The Point Quarterly - Fall 2012

thewoodlandsumc.org // Fall 2012 // Imagine Special Edition

QUARTERLY

special edition:

growing in faith

Believing god is able to do more than we can ask or imagine.

PASTOR’S

MESSAGE Dr. Ed Robb, Senior Pastor

Dear Friends, I want to welcome you to a special Imagine Campaign edition of The Point Quarterly magazine. Hopefully by now you have received information in weekend worship and in the mail regarding our capital campaign to expand the ministries of our church in three strategic areas: Worship, Christian Education, and Missions Outreach.

The Imagine title comes directly from scripture: the Apostle Paul writes in the third chapter of Ephesians that God can “do immeasurably more than all we could ever ask or imagine.”

(Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV) I believe this with all my heart: God is calling us to a new season of growth in the life of our church, and I believe He will bless our efforts far beyond expectation. How do I know? Because God’s been working in remarkable ways through The Woodlands United Methodist Church for the last 34 years! This time will be no different.

“Why” and “Why Now?” I have been asked these questions many, many times and here are my answers: We are meeting the needs of our existing members (which total close to 10,000) and we are creating room for newcomers. The Woodlands and neighboring communities are poised for major upswings in population and job growth over the next few years. Key ministry programs and facilities, including worship and children’s programs, are already at maximum capacity. This expansion will help ease current overcrowding and provide ample room to grow in the future.

“How big will we grow?” I have no set number in my mind, but I can tell you this: We want to be a beacon of hope and love to anyone who is seeking community with others and community with God. Friends, people need Jesus. I want our church to grow as long as there are hurting people who need help. I want our church to grow as long as there is a child who needs nurturing or a woman who needs encouragement. I want our church to grow as long as there are men who are battling to be strong providers and honorable role models for their wives and children. As long as there are students who need guidance, and as long as there are seniors who need companionship I want our church to grow.

This magazine represents the best of God’s vision for our church in the years ahead. I invite you to join us as we imagine the ways we will serve, grow and prosper in ministry together.

Your Pastor,

THEPOINT Quarterly // Fall 2012

IMAGINE

PAGE 3 // Why I Believe

I have given my life to serving God in the local church. Why? Because I believe the local church is the hope of the world. I believe it’s in congregations like ours that hearts are changed and lives are transformed. I believe that because I’ve seen it happen in every church I have ever served.

PAGE 5 // Leading With Vision

The Imagine Campaign is anchored in our joy and commitment to look forward to the next leg of our journey with God. Each part of the plan is designed to enhance our ability to serve Him with love, trust, hope, thanksgiving and humility.

PAGE 9 // Main Building Worship Expansion

The Woodlands United Methodist Church is well known for the richness and variety of worship services we offer, all together on one campus. It may surprise you to know that many churches specialize in one type of worship: either traditional or contemporary.

PAGE 11 // Loft Expansion

Personally, through my prayers and those of many friends in our church, I believe Imagine holds Jesus’ next steps for The Loft. Today, we have the opportunity to expand Jesus’ reach locally and globally while also, through the video venue, create a new way of connecting people to His message.

COVER STORY, PAGE 15 // A Plan for Our Future

The Imagine Campaign is about reaching two groups of people: those who are already here and those who will be here in the near future. The goal is to advance the mission of our church by expanding key ministries and adding resources so that ALL may experience growth and transformation in Jesus Christ.

PAGE 17 // Raising Generations In Faith

Ten questions for Linda Wilmoth, newly named executive director of Child Development — As told to Communications Director Mike Sims

PAGE 23 // Angel Reach: Teens In Transition

By providing support and security, we build trust with the children and youth. We help them develop spiritually, educationally and economically so they can rise above their backgrounds to become productive adults.

PAGE 25 // Within Each Face

Within the faces we see the human similarities that we share. Through the faces we unite in our understanding of the people of India. We begin to understand how Jesus could walk among the people in first-century Israel and look past the things of this world into the face of each person.

IN EVERY ISSUE

Planning Calendar, Pg 29 // Births, Pg 29 // Deaths, Pg 29 // New Members, Pg 30 // Foundation Gifts, Pg 31

FINAL

WORD

PAGE 34 // It’s a God-size task!

I kept repeating that phrase to myself and to my team over and over again as we worked to create the Imagine Campaign communication materials you’ve seen in print, online, and in worship during the past few weeks.

Why I Believe // by Rob Renfroe - Pastor of Discipleship

3 | THEPOINT Quarterly

“Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves, when our dreams have come true because we have dreamed too little, when we arrive safely because we have sailed too close to the shore. Disturb us, Lord, when with the abundance of things we possess, we have lost our thirst for the waters of life; having fallen in love with life, we have ceased to dream of eternity; and in our efforts to build a new earth, we have allowed our vision of the new heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, to venture on wider seas where storms will show your mastery; where losing sight of land, we shall find the stars. We ask you to push back the horizons of our hopes; and to push into the future in strength, courage, hope, and love.”

— Sir Francis Drake

I have given my life to serving God in the local church. Why? Because I believe the local church is the hope of the world. I believe it’s in congregations like ours that hearts are changed and lives are transformed. I believe that because I’ve seen it happen in every church I have ever served. And I’ve seen it over and over in the most dramatic ways here in The Woodlands UMC. Here’s what I believe: There’s no better way to invest your life than by being a part, together with other believers, of what God is doing in the world.

I know I am prejudiced on this one. But what matters most in all the world is what happens in and through churches just like ours.

