The Point Quarterly - Summer 2013

thewoodlandsumc.org // Summer 2013 // Mentoring Edition

ST IMA AK G EH INE O C Se LDE AM e P R PA ag ’S I e 1 UP GN 8 DA TE

MAGAZINE

Destination: Manhood

Mentoring youth today can change the future for all of us.

PASTOR’S MESSAGE Dr. Ed Robb, Senior Pastor Dear Friends, Welcome to the latest edition of The Point magazine. Our last issue centered on the Imagine campaign, and since its publication, the members of our church pledged close to $23 million to the campaign and we’ve broken ground on our new family life center. (If you missed it, you can read about the Imagine Groundbreaking Ceremony and get a Stakeholder’s Update in this issue.) Construction is well underway, and it won’t be long until God is working in those new spaces.

This issue’s focus is mentorship. Mentorship is a major theme in the New Testament. Jesus mentors his disciples. Paul mentors Timothy, Titus, Silas, Philemon and others. And with the Great Commission, we are all called to be mentors, to share Jesus’ teachings with others.

The stories featured in this issue focus on members of our church who have mentored others, and in the process, carried out the mission statement of our church:

• Win people to Jesus Christ: Dennis Woodley tells how Kairos Prison Ministry shares the love of Christ with inmates in Huntsville and how their lives are transformed because of it;

• Disciple them in faith: Thom Hudson shares his experience mentoring a young man through our Destination: Manhood program;

• Help those in need: Karen Kleinen and Karen Henderson share their experiences as mentors in the Angel Reach program, helping young adults as they age out of the foster care system.

After reading these stories, you too may be inspired to become a mentor. If that’s the case, there’s also a list of five ways that you can become a mentor through ministries offered here at The Woodlands UMC. I am so grateful for you and your special role in God’s ministry at our church. When you invest wisdom and know-how into someone else, everyone is blessed. I pray you make the most of your mentorship and ministry opportunities.

Your Pastor,

Ed Robb

THEPOINT MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2013

MENTORING

PAGE 4 // “Stand in the Gap” with Angel Reach

Karen Kleinen had experience helping kids who didn’t have anyone else. Karen Henderson didn’t, but she had been praying about finding some kind of meaningful volunteer work. Both were able to make a difference in the lives of young people.

PAGE 6 // Transforming Lives Behind Prison Walls

By worldly standards, it would seem impossible to expect that in just four days loving Christian men and women could radically change the lives of habitual criminals and gang members. But with God’s help, that’s exactly what happens though Kairos Prison Ministry.

COVER STORY, PAGE 8 // Destination: Manhood Shaping Boys Into Men

Remembering their time together, Thom Hudson reflects on how he first met Cody, a young man he mentored through Destination: Manhood, and how God blessed their time together.

PAGE 10 // Kindness Carries a Family Through Crisis

We all need a support system. For most people, that system is made up of family and friends. But what if your family and friends can’t help? What if they’re in another country thousands of miles away?

PAGE 12 // 5 Ways to Become a Mentor

No matter who you are, God can use you to mentor to others. Five ways to become a mentor through The Woodlands United Methodist Church are detailed here.

PAGE 14 // Church Reaches Major Milestone

Membership crosses the 10,000-member threshold, making all of us — new members and old — members of a church that God has blessed to grow into something really big to serve Him and for His glory.

PAGE 16 // Imagine Groundbreaking Ceremony

Hundreds of people gathered on the former sports fields to celebrate April’s Imagine Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Family Life Center where our children will worship and bring glory to our Lord and Savior in the future.

PAGE 20 // Imagine Stakeholder’s Update

In the last few months, they’ve kicked up a lot of dust, made a lot of noise, and had a steady stream of heavy equipment coming in and out of the construction site for the new Family Life Center. Dr. Robb and Gary Laugharn share what’s been done so far.

IN EVERY ISSUE

Planning Calendar, Pg 25 // New Members, Pg 26 // Births, Pg 27 // Deaths, Pg 28 // Foundation Gifts, Pg 29

FINAL

WORD

PAGE 35 // Try It This Way

Life is so much richer when we share what we know with others. To impart wisdom on someone else is an expression of generosity and love, an exceedingly rare gift that blesses both giver and receiver in profound and lasting ways.

The Gift of Mentorship:

“Stand in the Gap” with Angel Reach // by Andrew Miller - Staff Writer

For Karen Kleinen, it wasn’t her first time helping kids who didn’t have anyone else. She’d already worked as a child advocate in Houston when she read about the Angel Reach ministry in the bulletin one Sunday morning.

Building a relationship with Jennifer didn’t require anything extraordinary.

Karen would call Jennifer to talk on the phone, and she took Jennifer out to eat. She went to Jennifer’s high school graduation, and she got her a birthday cake.

“It’s similar, but it’s not exactly the same,” she says. “A little different, but close enough.”

“I think she said it was the first birthday cake she’d ever had,” Karen says.

After going online to find out more about Angel Reach, she volunteered and was paired with a young woman named Jennifer in November 2011. At that time, Jennifer was not yet 18 and was still living in a foster care group home in Conroe.

As her mentor, Karen has taught Jennifer things that many of us would take for granted. They’ve worked on how to get a job and being dependable, on money management, and on how to talk to people and getting along with others when you disagree.

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“Every good decision that she makes is a little victory,” says Karen, and those little victories are her favorite moments with Jennifer: “I would have to say [my favorite moments are] whenever Jennifer is reporting on her day at work and tells me about something she’s done or learned. She has such a look of pride and accomplishment on her face. It is truly rewarding.”

Karen Henderson had never been involved in a ministry like Angel Reach, but she had been praying about finding some kind of meaningful volunteer work. Last year, a friend asked her to come by and take some photos of the ministry, and Karen knew that God had led her to become a mentor.

“As soon as I got there,” she says, “I knew that it was what I was supposed to be doing.”

“I’ve learned so much from him, and him from us,” Karen says. “It’s been so special both for him and for our family.

That night, Karen met a young man named David, and the two of them found that they had a lot in common, especially their shared love of the arts.

She was paired with David, and since then he’s become like part of the family.

It doesn’t take much to be a mentor to a child with Angel Reach. You can have experience working with children, like Karen Kleinen, or God can lead you to serve in a way you never have before, like Karen Henderson.

“What they need is someone who is really going to be there for them,” Karen says. “They get shipped around so often, they have no one who’s really invested in their future. To be a parent, a friend, someone to encourage them and help them become independent.”

