JANUARY 2024 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS METHODIST CHURCH
ADULTS 55 OUTLOOK
+ MONTHLY
WELCOME TO A NEW YEAR — 2024! by Rev. Chris McLain, Pastor of Caring and Adults 55+ Ministry One hundred years ago King Tut’s tomb was opened after 3,300 years. Those who prepared to do that work held their breath as they were curious about the mysteries that lay inside. Afterwards, the world would never be the same. Following that discovery, the world would see a (presumed) ripple effect as several suspicious deaths and sicknesses followed. During Advent, we focused with anticipation on the birth of the Christ child, and many of us are still feeling the actual ripples of Jesus’ birth in our lives. The season of Advent had us focused with intensity on Jesus’ birth. In just a few short weeks (Easter is early this year) we will start Lent with Ash
Wednesday, and we will be encouraged to take that same intense look at the sin in our lives. Before we get there, I want to challenge you to do something. Step back and take a look at the impact you have had in your circles. Sometimes, especially during the winter months, a lie pops up in our heads that says we don’t matter or haven’t made a difference. Here’s what I can promise you. You have absolutely made a difference in the world. The question is, has it been one that has honored God and helped strengthen the body of Christ? Maybe you have been willing to sacrifice as much as possible for the sake of the Gospel. Perhaps you’d conclude your life has been too
self-centered or that you haven’t healed from a trauma enough to let God work through you. Wherever you find yourself on that pretty broad spectrum, I know this: As long as we have breath in our lungs, we have the opportunity, calling and responsibility to share the love of Christ. I love it when James says, “Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls” (1:19-21). So, before we zoom in, take a nice broad look. Ask God to highlight the impact you’ve had on your circles. I mean, it’s not like you’re opening King Tut’s tomb.
THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS by Rev. Mark Sorensen, Lead Pastor
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9 Grace and peace, friends. You know, cement — in order to become concrete — must be mixed with sand and water. Having done several mission projects in the past, it’s a process, to say the least. It takes a lot of effort and a lot of work, but the end result is always the same: When all the ingredients are mixed together, you get something that lasts. Every single time. But that’s the secret, right? You must follow the instructions. A bag of cement purchased from the store that is never properly mixed with water and sand is ineffective. Water and sand must be married together if you want something that’s truly cement-able. And that is not a bad illustration for us all as we begin a new year that holds new possibilities and opportunities.
I’ve been thinking about Joshua recently. I love his story. Having just picked up where Moses left off, Joshua is the one to take the people into the promised land. But, before he goes, he hesitates. He sees all the uncertainties that are before him and he’s unsure that he’s the right one for the job. Yet God reminds him that he is the right one chosen to lead the people. In that moment, all that was necessary was to mix in the ingredients of strength and courage with a healthy dose of God’s provision and the reminder that the Lord would be with him every step of the way. In this new year, may we ALL follow that advice. May we all let the Lord lead and make sure our words and actions are mixed in with God’s truth. We may not know what the year holds, but we certainly know who holds it all. And that is good news, friends.