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JANUARY 2026 EDITION

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

ADULTS 55 OUTLOOK

+ MONTHLY FAMILIES ARE TOUGH

A WORD FOR THE YEAR (AND MAYBE THE LAST ONE)

by Rev. Chris McLain, Pastor of Caring and Adults 55+ Ministry

by Rev. Mark Sorensen

Grace and peace, friends! I pray this finds you well. I’ve been pondering something of late. Each January, I have prayed and asked the Lord for a “word of the year”. By this, I am simply asking for a single word that the Spirit wants to teach me. Over the past several years, I have chosen words like, rooted, content, breathe, and shalom. Each one sounded peaceful and promising, that is, until the Lord began to really show me what each word really meant. For example, when I asked to be rooted, I felt like life shook me that year like a storm, forcing my roots to go deeper. When I prayed for contentment, I found myself walking through seasons of waiting and wanting. And last year, when I asked for shalom, it was as if chaos came knocking at the door more times than I could count. It’s almost as if God was saying to me, “If you really want to understand the beauty of this word, let me show you the depth of it.” And that’s where the real learning happens, not in comfort, but in the stretching, the surrender, and the slow work of trust. So, as I look toward this new year of 2026, I am thinking I may retire my “word of the year”. Perhaps it is time to stop choosing the word and, instead, let the Word, Jesus Himself, choose me. To trust that whatever He allows into the year ahead, He will use it to grow faith, deepen peace, and shape His likeness in me. Whether this year brings still waters or stormy seas, laughter or tears, may we rest knowing the One who speaks the word also holds every single day of this year. So, if you’re choosing a word for 2026, wonderful, but may I suggest, choose wisely. And, if you’re not choosing a word, that’s okay too! Either way, remember, God is still writing His story through you. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” -Proverbs 3:5

Of course I’ll start by wishing you a Happy New Year, however I know for some of us uttering those words are not quite that easy. We are on the backside of the holidays, and we have been in stress mode. If you shouldered all the preparations or find yourself exhausted by the family dynamics or maybe this was the first time to traverse the holidays without that special, loved one. Maybe you just feel like weeping. I want to let you know something: “It’s ok to cry after the holidays.” If this is where you are today. Just say the quote above aloud two times before continuing. My heart was stirred for those of you who are struggling this month, and I was reminded of “Old Testament Joeseph.” His story can be found in Genesis 35-50. Years after his brothers sold him into slavery, we read the story of their reunion. As you can imagine, it is an extremely emotional season. Joseph weeps through the later chapters several times. Sometimes he does this in private. (Gen. 43:30) Another time it is only with his only full-brother, Benjamin (Gen. 45:14), and then he even weeps with all his brothers. (Gen. 45:15) This story reminds us how sometimes: 1. We weep tears of disbelief alone. 2. We weep with loved individuals who’ve experienced dysfunction alongside us. 3.We weep tears of reconciliation. May you never forget the Truth, Emmanuel, who has been born again, is always with you.

CRAFT CIRCLE BOUTIQUE

2026 Kick-off Meeting Lucheon Tuesday, January 20 | 10:00 a.m. | The Woodlands Campus | Craft Circle Room Craft Circle is a TWMC Missions group of 250+ individuals who meet weekly from January to November. We create professional made hand-crafted Christmas items that sell at TWMC Boutiques annually. CC has been meeting for 45 consecutive years. We meet at two campuses - The Woodlands and Woodforest. Come join us — we love new members. Check the monthly calendars for meeting dates and locations.

An Interview With a Living Legacy – In Her Own Words What fun to ice skate! Margery Haselton smiles remembering her love of ice skating and how it led to meeting her husband of 67 years when he was stationed at the naval base in Oakland, California. Born 100 years ago on August 21, 1925, she was 19 when they married and embarked on a path of adventure moving to Illinois, his home state. Having grown up in southern California, she was eager to experience snow!

WOODLANDS SPOTLIGHT KICK-OFF EVENT Monday, January 12 | 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall Join us for a nostalgic musical journey with Endless Summer, the ultimate tribute to the legendary Beach Boys. Experience the iconic harmonies, infectious spirit and unforgettable sound that defined a generation. From “Good Vibrations” and “Surfin’ USA” to “California Girls” and more, Endless Summer brings all your favorite hits to life — capturing the golden era of surf music and sunshine in every performance.