All it requires is a commitment to a child who is “in the gap.” A commitment to do the little things: to call them on the phone, to make them a birthday cake, to teach them how to drive.

A commitment to be there for them like no one really has before.

“Maxie Dunnam — this is the perfect example of that, of stepping into the gap,” Karen Kleinen says. “You’re not leading a church service, but you’re helping one person.” •

Learn more about how you can get involved with Angel Reach on page 12.

Being a mentor to David has been a combination of teaching and loving.

She has helped David look for a job — last week they did mock interviews — and she taught him how to drive so he could get his license. And last winter, Karen and her family took David with them when they went skiing.

“I asked David, ‘What was your favorite part?’” she says, “and he said just hanging out with the family.”

And she says that is her favorite part, too — just getting to hang out with David.

“…living an intercessory life, we stand in the gap for the sake of justice and righteousness.”

— Maxie Dunnam,

An Intercessory Life

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The Gift of Mentorship:

Transforming Lives Behind Prison Walls // by Dennis Woodley - Guest Contributor

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I have witnessed men who on Thursday are quiet and hard, but by Sunday are laughing, singing, praising God and their entire demeanor has changed.

– Dennis Woodley

The concept behind Kairos prison ministry is very simple: take a few faithful Christian men willing to go into a maximum security prison; support them with an outside team of faithful men and women who cook, pray and run supplies into the prison; mix with 42 inmates in a maximum security prison for four days and let God’s abundant love take over in that environment. The result is an eternal change in the lives of forgotten, angry, frightened, hopeless and hardest-of-heart men into smiling, singing, hugging, worshiping Christian “brothers in white.”

Truly, an occurs.

amazing

transformation

Kairos is Greek for “God’s special time,” and though it is certain that not all of the 42 inmate participants accept Christ during this Kairos experience, they all know this weekend is a special moment in their lives. This is a weekend that brings the light of God’s love into the darkest corners of a maximum security prison, and they know they are not forgotten.

By worldly standards, it would seem impossible to expect that in just four days, lots of good food, tens of thousands of cookies, and some loving Christian men and women (plus a couple ordained pastors) could radically change the lives of habitual criminals and gang members.

It is not that these ordinary Christian volunteers have any special skills or training that would qualify them to go into a maximum security prison and expect any impact at all on the lives of the men who are incarcerated there. The only qualifications they have are (1) they are willing to listen with an open mind and heart, and (2) they are willing to show the love of Christ to the men dressed in all white (many with lots of tattoos). That’s why Kairos’ motto is “Listen, listen, love, love.”

as he went, and the gang members showed up to literally “kick” John out of the gang. As John reported, all their efforts and attempts to kick him in vital body parts were mysteriously blocked in some way. The gang left John that night frustrated that they only caused some minor damage. John was praised God and was joyful that he would not be turning back to his old ways.

He looked forward to what God had planned for his life and was ready to share his newfound faith.

It is difficult to explain how effective Kairos is in changing the lives of men who have spent most of their adult lives incarcerated behind prison walls.

I could give literally hundreds of stories of men who have come to Kairos very angry at the world and filled with hate, hopelessness, fear who get up to speak at the Closing Ceremony on Sunday full of joy, peace, love and hope. I have witnessed men who on Thursday are quiet and hard, but by Sunday they are laughing, singing, and praising God, their entire demeanor changed.

Volunteers with the Kairos Prison ministry all leave with their own favorite stories about how God’s love changed the life of an inmate. Many would tell you that they’ve never experienced the transformative power of the Holy Spirit they way they do in four days inside the walls of prison. The Spirit of God is at work in many prison units in Texas, and Christ’s love is making men “free,” regardless of their environment. •

Maybe the best way to explain is to share one inmate’s story. One of my favorites is of a brother whom I will call John. He was a member of a gang inside the prison, and to throw down the “colors” of the gang and declare he was a Christian would result in a beating to get out of the gang. John went to the appointed beating location, praying

Learn more about the Kairos Prison Ministry on page 13.

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The Gift of Mentorship:

COVER STORY

Destination: Manhood Shaping Boys Into Men // by Thom Hudson - Guest Contributor

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One of the things I enjoy most is fishing. One day last summer, Cody and I decided to go to one of the local ponds to catch some bream. Cody has his own fishing pole and tackle box, and using hot dogs as bait, we quickly began catching bream dressed in their bright colors.

While baiting up for another fish, Cody asks, “When I leave this summer will you get another mentee right away?”

We talked quietly: I will catch the first fish. I will catch the most fish. Aren’t these fish beautiful?

He’s right, and I tell him so. I tell him that no one can replace him, that I look forward to seeing him graduate from high school and college, that we’ll always be friends.

It is fun to see how what you as a mentor enjoy and get excited about often becomes fun and enjoyable for your mentee.

Almost four years ago, Cody became my mentee through Destination: Manhood. Last summer, he and his family moved to Dallas to get closer to family support, but before he left, we had one last chance to catch a few fish and reflect on what we’d done during our mentoring relationship.

Cody was in 5th grade when we met.

He was a little shy and reserved as we began meeting weekly, but we quickly grew close. Usually we would grab a bite to eat and talk about sports — he loves sports of all kinds — or what was going on at school or about life in general. He is a naturally good student, but focusing on school, studying and behavior were things we discussed often. Family circumstances were a major topic of conversation, too. Often mentors find themselves adopting a family as well as their mentee.

I respond, “Yes, I think I will.”

Cody says, “He won’t be as awesome as me.”

A guy can only fish so long before he gets hungry, so we headed to Fuddruckers where we talked about the “firsts” we had experienced together: Cody’s first Texans football game, his first Rockets basketball game, and seeing the Harlem Globetrotters, all due to generous church members who provided tickets. We talked about the first time we saw Monster Jam truck racing (“Man that was loud. It took me a couple of days to regain my full hearing,” he says), about his first time shooting a shotgun, shooting a bow and arrow, camping out. Oh, and of course our first time fishing.

I asked Cody what his favorite parts of Destination: Manhood have been, and he told me about how much he liked the annual camping trip with the other boys and their mentors, how he liked fishing and shooting shotguns and sitting around the fire at night with everybody. How it gave him the feeling of belonging and family. How it was special.

I asked him if there is anything else that stood out, and he told me how much he liked going to Pine Cove Summer Camp to learn about God and have fun.

He also told me about how they have a great breakfast. Knowing Cody, you don’t want to underestimate the value of a great breakfast.

