by Rev. Aaron Laird Lead Pastor, The Church at Montgomery
Every week, there’s a special energy in the air at The Church at Montgomery, and I believe it’s the direct result of a movement of God. As I sit here reflecting on the journey of our congregation, it’s clear that the Lord is doing something beautiful, and everyone at CAM is incredibly grateful to be part of it.
One of the most exciting updates from our campus is the recent launch of our NextGen Student Ministry, now serving students in grades 6 through 12. This is a huge milestone for our church family! Investing in the next generation is vital, and already we’re seeing these young people form friendships, ask big questions about faith, and grow in their walk with Christ. What’s even more encouraging is the overwhelming support from the whole congregation. Volunteers and families are truly stepping up to make sure our students know they’re loved, seen and discipled.
That’s not the only thing stirring hearts around here. Because of your generosity, we’re preparing to break ground on our very first permanent building. After meeting in a portable setting for so long, the idea of having a space to call “home” is incredibly special. If all goes according to schedule, we’ll move into our new building by the end of 2026. This brand-new facility at C.B. Stewart and Clepper Drive will be a hub for worship, ministry and community connection for years to come. We know that a building isn’t the church, but we believe this next step will open doors — literally and figuratively — to even greater impact in the Montgomery area. Thank you for being part of the Beyond vision!
In the midst of all this, God continues to bless us with growth. This past Sunday, we welcomed five new families into our congregation. Some are new to the area; others are longtime Montgomery folks eager to be part of reaching people for Christ, discipling them in faith, and helping those in need. As I hear their stories, I’m reminded that God is actively changing lives, drawing people closer to Him and continuing to build His church. Praise God!
Whether you’ve attended worship on our campus or not, we’re very grateful for your prayers and support. We cherish the multi-generational nature of The Woodlands Methodist Church across all our campuses. The wisdom, prayers and encouragement from our older adults have been a steady foundation for everything we’re experiencing now. Thank you for loving us so well!
The Lord has proven faithful at every step, and we believe He’s just getting started. Thank you for being part of the story God is writing at The Church at Montgomery. There’s a place for you here.
THE “YEAST OF THE PHARISEES”
by Rev. Chris McLain, Pastor of Caring and Adults 55+ Ministry
Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked bread? There’s nothing quite like driving through Small Town USA where you have never been and knowing there is a bread factory in town. It awakens a nostalgia in many of us of a “simpler time.”
Just as bread rises with yeast, our lives are shaped by the ideas and influences we allow to grow within us. In Matthew 16:6 Jesus warned His disciples to “be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees.”
We let ideas — politics, hatred, negative self-talk — come into our lives and, like yeast, quickly multiply, shaping our hearts and minds in ways that pull us away from the calling Jesus has put on our lives. But Scripture is clear: The one thing we should let grow is love — love of God, of self and of neighbor. When we let love rise, it transforms us. The neatest part about this calling is that it’s not limited to a single moment; it’s something we’re invited to live out both now and into the future.
The past, that “simpler time,” wasn’t always so simple. Our sins, shortcomings and trauma left us disappointed, like a birthday cake that collapses in the middle. But Jesus calls us to move forward and to stand on His teachings, which are seasoned with salt, full of truth and give rise to that which is only of Him.
What has “risen” in your life, thoughts, theology that is not congruent with the Holy Scriptures?
What do you think the Holy Spirit is saying you need to allow to “rise up” in your life?
Friday, October 10 | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Harvest Worship Center
$25 | Lunch and Evening Event Included
Find more information and register at twmc.org/caring
LET’S GO ASTROS!
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Astros Game Highlights
What an incredible game! We had an amazing time cheering on the Astros as they pulled off a 2-1 victory. The pitching was on point.
Trea Turner? Struck out!
Kyle Schwarber? Grounded out twice!
Alec Bohm? Three ground outs — boom!
The Astros brought the heat and showed why they’re a force to be reckoned with. Let’s keep this momentum going — Go 'Stros!
TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES
TROPICAL COSTA RICA
September
Document party: September 3, 2025
DISCOVER SWITZERLAND, AUSTRIA AND BAVARIA
April 2026
Save the Date
BRAVO BROADWAY!
Wednesday, September 10
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Gates open at 7:00 p.m.
Show starts at 8:00 p.m.
