by Rev. Chris McLain, Pastor of Caring and Adults 55+ Ministry
Let’s talk about one of the great characters in motion picture history. It was 1984, and I was 1 year old. In the new film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, viewers were immediately introduced to Ms. Willie Scott, played by Kate Capshaw. She played a captivating role filled with self-centeredness and a general pretention carried by most Hollywood divas. Throughout the picture she poured perfume on an elephant and thought giant bats were simply “big birds,” and her squeals made audiences wonder how she sang or participated in the dialogue at all.
In the McLain house growing up, one of the most quoted lines from the movie was following the setting of the table at the maharaja’s palace. It was announced they were having “Snake Surprise!” to which Willie responded, “What’s the surprise?”
Let’s just say the surprise was not something on which most of us in the West would dine.
The question I want to pose to you is the same as Willie’s, “What’s the surprise?”
As we wrap up Lent and approach the tomb where Jesus’ body lays cold, we are filled with anticipation and ready for what God is doing. While we know about the Resurrection, if we approach the tomb as if we don’t, we can approach it with a realized and intentional anticipation. With realized anticipation we can be ready for God to do something new.
Remember, the first look into the tomb is just like the first look into the manger. Awe overwhelms us, mystery surrounds us, and we stand in the midst of a miracle. I challenge you to once again ask, whether for the eighth or the 88th time, “What’s the surprise?”
We all need this surprise. It changes everything. It even changes death. Death is the one thing no one wants to face; the one thing you can’t put enough perfume on to make it approachable; the one thing no one mistakes for anything else. Death no longer has the final say — it is no longer an ending, but a beginning. Instead of singing the blues, the band strikes up “When the Saints Go Marching In”!
If you start today, you have somewhere between 18 and 20 days to be praying for resurrection. I can’t wait for you to tell me God’s answer to my question: “What’s your surprise?”
Save the Date
BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY
Sunday, April 6 | Alley Theater, Houston
Depart TWMC at 12:30 p.m. for a 2:00 p.m. show
Embark on a thrilling adventure with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they unravel the mystery of the Baskervilles with wit, charm and suspense. Every clue and twist keeps you guessing until the final curtain call. The cost of the ticket and bus fare is $105 per person. Dinner after the show will be dutch.
GEORGE H. W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY TOUR
Thursday, April 10
Depart The Woodlands Campus at 8:00 a.m. Depart Woodforest Campus at 8:45 a.m.
Join us for a tour of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library. The cost of this event is $45 per person. This includes the bus fare and admission to the library. Lunch will be dutch in College Station. For more information contact Howard Rife, Woodforest Day Trip Lead, at 817.975.0864.
ORIGIN OF THE SPANISH LANGUAGE LECTURE SERIES
Beginning Monday, April 28
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
B107, The Woodlands Campus
Learn about the origin of the Spanish language with Maria Begoña Concepción Fernández de Bisteni from our Creekside Campus. This class will be taught in Spanish and there will be an opportunity to read, write and speak Spanish. The cost of this series is $50 per person. The class size is limited to 10 students. Register at twmc.org/adults55
THE WOODLANDS CHORALE PRESENTS OF DREAMS & VISIONS
Saturday, May 3 | 7:00 p.m.
Christ Church Methodist
Experience the joy of live music with The Woodlands Chorale at a send-off concert for their UK tour. The spring concert will be a mix of sacred and American music. The cost of a ticket is $25 per person. We will meet at Christ Church Methodist on Research Forest Drive.
FEEL THE NEIL
Friday, May 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Crighton Theatre
Direct from Branson, enjoy Keith Allynn in this Neil Diamond tribute. The cost is $49 per person. We will meet at Crighton Theatre.
SPOTLIGHT
MONDAY, APRIL 28
11:00 a.m. | WF Worship
Join us to hear the Bonterra Singers. They will be presenting their spring program, Cinemagic: Academy Awards Music.
WOODFOREST SPOTLIGHT
The SpiritWind Band performed for us at Woodforest with a smooth jazz set.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7
11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall
Miles Pike will be back to entertain us with his fiveoctave range. He will be performing music from his new album.
ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS
Sunday, May 4 | 4:00 p.m. | Robb Chapel
Caring Ministry invites you to a special service, Always in Our Hearts, where we honor the life and memory of our beloved children who have gone on to their eternal home.
TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES
TROPICAL COSTA RICA
September
Final payment due: July 17, 2025
View itineraries at twmc.org/adults55
DOURO VALLEY PORTUGAL AND SPAIN TOUR
November
Final payment due: August 3, 2025
Premier World Discovery is presenting a Douro Valley Portugal and Spain tour. This is a seven-night riverboat cruise aboard the NEW Riviera Rose with a pre-cruise extension in Lisbon.
DISCOVER SWITZERLAND, AUSTRIA AND BAVARIA
April 2026
CHRISTMAS ON THE DANUBE
December
Final payment due: August 5, 2025
This tour takes place April 22 – May 1, 2026. The highlights include Bern, Alphorn Maker, a yodeling demonstration, fondue lunch, Lucerne, Austrian Alps, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Mirabell Gardens, St. Peter’s restaurant, Bavaria, Linderhof Palace and the Tyrolean Folklore show. There is a post-tour extension of three nights in Vienna. Registration deadline is October 16, 2025. Final payment is due January 22, 2026.
These amazing volunteers are going to be taking a more active leadership role with our Adults 55+ activities. Please join us in celebrating all our Woodforest lay volunteers.
Gary and Janet Milleson, Spotlight Leads
“We are two retired executive, business owners who joined The Church at Woodforest in 2020 when we moved to the Woodforest community. We love the fellowship activities and numerous Bible studies, and we truly feel the Holy Spirit as it all feels like family.”
Paul and LeAnn Sullivan, Spotlight Co-Leads with the Millesons
“We have been members of The Church at Woodforest for a few years. We love helping on the serve team. We can’t wait to meet everyone.”
Phil and Roberta Duncan, Lunch Bunch Leads
“We met at Fellowship of The Woodlands in 2003. Two years later we started dating, and five years later we married. I am from Carlsbad, New Mexico, and Roberta is from Houston. The ministry we loved the most was Divorce Care, which we facilitated for 12 years. We became members of The Church at Woodforest in 2021.”
Howard and Debbie Rife, Day Trip Leads
“We moved to Montgomery (Lake Conroe) in 2017 from North Texas. We joined The Church at Woodforest in 2022. We’ve been married for 47 years.”
Phil and Debbie Griffing, Game Night Leads
“Phil and I moved from Lake Jackson to Montgomery in 2021 to be closer to family. I joined The Church at Woodforest that same year. We love the area and being closer to family. Phil and I enjoyed the fellowship and making new friends at Adult Game Night.”
Diane Oakley, Book Club Lead
“I was born and grew up in eastern North Carolina. After graduating from ECU, I began my teaching career. My husband Gary and I have been married for over 50 years and have lived in many different places, including Tokyo. Our family consists of our son, Ryan, his wife, Amber, our grandkids, Colin and Harper, and our cat, Miss Kitty. I have always loved books and reading.”
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
We offer worship services and Holy Communion at assisted living communities at the following locations: The Village, The Conservatory, Avanti, The Forum and Sundale. If you would like to join us, contact Rev. David Lindwall at dlindwall@twmc.org or Karen Williams at aggiemom43@hotmail.com
TWMC BOWLING FUN LEAGUE
Second Monday Night of Each Month | 7:00 p.m. | Bowlero
We bowl two games from 7:00-8:45 p.m. Warm up from 6:30–7:00 p.m. No skill required. The cost is $8 per person payable in cash on the day of the event. For more information contact Jeanette Bates 281.455.9073
GOLDENAIRES CHOIR
Rehearsals Every Wednesday | 2:30 p.m. | Choir Room
Members of the Goldenaires, a 55+ adults choir, love to share fellowship through music. For more information contact Ed Wandling at 281.788.9880 or Louise Kramer at louise.kramer917@gmail.com
MEN’S BOOK STUDY
Second and Fourth Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. | Room C217-A
Join us for a discussion on a study of J.I. Packer’s Knowing God For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 915.373.3707 or jbarney177@gmail.com
CASUAL BRIDGE
First Friday of Each Month | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Room B107
Come and be part of a fun, social bridge group once or twice a month depending on the group. This will be casual bridge for those who just want to play bridge. Some bridge knowledge is necessary. For more information contact Betty Gibson at 832.654.3335
SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS
Check our webpage for activities.
THE GATHERING PLACE
Monday, April 7 | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Join us this month for a spring themed gathering. The Gathering Place is a ministry for adults who have mild to moderate dementia. If you would like to volunteer your time, contact Jana Jordan at 281.948.0247
THE WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB
Monday, April 7 | 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall
The Woodlands Camera Club welcomes photographer Jeff Montgomery. As an internationally published food photographer, Jeff possesses a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of visual storytelling.