Since Cody has moved, we have communicated by email and phone.

Last fall he played football and had a great time. When we talk he says “yes, sir” and “no, sir.” I am not sure he learned that from me, but he continues to show signs of growing up.

Reflecting on our time together, I realize how the Lord has blessed my time with Cody. I will miss my times with him. Like so many things in serving the Lord, we just get to plant some seeds and tend the garden a bit. If we are fortunate, we will see the garden bloom. •

Destination: Manhood is a Questsupported ministry primarily for disadvantaged young boys, beginning at the 5th and 6th grade level. The initial commitment is one year, and the heart of the ministry is the regular one-on-one meetings between the mentor and mentee. Throughout the year there are several group events in which all the mentors and boys come together including an annual camping trip, an Astros game, and a Christmas caroling event at a local nursing home.

Learn how to get involved on page 12.

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The Gift of Mentorship:

Kindness Carries a Family Through Crisis // by Andrew Miller - Staff Writer

We all need a support system. For most people, that system is made up of family and friends. But what if your family and friends can’t help? What if they’re in another country thousands of miles away?

Estela and Amarildo came to the United States in 2002 so that their children would have more opportunities. In their home country of Uruguay, education is readily accessible, but jobs are scarce.

Students study for years to become doctors and lawyers, but many end up driving taxis or working in shops.

When their oldest son was only a year old, they left Uruguay for New Jersey in search of better opportunities, and in November 2007 they relocated to The Woodlands.

When they got to The Woodlands, unforeseen circumstances left them unable to pay their rent. Estela approached Interfaith of The Woodlands for help, and they redirected her to The Woodlands United Methodist Church and the Society of St. Stephen.

That’s how they first met David and Sandy Van Covern.

“Interfaith always recommends other places that help people, and we’re always, The Methodist Church is always on their list,” David says. “I’m one of the four that takes these different cases, and I got Estela as one of my cases.”

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“We were lucky we got Estela,” Sandy adds.

“We were lucky,” he agrees.

David interviewed Estela to find out more about her family’s need. The Society of St. Stephen provided her family with money for rent, and David found out that Estela was looking for work cleaning houses.

So, David and Sandy hired Estela to clean their house; since then they’ve become like family. Estela and Amarildo are a shining example of how the Society of St. Stephen can help a family in need.

David and Sandy recommended Estela to several of their friends, and Amarildo has gotten a job doing maintenance for an apartment complex. Last month he took the GED and plans to get his commercial and residential HVAC Certification. Mateo and Tomas, their two oldest sons, have excelled in school. Both boys love math, and Mateo has been selected to take part in the Duke University Talent Identification Program for gifted and talented students.

Two years ago, Estela and Amarildo were able to purchase their first home.

“The closing day for the house was November 25,” Estela says with a heavy accent, “and so, we decided to go over to their house for, you know, to say thank you … for everything.”

That night, Estela and her family brought the Van Coverns a letter: “Yesterday we were remembering when, two years ago, God put you in our way. Do you remember? We can’t pay the rent and your church helped with that … When you said, ‘We love you and your family,’ I feel my heart so big … like a house. Only for those feelings, we can do more every day.

Church members and Society of St. Stephen play major role in lasting life change

Now we can say: Our home is your home. Our family is your family.”

Last year alone, The Society of St. Stephen helped 421 families like Estela and Amarildo’s with their rent, utilities and other needs. Most people who donate will never meet the families that they’ve helped, but they can be assured that the Society of St. Stephen is showing the love of Christ to families in need. •

COUPLE FUNDS NEW SOCIETY OF ST. STEPHEN ENDOWMENT The first Sunday of every month, an offering is taken for the Society of St. Stephen, and those offerings are used to help families in need. To further support the ministry, Tony Benedetto and Gayle Storey have recently founded the Society of St. Stephen Endowment Fund that will provide a stronger foundation of long-term funding for the ministry.

Donations to the Society of St. Stephen’s Endowment Fund go above and beyond your offerings the first

Sunday of every month. This is an opportunity for designated donations, legacy gifts, estates, memorials and honorariums.

The Society of St. Stephen has helped hundreds of families, and with the establishment of the Endowment Fund, it will be able to help countless others in the future.

Find out more online at thewoodlandsumc.org/foundation Contact Sally Bacon at sbacon@twumc.org | 281.466.8618

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The Gift of Mentorship:

5 Ways to Become a Mentor

Angel Reach Angel Reach volunteers mentor older teens as they transition out of foster programs and assist them in becoming successful, independent adults. These volunteers serve as role models and provide advice and guidance in getting a job, applying for college and scholarships, living on one’s own and more.

Needs: Volunteers are needed to serve as one-on-one mentors. Transportation volunteers and volunteers to work in the Angel Reach Resource Center in Conroe are also needed.

Contact: Leslie Mills, 281.460.9525 or llmills4@comcast.net Web: angelreach.org

Destination: Manhood Destination: Manhood is a mentorship program for boys in 5th grade and older without an active father in their lives to guide them into manhood. Through weekly contact, mentors build relationships with the boys by offering “an ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on, and a Christ-Like heart to encourage.”

Needs: Male volunteers are needed to serve as one-on-one mentors.

Contact: Thom Hudson, 281.509.1334 or thomhudson@sbcglobal.net Web: thewoodlandsumc.org/men/destination-manhood

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Elizabeth’s Place Elizabeth’s Place is a ministry that mentors to teen moms that meets Thursday nights at The Woodlands UMC. In addition to twice-monthly meetings, Elizabeth’s Place has one-on-one mentorship, practical workshops on topics relevant to teen mothers as well as occasional parties.

Needs: Female volunteers are needed to serve as one-on-one mentors and to help coordinate meetings and events.

Contact: Brenda Trifon, 281.297.5902 or dtrifon@msn.com Web: thewoodlandsumc.org/mis/elizabeths-place

Prison Ministry Kairos Prison Ministry volunteers spend a weekend twice a year at the Eastham, Polunski and Walls units in Huntsville to share their faith with inmates, and once a month, volunteers return to the units for a “reunion” with the inmates they’ve met to support them in their walks with Christ. Christian Restorative Justice Mentors Association (CRJMA) pairs a mentor with a Christian “brother in white” at the Eastham Unit in Huntsville.

Needs: Kairos and CRJMA need male volunteers are needed to go into the prison units and to serve as one-on-one mentors. Kairos also has a support team open to men and women that prepares meals, prays and does other support activities in a nearby church.