Experience the magic of Broadway as the Houston Symphony brings your favorite show tunes to life in an unforgettable night of music! There is no cost for this event.
WOODFOREST SPOTLIGHT
Monday, September 22 | 2:00 p.m.
Woodforest Worship
Get ready for an inspiring afternoon with country artist Morgan Ashley. After 10 years chasing her dream in country music, Morgan hit rock bottom — caught in a battle with drugs and alcohol. But in May 2023, everything changed. While stuck in traffic and scrolling through TikTok, she discovered powerful videos about Jesus and creation. Right there in her car, Morgan gave her life to Christ. You won’t want to miss this moving testimony and performance
HOBBY 1940 AIR TERMINAL MUSEUM
Tuesday, September 30 Depart TWMC 9:00 a.m.
Step back in time with us at the 1940 Air Terminal Museum at Hobby Airport. This amazing museum is inside a stunning Art Deco building, designed by famous Houston architect Joseph Finger. Once the city’s original airport terminal, it now stands as a proud landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Come explore a piece of Houston’s aviation history! The cost for this outing is $35. Veterans cost $25. Lunch is dutch after the museum tour.
Register for these events at twmc.org/adults55
View itineraries at twmc.org/adults55
DOURO VALLEY PORTUGAL AND SPAIN TOUR
November
Final payment due: August 3, 2025
This tour takes place April 22–May 1, 2026. There is a post-tour extension of three nights in Vienna.
Registration deadline: October 16, 2025
Final payment due: January 22, 2026
CHRISTMAS ON THE DANUBE
December
Final payment due: August 5, 2025
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.
Trip preview meeting: September 25, 2025
Registration deadline: March 12, 2026
Final payment due: June 20, 2026
The Woodlands Camera Club
Monday, August 4 | 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Aldersgate Hall
A Beginners Guide to Milky Way Landscapes
Have you ever wanted to make those really cool looking images of landscapes with the Milky Way in the sky? Are you in the dark as to how to get started? We have got just the seminar for you! Paul Van Allen from Nikon Professional Services will help you shine some light on the subject in this exciting presentation. Join us on August 4 as Paul covers techniques, settings and tips that are sure to jumpstart your journey into the amazing world of Milky Way landscape photography. You will walk away ready to grab a camera and make some truly breathtaking images! Check out the Camera Club at thewoodlandscameraclub.org
SPOTLIGHT
MONDAY, AUGUST 4 | 11:15 A.M. | WESLEY HALL
Each year, we come together to honor and celebrate our incredible members who are 90 and older, along with their families. This year, we’re turning up the fun with a rock ’n’ roll theme! Join us for a lively celebration featuring The Goldenaires performing classic rock ’n’ roll oldies. It’s sure to be a joyful and memorable event! Register at twmc.org/adults55
90+ COMMUNITY
Did you know we have over 100 members at TWMC who are 90 years old or older? We’re launching a new and expanded ministry to support these amazing individuals through prayer, visits, cards and flower deliveries. If you feel called to serve in this way, please contact Rev. David Lindwall (dlindwall@twmc.org) or Teri Rossi (trossi@twmc.org).
All volunteers will need to complete Congregational Care training and a background check. Caring Ministry is hosting a two-day training on August 17 and 24 from 12:30–3:00 p.m. Register at twmc.org/caring
COVENANT CHURCH AT CREEKSIDE
Covenant Church at Creekside is a neighborhood church where everyone is welcome. Worship gatherings are held in the Worship Center at 8555 Creekside Green Drive on Sundays at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. (English) and 1:00 p.m. (Spanish).
GOLDEN CONNECTION
Come be a part of the joy! Join us for a time of fellowship, fun and learning. All classes are taught in Spanish. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself or practice your Spanish in a welcoming environment.
Zumba | Get moving and feel the rhythm Tuesdays | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | $20 per person
Technology Class | Boost your tech skills Tuesdays | 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | $20 per person
Painting Class | Unleash your inner artist Wednesdays | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | $20 per person
Fees are discounted to $30 total when you sign up for two classes. For more information contact Anna Vargas at anna@connexsteps.org
COVENANT
CASUAL BRIDGE
Casual bridge is growing and you can come fellowship with us. Join our group and improve your bridge skills. We talk across the table to improve our bidding skills. If you know a little, you can come and learn a lot. We meet on the first Friday of each month from 12:30-3:00 p.m. in room B107. Just sign up at twmc.org/adults55 or contact Betty Gibson at 832.654.3335
BACK-TO-SCHOOL PRAYER SERVICE
Caring and Prayer Ministry and NextGen Kids Ministry are partnering together to host our Back-to-School Prayer Service on Wednesday, August 13, at noon in Robb Chapel on The Woodlands Campus. This is a great opportunity to cover our children, teachers, parents and staff in prayer as they begin the new school year.
