THE WOODLANDS UMC
JULY 2019 EDITION
POINT
SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY TRIP Several members of our Senior Adult Ministry enjoyed spending time touring, shopping and eating in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Our tour guide greeted us at the Albuquerque Sunport and took us along the Turquoise Trail with a stop in the old coal mining town, now artist community, of Madrid for a quick shopping trip. In Santa Fe we took a walking tour to see the State Capitol Building, San Miguel Mission and paused for a group picture on the steps of the Loretto Chapel, home of the Miraculous Staircase. We drove to Chimayo and had lunch at the Rancho de Chimayo before visiting El Santuario de Chimayo, a church built in 1816 and known for big healing powers through its dirt. Our last day in Santa Fe was spent visiting local museums and making those final purchases. We were blessed with pretty, cool weather while we were there.
A MESSAGE FROM
CLIFF RITTER
PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
Baseball, hotdogs and apple pie. We’re moving into the season that is genuinely American. July 4th is always a favorite holiday of mine. Our family loves fireworks! Fortunately, we are surrounded by great communities that offer grand and inspiring displays of the latest and greatest fireworks of all. Make sure to wear your red, white and blue as we celebrate our Independence together. I also appreciate July for more personal reasons. I usually take a little personal time away from the church (work, if you insist!) to recharge the batteries. We will spend some time in Bolivar this year, close to home but far enough away considering the ferry ride that separates the beaches from the Island. Of course, you can drive all the way around, but who has time? The Galveston Ship Channel is a good, imaginary barrier that keeps me from sneaking back to the church for one meeting or two. So, once there, I hope to stay put. We also hope to spend a little time tending our mini-orchard in East Texas. That time is typically spent riding a lawn mower, complaining about the heat, and praying for rain. It’s good for the soul.
LaFonda Patio
Group Photo on the steps of the Loretto Chapel
Finally, Lauri and I celebrate our wedding anniversary in July. Thirty-nine years. It gets better every year, mostly because Lauri is infinitely patient. I know, some of you will say we are just getting started! Our Senior Adult Ministry will press on as usual in the month of July, for those who like to stay a little closer to home. We have lots of exciting and interesting events planned. Check the calendar enclosed here to see where you might find a place to participate. Try something new in July, just for fun!
St. Francis Cathedral
Inn and Spa at Loretto in Santa Fe
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY FROM SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY! — The Woodlands UMC
Stay cool! Spend time with family and friends. And, know that God is with us…even when the weather gets hotter than…you might imagine! We have a lot to celebrate, and we give thanks each day! With grace and peace, Cliff Ritter