Contact: Kairos - George Pollard, 281.630.5135 or gppollard@sbcglobal.net CRJMA - Rick Neville, rnevelle@chevron.com, Gordon Loomis, gman9491@gmail.com Web: kairostexas.org, crjma.org

Special Needs Ministry The Woodlands UMC Special Needs Ministry interns and volunteers work with students on Sunday mornings and during the week at social and recreational events.

Students and volunteers form a special bond as they sing together, play together, and learn about the love of Christ in Sunday School and weekly events.

Needs: Interns and volunteers are needed to shadow students during Sunday School and events.

Contact: Kelli Manning, 281.827.8692 or kmanning@twumc.org Amanda Pendleton, 281.827.0201 or apendleton@twumc.org Web: thewoodlandsumc.org/spb/special-needs-ministry-volunteers

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Church News

Church Reaches Major Milestone

New member class puts church over the 10,000 mark // by Andrew Miller - Staff Writer

10,000 is a really big number.

10,000 miles is the distance from The Woodlands to China. 10,000 degrees is the approximate temperature of the surface of the sun. The Philadelphia Phillies were the first professional baseball team to lose 10,000 games; it took more than a century to do it.

And now, more than 10,000 people are members of The Woodlands United Methodist Church.

Membership was just shy of 10,000 before services on Sunday, May 5.

Three people joined the church during the 8:30 a.m. service, two members who’d recently moved back to The

committing to join a vibrant church that in every way seeks to do God’s will.

During the Decision Sunday service, Rev. Joel Purcell told the new members, “You guys are going to make a difference in this congregation.

I believe that.”

He was right, of course. In some way, every one of those members will serve God and others through this congregation. They’ll go on mission trips, their kids will join the Children’s Ministry and Rebelbase Student Ministry, and they’ll change lives by inviting others to join them on Sunday mornings.

Three new members said that they’d been attending for more than 10 years, including Ben Ringgold. He and his wife Mitzi were married in The Woodlands UMC and his daughter went through Confirmation when she was in 6th grade, but he’d never joined the church.

“I should have done it 10 years ago,” he said of officially becoming a member.

Because more than 30 people joined that morning, there was no way to decide who was the “10,000th member.”

But that’s okay. There’s nothing special in being the 10,000th member.

“You guys are going to make a difference in this congregation. I believe that.”

— Joel Purcell, Pastor of Outreach Woodlands rejoined during the 11:00 a.m. service, and the milestone was reached when more than 30 people joined in the Decision Sunday service.

When they showed up to join the church that Sunday, the new members couldn’t have known that they would be a part of the group crossing the 10,000-member mark. What they did know was that they were

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Like every member of The Woodlands UMC, the new members have unique stories of how God brought them to this church. Some were invited by their friends, others by family members, still others had just heard good things about the church. Some were joining after attending for a few months, and others were joining after attending for several years.

There is something special about being one of 10,000 members of The Woodlands UMC. Every one of us — new members and old — are part of a church that God has blessed to grow and grow, into something really big, to serve Him and for His glory. •

Above: Back L-R: Ben & Mitzi Ringgold, Aileen Kirkham, Jim & Barbara Hall, Mark & Donna Johnson, Joyce Turner, Marsha Rentz, Ralph Seitsinger, Rona Briggs, Jack Ritter, Betty Meyers, Kirt & Brooke Repp, Tom & Tammy Ninke, Cindi Halpin, Rachael Jones, Larry & Carolyn Ward, Michael & Michele McElwrath Front L-R: Stacey Wertz, Claudia Dopico, Pablo Dopico, Molly Dopico Left: Pastor of Outreach, Joel Purcell, and assistant Sherry Lewallen celebrate the occasion with a custom-decorated cake.

We would have loved to hear the full story of how God was working in the lives of our new members. In fact, we’d like to hear how God is working in the lives of all our members.

We want to know about how you came to Christ, how you first got involved at The Woodlands UMC, how you saw God working in your life in the past, and how you see God working in your life right now. We want to do a better job of sharing your stories of how God is working in the lives of members of The Woodlands UMC. • Share how God is working in your life at thewoodlandsumc.org/stories

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Imagine Campaign Stakeholder’s Update

Imagine Groundbreaking // by Andrew Miller - Staff Writer

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Everywhere you look at the Groundbreaking Ceremony there are children, and rightly so, because the Imagine campaign is for them. For the future generations who will grow up and perpetuate the mission of our church to win people to Jesus Christ, disciple them in faith and help those in need.

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Hundreds of people are gathered on the former sports fields to celebrate April’s Imagine Groundbreaking Ceremony. Families congregate around the stage, and together they watch as members and special guests speak about what our church has meant to The Woodlands community for the last 35 years, and what our church will continue to mean to our community in the future.

But before the dignitaries and special guests are recognized, before the gleaming, commemorative shovels plunge into the dirt to symbolically break ground, a piece of scripture

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is shared from 2 Chronicles: “I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever.

My eyes and my heart will always be there.”

The children at the Groundbreaking Ceremony don’t yet realize it, but these places will be where they’ll worship and bring glory to our Lord and Savior in the future.

It’s a fitting verse for this occasion.

They’re going to invite their friends to play basketball at the Family Life Center.

They’re going to learn about Christ’s love in The Woodlands Methodist School. They’re going to be confirmed as Christians in the 6th grade right here where they’re standing.

Everywhere you look at the Groundbreaking Ceremony there are children, and rightly so, because the Imagine campaign is for them. For the future generations who will grow up and perpetuate the mission of our church to win people to Jesus Christ, disciple them in faith and help those in need.

They’re going to grow into teens and adults who will worship in the expanded Loft and Harvest services, who will

serve others in our community and around the world on mission trips, and who will share what they’ve learned at The Woodlands United Methodist Church with others who have never heard the good news.

Right now they’re singing with the Children’s Choir about how “God is L-O-V-E, Love!” and chasing their toy hard hats down the risers whenever they fall off, which happens often during the song.

Because these are places that the Lord has chosen at our church where His Name will be forever. His eyes and His heart will always be there. •

But they’re not thinking about that right now.

Right now they don’t know they’re playing and singing right where they will learn to love and worship our God.

Construction on our new Family Life Center is officially underway.

But someday they will.

Find photos and updates at thewoodlandsumc.org/imagine.

Right now they’re walking around with balloon animals, and they’re smiling big, sometimes toothless smiles after sitting behind the wheel of a police cruiser, a fire engine, a bulldozer and an enormous cement truck.