MAH JONGG GAME DAY
Thursdays, April 3 and 17 | 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Room B204
Beginners or players of all levels are welcome to play this fun Chinese game utilizing the National Mah Jongg League cards and rules. Teachers will be available to assist in learning or to brush up on game rules and strategies. Register online. For more information contact Glenda Hudson at 281.367.9155.
ADULT GAME NIGHT
Friday, April 11 | 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, April 15 | Noon | Allen Parlor
We will review If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won’t) by Betty White. If you like to read ahead, in May we will review The Four Winds by Kirstin Hannah For more information contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING
Friday, April 25 | 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
FIT FOR LIFE FITNESS
Monday – Friday | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
In 2025 our Fit for Life Fitness classes will meet five days a week. Same great instructors and exercises, two additional times a week.
The Friendship Class is meeting at Coco Crepes & Coffee located in the Indian Springs Shopping Center at 6777 Woodlands Parkway. All are welcome. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, April 7.
FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAG MISSION PROJECT
Thursday, April 17 | 2:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor
The Friendship Class comes together to assemble snack bags for the 1960 Hope Center.
WOODFOREST CAMPUS
WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH
Thursday, April 10 | 11:00 a.m.
Ransom’s Steakhouse
Join us for a home cooked meal at Ransom’s Steakhouse in Montgomery. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, April 7.
WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB
Thursday, April 17 | 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus
In April we will review Four Hundred and Forty Steps to the Sea by Sara Alexander If you would like to read ahead, in May we will review The Door to Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn. For more information contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067
ADULT GAME NIGHT
Friday, April 25 | 6:00 p.m. | Woodforest Worship
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
FIT FOR LIFE FITNESS
Tuesday – Thursday | 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym
In 2025 our fitness classes will meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
SUPPORT
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Monday, April 7* | 10:00 a.m. | WF Classroom
This support group is for caregivers of family and friends with chronic, long-term or terminal illness. For more information about this group, contact Angela Street at 281.723.6819
*Campus is closed on Monday, April 21
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
Thursday, May 1 | Noon | Robb Chapel
Join us as we celebrate the 74th annual National Day of Prayer. We will unite our hearts around the theme “May the God of Hope Fill You with All Joy and Peace” from Romans 15:13 as we pray and lift our local, state and nation leaders before God’s throne of grace, seeking Christ’s heart of renewal and revival for our nation.
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, April 11 | 11:30 a.m.
Monty’s Lighthouse
To make a reservation contact Donna Carr at 936.443.6748 or Sally Tinsman at 936.499.9687 by Monday, April 7.
COVENANT CHURCH AT CREEKSIDE
Welcome to our friends at Covenant Church at Creekside. Worship gatherings are held on Sundays in the Worship Center at 8555 Creekside Green Drive at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. (English) and 1:00 p.m. (Spanish).
GOLDEN AGE GATHERING
Tuesdays | 11:00 a.m.
Join us in April for a computer class taught in Spanish. Contact Anna Vargas (anna@connextsteps.org) for more information.
COVENANT
RESOURCE CORNER
prayer and care
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
CRAFT CIRCLE
Join our Craft Circle family, where creativity and compassion come together to support local and global missions. As we enter a season of capital campaign renovations, our commitment to community remains strong!
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS
Tuesdays | 9:30 a.m. | Loft Building WOODFOREST CAMPUS
2nd and 4th Thursdays | 1:00 p.m. | Woodforest Gym
As part of our church’s growth, Craft Circle will transition to home crafting by May to make space for the Loft Building renovation. Crafting will look different, but community remains our priority. While our location may change, our mission, fellowship and creativity will continue — stronger than ever.
The Woodlands Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive
The Woodlands, Texas 77380
SUPPORT
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Fridays, April 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 Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935
LOSS OF SPOUSE
Thursday, April 24 | 1:00 p.m. | Otterbein
The loss of a spouse is one of the most significant losses we can endure. This two-hour seminar is designed to help process grief and face the future with a measure of hope.
SUMMER GRIEF SHARING CLASSES
13 weeks, beginning May 1, 2025
This course explains both the spiritual and practical issues of grief and suggests specific strategies to guide you back to fullness of life.
CONSECRATED
HOLY COMMUNION ELEMENTS
Caring Ministry is offering 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.
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!