Married in the Methodist church, Margery has continued in the faith. A job she fondly recalls was being financial secretary at their church in Rockford, Illinois. “I counted the money” she says, remembering those days. Every Monday she and her daughter, Linda, would go first to the bank to make the deposit, and then to shop and lunch together. Margery and her husband enjoyed ice skating, dancing, biking, golfing, and bowling. Later, they traveled in their 5th wheel RV from Illinois to the Texas Valley to visit their children and spend winters away from the snow. Margery crocheted afghans and doilies and continued bowling and golfing well into her late 80s! Now she enjoys being an ardent Green Bay Packers fan and watching her beloved Jordan Spieth play golf. She advises others to “be yourself, follow the rules, and don’t get into trouble.” Her loving family celebrated her 100th birthday with a sweet party. She has been blessed with three children, six grandchildren, four greatgrandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Our church is blessed to count this beautiful, faithful woman as one of our own.

FREDERICKSBURG AND THE EMPTY CROSS AT KERRVILLE OVERNIGHT TRIP March 23–24 | Depart TWMC at 9:00 a.m.

Join us for a two-day getaway to Fredericksburg in the beautiful Texas Hill Country! You’ll have time to explore downtown, where Main Street offers more than 150 shops, boutiques, and two well-known museums—the National Museum of the Pacific War featuring Admiral Nimitz, and the Pioneer Museum. accommodation

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Don’t miss this feel-good celebration of classics and unforgettable music! The cost of this event is $15 per person. GOSPEL HOUR Sunday, January 25 | 5:00 p.m. | Sanctuary The Gospel Hour service features a hymn sing, special musical guests and a time of fellowship with refreshments following the service. Our January theme invites you to explore the roots of gospel music as we share some of our favorite gospel songs and hymns. DUNHAM BIBLE MUSEUM Monday, February 2 | Depart TWMC at 9:00 a.m. The Dunham Bible Museum showcases an extensive collection of rare Bibles — from ancient manuscripts and illuminated medieval texts to the earliest English and American editions. Its exhibits highlight the history, preservation and lasting influence of the world’s most important book across centuries and cultures. This guided museum tour is $25 per person, with a Dutchtreat lunch to follow. THE GREAT GATSBY, A NEW MUSICAL Sunday, March 8 | 1:30 p.m. | Hobby Center The Great Gatsby is a dazzling Broadway show full of energy and excitement! Inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, this Tony Award®-winning musical takes you on an unforgettable ride through love, wealth and drama — all set in the roaring, vibrant 1920s. Don’t miss this thrilling celebration of an iconic era! Cost is $134 per person. Dinner will be Dutch after the show. Registration deadline is January 28. Tickets are non-refundable but are transferable.

Monday, January 5 | 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Aldersgate Hall Join us for an evening with Nikon Ambassador Paul Van Allen on “ An introduction to Milky Way Photography.”

Woodforest Spotlight Doc Holiday and his band performed at the Woodforest Spotlight holiday gathering in November, delivering a truly memorable show. Their music helped set a festive mood, and guests enjoyed a fun, lively atmosphere throughout the afternoon. It was a special night filled with great entertainment, warm company, and plenty of holiday cheer.

He stands out for his ability to simplify complex photographic concepts—settings, gear, and astrophotography techniques—and explain them clearly to any skill level. In sessions like “Beginner’s Guide to Capturing Milky Way Landscapes,” he walks novices through the essentials needed to capture their first Milky Way images.

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH PRESENTS: MAH JONGG FOR MISSIONS Friday, January 23, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Dress: Garden Party/Dapper Casual

Missions is the heartbeat of The Woodlands Methodist Church. We have so many wonderful, vetted mission partners who serve throughout the world. Come play some Mah Jongg, participate in the door prizes, share in some wonderful food and help us raise awareness for God’s children! Alongside our Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced tables, we’ll offer 20 seats for brand-new players during the first two hours, with coaches to guide you every step of the way. The cost is $65 open seating or $300 for a reserved table of four. Only 200 tickets available! Tickets are non-refundable but are transferable

Narnia In November, we had the chance to see Narnia: The Musical at the A.D. Players’ George Theater, and the entire experience felt nothing short of magical.

