OCTOBER 2019 EDITION
THE WOODLANDS UMC
POINT THE SEASONS OF OUR LIVES Fall is in the air . . . somewhere . . . in a land far away from Texas! One of the things I miss about living in the Pacific Northwest is the seasons! Especially fall. I love seasons, don’t you? They help us mark the passing of time, they provide a change in the rhythms of our daily lives, and they remind us of the order and beauty with which God has imbued creation. Did you know that the Christian year is ordered according to seasons too? Sacred seasons such as Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, Kingdomtide, Advent, and my favorite . . . Ordinary Time. Bishop Hayes and I would love for you to join us as we take an in-depth look at this fascinating, often overlooked, aspect of the church. Every Monday in October at noon we will lead a lunchtime study of these seasons of the Christian calendar as we look at their purpose and significance, utilizing lectionary readings and passages that will enhance our understanding of these special times in the life of the church. So grab yourself a pumpkin spice latte and let’s celebrate the sacred seasons that add meaning and order to our walk of faith!
Kimberly Constant, Pastor of Outreach and Connecting Ministry
A MESSAGE FROM
CLIFF RITTER
PASTOR TO SENIOR ADULTS
My grandkids have already decorated their house for Halloween! Pumpkins, and straw, and all things scary are the rage with the little ones in this season. I remember the trick-ortreat festivals at the local Elementary School. It was the highlight of our school year. At my school, the classroom doors opened onto what was essentially an open, outdoor but covered corridor. This made the Halloween festival even more spectacular. We were going in and out of what grew increasingly dark outside. It was an ominous trek for a first grader, but we were all grown up in the 5th grade. So, we were put in charge of helping the little ones. We still had booths with cotton candy and Frito-pies, corn dogs and popcorn, all provided by the moms who served on the PTA. You had to buy those tickets that came from the circus on a big roll. Each ticket became like currency if you wanted to go in to play the games set up in each classroom. A pickle might cost two tickets, or so. Nonetheless, those were the days when kids in my neighborhood went door to door, well into the evening, collecting bags full of candy. They do that in my neighborhood these days. It has been resurrected as a tradition. I’m glad.
CELEBRATING MEMBERS Senior Adult Ministry and church friends celebrated our 90-year-old and older members at a special event in August. Margi Davies gave a devotional, Rev. Cliff Ritter prayed for the gathering and Dr. Mark Lewis entertained us with his humor. Marianne Ed, age 100, and Thelma Evans, age 102, were Dr. Lewis was honored this year, celebrating his 90th crowned Queen for the Day by Dr. birthday! Mark Lewis! A big thank you to Bella LaTaste and Jill McKechnie, with The Woodlands Camera Club for capturing the beautiful photos of our honorees and church members.
This year I think I’ll dress up like Elvis. My grandkids will think I’m dressed like the dad on their favorite Cable television cartoon, Vampirina (Ask your grandkids!) Either way, I have the wig, and the cool shades, and the white shoes, so it’s on for Elvis, at least for the kids who come to my door. Just plain old fun! Sometimes we just need to lighten up! Make sure you have some candy for the little ones who muster the courage to knock on your door this year. Turn your light on. Put a little pumpkin with some scary decorations on your front porch, but not too scary. Sit outside in a lawn chair and get to know your neighbors. Who knows, you may see them at church on the next Sunday. Don’t be a Turkey, that comes next month! It is a joy to be your pastor! Happy Halloween! With grace and peace,
Queens for the Day
Cliff Ritter