So it mattered that we left 3901 South Panther Creek and moved to our present location. Why? Because since that time, thousands more people have encountered the life-transforming power of Christ. Lives have been transformed and families have been saved and eternal destinies have been changed.

And it mattered that after being here for a few years, we dared to buy more land and create The Loft. Why? Because people needed “a church of last resort” – the kind of church that wanted and welcomed the kind of people that other churches don’t. People who would have never worshiped with us under the dome and who would have never found Christ if first they had to step into a building as formal as our Main Campus. At The Loft they have felt that they could come just as they are

and they would be accepted. And they were right. And the stories of salvation and transformation are numerous and moving. More than any of us imagined when we stepped out in faith and gave sacrificially to turn an old warehouse into a place of hope and healing.

And it matters what we do now. Do we continue to believe that God still loves the lost? Do we continue to believe that there’s more to do and that God isn’t finished with us yet? Do we continue to give and sacrifice what others hold dear because the lost and the sinful and the hurting are still dear to God? I believe we are still that kind of church, and I believe it matters.

Look at humanity – our brokenness, our pain, our despair, our fears, our prejudices and our selfishness.

What can change that? Only one institution on earth has the power to change the human heart.

Government? Public service is a holy calling, and writing legislation that makes a country fair and just and protective of life is holy work. But no government on earth can transform a human heart. Businesses can provide jobs and meaningful employment. And we are grateful for all of you who lead businesses with integrity and give men and women the opportunity to earn a living. But no business on earth can transform a human heart.

Education can expand the mind and create opportunities for those who want to learn. My mother and father

were both teachers, and I recognize the contribution that such people make.

But no school on earth can transform the human heart.

There is a power, only one, that can change our hearts and truly change our world. And it is the grace of Jesus Christ that conquers sin, and removes our shame, and heals our wounds, and reconciles enemies and gives us a second chance at life.

And that power has been given to the church to proclaim and to practice.

And that means what we do together is more important than we will ever know.

What we do here together – investing our lives in the Kingdom of God together, living out our dreams and our callings together – what we do as people who love each other and love God together, there is nothing more important, and there is nothing more fulfilling.

Through this church, because of God’s grace and because of people like you, thousands of people have come to a personal relationship with Christ, hundreds of missionaries have been supported all over the world, scores of young people have been called into the ministry, and untold numbers have been given, food, shelter, warmth and hope.

We have made a difference already.

This church has by God’s grace already made a real difference in the name of Christ.

But what we have done – if we do not grow weary, if we do not grow proud, if we do not grow complacent, if we continue to love and serve and give – what we have done -- if we will imagine one more time what God can do through us and be faithful -- will not compare with what we shall do for the spiritually and the materially poor, and for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

And we will one day look back and be grateful that God allowed us to be a part of His work in the world and members of a church that dreamed great dreams. •

Fall 2012

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Leading With Vision // by Gary Laugharn - Imagine Campaign Chair

When my family moved to The Woodlands 20 years ago, we couldn’t have imagined what God had in store for us. It’s a nice place to live and work, of course. But our friendships and the spiritual growth we have experienced are truly remarkable. God’s grace has worked through The Woodlands United Methodist Church to touch our lives and many others in a powerful way.

The evidence of God’s saving grace is all around us. As membership and attendance have grown significantly,

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the passion of our people to reach out and live their faith by serving others has grown more. We are surrounded by amazing, inspiring examples of people who joyfully express their love of Christ by sharing it with others.

Imagine if our leaders had not opened their hearts and minds to God’s leading several years ago. What if they had decided then that our church was a comfortable size, and that we had the right quality and number of ministries?

We would have missed out on many

opportunities to help build God’s kingdom by leaving the work to others or perhaps, instead, the work undone.

A couple of years ago, Dr. Robb asked a few of us to gather to discuss how the church could even better fulfill its three-part mission: • Win people to Christ • Disciple them in faith • Serve those in need

• Discipleship and Connection – We will add a Family Life Center to provide more meeting space for small groups and Christian education, and to support ministries and activities that help grow and engage our members of all ages and interests.

Imagine the possibilities! God has blessed us in a powerful way, far beyond our expectations. We can best thank Him and glorify Him by passing on those blessings, and celebrate as His grace flows to touch even more lives. •

Gary Laugharn has worked for more than a year to lead the Imagine Campaign steering committee comprised of lay people and staff members.

Hear more from Gary in the Imagine Campaign informational video available online: thewoodlandsumc.org/imagine

2,934

2,994

3,027

3,057

3,157

2,858

2,500

2,000

500

2006

2007

2009

2010

Main Bldg. Worship

16

1,477

2008

1,352

1,089

1,000

1,292

1,500

909

• Worship - We want to increase our worship capacity by expanding The Loft, creating an off-site Loft worship venue to extend our reach, add a Harvest worship facility and increase our number of traditional services.

3,000

639

• Local and Global Missions - We plan to supplement our strong missions giving with investment in Angel Reach foster care in our area, and in Christian evangelism and leadership development in India.

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE 3,043

The Imagine Campaign is anchored in our joy and commitment to look forward to the next leg of our journey with God. Each part of the plan is designed to enhance our ability to serve Him with love, trust, hope, thanksgiving and humility.

The church must be ready tO grow with newcomers

518

He, too, expressed great joy and delight with all God has done here, and he expressed a strong belief that God has more in store for our congregation. Through prayer and imagining and rich discussion, we have been led by the Holy Spirit to focus on growing and strengthening our ministries so that God can touch more lives.

