by Christa Cordova CPE Certification Candidate and Caring Ministry Intern
On the church calendar, the summer months fall into what is known as “ordinary time.”
Throughout my years in seminary and ministry, I’ve often wondered about this phrase, as very rarely have any months seemed ordinary. The ups and downs of my personal and professional life chapters often bring surprises – both welcome and the opposite.
My musings about the calendar eventually led me to research the history and meaning of this short phrase. Came to find out, many churches and Christian denominations consider the time between Pentecost and Advent to be a season of reflecting on Jesus’ presence and the activity of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives. These 30+ weeks invite those of us who follow Jesus and the church calendar to reflect on the many ways we feel and experience the peace and presence of our Savior in the ups and downs of life. In the sunshine and long days, in the summer afternoon storms, in backyard BBQs and baseball games, in the doctor’s office and hospital rooms.
Millions of Christians have observed this time together since the 4th century, and by their example, we’re invited to do the same now.
It is my honor and blessing to serve during this season with the Caring Ministry as I walk the journey toward board certification as a chaplain. My family and I are deeply grateful for the warm embrace of The Woodlands Methodist Church after our move to The Woodlands from Alabama. My husband Jason, son Colin (17), and daughter Joscelyn (14) notice the presence of the Holy Spirit every Sunday when we walk into worship, and we look forward to connecting with you in the weeks and months ahead.
As we open our minds and hearts to the presence of Jesus in this ordinary time season, I pray for a great awakening to the reality that Jesus is with us. In this season and always.
“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.”
– Romans 12:2
THE HEAT IS ON
by Rev. Chris McLain, Pastor of Caring and Adults 55+ Ministry
It’s summer. It’s Houston. It’s Texas. You know what’s coming? The heat.
That stifling, oppressive, wring-out your shirt type of heat. Where everything is dry except us. In Jonah, we see what the heat can do. Reach for your bible and read chapter four… I’ll wait… The backstory is that Jonah has run from God, hidden his identity, spent time in the fish, been spat out, prophesied against Ninevah, and seen God’s graciousness. In the literal heat of the moment, after experiencing God’s provision, which God then took away, Jonah says, “Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” (vs.3)
Three things happen when the heat is on:
• It amplifies how we already feel.
• It stokes undeserved pride.
• It blinds us to the work God is doing.
Each of us has experienced times when the heat was on. The relationship erodes, our poor health choices catch up, or the politician votes against our interest.
When the heat is on, here are three petitions that would better suit Jonah and us:
• Ask God for new life, instead of pursing death.
• Ask God to show you what can be, instead of reminiscing about what was
• Ask God to give you His eyes, instead of looking at the world with your own.
And just like that, before you can say with a long, Texan drawl, “Grandma’s screened-in front porch, freshly stirred, sunbrewed, refreshingly ice-cold, sweet tea,” the heat won’t be on...it will be gone.
MIDWEEK PRAYER INVITATION
We invite you to join us every Wednesday at noon in Robb Chapel at The Woodlands Campus for our Midweek Prayer Service. This is an 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.
AN INTERVIEW WITH A LIVING LEGACY –IN THEIR OWN WORDS
By Linda Allen and Anita Combs, Congregational Care Members 90+
Jim Street’s life reads like one of his favorite John Grisham novels! From serving as a military attaché in Russia to missionary work in India, Africa, and other far-off places, Jim has lived a life worthy of God’s calling.
Hearing Jim and his lovely wife, Angela, share their exploits, one would agree when he says, “I have been so blessed my whole life.” Now 91 and a retired anesthesiologist, Jim admits he was once “dancing with God” and called himself a hypocrite. Upon fully surrendering his life to Christ, Jim learned that Mary, an OR Tech at the hospital, had been faithfully and secretly praying for him for seven years. Guided by the Holy Spirit, she confirmed to him, “God wants you,” and a transformation took place.