They’ll know it for the reasons that are in the scripture shared from 2 Chronicles.

ABOVE: Jack Abernathy sits behind the wheel of a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office cruiser.

LEFT: Dr. Ed Robb joined by Gary Laugharn and Mark Merrill, Imagine Campaign Co-Chairs.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Pastors, Ministry Staff and Trustees turn dirt during the groundbreaking ceremony.

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Imagine Campaign Stakeholder’s Update

a firm foundation for ministry growth // by Dr. Ed Robb - Senior Pastor

I hope you’ve had a chance to drive by the north end of the campus and see the progress that’s been made on our new Family Life Center. When I saw the big cement pump trucks rolling in to pour the foundation, I have to tell you, I got really excited. That’s because over the years, I’ve seen what happens when we add more space: we’re able to serve more people.

There’s a direct correlation between our size and our reach. When we add more square footage to our campus, we are able to touch more lives with God’s love. I’m so proud to be pastor of a congregation that understands this connection.

Of course, it’s not the buildings that make this happen. Rather, it is how the buildings are used. I can already envision the incredible things that God will do inside the Family Life Center. I can see young parents dropping their students off for class at The Woodlands Methodist School, our 5th and 6th

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graders worshiping and growing in their faith on Sunday mornings, and our ministries for fellow believers with special needs. I can see it all so clearly.

Always, my thoughts drift toward all the people who have never been to The Woodlands UMC, who perhaps have never known love or peace or joy, and will find the doors to our new buildings wide open. My heart swells when I think of how many more people we’ll be able to bring to Jesus Christ just because we have the space to welcome them — and a place for them to park.

I’m able to imagine these things and know that they’ll soon be reality because you have always been a congregation that has a vision and a heart for reaching people, a congregation that’s always been willing to invest in the future. I count it the joy of my life to be in ministry with committed, visionary, generous people like you. •

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Imagine Campaign Stakeholder’s Update

progress report

// by Gary Laugharn - Imagine Campaign Co-Chair

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You’ve probably noticed in the last few months that we’ve kicked up a lot of dust, made a lot of noise, and had a steady stream of dump trucks, bulldozers, cement mixers and other heavy equipment coming in and out of the construction site for the new Family Life Center.

All of that is proof that something is going on. What exactly that is may still be a mystery, so here’s an update on the progress so far.

Since construction began in April, the site has been prepared, and the concrete foundation and slab have been poured. The steel frame will start going up on June 25 and will be completed by early August. All the key decisions have been made about interior furnishing and fixtures, and construction is right on schedule.

The 56 and Confirmation classes, The Woodlands Methodist School, and our Special Needs and Recreation ministries will be ready to move into their new home in April 2014.

Around the same time they started pouring the foundation for the Family Life Center, work was begun on the expanded parking lots. Many of our expanded parking areas will be completed by Labor Day.

in dust, noise and trucks. Detailed designs of the new Harvest Worship Center, Asbury Hall, Columns Café and Grace Point Bookstore have been started and are expected to be completed in early July. Once those designs are finalized, we’ll start selecting subcontractors and hope to begin construction at the end of August.

Once the designs are finalized for the additions on the Main Building, we’ll begin the detailed designs for the expanded Loft space, which will increase seating by 50 percent, add another “alley” gathering area, double the nursery space and update the children’s area. Construction on The Loft is expected to begin next April.

The final aspect of the Imagine capital campaign was missions, and I’m glad to tell you that we’re already funding some of our missions commitments in India. Those groups are putting your contributions to good use and spreading the name of Jesus Christ.

So there you have it. With the exception of a temporary outage of air conditioning and internet in The Loft, everything has gone according to plan.

With God’s blessing, we pray things will continue to do so. •

Progress is happening behind the scenes, as well, that can’t be measured

COME Sign the slab Sunday, August 25 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

2 Timothy 2:19 says, “God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his.’ ” In the spirit of that verse, we’d like to invite you to join us for the Sign The Slab event on Sunday, August 25.

imagine Campaign Financial snapshot Total Pledges:

$22,390,211 Total Received:

$7,968,260

From 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. you’ll be able to write a personal inscription of scripture, prayer or praise onto the foundation of the new Family Life Center.

There will be music and refreshments, and the locations of the library, classrooms, gymnasium and areas within the building will be identified with signs so you can visualize what the Family Life Center will be like once completed.

Join us on August 25 and leave your mark on our new space!

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Church News

WELCOME NEW STAFF

Summer Brings new faces to pastoral, ministry and worship staff Our church has been blessed to grow and grow. And with all our new members — the ones already here, and those who will be here soon — our conference has seen fit to appoint three more incredible pastors to join our already excellent pastoral team.

Rev. David Dorn will serve as a pastor to The Loft worship community.

David has a passion for growing the United Methodist Church and developing new ways to express the Gospel to postmodern youth and young adults. He is a recent graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He also produced the PREPOSTEROUS Project, an interactive online Bible study for the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. David blogs at thepursuitblog.com.

Rev. David Dorn Rev. Jason Nelson will serve as a pastor to young adults. He will also direct ministry activities in the areas of adult discipleship, small groups and recreation. Jason is recent graduate of Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. Most recently, Jason served as Associate Pastor at Christ UMC in Sugar Land, Texas. During his time there, he played an instrumental role in planning and leading “The Hub” contemporary worship service. Jason has a strong background in teaching, coaching sports, and working with students and young adults.

Rev. Jason Nelson

Rev. Mark Sorensen will play a leadership role in The Harvest worship community. Mark is working toward his master’s in divinity degree at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Most recently, he led worship for FAITHlink, the contemporary worship service at First United Methodist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana and has a strong background leading college students and young adults.

Rev. Mark Sorensen Also, we have two familiar faces with new titles.

Michael Middleton officially joins our staff as a contemporary worship leader. Michael grew up in southern Louisiana and earned his bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Louisiana State University in 2002.

He has more than 10 years of experience as a worship leader. Michael will continue to lead services and special events all over the country, but you can expect to see him often on Sundays at The Woodlands UMC. Michael Middleton Jennifer Sims transitioned to her new role as director of children’s ministries in March after serving as small groups director during the last year. She holds a master’s degree in Christian education from Duke University and served in various ministry roles at First United Methodist Church in Corpus Christi, Texas, and Central United Methodist Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jennifer also brings a wealth of leadership experience from the corporate and non-profit worlds.