2011

2012

Loft Worship

27 24 PERCENT**

PERCENT**

PERCENT *

2012 - 2016

Projected population growth in the woodlands

2012 - 2016

Projected job growth

in the woodlands

in July 2012

area home sales growth in HOUSTON

Local home sales have increased 14 months in a row, driven by a strong energy industry. More housing growth is expected in The Woodlands due to the relocation of the Exxon Mobil corporate campus. * Sources: Interfaith, US Census Bureau, ESRI and The Woodlands Development Company ** Houston Association of Realtors

Fall 2012

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Supporting the Imagine Campaign means you are investing in the greater good of our church and God’s Kingdom, regardless of which ministries you participate in or which worship service you prefer.

By participating in this effort you reach far beyond new buildings and parking lots to reach people with the love of Jesus Christ. You are contributing to our collective strength for generations to come. You are joining the ranks of church members who have come before us, believing our church and its people are making a difference in the world. Most importantly, when you make a commitment to the Imagine Campaign you are giving back to God what is already His. It is a faithful response to the One who has provided everything we have.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

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Ephesians 3: 20-21

Giving Guide

Gift Profile Guide

This chart will help you calculate your three-year commitment based on a given monthly or yearly gift amount.

These are the levels of gifts we will need to reach our $20 million goal.

(36-month commitment over & above current giving)

(36-month commitment over & above current giving)

Monthly

Yearly

2,778

$

2,083

$

$ $

33,333

Total 3 Year Commitment

$

100,000

1

$

75,000

2

$

50,000

3

$

45,000

4

$

40,000

6

$

12

$

$

25,000

$

16,667

$

15,000

$

13,333

$

$

1,250

$

1,111

$

972

$

11,667

$

10,000

$

8,333

$

6,667

$

5,000

$

3,333

$

$

$ $

833

$

$

694

$

556

$

417

$

278

$

208

$

$

$

$ $ $

139

$

25,000

20,000 15,000

10,000

750,000

500,000 250,000 100,000

24

$

36

$

48

$

96

$

75,000

50,000 25,000 10,000

192

$

2,500

288

$

1,250

384

833

$

417

1,000,000

5,000

$

$

1,500,000

$

1,667

35

2,000,000

144

$

$

$

30,000

2,500

70

$

35,000

$

Total 3 Year Commitment

1

1,389

$

Donors Needed

7,500

$

COMMITMENT FORM

Please return the completed form to The Woodlands UMC at 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380 I would like to support our church in fulfilling God’s vision for our future. I understand this is a three-year commitment over and above my giving to the church operating budget. $ __________ one-time | weekly | monthly | annually

Full Name:____________________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________________

5,000 2,500 1,250

$

Check or Cash Securities/Other

(contact the Accounting office for details)

Bank Draft*

(attach a voided check for monthly recurring donation)

Credit Card*

(monthly recurring donation)

Visa

My total pledge is $_______________________

7,500

Mastercard

AmEx

Discover

_____________________________________ Name on Card:

_____________________________________ Card Number:

City:_________________________________________________________

_____________________________________ Exp. Date:

State:_______ Zip:___________ _Primary Phone:_____________________ Primary Email:_________________________________________________ I Primarily Attend:

Traditional Worship

Harvest Worship

Loft Worship

_____________________________________ Signature: *Monthly recurring donations will be processed on the 5th of each month, November 2012 through October 2015. One-time donations will be processed upon receipt.

WORSHIP

Main Building Worship Expansion // by Jessica LaGrone - Pastor of Worship

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The Woodlands United Methodist Church is well known for the richness and variety of worship services we offer, all together on one campus.

It may surprise you to know that many churches specialize in one type of worship: either traditional or contemporary. The Woodlands UMC appeals to people of many different backgrounds and ages by providing options for them to worship in different settings and styles.

The two Sanctuary services in our main building are the 9:15 Harvest contemporary service and the 11:00 Traditional service. Harvest worship includes music led by a worship leader and band with guitars and drums, bringing a great deal of energy and

contemporary appeal. The Traditional service includes the majestic music of our choir and orchestra, with the familiar ancient patterns of liturgy and reflection that call our hearts into a weekly rhythm of worship. Both services include a depth of preaching, prayer and Scripture that inspire us and call us into a deeper relationship with God. Since our church moved into the beautiful building we currently inhabit, the Harvest and 11:00 Traditional services have shared the Sanctuary as a worship space. While our Sanctuary is admired by all who worship there as a majestic and awe-inspiring place, over the years our sharing of space has created challenges for both worshiping

communities. The contemporary nature of Harvest calls for a warm, intimate space where we can experiment with creative elements common to modern worship, including set design and lighting, that are impossible in the Sanctuary. The Traditional service, on the other hand, faces the challenge of needing room to grow. On many Sundays we are bursting at the seams.

Families are sometimes unable to find enough space to sit together, and visitors feel uncomfortably crowded in an unfamiliar setting.

As we imagine how The Woodlands UMC will move into the future, the possibility of a Harvest worship venue near the north end of the building holds great excitement and promise. Harvest

has always been a community of people passionate about worshiping God with their whole being. Harvest-goers often talk about community, prayer, intimacy and depth when they mention what they love about the Harvest. Our new space will be uniquely designed to meet these specific values of the Harvest community.