Jim and his late wife, Kathleen, an RN, took many short-term medical mission trips; they even traveled to India and worked with Mother Teresa. When Jim was active with UM Army, they joined Sarah and Joel Purcell on trips to Colombia and Peru and also worked alongside Gaston and Lacey Warner with Zoe, a ministry that empowers vulnerable youth in Africa and India. God called them to Guatemala, where together they recruited hospital mission teams, built a dormitory to house the teams, equipped mobile medical units to travel into the mountains, and created an aquaponics system. They funded the money for these projects.
When Kathleen passed away, Jim and Angela, a widowed friend, married and continued God’s work in Guatemala. It was pure joy to sit at the feet of these two rockstar faithful Kingdom builders.
Dr. Jim Street passed into eternity on April 26, 2026. Jim’s legacy lives on.
SAVE THE DATE
COFFEE AND CAREGIVERS
Tuesday, June 23 | 10:30 a.m.
Jones Library | The Woodlands Campus
Our next session of Coffee & Caregivers is on “Family Dynamics in Caregiving.” Our speaker is Kermit “Butch” Parker, Jr., a retired clinical psychologist who participates in our Caregivers Support Group. To register, email coffeeandcaregiverswoodlands@gmail.com
BYE BYE BIRDIE
Sunday, July 12 | 2:00 p.m.
Crighton Theatre, Conroe, TX
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-usthere-event. Dinner after the show is dutch at Pacific Yard House in Conroe.
GOSPEL HOUR AND DINNER
Sunday, July 19 | 5:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
Celebrate summer with the Traditional Worship Community! Join us for dinner at Wesley Hall, following Gospel Hour with Bishop Bob Hayes, worship leader David McKenery, the Spiritwind Band and Chancel Choir at 5:00 p.m. Worship is free, dinner is $12 (adults) and $5 (children). All are welcome to attend and enjoy fellowship. Learn more or register for dinner at twmc.org/traditional
HOUSTON ASTROS VS. MIAMI MARLINS
Tuesday, July 21 | 7:10 p.m. Game
Daikin Park
Get ready for a fun-filled evening of baseball, hot dogs, and great company as the Houston Astros take on the Miami Marlins! The cost of the event is $118 per person (includes transportation and game ticket).
Register for these events at twmc.org/adults55
A FOND FAREWELL
I’ve been taking some time to reflect on these past eight years, and my heart is full. We’ve shared so many meaningful moments — learning, laughing, dancing, and even walking through difficult times together. It has truly been an honor to serve alongside you, and I sincerely value the friendships I’ve made with each of you. As I look ahead, I’m excited to spend more time with my family, do some traveling, and enjoy working in my yard. Even so, I hope our paths will continue to cross — I hope to see you at our ministry events, trips, or fitness classes in the future.
Fondly, Teri Rossi
HOUSTON SHIP CHANNEL TOUR
By Howard Rife, Woodforest Lay Volunteer Day Trip Coordinator
We had 54 members join us for a boat tour of the Houston ship channel. The weather was beautiful! We took a bus to Mia’s table for a delicious lunch, then went downtown to the Buffalo Bayou dock to meet our ship. The ride lasted 90 minutes and afforded us interesting scenery and an education about maritime industry, global supply chains, and local history.
SWITZERLAND, AUSTRIA AND BAVARIA!
By Susan Goldsmith, Caring Ministry Coordinator and Travel Correspondent and Debra D. King, Connections Director
What an incredible journey through Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, and Bavaria with the TWMC Adult 55+ community. Traveling by bus with Collette Travel allowed us to experience these countries, the way locals live — tasting their food, hearing their stories, and absorbing the history that shapes each region.
Our first stop was in Bern, Switzerland, where we explored the charming capital city, wandered its medieval streets, and visited the astronomical clock. We watched artisans craft the traditional Swiss alphorn, listened to yodeling, and enjoyed classic Swiss fondue, and later traveled to Lucerne, home of the iconic wooden Chapel Bridge. A highlight was our ascent of Mount Pilatus, complete with a gondola ride and breathtaking alpine views.