LIGHTING OF THE DOVES The Harvest Prayer team took part in the annual Lighting of the Doves celebration, creating a warm and welcoming space for families throughout the event. We hosted a festive tent where children could stop by to make a Christmas craft, enjoy some holiday cheer, and take a moment to write down a personal prayer request.

transportation

Hotel Accommodations: Hampton Inn & Suites 515 East Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Room rate: $135 per night (Queen or King) Call 830-997-9696 to reserve your room directly. Breakfast is included. Transportation Cost: The cost to reserve your seat on the bus is $95 per person.

CARING AND ADULT OUTREACH

Join us in bringing the love and compassion of Jesus and His church to five Woodlands-area senior living communities through weekly worship services, communion, Bible study, prayer, and ministries of healing. You can also bring that same love to our more than 100 members who are 90 years and older through a one-onone relationship by joining our 90+ Outreach. If you feel called to serve in this way, contact Rev. David Lindwall at dlindwall@twmc.org or Debbie Russell, Lay Volunteer Coordinator at drussell@twmc.org.

2026

Book hotel separately.

Save the Date

The Woodlands Camera Club

TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES

View itineraries at twmc.org/adults55

DISCOVER SWITZERLAND, AUSTRIA AND BAVARIA April 2026 *SOLD OUT*

TUSCANY, LAKE MAGGIORE, ITALIAN RIVIERA September 2026

DISCOVER AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY June 2026

Final payment due: January 22, 2026

Registration deadline: March 12, 2026 Final payment due: June 20, 2026

Registration deadline: December 1, 2025 Final payment due: March 10, 2026

THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS

GOLDENAIRES CHOIR Rehearsals every Wednesday | 2:30 p.m. | Choir Room The Goldenaires are a 55+ adult choir who loves to share fellowship through music. For more information contact Louise Kramer at louise.kramer917@gmail.com CASUAL BRIDGE First Friday of each month | 12:30 p.m. | B107 If you know a little you can come and learn a lot. For more information contact Betty Gibson at 832.654.3335 and sign up at twmc.org/adults55 TWMC BOWLING FUN LEAGUE Second Monday of each month | 7:00 p.m. | Bowlero We bowl two games from 7:00-8:45 p.m. and warm up from 6:30–7:00 p.m. No skill required. The cost is $9 per person payable in cash on the day of the event. For more information contact Jeanette Bates at 281.455.9073. MEN’S BOOK STUDY Second and Fourth Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. Room C217-A Join us for a discussion on our new study Help Is Here by Max Lucado. You are welcome to join at any time. For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 915.373.3707. FIT FOR LIFE FITNESS *Monday – Friday | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Our Fit for Life fitness classes meet five days a week. That means more opportunities to move, stay strong and feel great — with the same amazing instructors and workouts you love. *No classes between December 22 – January 2. Kick-off is scheduled for Monday, January 5 THE GATHERING PLACE Monday, January 5 | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Join us this month for a Happy New Year theme. If you would like to volunteer your time, contact Jana Jordan at 281.948.0247. ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, January 9 | 6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall Bring your favorite game or play Mexican Train. Bring a dish to share and $1. For more information contact Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012. PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB Tuesday, January 20 | Noon | Allen Parlor In January we will review The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhorn and if you’d like to read ahead in February, we will review The Secret War of Julia Child by Diana Chambers. For more information about Peggy’s Book Club, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS Check twmc.org/gatherincommunity for current activities and to register.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING Friday, January 23 | 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Crochet or knit for those in need. For more information contact Connie Norton at 281.292.3875 or concetta44@comcast.net

CLASS NEWS WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH Tuesday, January 13 | 11:00 a.m. | Panicafé The Friendship Class is meeting at Panicafé, located at 30420 FM 2978 Ste 160, The Woodlands. All are welcome. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, January 12. FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAGS MISSION PROJECT Third Thursday | 2:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor Each month, Friendship Class members assemble 100 manna bags for the homeless, distributed through the 1960 Hope Center to provide weekend food support when hot meals aren’t available. All are welcome to join this meaningful mission!