Find more information at twmc.org/caring.
THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS
SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Outreach to our senior living communities is a growing ministry. We offer worship services, Holy Communion and Bible studies each month at these locations: The Village and Sundale (first Wednesday), The Conservatory (second Wednesday), Avanti (third Wednesday) and The Forum (fourth Wednesday). If you would like to join us, contact Rev. David Lindwall at dlindwall@twmc.org
GOLDENAIRES CHOIR
We are taking a summer break and will return in the fall.
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. 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 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 Knowing God by J.I. Packer 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 are meeting five days a week. That means more opportunities to move, stay strong and feel great — with the same amazing instructors and workouts you love.
THE GATHERING PLACE
Monday, August 4 | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall
Join us this month for a back-to-school themed gathering. The Gathering Place is a ministry for adults with mild to moderate dementia. If you would like to volunteer your time, contact Jana Jordan at 281.948.0247.
MAH JONGG GAME DAY
Thursdays, August 7 and 21 | 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Room B204
Players of all levels are welcome to play this fun Chinese game utilizing the National Mah Jongg league card and rules. Teachers will be available to assist in learning or to brush up on game rules and strategies. For more information contact Glenda Hudson at 281.367.9155.
ADULT GAME NIGHT
Friday, August 8 | 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, August 19 | Noon | Allen Parlor
In August we will review The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate. If you would like to read ahead, in September we will review From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley. For more information about Peggy’s Book Club, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING
Friday, August 29 | 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
SINGLE LIFE WIDOWS
Check our webpage for current activities and to register.
CLASS NEWS
WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH
Tuesday, August 12 | 11:00 a.m. | Craft Grill
The Friendship Class is meeting at Craft Grill, located at 25219 Kuykendahl Road Suite G110, Tomball 77375. All are welcome. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, August 11.
FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAGS MISSION PROJECT
Thursday, August 21 | 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.
Want to help?
Donate single-serve non-perishables: Vienna sausages, cookies, crackers, protein bars, raisins
Or give a check to the church with “Friendship Class Manna Bags” in the memo line
All are welcome to join this meaningful mission!
THE WIZARD OF OZ
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3 | 2:00 P.M. | THE GEORGE THEATRE
Join us for this timeless and classic musical tale as Dorothy and her friends travel the universe of Dorothy’s imagination, crossing over the rainbow to the beautiful and treacherous land of Oz. Dinner will be dutch at Cleburne’s Cafeteria after the show.
WOODFOREST CAMPUS
WOODFOREST LUNCH BUNCH
Thursday, August 14 | 11:00 a.m. | Eden Table
Join us for lunch for international cuisine that feels like home. Formerly Eden Cafe, this restaurant is located at 33418 Egypt Lane, Magnolia 77354. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, August 11.
WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB
Thursday, August 21 | 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus
In August, we will review The Keeper of Happy Endings by Barbara Davis. If you would like to read ahead in September, we will review The Wedding People by Alison Espach. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067
ADULT GAME NIGHT
Friday, August 29 | 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.
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!
SUPPORT
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Mondays, August 4 and 18 | 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
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, August 8 | 11:30 a.m. | Pizza Shack
To make a reservation contact Donna Carr at 936.443.6748 or Sally Tinsman at 936.499.9687 by Monday, August 4.
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.
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
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
Email | caringministries@twmc.org
CONGRETIONAL CARE TRAINING
Caring and Prayer Ministry is hosting a two-day training for church members who feel called to share the compassionate love and care of Christ with others. Trained volunteers will assist with hospital visits, funeral support, prayer shawl delivery, prayer and hospice care. Training is scheduled for two Sundays, August 17 and 24, from 12:30-3:00 p.m. in Hayes Hall. The cost of the training is $30, which includes lunch. Registration is required one week in advance at twmc.org/caring
ADULTS 55+
The Woodlands Methodist
Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380
SUPPORT
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Fridays, August 1 and 15 | 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
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!