Liechtenstein, though small, added its own charm to the journey — a peaceful stop nestled between mountains, full of postcard-worthy scenery.
In Innsbruck, we explored the Old Town, admired the Golden Roof, and saw the impressive Olympic ski jump. In Salzburg, we toured the Mirabell Gardens, famous for The Sound of Music, and visited Mozart’s birthplace, connecting with the city’s musical legacy.
Crossing into Bavaria, we visited the Linderhof Palace, one of King Ludwig II’s masterpieces, and explored a historic monastery surrounded by the beauty of the Bavarian Alps.
Most importantly, we served as ambassadors for our church abroad. We embraced fellow travelers from Canada, Georgia, Tennessee and Massachusetts, becoming one big family along the way. Conversations about God, His goodness, and the many blessings surrounding us flowed naturally throughout the trip.
What a gift it was to experience the beauty of God’s world together building friendships, making memories, and celebrating the joy of fellowship and adventure side by side!
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym Craft Circle 10:00 a.m. | Loft Caregivers and Coffee 10:30 a.m. | Jones Library WF Fit for
WF Fit for Life Fitness
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 Happy Father’s Day
Fit for Life Fitness
9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall Fit for Life Fitness
9:30 a.m. | Creekside
Walden Women’s Group
6:00 p.m. | 3713 Poets Ct
WF Fit for Life Fitness 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
Craft Circle 10:00 a.m. | Loft
ADULTS 55+
*Creekside Campus *ALL Campuses
Life Fitness
WF Gym
Life Fitness
Aldersgate Hall
Midweek Prayer
Robb Chapel
Life Fitness
WF Gym
Life Fitness
Aldersgate Hall
Book Study
a.m. | TBD
Midweek Prayer
Robb Chapel
WF Fit for Life Fitness
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
Mah Jongg 2:00 p.m. | Room B204
WF Fit for Life Fitness
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
WF Lunch Bunch
11:00 a.m. | Vernon’s Kuntry Katfish
Life Fitness
WF Gym
Life Fitness
Aldersgate Hall
Midweek Prayer
Robb Chapel
Life Fitness
WF Gym
Life Fitness
Aldersgate Hall
Book Study
a.m. | TBD
Midweek Prayer
Robb Chapel
WF Fit for Life Fitness
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
WF Book Club
11:00 a.m. | WF Campus
Mah Jongg
2:00 p.m. | Room B204
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. | Room B107
Game Night
6:00 p.m. | Creekside
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
Caregivers Support
11:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
Montgomery Lunch Bunch
11:30 a.m. | Pizza Shack
Casual Bridge
12:30 p.m. | Room B107
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
Depart TWMC at 6:30 a.m. for Magnolia Market Trip
WF Fit for Life Fitness
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
WF Fit for Life Fitness
8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
Prayer Shawl Ministry
10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor
WF Game Night
6:00 p.m. | WF Classroom
Single Life Widows
6:30 p.m. | Jones Library
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS
WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH
Tuesday, June 9 | 11:00 a.m. | Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen Schilleci’s is an elegant French Quarter-style restaurant. They are located at 2501 Research Forest Dr. Bring a friend — all are welcome. Make a reservation with Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, June 8.
WOODFOREST CAMPUS
WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH
Thursday, June 11 | 11:00 a.m. | Vernon’s Kuntry Katfish
Join us at Vernon’s Kuntry Katfish for great seafood and homestyle cooking. This restaurant is located at 5901 W. Davis St., Conroe. To make a reservation, contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, June 8.
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Monday, June 1 and 15 | 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, contact Angela Street at 281.723.6819.
MONTGOMERY CAMPUS
MONTGOMERY LUNCH BUNCH
Friday, June 12 | 11:30 a.m. | Pizza Shack
Join us for authentic East Coast pizza and other tasty entrees. This restaurant is located at 19132 Stewart Creek Rd., Montgomery. To make a reservation contact Donna Carr at 936.443.6748 or Sally Tinsman at 936.499.9687 by Monday, June 8.