WOODFOREST CAMPUS WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH Thursday, January 8 | 11:00 a.m. | Citizens Grill Join us for classic Americana favorites at Citizens Grill. This restaurant is located at 315 Enclave Dr, Conroe, 77384. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, January 5. WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB Thursday, January 15 | 11:30 a.m. | WF Classroom In January we will review The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067. ADULT GAME NIGHT Friday, January 23 | 6:00 p.m. | Woodforest Classroom Join us for Mexican Train, 42, or a game of your choice. Bring a snack to share. The cost of this event is $1 per person. For more information contact Debbie Griffing at 979.236.1654.

JANUARY *The Woodlands Campus

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP *Monday, January 5 | 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 January 15, due to the holiday.

*Montgomery Campus

ADULTS 55+ *Creekside Campus

*ALL Campuses

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

28 DECEMBER

3 Caregivers Support 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Casual Bridge 12:30 p.m. | Room B107 Single Life Widows Check Website

Happy New Year! TWMC Closed

Fit for Life Kickoff 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall Mah Jongg Mondays 9:30 a.m. | Hayes Hall

WF Loss of Spouse 2:00 p.m. | WF Classroom

12 Fit for Life Fitness

13WF Fit for Life Fitness

20 WF Fit for Life Fitness

TWMC Closed

7 WF Fit for Life Kickoff 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Golden Connection 10:00 a.m. | Creekside

The Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall WF Caregivers Support 10:00 a.m. | WF Classroom Walden Women’s Bible Study 6:00 p.m. | 3713 Poets Ct Woodlands Camera Clube 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

FIT FOR LIFE FITNESS *Tuesday – Thursday | 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Enjoy the same great instructors and energizing exercises — now with even more chances to stay active and healthy! *No classes between December 22 – January 2. Kickoff is scheduled for Tuesday, January 6.

SUPPORT

*Woodforest Campus

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Fit for Life Kickoff 9:00 a.m. | Creekside

WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Golden Connection 10:00 a.m. | Creekside

Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Midweek Prayer Noon | Robb Chapel

WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study 10:00 a.m. | Room C217-A Midweek Prayer Noon | Robb Chapel

21 WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Midweek Prayer Noon | Robb Chapel

WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Men’s Book Study 10:00 a.m. | Room C217-A Midweek Prayer Noon | Robb Chapel

Fit for Life Fitness 8 WF 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall WF Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. Citizen’s Grill Mah Jongg 2:00 p.m. | B204 Golden Connection 7:00 p.m. | Creekside

15 WF Fit for Life Fitness

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

Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Low Vision Support Group 10:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall Montgomery Lunch Bunch 11:30 a.m. | Ransom’s Steakhouse Adult Game Night 6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Caregivers Support 11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Single Life Widows Check website

Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Prayer Shawl Ministry 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Golden Connection 10:00 a.m. | Creekside WF Game Night 6:00 p.m. | WF Classroom

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

Fit for Life Fitness 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

THE CHURCH AT MONTGOMERY

The Church at Montgomery meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. at Oak Hills Junior High, 19190 Keenan Cut Off Road, Montgomery.

MONTGOMERY LUNCH BUNCH

Friday, January 9 | 11:30 a.m. | Ransom’s Steakhouse To make a reservation contact Donna Carr at 936.443.6748 or Sally Tinsman at 936.499.9687.

WALDEN WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY AND FELLOWSHIP

Mondays | 6:00 p.m. This group meets at the home of Dee Ferris, 3713 Poets Ct, Montgomery 77356. For more information contact Linda Bench at 281.536.2652.

SAVE THE DATE FOR A NEW ADULT FITNESS CLASS!

Kick-off event Monday, January 26| 9:30 a.m. | Creekside 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.

THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH

ADULTS 55+ The Woodlands Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380

LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

Friday, January 9 | 10:00 a.m. | 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 and care

SUPPORT

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP Fridays, January 2 and 16 | 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.

NEED A RIDE? 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

GO DIGITAL!

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.

GRIEF SUPPORT WINTER 2026

A 13-week small group experience navigating the challenges of grief. This course explains both the spiritual and practical issues of grief and suggests specific strategies to guide you back to fullness of life. Check the website for a full schedule of experiences.

We encourage you to sign up for the digital version of Monthly Outlook. Not only will this save postage costs for Adults 55+ Ministry, but it will also save resources like paper. Plus, you can access the newsletter anywhere on a computer or your phone. It’s a win-win!