Jennifer Sims

24 | THEPOINT Magazine

Church News

Church Planning Calendar

For a complete listing of times, locations and additional events visit: thewoodlandsumc.org/calendar

July

4 | Independence Day

5 | Rebelbase Junior High LAUNCH Event

8 – 12 | WOW! Science Camp

9 – 13 | Camp Blessings

10 – 11 | Mission 56 for incoming 5th – 6th grade students

11 – 13 | Rebelbase Senior High Road Trip

14 – 19 | Rebelbase Junior High Mission San Antonio

18 – 20 | Emerge College Ministry Mission Trip

21 – 27 | Rebelbase Senior High UM ARMY in Bryan, Texas 25 – 28 | Walk to Emmaus - Men 29 – 31 | Rebelbase Junior High Mystery Trip 29 – 8/1 | VBS for Pre-K — 4th grade and Special Blessings

August

1 – 4 | Walk to Emmaus - Women

2 | Rebelbase Junior High Launch Event

7 | Rebelbase Last Summer Bible Study

8 – 18 | India Mission Trip 16 – 17 | Little Lambs Closet: Annual Children’s Resale Event

18 | Children’s Ministry Sign-Up Sunday

21 | Rebelbase Vision Night

26 | First Day of School – Conroe ISD

SEPTEMBER

8 | Decision Sunday

8 | Music and More for Kids, start of fall semester

26 – 28 | Fall Musical, The Taffetas

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Church News

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Church News

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Church News

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As of March 31, 2013

In Honor of Eric and Jill Albert Mark, Christy, Caden and Cole Conrad

In Memory of Dr. Charles Caskey Fred and Elizabeth Manhart

In Memory of L.J. Allen, son of Jack and Jessica Allen Ken and Linda Feld

In Memory of Donna J. Cole Jonathan and Jennifer Breazeale

In Memory of Tommy Ault, husband of Norma Ault Norma Ault

In Memory of Alice Beaty, mother of Brett Beaty Charles and Nancy Caillouet Greg and Jane Jordan Waylan and Karen West

In Honor of Tony Benedetto and Gayle Storey, designated for The Student Missions Endowment Fund Dick and Karen Lange

In Memory of Lori Bethea, daughter of Jane Bethea Clarence Thompson

In Memory of Mary Bumgarner, wife of Morris Bumgarner, mother of Stephanie Brassovan Emptying Nest Class John and Lynda Robichau

In Memory of Luther “Bob” Campbell Jim and Lanelle Johnston

In Honor of Mike Cannetti Brian and Andrea McCole

In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Elred E. Crowder Gene and Maryanna Rhemann

In Memory of Eugene and Viola Rhemann Crowder Gene and Maryanna Rhemann

In Memory of Luc DeVeau, designated for The Luc William DeVeau Endowment Fund American EMI Solutions Anonymous Donor Jeffrey Armstrong Mark and Kathryn Artlip Thomas and Louise Bannigan Daniel Baxter Beatty and Wozniak, P.C. James Bettis Robert Billet David Bock and Mary Levesque Robert and Susan Boisselle Mark Boring Patrick Bourgoyne Roger and Staci Brady Jonathan and Jennifer Breazeale Mark Breitling and Family Brian Dempsey Insurance Agency Brian and Julie Dempsey Jeff and Belinda Burbach Peter and Kathy Chakoutis Paige Clardy Coats, Rose, Yale, Ryman & Lee – Dan Shank, Jerry Young Dirk Cockrum Rebecca Colantuoni Alan and Michele Cooke Martin and Pat Craighead Daniel and Cynthia Dennis David and Melissa DeVeau

Deborah DeVeau Stephen DeVeau DLA Piper – Mike Tracy and Ray Hartman Michelle Dodson Katherine Cole Douglas Brian, Linda, Brendan and Natali Downey Edison, McDowell and Hetherington LLP Daniel and Diana Elsmiller William and Heidi Espegren Stephen Fernelius Patrick Freeh Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr and Smith - Shannon Snider, Adraon Greene, Kelly Hartman, Amanda Kurz and Alexis Butler Mrs. Gartner’s Animation Class Leonard Gerlowski and Jane Vaselenak Gibbs and Bruns LLP Steve and Alice Ginsburgh Steven and Carol Goldberg Seth Goodchild and Lois Waldman Greenburg Traurig Philanthropic Fund Lee and Martha Haag Scott and Mimi Harlan Harrison, Bettis, Staff, McFarland and Weems De’Anne Hite Holland and Hart, LLP Steven and Melissa Kean Kimberly Kincheloe, Jeremy and Justin Camero David and Marie Kinder Kinder Foundation Don and Kim Lindley Joseph and Antoinette Listengart Dana Love Rick and Jody Luke Steve and Susan McCain Mitchell and Sue McFarland Jamin, Kris, Kegan and Jared McNeill Steve and Linda Meeds James and Patricia Messenger Tamsyn and Robyn Morison Bill and Sara Morgan Morgan Keegan and Company, Inc. NEDC Fabricating Solutions – David and Kimberly Abare Basil and Melissa Nichols Pat and Bernice Norris Patrick O’Toole Summer 2013

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Church News

THE WOODLANDS UMC FOUNDATION GIFTS

Church News

THE WOODLANDS UMC FOUNDATION GIFTS CONTINUED

Barry Ogilby Gary and Marsha Orloff Randall and Jackie Pais Jayme Partridge John Pearce Patricia Williams Prewitt Conley and Deborah Rank Ellen Reagan Sheila Roberts Thomas Roberts Mark and Cristina Rodriquez Melanie Ross-Huppe Jill Rowe Dax and Kara Sanders Richard Sanders Bill and Lori Seuch Brian and Linda Sharpe William and Lisa Shorb Thomas and Tamara Smith Steven Strauss, Cooley LLP The Woodlands High School Girls – Lacrosse Timothy and Kimberly Tirlia Jessica Toll Sheila Tweed Nancy Van Burgel Jay Waldman David, Jill and Sarah Weinstein James Westra Wheeler Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. John Wheeler and Staff Chip, Carrie, Olivia and Zack Winkel Debra Witges Summer Wynn

In Memory of Maxine Dickerson Good News Sunday School Class

In Memory of Mike Drummond, designated for The Student Missions Endowment Fund Bob and Kathy Beaird Lewis and Carolyn Bock Harlan and Marie Hartman George and Pam Pollard James and Sandra Shoelen Bruce and Vivian Toellner Larry and Carolyn Townley Mike and Shirley Ware