WALDEN WOMEN’S GROUP
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
GAME NIGHT AT CREEKSIDE
Friday, June 5 | 6:00 p.m. | Gathering Room
Join us for fun and fellowship. Feel free to bring your favorite game. For more information, contact Vicki Judice at 832.444.1492.
WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB
Monday, June 1 | 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Join us for the Camera Club meeting, featuring Tom Boronow and his presentation, “National Parks & Beyond.”
Enjoy a photographic tour of Olympic National Park and Big Bend National Park, along with a brief geological discussion about what makes these landscapes unique.
Tom moved to The Woodlands in 2001, joined The Woodlands Methodist Church and the Camera Club, and retired from Shell Oil Company in 2018 after a career as a petroleum geologist and team leader. His passion for geology and photography continues to inspire his exploration of the natural world.
Tom’s motto: “Never stop learning and exploring!”
Check out the Camera Club at thewoodlandscameraclub.org
This course explains both the spiritual and practical aspects of grief and suggests specific strategies to guide you back to fullness of life. The cost of this course is $20.
Register for Summer Grief Share at twmc.org/help
COME PLAY MAH JONGG WITH US!
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. We use the National Mah Jongg League card and rules, and our instructors are always happy to help you learn the ropes or brush up on your skills!
Mah Jong Mondays: We are taking a summer break until August.
Mah Jongg Game Day: First and third Thursdays, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in Room B204.
SPOTLIGHT
We had an amazing turnout for last month’s Kentucky Derby–themed Spotlight! Henry’s Home Horse & Human Sanctuary joined us to share about their incredible ministry, and Jim Sloan’s bluegrass band brought us great music, making the whole event feel special and memorable.
Nine the horse was ready to pose with us, but due to inclement weather, he was unable to attend.
TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES
TUSCANY, LAKE MAGGIORE, ITALIAN RIVIERA
September 2026
View itineraries at twmc.org/adults55
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, a Tuscan villa stay, Florence and the Chianti countryside.
Final Payment Due: June 20, 2026
ISLANDS OF NEW ENGLAND
June 2027
2027
This is an eight-day guided tour with Collette Travel Agency and includes an optional 2-night Boston post-tour extension. A perfect blend of culture, history and coastal beauty is waiting for you.
Preview Meeting: August 6, 2026
Registration Deadline: December 4, 2026
View itineraries at twmc.org/adult 55
SCOTLAND
September 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.
Registration Deadline: February 1, 2027
For more information, go to https://gomegatravel.com/group-tours
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 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-on-one relationship by joining our 90+ Outreach. If you feel called to serve in this way, training is required. Contact Rev. David Lindwall (dlindwall@twmc.org) or Debbie Russell Lay Volunteer Coordinator (drussell@twmc.org).
WOODLANDS FIT FOR LIFE FITNESS CLASS
The Fit for Life class schedule has been modified for the summer schedule. Please review the updated class times.
FIT FOR LIFE FITNESS CLASS
*Mondays and Fridays | 9:30 a.m.
Worship Space | Creekside Campus
Our Adults 55+ fitness 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.
*Check grid calendar
LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP
Join the Low Vision Support Group on Friday, June 12 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 Margarita McCarthy with our Prayer Ministry at 281.822.8250
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 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, June 5 and 19 | 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, contact John Cunningham at 713.594.4499. Please call at least 48 hours in advance. You can also contact John to volunteer.
CONSECRATED HOLY COMMUNION ELEMENTS
Caring Ministry offers consecrated Holy Communion elements for those of you worshipping at home. Stop by the main administration office at The Woodlands Campus to pick up elements
Save a tree. Sign up for our e-newsletter. Photos will be shared on the Adults 55+ Facebook page, so follow us there.