The new atrium that will open onto the Harvest worship venue will allow for more developed fellowship time before and after the service. The auditorium itself will feature around 1,000 seats that create an intimate environment; one that encourages closeness within the community and a feeling of accessibility between the seats and the leadership up front. One of the

most exciting developments will be our ability to enhance our worship themes through lighting and set design. Spaces for prayer and times of commitment will be open for Harvest’s practices of calling people into the presence of God. The Harvest community will have a chance to thrive in ways we have not even dreamed in the past.

At the same time, we will open the Sanctuary for the development of a second Traditional worship hour. We are often known in the community as a church that does Traditional worship well, since most churches began in the last few decades to specialize in contemporary worship. Traditional worship is the most highly attended service in our church, and with a second

service in the Sanctuary we can reach out to more people to worship God in ancient patterns and majestic musical styles.

Just imagine what God can do through the expansion of worship at our church.

The possibilities are endless. •

Learn more about main building worship expansion online: thewoodlandsumc.org/imagine Contact Jessica LaGrone: jlagrone@twumc.org | 281.297.5932

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WORSHIP

Loft Expansion // by Andy Nixon - Lead Pastor of The Loft Two portions of the Imagine campaign are to expand The Loft and to establish a “video venue” where worshipers at a remote location will gather to participate in the same worship we have come to know at The Loft.

The Loft expansion is rather basic.

Seating will grow to approximately 825 seats from the present 550. The stage will be rotated to the north end of the

11 | THEPOINT Quarterly

building and the existing stage area converted to seating. These changes will allow us to increase attendance and enhance our creative capabilities, while preserving the intimate feel of The Loft.

Keep in mind our 11:11 a.m. worship attendance has been running about 700 lately, so an 825-seat venue is realistic. Children’s classrooms, nursery space and parking will also increase accordingly.

The concept of a video venue holds tremendous potential for our church. A video venue is simply a service with a “host” pastor, live music and a message that are streamed over the Web to a location distant from the main church.

Other churches have applied this concept with great success. They range from a ”theater church” in Washington, D.C., which meets in movie theaters, to Church of the Resurrection’s West

Campus, near Kansas City, within our own United Methodist Church denomination.

Churches that offer video venues benefit in several ways. First, they can reach beyond their geographic location.

Second, a church does not need to add staff because the message is being delivered from the main campus. Third, video venues are scalable, so that once a church uncovers how to develop a remote congregation, this effort can be replicated anywhere.

Personally, through my prayers and those of many friends in our church, I believe Imagine holds Jesus’ next steps for The Loft. Today, we have the opportunity to expand Jesus’ reach locally and globally while also, through the video venue, create a new way of connecting people to His message.

Those realities are why I am so excited about Imagine – it is time for us to step forward into the vision I believe Jesus has for us. •

Learn more about The Loft expansion plans online: thewoodlandsumc.org/imagine Contact Andy Nixon: anixon@twumc.org | 281.466.8606

Follow the Loft on Facebook & Twitter fb.com/loftchurch @loftchurch Follow Andy Nixon on Twitter @andynixon

Visit us online at loftchurch.com.

Or use your smart phone and scan the QR code below.

Fall 2012

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GROW

Growing Smaller As We Grow Larger // by Jennifer Sims - Director of Small Groups

At some point in life, everyone craves community. It’s how God made us. We want to know people and we want to be known.

Scripture teaches us from the very beginning, God did not intend for us to travel our journey alone. “It is not good for man to be alone” - Gen. 2:18.

And so God created Eve, a partner for Adam to share life with. Fast forward to the life of Jesus. From the first days of His ministry, Jesus invited a small group of friends into His life. There were 12 of them, and they shared meals, prayed for each other, served side by side and simply lived life together. These were deep and authentic relationships. Jesus was their leader and through Him, these friends inspired each other to live lives of purpose. They kept each other accountable and they changed the world -- together.

Sometimes it’s hard to imagine that we are no different than the 12 who shared life with Jesus. We need others to pray for us. We enjoy sharing a meal in great company. We seek inspiration as much as we seek to inspire. We need others to spur us into action. We crave authentic relationships.

Every week thousands of people enter the doors of The Woodlands United Methodist Church and The Loft to worship, study, fellowship and pray together. Many call us the “large church on the corner with the dome.” But because we are are large in number, we must never lose sight of how easy it can be to get lost in the crowd. As a church

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we must remain intentional about helping people connect in meaningful ways -- with Christ and with each other.

This is why small groups exist. The purpose of a small group is for members to grow in intimacy with God, community with each other and service to those in need. Small groups are built on the principle that spiritual growth happens best in the context of authentic relationships. When people are connected to others in a genuine and transparent environment, they share what is going on in their lives and allow others to hold them accountable.

They are less likely to drift away from God during difficult times because they have the body of Christ surrounding and caring for them.

At The Woodlands UMC and The Loft, we believe that people are naturally drawn together through life circumstances, learning preferences and shared interests -- to name just a few. While all groups spend time in fellowship, study, service and prayer, each group offers a unique environment. Some people come together through a common hobby. Others share a desire to dive deep into Scripture. Some groups exist through their passion for service.

Many are formed by people who want a deeper relationship with Christ and with others who are in a similar stage in life. No matter what the connection point is, these small groups help create and nurture life changes, spiritual growth, intimate community and lasting friendships.

