JUNE 2020 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS UMC
POINT BE THE CHURCH Until several weeks ago, if someone asked “How are things at home?” you might have responded about the grandkids that came to visit or about a dinner you had at your house the other night or about the remodeling you were having done to your bathroom or your kitchen. Today, if we are asked “How are things at home?, it takes on a whole new meaning. We will now respond with something like, “I haven’t left my house in weeks!” or “I’m cleaning out closets and found all kinds of things I didn’t know I had!” or “I just finished my third jigsaw puzzle!” It is so interesting how life gives us new opportunities and new circumstances in ways we could never imagine. For me, it helps me to remember that so many things within this world change but the one constant that never changes is that God is with us, He will never leave us, and I can rest in His arms. I love our church! I love how our church is not the building. (It’s a good thing since we can’t use it now). This situation shows how the Church is its people. I LOVE our online worship services and how thousands of us are all worshiping together at the same time. The Holy Spirit comes through every laptop and tablet so that we can feel His presence in a powerful way. I LOVE how we never stop being the Church! From the first day, we have been reaching out to help those who are in great need. And we are doing it in creative ways. • We are trying to call and connect with all of our seniors to have times of fellowship and conversation, to laugh and pray together, and to see if there are any needs that we can help with. • We are encouraging all church members to write notes of encouragement that we will pass on to nursing homes, foster care group homes, low-income and atrisk families, and to those in prison. • We are purchasing Wal-Mart gift cards (through your donations to our “Disaster Relief Fund”) and giving them to low income families who are barely surviving. • Our members are sewing masks that we are distributing to hospitals and nursing homes.
A MESSAGE FROM
CLIFF RITTER
PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
I trust you are staying safe and sound as our community emerges from the Coronavirus shut down. These are indeed times that will test our spirits. Each of us will need to have a strategy for reengaging the world in a new way. Some will be more aggressive than others. Even the experts disagree on the right way forward. I know I don’t need to tell you, but you need to do what is right for you. As of this writing, it looks like the church will be emerging into a new reality as well. Small groups will begin meeting again in limited capacities starting in June. The buildings and facilities will be accessible with new restrictions to help keep us safe and protected from another round of the pandemic. Worship in larger groups will likely look very different. The church leadership has formed a team to help navigate us through all the nuances. Things will be different, but I assure you they will be good. Because, God is good! On a personal note, you have undoubtedly heard that I will be moving to a different church in July. While I sincerely grieve our departure from The Woodlands UMC, we are genuinely excited to begin a new season down at St. Luke’s UMC in Houston. Change is always difficult, but I know you will embrace the person who fills my role as Pastor of Senior Adults with enthusiasm and generosity. It’s the Methodist way!
I LOVE that even though we may be in a unique and difficult time, GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL and we are His people! You are loved by God and by this Church!! And we will “Be the Church” to those in need.
More importantly, my garden is growing quickly and my tomato plants are getting thick with leaves. We started them as seeds on Palm Sunday, so we are a little behind many of you! I’m trusting we will have fruit by the summer. The orchard in East Texas will need lots of TLC this summer. The blueberries have taken root, and we are thrilled to see some of the apple trees bearing fruit this year. My fig trees are in open rebellion, so I’ll need to check in on their progress. Nonetheless, life is good, as long as we keep growing.
John Hull, Pastor of Missions
I will see you soon! In the meantime, be well and be blessed! Remember, “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!” (Psalms 118:24)
• And we are getting food to the homeless with the help of Interfaith and The Montgomery County Food Bank.
With grace and peace,
NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTION Beginning this month, the printed version of the Senior Point newsletter will be mailed to church members over the age of 75. For those under 75, you will receive an electronic copy by email. If you need a printed copy, please contact the church office and we will gladly mail a copy to your home.
Cliff Ritter