AUGUST 2019 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS UMC
POINT Unfailing: Standing Strong on God’s Promises in the Uncertainties of Life Later this summer my fifth book will be released. It’s titled “Unfailing: Standing Strong on God’s Promises in the Uncertainties of Life.” My previous books were published by Abingdon, part of the United Methodist Publishing House. “Unfailing” is a joint venture between Zondervan, one of the country’s leading Christian Publishers, and Seedbed which is headed up by former TWUMC pastor J.D. Walt. The jumping off point for “Unfailing” are some of Joshua’s last words to the Israelites as he saw his death approaching. Joshua had suffered with the Israelites when they were in bondage in Egypt and had cried out for deliverance. He had seen God’s strong arm bring then out of slavery, provide for them in the wilderness, and then bring them into the Promised Land. Remembering all that he had seen God do, he spoke these words, “Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.” (Josh 23:14) God’s promises do not fail. And neither does the person who builds his or her life on those promises. The problem is we often build our lives on our circumstances, our emotions, our fears, or what others tell us about ourselves. And when we do, we fall and we fail. To overcome we must know what the promises of God are and we must know how to walk in them. “Unfailing” looks at seven great promises that God gives us to build our lives upon – his promises to forgive our sins, give us a new purpose, be a constant presence in our lives, give us the guidance we need, provide us with the power to change, give us the strength to endure, and to love us forever. One of the great joys of writing is to hear how your words have helped people in their walk with Jesus. It’s my prayer that “Unfailing” will help others stand strong on the promises of God, assured of his presence in their lives, and never fail the One who never fails us. Rob Renfroe, Loft Lead Pastor and Pastor of Discipleship
NEW YORK CITY HOLIDAY December 6 – 10, 2019 Come along with other members of the Senior Adult Ministry for a New York City Holiday. We will depart on December 6, 2019, for 5 days and 4 nights in Manhattan. Some highlights of the trip are a New York City Tour, Rockefeller Center, One World Observatory, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, a Broadway Show, Central Park, a Rockettes Holiday Show, a visit to the Christmas Store and a Holiday Lights tour. Cost for the trip is $3095 per person based on double occupancy, with a $100 per person booking discount, if your final payment is made by check. There is a Single Supplement of $950. This cost includes Round trip Airfare from IAH, 6 Meals (4 Breakfasts and 2 Dinners), Admissions per the itinerary, Baggage Handling, Hotel transfers and a Deluxe Motor coach. For more information or a copy of the brochure please contact Helen Burgdorf by phone 713.822.5728 or email hcburgdorf@comcast.net
A MESSAGE FROM
CLIFF RITTER
PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
It’s hard to imagine we are about to begin a new season of ministry along with the start of the upcoming School Year. In the past, things got started right after Labor Day. Now, we get charged up for the start of school in mid-August. It is the cycle of life with our young families. So, we get on board and we get started with our Fall programming right in the middle of the dog days of August. As a grandparent, I am delighted with the start of new things. Grandkids off to elementary school, or starting Kindergarten on the first day, or even those quiet (quieter) times with the little ones still too young to go to school. It is always a pleasure to see them grow, each in their own special season! If you find yourself as an empty nester, or an empty grand-nester, there are lots of ways to get involved with the children in our church. Our children’s ministry would be a wonderful place to volunteer. Even reading a book to the little ones, or working in the nursery on Sunday, or just being present for all the chaos would be a blessing to them and to you. We also have a team of volunteers that reads to the children at a local elementary school in Conroe. It’s a great way to stay connected to the heartbeat of our community. Otherwise, you might want to fully embrace your Senior status and spend some quality time with friends…or, by spending quiet time by the lake, or at the beach, or in the mountains. My personal metaphor for getting away from it all is captured by this simple phrase: “Gone Fishing.” I don’t even need bait on my hook, just putting a line in the water is enough. It is a way of life, a state of mind. It was my favorite thing to do with my grandfather: up at dawn, digging for worms, dragging the old aluminum Jon boat to the pond, and fishing around the bank until the sun started to rise high enough for the shadows of the pine trees to recede onto the shore. Now, that’s “Gone fishing.” That’s the perfect activity for a busy August morning. I hope you find some time to enjoy all we have to offer here at the church in August. Stay close to the AC, but don’t hesitate to venture out to try something new! See you at church! With grace and peace,
Cliff Ritter