Along with bringing together people who are in our church, there’s another purpose for these groups. Small groups serve as an important doorway to the church for newcomers. So often people are introduced to the church because a friend invited them -- not necessarily to Sunday morning worship, but to visit a small group. New friendships are formed, trust is built and many times Jesus is introduced. What begins as a simple invitation to hang out with friends becomes a life-changing journey.

This is an exciting time in our church. We are growing. Our reach is expanding.

Imagine if all the people who walked into this “large” church felt like they were coming home to a place where they are known, loved and cared for.

Imagine our church as a place where people can meet face to face -- not just with each other but with Jesus, too. God did not intend for this Christian journey to be walked alone. We encourage you to prayerfully consider joining a small group. Why? Because it’s where life happens! •

Contact Jennifer Sims at: jsims@twumc.org | 281.466.8150

Stay connected to Small Groups on Facebook: fb.com/TheWoodlandsUMCSmallGroups Follow Jennifer on Twitter @simsjenni

“There is no such thing as a large church, only large numbers of small groups who happen to gather in the same building. As Mr. Wesley discovered, the church, no matter how big it becomes, is still primarily a face-to-face meeting of friends who know and care about one another.� — William Willimon, Why I Am A United Methodist

GROW

Raising Generations In Faith Ten questions for Linda Wilmoth, newly named executive director of Child Development — As told to Communications Director Mike Sims MS: How long have you served in Children’s Ministry and education?

MS: How have you seen early childhood / primary education change over the years?

LW: My first roles at the church were as a Sunday School teacher for preschoolage children and a member of the Children of The Woodlands Council.

Soon after, I became the nursery coordinator. That was more than 25 years ago! I went on to become the director at Children of The Woodlands, then Christian Education director, then both roles at the same time. The church was much smaller then, and we all wore many hats.

LW: There has been an increased push for early academics. But I think research still shows that children learn best from hands-on, active involvement in their learning.

MS: What are the most important lessons learned during your tenure here?

LW: One thing I’ve learned is that it never hurts to ask. When recruiting volunteers or paid staff, I’ll ask the people I think would do a great job. Often they will take the assignment and were pleased at the invitation. And if they turn me down, I hope they were flattered that I thought of them. Then I assume God just has another plan. Another thing I have learned is that God is faithful.

Time and time again I’ve thought, I do not have the people I need to get the job done, whether when I was staffing our small nursery or this year as I was scrambling for a teacher for 4-year-olds two weeks before school started. But God answers my prayers, even though He tests my patience!

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MS: What helpful advice would you give to parents of schoolage children?

LW: At the preschool level, focus on the “whole child,” which includes cognitive, physical, social, emotional and spiritual growth. I think parents -- of children from age 0 to 18! — should focus on all of these areas to develop a well-rounded child who can become a successful adult. There is so much emphasis on cognitive, academic learning. It is vitally important, but so are the other areas.

I like to think of this as a ball, so that when all of the areas are addressed the ball is perfectly round. But when one area is out of whack, such as the lack of spiritual development or too much pressure on academics, the ball is out of round and doesn’t function like it should. And I’m afraid parents are forgetting that kids of all ages need some “downtime” to ponder nature, find something to do that interests them, or just watch the clouds floating overhead.

Time. Sometimes kids just need time to be kids.

MS: You are playing an expanded role in the church these days: You are now leading and overseeing our Children’s and Special Needs ministries. What is the most challenging part of this new role?

LW: The beginning of a new school year is always a challenge — new staff, new children, new families, new schedules — but I truly enjoy the excitement that comes with all of the changes. Becoming part of the Children’s Ministry team in the midst of this busy time has been the greatest challenge.

MS: What do you find most exciting?

LW: I’m enjoying getting to know our Children’s Ministry team! They are impressive! I love their enthusiasm for teaching children about Jesus, their dedication and their creativity. Did you know we had families with school-age children go on a mission trip to Costa Rica? I love that we are teaching our children about missions with “handson” opportunities.

(Continued on page 19)

Linda Wilmoth is executive director of Child Development at The Woodlands United Methodist Church. She oversees Children’s and Special Needs ministry teams in addition to directing preschool at Children of The Woodlands and elementary classes at The Woodlands Methodist School.

Fall 2012

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A plan FOR our future

Watch the Imagine informational video on your mobile device now by scanning this code. Or visit us online at thewoodlandsumc.org/imagine

NEW

HARVEST WORSHIP

MAIN BUILDING

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W PARKING

NEW PARKING

FAMILY LIFE CENTER

NEW PARKING

THE LOFT

LOFT EXPANSION

The Loft expansion will allow for continued diversity and growth as God guides His children in the community of faith.

The proposed project includes moving walls, expanding the stage, and configuring seating to a north-facing orientation.

Viewing and seating capacity of The Loft Alley Café will increase. Additional space is also being planned for nursery and early childhood areas.

FAMILY LIFE CENTER

The church is planning a new center for Christian education opportunities, drawing children and families from the main building and The Loft. The Family Life Center will feature a central library, small and large group meeting space, and a gymnasium in addition to children’s classrooms. This new building will allow The Woodlands Methodist School to expand to kindergarten through 6th grade. In turn, Children of The Woodlands preschool will be able to offer more classes in the main building. Recreation Ministry will also use the Family Life Center to expand outreach and wellness initiatives through children’s and adult fitness programs. This Family Life Center is slated for construction between the main building and The Loft.

HARVEST EXPANSION

The new Harvest space is being modeled after the finest contemporary worship venues in the country and will feature a warm, intimate atmosphere designed to foster community. The 1,000-seat space will also be a perfect setting for large group Bible studies, lectures, concerts, and other events that are too big for The Loft and too small for the main sanctuary.