30 | THEPOINT Magazine

In Honor of BJ Dunlap and her volunteer work with membership Pam Herron

In Memory of Rev Dr. and Mrs. John C. Gilbert Gene and Maryanna Rhemann

In Memory of Genevieve Ely Kathy Shearer

In Memory of Harry George, brother of Sally Holtin Kenneth and Joyce Nesmith

In Memory of Edwin Farnell, brother of Lois Ramey Juanita Ramey Jordan Barbara Spiers Roger and Pat Sutliff

In Memory of Doyle Fleenor Jonathan and Jennifer Breazeale

In Memory of Wally Fordyce, husband of Margaret Fordyce Jim and Betty Patton

In Memory of Lynda Frank, designated for The Lynda Whitley Frank Endowment Fund Kim and Sally Bacon Larry and Nancy Dorr Nancy Elliott Jay, Whitley and Joshua Frank Marvin and Betty Frank Larry Gunter Christopher and Cynthia Hart Mark and Susan Lauritsen Bart and Lesa McDonald B.F. and Nancy McKenzie Calvin Mears David Teel

In Memory of Lu Fransen Jonathan and Jennifer Breazeale

In Memory of Bobbie Baker Frazier Steve and Becky Hamrick Greg and Jane Jordan

In Memory of Rev. Dr. Harry Holmes Gene and Maryanna Rhemann

In Memory of Richard Huerter, uncle of Kristi Huerter Herring Jonathan and Jennifer Breazeale

In Honor of the Baptism of Pike Jahncke, son of Davis and Noelle Jahncke Glenn and Judy Smith

In Memory of Roy Jennings, husband of Doris Jennings Jim and Joanne Shable

In Memory of Ann M. Johnston, mother of Judy Rodgers Edoardo and Joan Mazza

In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Glen Johnston Gene and Maryanna Rhemann

In Memory of Bud Keenum, father of Sheryl Steely Gary and Tami Laugharn

In Memory of Pat Laugharn, mother of Gary Laugharn Kim and Sally Bacon Steve and Becky Hamrick Mark and Jeri Hughes

Church News

THE WOODLANDS UMC FOUNDATION GIFTS CONTINUED

Tim and Jan Lance Jim and JoAnn Maddock Perry and Beverly Murphree Butch and Diane Parker Dennis and Joyce Woodley

In Honor of Will Malek’s Baptism, son of Darin and Alli Malek David and Angel Cox

In Memory of Rev. and Mrs. Howard L. McAllister Gene and Maryanna Rhemann

In Memory of Sean McGowan, son of Bobby and Sally McGowan Bobby and Sally McGowan

In Honor of Hadyn Carol McQuain’s baptism, daughter of Justin and Kalyn McQuain Kevin and Debra McQuain

In Memory of Katherine Morton, wife of Jack Morton Dave and Betty Kay Anderson Anonymous Jeff and Aletha Harris George and Sally Holtin Ken and Joyce Nesmith Stanley and Nancy Reiners Charles and Marilyn Sullivan Clarence Thompson

In Memory of Kimberly Naugle, daughter of Bob and Avalyn Naugle Bob and Avalyn Naugle

In Memory of Betty Patchell Kyle and Janet Russell

In Memory of Thatcher Caleb Paul, son of Eric and Whitney Paul Jeff and Diane Paul

In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Rhemann, Sr. Gene and Maryanna Rhemann

In Memory of Howard Peddicord, son of Emory and Joanne Peddicord Steve and Becky Hamrick

In Memory of Ensign Gordon E. Rhemann, U.S.N. Gene and Maryanna Rhemann

Establishment of The Patricia Ann and Jack B. Powell Endowment Fund, in memory of Patricia Ann Powell Jack B. Powell

In Memory of Lloyd M. Rhemann Gene and Maryanna Rhemann

In Honor of Bill and Lois Ramey for their volunteer work with membership Pam Herron

In Memory of Rev. and Mrs. A.L. Rapsilver Gene and Maryanna Rhemann

In Memory of Ray Reed, father of Julia Bowden Rose Marie and Bill Anderson Ken and Joyce Nesmith Clara Reed Margaret Roberts Adam and Colleen Rosenblatt Clarence Thompson

In Honor of the Baptisms of Hudson and Mason Rhea, sons of Mitch and Sarah Rhea David and Angel Cox

In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Rhemann Gene and Maryanna Rhemann

In Memory of Abbie Richardson and Lawrence Reilly, parents of Mickey and Jenni Reilly George and Donna Hughes

In Memory of Rev. Perry D. Richardson Gene and Maryanna Rhemann

In Honor of Dr. Ed Robb Thom and Glenda Hudson

In Memory of John Scott, son of Bill and Barbara Scott Harlan and Marie Hartman Ken and Joyce Nesmith Nueve Quest Men’s Small Group Clarence Thompson In Honor and Appreciation to Jan Seldenrust and the Shepherd Care Ministry Caleta B. Linn

In Memory of Goldie Shierry, mother of Tami Laugharn Bob and Carol Bailie Ron Alexander Larry and Betty Cave Larry and Karen Cope Summer 2013

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Church News

THE WOODLANDS UMC FOUNDATION GIFTS CONTINUED

Lila and Gerald Daley Jeff and Barbara Fowler Walter and Mary Fowler Gary and Karen Hargis Ruth M. Hargis Connie Houk and Family Bryan and Cathy Huff Tim and Jan Lance Frank and Lois Lipscomb Jim and JoAnn Maddock Margie Marquardt Joan Moews Jim and Burlene Nickel Clinton Short, Jr. Mark and Elizabeth Stewart Jonathan Van Ness Dennis and Joyce Woodley

In Memory of Geneva Smith, daughter of Pat Curtis Ken and Joyce Nesmith

In Memory of M. Everett Lee Smith Fred and Elizabeth Manhart

Establishment of the Society of St. Stephen Endowment Fund Tony Benedetto and Gayle Storey

In Honor of my father Lyle Sorum’s 90th birthday Laurie Clark

Gifts Designated for The Student Missions Endowment Fund Kim and Sally Bacon Bryan and Cindy White

In Memory of Helen Myree Jointer Thomas Keith and Debbie Hotard

In Memory of Sarah Thompson, wife of Clarence Thompson Clarence Thompson

In Memory of Norris Trostel Jim and Betty Patton

In Memory of Nathaniel David Trushenski, son of Ryan and Julie Trushenski Amy Floden Mel and Nancy Volmert

