca, Tuscan villa stay, Florence and the Chianti countryside.
This unforgettable nine-day guided journey invites you to explore 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.
For more information go to https://gomegatravel.com/group-tours
FIT FOR LIFE FITNESS CLASS
Every Monday and Friday | 9:30 a.m.
Gathering Room | Creekside Campus
Our Adults 55+ exercise classes are among the best in the community! Led by certified instructors, these sessions provide a welcoming, supportive environment for all fitness levels. Enjoy muscle toning, strength training, and stretching using hand weights, resistance bands, and chairs. Modifications are available to suit your needs. Please wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. No registration required.
LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP
Join the Low Vision Support Group on Friday,April 10 at 10:00 a.m. in Hayes Hall. This group welcomes those who are blind or experiencing vision loss, as well as caregivers seeking support and shared insights. For more information go to twmc.org/support-groups
RESOURCE CORNER
PRAYER MINISTRY
If you or your family would like prayer, prayer teams are available after each of the services, or you can contact Dora Marquez with our Prayer Ministry at 281.822.8249
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:
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
prayer and care
SUPPORT
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Fridays, April 3 and 17 | 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 Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935.
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, contact John Cunningham at 713.594.4499. Please call at least 48 hours in advance. If you would like to volunteer for this ministry, contact John Cunningham.
CONSECRATED HOLY COMMUNION ELEMENTS
Caring Ministry offers consecrated Holy Communion elements for those of you worshipping at home. Stop by the main administration office on The Woodlands Campus to pick up elements