The new worship venue is being planned on the northwest corner of the main building, adjacent to Columns Café and Grace Point Bookstore.

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(Continued from page 15)

MS: How will the Imagine Campaign expand ministry resources in your area?

MS: How will the Family Life Center help us minister to children and parents?

LW: I know that by reaching kids we are reaching families and changing hearts for Jesus. The possibility of more space for worship, Sunday School and weekday school mean we get to make a difference in more lives. For me, it is exciting to have watched our Children of the Woodlands preschool expand to include transition, then kindergarten, and this year second grade. So the prospect of being able to provide an excellent Christian school through 6th grade will really help us reach more families with our ministry!

LW: My focus is on meeting individual needs, and the new Family Life Center will really allow that to happen! The space for our 5th and 6th graders is age-appropriate and awesome, and will allow our Confirmation program to continue to grow. The Recreation Sports programs will have lots of new space. There will be classrooms for multiple uses and space for individuals with special needs.

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MS: Children of The Woodlands has a long tradition of attracting young families to our church. How will the expansion help us reach more families?

LW: It will greatly increase! Our church has a strong reputation for excellence in children’s programming! I believe additional space will allow us to grow our school, grow in other outreach programs, and encourage more families to make The Woodlands UMC their church home.

MS: What do you imagine for the future of Children’s Ministry?

LW: It’s not hard for me to imagine at all! With even more resources and more space, I can see so many opportunities to teach children about our faith and help families in their Christian walk! I feel blessed to be involved in the work God is doing in this place.

REACH

Fostering Hope // by Susan Kent - Pastor of Local Missions

A meaningful time in the life of any child is reaching the age of 18 and finally being called an adult. This may be exciting for the children in our families, but this is not necessarily the case for children in foster care. So often, they have lived lives of instability and are at great risk for homelessness, early parenthood and incarceration.

They often need support and training as they “age out” of the foster-care system.

Eddie is an example of how stability and love can make a difference in the life of a young person. Eddie entered the Angel Reach ministry after he aged out of the system and became homeless. Through Angel Reach he was partnered with a mentor, found stable housing and life skills guidance. Eddie received training in food handling and management, and he is developing job skills through the Fostering Hope Café food truck, part of the foster care ministry of The Woodlands

Angel Reach is a major recipient of support from the Imagine Campaign.

They must overcome the hurdles of finding housing and securing jobs, often with very few life skills and minimal support from their foster families or the state.

How can we help? Stability is the key.

Stability and support will give these young people a strong foundation to build their lives with positive outcomes from education to employment. Our local Missions Ministry is committed to offering the stability they need through our partnership with the Angel Reach ministry.

We can provide the building blocks for a productive life coupled with the love of Christ, which will set these young people on a path for success rather than failure.

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United Methodist Church. Along with other young adults from Angel Reach, Eddie has been working on weekends preparing and selling food at local events.

The opportunity for success that this ministry has given Eddie has already been realized. Due to Eddie’s hard work and job training, he has already been offered a job.

Imagine this success story being told over and over again as we provide stability and love for young people aging out of the foster-care system. We help them become independent, healthy adults with the building blocks of a productive life through the redeeming love of Christ. •

REACH

Angel Reach: Teens In Transition // by Sandra Carpenter - Angel Reach Program Director

Imagine a population of children and youth within our community who, for various distressing reasons, have no families. These young people are living apart from their birth parents.

They are at extreme risk of lifelong poverty, incarceration, drug abuse, homelessness and unintended pregnancies that create more at-risk children.

Our goal at Angel Reach is to break the generational cycle of abuse, neglect and homelessness.

We provide a coordinated family of services aimed at meeting the special needs of this group to enhance individual lives and communities.

By providing support and security, we build trust with the children and youth.

We help them develop spiritually, educationally and economically so they can rise above their backgrounds to become productive adults.

The Woodlands United Methodist Church is invaluable to the growth and ministry of Angel Reach. The church supports us with prayer, resources and financial gifts. The volunteers and mentors from The Woodlands UMC are dedicated, committed, Godly people, and they are changing the future of the young people who are the focus of Angel Reach. We hope to continue serving with The Woodlands UMC and making a difference in even more lives. •

Learn more about Angel Reach online: angelreach.org

WeServe: Angel Reach

A variety of serving opportunities are available now Transportation Volunteers Help transport young adults to school, work, and appointments.

Weekly Volunteers Work a regular schedule (usually one or two partial days a week) at the Angel Reach Resource Center in Conroe. Weekly volunteers work directly with the Angel Reach young adults.

Resource Volunteers Evening volunteers are needed at the San Jacinto Resource Center – Monday thru Friday 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Couples are welcome.

Mentors Work one-on-one with an Angel Reach teen.

Cooking Prepare meals for Angel Reach young adults.

Cooking Classes Organize a small group of volunteers to teach the Angel Reach kids to make simple meals. Meals can be prepared in the San Jacinto kitchen.

Pauline House House repair and decorating, Making a list of repairs and items needed to fix up the house, recruiting volunteers to help with repairs.

House Checks One day a week (any day) fill-out a checklist on the cleanliness of each of the houses.

Life Skills Classes Volunteers to attend/chaperone a Life Skills meeting, supply the food for a Life Skills meeting, and help find speakers for a Life Skills Meeting.