In Memory of Virginia Davis Tucker, mother of Mariellen Tucker Eugenia Campbell Eugenia H. Campbell Charles and Judith Long Clarence Thompson

In Memory of Tommy Tyler Clarence Thompson In Memory of Ann Stokes, designated for The Ann and Bill Stokes Endowment Fund Jim and Beverley Armstrong Ray and Janet Kutchka Bill Stokes Larry and Carolyn Townley Mike and Katie Wylie

32 | THEPOINT Magazine

In Celebration of the Marriage of Kevin Van Swearingen and Lisa Toenjes Ken and Linda Feld

In Memory of James Voran, husband of Elizabeth Voran Clarence Thompson

In Memory of Marian Wadsworth, mother of Matt Wadsworth Harlan and Marie Hartman Earl and Pat Johnson Greg and Jane Jordan Gary and Tami Laugharn Dudley, Debra and Zoey Roberts Clarence Thompson

In Honor of Bryan and Cindy White Brian and Andrea McCole

In Memory of Connie Whiteford Kenneth and Joyce Nesmith TOPS – TX823

In Memory of Lucille Rhemann Willard Gene and Maryanna Rhemann

In Honor of Jeremy Woodley’s graduation from Asbury Theological Seminary Gary and Tami Laugharn Foundation Unrestricted Anonymous Kim and Sally Bacon Terry and Barbara Cargill JP Morgan Chase Employee Engagement and Volunteerism – Terry Cargill Nick and Heather Henley Network for Good – Michael Ryan Charles and Rebecca Shirley Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign - Christine Schoppe Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign - Jennifer Schoppe Vern and Judy Vincent

If you have questions about giving a donation to The Woodlands United Methodist Church Foundation or would like to discuss further how you can leave a legacy gift to The Foundation in your will or estate plan, please contact Sally Bacon at 281.466.8618 or sbacon@twumc.org

Summer 2013

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briefly stated

Imagine Campaign Recognition In February The Woodlands UMC received five Addy Awards for design excellence by the American Advertising Federation – Houston Chapter. The awards recognized visual communication pieces developed for the Imagine capital campaign in 2012.

• Launch Packet: Gold Addy • Launch Display: Citation of Excellence • Kick-Off Campaign: Silver Addy • Brochure: Silver Addy • The Point Magazine: Citation of Excellence • Direct Mail: Silver Addy • Photography: Gold Addy

The Point MAGAZINE The Point Magazine Is published three times a year by The Woodlands United Methodist Church

Edmund Robb III Senior Pastor Mike Sims Managing Editor Communications Director Scott Brinkmeyer Art Director Andrew Miller Writer / Copy Editor

eNews Get more church news, at your fingertips Stay connected to what’s happening at church. The Point eNews comes straight to your email inbox every other Saturday morning, perfect for browsing alongside your favorite cup of coffee. Each issue includes news from our pastors and listings of upcoming ministry events. Sign up to receive your copy of eNews by visiting thewoodlandsumc.org/news

Traditional WorshipOnline watch.thewoodlandsumc.org Can’t be in worship on campus?

Join us online for traditional worship each Sunday at 11 a.m. Rebroadcasts Sunday 6 p.m. • Tuesday 7 p.m. • Wednesday 6 a.m. & 11 a.m.

Loft Worship Online

watch.thewoodlandsumc.org

Michelle “Micki” Mensio Traffic Manager Contributing Writers: Thom Hudson Gary Laugharn Ed Robb Dennis Woodley Photo Credits: Patrick Fore (cover) Jermain Gil Felix Sanchez Pam Tesch Our Mission: Win People To Jesus Christ Disciple Them In Faith Help Those In Need

Loft worship is live online each Sunday morning at 9:29 a.m.

fb.com/thewoodlandsumc @thewoodlandsumc Live streaming available on iPhone, iPad & Android mobile devices. All listings are Central Time, UTC -0600. (UTC - 0500 during U.S. daylight saving time: the second Sunday of March through the first Sunday of November.)

34 | THEPOINT Magazine

fb.com/loftchurch @loftchurch

FINAL

WORD

Try It This Way

// by Mike Sims - Communications Director

I took oil painting lessons for a year when I was 8. Every week I packed up my paints and brushes in an old fishing tackle box, and my mom drove me to see Reverend Reginald Hardy. Besides being a retired Methodist pastor, Reverend Hardy was an accomplished painter and a teacher. He was a kind, soft-spoken man with a gentle spirit and a steady hand. Sometimes we sat and chatted over a snack of graham crackers and milk before moving on to painting.

Reverend Hardy had a kid-sized easel for me, right next to his full-size set-up. We would talk and stare at a sample painting he picked out of his library of books. He would dip a brush into a blob of thick paint and make a bold stroke on his empty canvas, and then I would follow with a similar paint stroke on mine. Slowly a horizon line and sky would take shape on my canvas, then a tree and leaves.

I sat with Reverend Hardy for hours that year, listening and learning about color, composition and perspective. But oh, the mess-ups were many! We kept rags and a bottle of turpentine handy for the times when I needed a “do-over.” Reverend Hardy would say, “Try it this way,” in a patient, encouraging voice. “Take your time and try it again.”

The lessons I learned from Reverend Hardy have stayed with me for the past 35 years, and they go far beyond my ability to paint. Reverend Hardy empowered me to sit in front of a blank canvas — and any new opportunity, really — with the confidence to create, to envision a thing and then make it come alive in my own special way. He taught me to believe in myself enough to try new things and to take risks.

Today I strive to mentor others in the same ways Reverend Hardy mentored me all those years ago. I challenge my creative team to sit in front of every new “blank canvas” opportunity with the boldness and confidence to create something wonderful. We like working side-by-side, tackling details together until a project is complete. We revel in new ideas and creative risk-taking. And sure, we work through plenty of “do-overs” until we find success. (Actually, I learn just as much from my team working this way as they learn from me.)

Life is so much richer when we share what we know with others. To impart wisdom on someone else is an expression of generosity and love, an exceedingly rare gift that blesses both giver and receiver in profound and lasting ways. Isn’t that exactly what Jesus teaches over and over in scripture? “Try it this way.” Indeed, He is both mentor and teacher, the ultimate source of our inspiration and strength to see opportunities in our lives and to create something beautiful. •

Follow Mike online: fb.com/mike.s.sims @simsmike

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2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281.297.5900 thewoodlandsumc.org

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