Contact to volunteer for one or more opportunities at Angel Reach: Susan Kent at skent@twumc.org or 281.466.8607 Staci Brady at sbrady@twumc.org or 281.297.5917

Follow Missions online: fb.com/TheWoodlandsUMCMissions Fall 2012

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REACH

Within Each Face // by John Hull - Missions Pastor The essence of India. It is so different from what we know in our day-today lives. And yet, within the cultural differences, there are human similarities that bind us together as God’s creation.

As we step into this culture, all of our senses awaken simultaneously, taking in the unfamiliar while the mind tries to translate and understand them through our Western perspective. The more we begin to surrender to this different interpretation of life, the more the realities and the beauty of India come alive.

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The sights, the smells, the overwhelming quantity of people, the poverty, the riches, the temples, the sounds — all come together. At first, these things consume our thoughts, but slowly they become accepted in our new perspective. It is then that the mind allows itself to see the faces. Each face tells a story in the kaleidoscope our senses observe.

Within the faces we see the human similarities that we share. Through the faces we unite in our understanding of the people of India. We begin to

understand how Jesus could walk among the people in first-century Israel and look past the things of this world into the face of each person. How He could feel and understand their joys, their sorrows, their pains, their sufferings, and see the beauty of the person that God the Father created.

During His time walking this earth as a man, Jesus didn’t focus on politics or other religions, or the issue du jour that had the people stirred up. Instead, He saw people as the Father sees them, as individuals worthy of His love and worthy of knowing the Father.

Now, as we, His church, are called to India, we, too, want to look past the obvious and see His people the way He sees them. There are more than 1.2 billion people in India and less than 3 percent of them know Christ. The majority are Hindu, and they worship 330 million gods. But yet, just as Jesus walked through an unbelieving Israel and began touching the hearts of individuals, He is beginning to move in India in the same way.

Slowly, people are coming to know Him, and the church is beginning to grow in India. The Holy Spirit is empowering new believers, and they are reaching out to others. Small churches are being established in homes, people are coming together and worshiping. The body of Christ, the church, is beginning to reach out to the poor and the wealthy alike.

those around them by how they live, and to reach out to those in need.

We will also send mission teams to work hand in hand with these organizations and with new Christian believers. A mission team from The Woodlands United Methodist Church will travel to Patna, India, beginning October 18.

Many more teams will follow.

As we dedicate ourselves to ministry in India, we will begin to see the light of Christ in each face. And the face of India will change forever! •

For more information about global missions in India contact: John Hull at jhull@twumc.org or 281.297.5924 Jane Jordan at jjordan@twumc.org or 281.297.5929

As people become believers, something comes alive in their faces. There is a new understanding that they were created by the one true God of the universe and that He loves each of them personally.

The caste system that has held them captive is superseded by a love that they never imagined.

From The Woodlands, we can rejoice at all that is happening in India and offer up prayers that God will continue His work there. We can also ask, “How in the world can we encourage the church’s presence in India?”

There is so much that we can do!

Through Imagine, our capital campaign, we will dedicate resources to support and participate in this incredible movement of God. Through centuries of spreading the Gospel around the world, Christians have learned that the most effective way to communicate the message is to advance Christian leaders within their own cultures. To this end, we will invest in and work with two vital ministries in India, Hope for Today and the Luther W. New Jr. Theological College.

Our support will enable hundreds, and eventually thousands, of believers to lead others to Christ, to start house churches, to teach the Bible to children and adults, to be witnesses of Christ to Fall 2012

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REACH

Soymilk & Salvation In Northern India // by Mike Sims - Communications Director It’s 7 a.m. in the Ramji Chak slum on the outskirts of Patna, in far northern India, and about 40 children are crowded around pastor Jabbu’s giant milk jug.

Some of the children are very dirty and look tired. Others are sick and have visible disease on their skin. One by one they get a serving of freshly made soymilk. For many of these kids, it’s the best nutrition they will get all day.

This scene is repeated five days a week at three Alpha School locations in the slums of Patna. The program was started by Hope For Today Ministries as a way to reach children and families with the love of Jesus. In addition to free milk, the ministry team offers Bible teaching and basic school curriculum.

It’s a remarkable effort by a remarkable person: Pastor Jabbu is a fairly new

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Christian and a church planter. He is full of energy and enthusiasm. His face lights up when he talks about the milk program. He wakes up at 4 a.m.

Monday through Friday to press the fresh milk from soybeans. The process takes about 45 minutes. After the milk is ready, he carries the 18-gallon milk jug on the back of a bicycle more than 24 miles. Keep in mind that street traffic is extremely congested and disorganized.

Carrying that cargo for a long distance by bicycle is no small feat!

that introduces a new reality for these people who otherwise live life with no hope.

Here’s what I love most about this program: these slums are full of street sweepers and what they call “rag pickers” — the lowest of the lowest castes. For an outsider from a higher caste to come in and care for these children breaks society rules. It is a radical and fantastic act of kindness

Hope for Today Ministries is a major recipient of support from the Imagine Campaign. Read more about Hope for Today Ministries at hopeteam.org and on Mike’s travel blog, intrepidindia.org

Please join me in praying for God to bless the soymilk ministry, and for Pastor Jabbu and his teammates as they reach slum communities with life-changing physical and spiritual nourishment in the name of Jesus. •

Church News

Pumpkin Patch October 13-30th

Mondays - Saturday 11:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Sunday 10:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Church calendar October 13 | All-Church Service Day 13-30 | Pumpkin Patch 14 | Imagine Campaign Commitment Sunday 20 | Family Life Fall Festival 21 | Decision Sunday November 1 1 | Craft Circle Boutique & Chef’s Favorites 17 | Craft Circle Masterpiece Gala 22 | Thanksgiving Day

December 2 | Decision Sunday 2 | Service of Lessons & Carols 3 | Advent Luncheon 8 | Christmas Musical 9 | Christmas Musical 10 | Advent Luncheon 13 | Let Your Heart Find Christmas 17 | Advent Luncheon 24 | Christmas Eve Worship 25 | Christmas Day

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

This information removed for online viewing.

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Church News

This information removed for online viewing.

Fall 2012

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Church News

THE WOODLANDS UMC FOUNDATION GIFTS July 1, 2012 – August 31, 2012 In Memory of Mike Drummond, husband of Jean Drummond, designated for the Student Missions Endowment Fund Peter and Elaine Poulsen Clarence Thompson

In Memory of Ann Stokes, designated for The Bill and Ann Stokes Endowment Fund Rick and Beverly Armstrong Kyle and Janet Russell

In Memory of Edwin Farnell, brother of Lois Ramey Steve and Becky Hamrick Roger and Pat Sutliff

Designated for the Student Missions Endowment Fund Kim and Sally Bacon Anthony Benedetto and Gayle Storey

In Memory of Hope Martin, daughter of Russell and Kim Martin Peter and Elaine Poulsen

In Memory of James Thomas, brother of Michael Perry, uncle of Lester Dickson Steve and Becky Hamrick

In Memory of Bette Odale, sister of Sandy VanCovern Mike and Nancy Mayes Evelyn Schilling

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

In Memory of my husband, Burt Robbins on the anniversary of his birth Linda Robbins

In Honor of Dr. Asha Samuel Julia Robb

In Honor of Betsy Sebastian, who works tirelessly every year to bring Christmas Miracles to hundreds of children David and Sandy Van Covern

In Memory of Goldie Shierry, mother of Tami Laugharn State Farm Insurance John M. Bower Kermit and Diane Parker Kyle and Janet Russell Donna Schnittker

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

In Memory of Connie Whiteford Dorothy Spence Clarence Thompson

In Memory of Lori Bethea, daughter of Jane Bethea Kyle and Janet Russell

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

In Memory of Betty Patchell Kyle and Janet Russell

In Memory of Betty Whitmire Sumner, mother of Sara Davidson Kyle and Janet Russell

In Memory of Clarence Wesling, father of Tom Wesling Karl and Marlene Killian

Foundation Unrestricted Christine Schoppe, Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign Jennifer Schoppe, Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign

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

Fall 2012

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briefly stated 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 Worship Online 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.

The Point Quarterly Edmund Robb III Senior Pastor Mike Sims Managing Editor Communications Director Scott Brinkmeyer Art Director Michelle “Micki” Mensio Traffic Manager Copy Editors: Sally Bacon Marilyn Williams Contributing Writers: Sandra Carpenter John Hull Susan Kent Jessica LaGrone Gary Laugharn Andy Nixon Ed Robb Jennifer Sims Linda Wilmoth Photo Credits: Patrick Fore (cover) Felix Sanchez Mike Sims

Loft Worship Online

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

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.)

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Our Mission: Win People To Jesus Christ Disciple Them In Faith Help Those In Need

fb.com/thewoodlandsumc @thewoodlandsumc fb.com/loftchurch @loftchurch

FINAL

WORD

It’s a God-size task! // by Mike Sims - Communications Director

“It’s a God-size task!” I kept repeating that phrase to myself and to my team over and over again as we worked to create the Imagine Campaign communication materials you’ve seen in print, online, and in worship during the past few weeks.

Those materials represent years of visioning, months of planning and hundreds of hours of work by your church’s media/ communications team. I could not be more proud of our collective effort, but I’ll be honest: This campaign was by far the biggest, hardest assignment to land on my desk in my four years at The Woodlands United Methodist Church.

My panic set in somewhere around mid-July. While most everyone I knew was enjoying a leisurely summer, I was leading a frenzy of campaign-related activities inside our media hall. We developed and refined each component of the Campaign down to the very last detail; all the while praying for God’s guidance, provision and anointing on the materials we were preparing to share with our congregation of nearly 10,000. Oh, the pressure.

Change after change came in as deadlines loomed. There were setbacks. I left many a team huddle saying the same words: “It’s a God-size task.” In those moments I really couldn’t imagine how we would finish the work, but I leaned heavily on God to help finish what we started. Then a faint memory of scripture welled up in my spirit. It brought me renewed assurance and energy to keep pressing forward:

Be strong and courageous...The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

It’s what Moses told Joshua and the Israelites in the closing chapters of Deuteronomy as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. What a comfort it is to know God goes before us to prepare the way! He has already cleared a path for us to follow.

But it is up to us to boldly step forward in faith.

I believe that is true in my life, in your life and in the life of our church: God has been preparing a way for us to grow in ministry together at The Woodlands UMC for almost 35 years. God has a way of weaving our paths together with perfect timing. He brings uniquely qualified people together to accomplish remarkable things for His Kingdom.

Today we stand together at a crossroads of growth. How many more lives can we touch with the love of Christ? Reaching outward and pushing onward is scary. There will be changes and setbacks. It’s a God-size task! But He is faithful and He has already prepared a way for us to pass through. •

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

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