Adult Ministry programs include the Christian Living Series, a series of short term classes on various subjects and issues, offered in the spring and fall of the yea; the Disciple Bible Study program - Long-term (32 week) Disciple I, II, III, and IV classes are offered each fall; and Adult Sunday School - We believe that through education we can continue to grow and strengthen our faith. Contact Sharon Douglass at programs@oakhillumc.org for more information.
Adult Sunday School Classes meeting at 10 a.m. include:
Open Door
Adult Education Building - Room A206 - All ages
This class is open to all—from those starting their faith journey to those that have been on their faith journey for a while. Open Door members enjoy being involved in missions within the church and volunteering their time for the last and the least. They enjoy fellowship with each other and have their own social committee. Contact David McMillan; 288-7604.
Regenerates
Adult Ed. Bldg. - Rooms A101 & A102 - Ages: Mostly 45+
The Regenerates are a discussion group. The class chooses a book/topic and members take turns leading each Sunday. This class is also involved in church ministries: the Interfaith Hospitality Network, providing lunches for Habitat for Humanity crews, Casa Marianella and other support missions. Contact Susan Cofffman; 288-6923.
R.E.S.T. (Restore, Encourage, Support, Trust)
Adult Education Bldg - Room A104 - Ages: Mostly middle-aged
This class uses short studies, especially video presentations, to spark discussion on various aspects of the Christian faith and lifestyle. Contact George Kennebeck; 263-5701.
Friends in Faith
Adult Education Building - Room A205 - Singles and couples of all ages
This group studies the Bible (currently the New Testament) to achieve a deeper understanding of how to become better Christians. They are involved in Christian mission including Habitat for Humanity, Samaritan's Purse, and the Interfaith Hospitality Network. They also have monthly get-togethers. Contact Diana Nelson; 288-4076.
Singles Class
Main Building - M6 (Pastor Jim Robert's office)
This class is a diverse group of those seeking fellowship and spiritual growth in the companionship of Christian singles. The class participates in service projects and fellowship events. Contact Jennifer Bell; 358-7292.
Christian Fellowship
Adult Education Building - Room A202 - Ages: 30's - 50's
A relaxed, interactive and sociable group that enjoys laughter. The discussion-oriented class tries to relate Christian life to today's world. Members of this class are also involved in service projects throughout the community. Contact Alice Wiley; 891-9086.
Family Faith
Adult Education Building - Room A201 - Ages: 30's and 40's
This class is a fun, upbeat and active class designed for couples and parents with young children. They study the Bible and other Christian literature and they strive to apply it to the challenges of life, marriage, family and children. Contact Ricci or Shawn Dunn; 288-3856.
Friendship Bible
Adult Education Building - Room A203 - Ages: Mostly 55+ adults
Interested in an in-depth, chapter by chapter study of the books of the Bible? This lecture style class may be just what you are looking for. Contact Doug Beckley at 288-2086.
Classes meeting at 11:15 a.m. include:
Seven
Adult Education Building - Rooms A101-102 - Ages: Mostly 40+
This class is involved in book discussions about the Christian faith. They read sections of the current book and allow for reflection and group discussion. There is homework that may include nature walks, reaching out to someone who is lonely or might have a complaint with God. The class volunteers to host IHN (Interfaith Hospitality Network) on Saturdays each quarter. Contact Lynda Rife; 261-5872.
The Sunshine Class – Adult Education Bldg. - Room 201 - 11:15 a.m.
This class is designed for mentally challenged adults. It is structured to love, accept, nurture and magnify each member's gifts and strengths. Contact Beth Cochran; 924-8264.
The Seekers Class – Adult Education Bldg. - Room A205 - 11:15 a.m.
This new Sunday School class is for young adults taking their next steps beyond high school/college. The class will work from the book "The Thirteen Apostles", work on mission projects, and enjoy fun and fellowship together.
Leaders: Libby Gibbs, Kyle Longley, Jeanne Sheets & Jennifer Freel.
Caring Ministries
At Oak Hill United Methodist Church, we strive to be the hands and feet of Christ, caring for each other as He taught us to do. We are blessed to have an array of ministries that provide care to members and constituents of our church family, as well as to persons in the larger community. Contact Sue Payne at suepayne@sbcglobal.net for more information.
Deaf Ministry
There is an interpreter for Deaf persons at the 11:15 worship service. We will also provide an interpreter for Sunday School upon request. Our ushers and greeters are being trained to welcome Deaf visitors and guide them to the area of the sanctuary where the interpreters will be seated (front right side). Please join us in giving a warm Oak Hill welcome to our deaf visitors and help us pray for this new ministry. For more information please contact Jennifer Bryce at jen@oakhillumc.org or see their web page here.
We have an active network of persons who pray for concerns as they come in. Concerns are immediately passed on to the members of the prayer chain by telephone or email. Concerns are retrieved from the prayer chain mail box each day. Contact Rebecca Fontenot (rebecca_fontenot@yahoo.com) to request prayers.
Click here to see the current list of prayers and concerns.
Homebound Communion
We deliver bread and wine from our monthly Sunday communion service as a way of including our homebound members in the family meal we have shared as Christians. We also provide tapes of the worship service to those who can't be in church and provide transportation when needed. Contact Janie Wall at 288-6033 or seewalls@swbell.net
Agape Meals Team
We're cooking up a storm, taking care of the needs of many families of the OHUMC community. the OHUMC Agape Meals Team has supported home-bound individuals receiving chemo/radiation therapy, dealing with surgery and returning home from hospital, as well as welcoming new babies!
The Agape Meals Coordinator position has been filled by Fran Batch and Sarah Hammond. They are looking for people interested in helping and making meals at this point. All interested cooks or helpers can contact Fran at fmbatch@austin.rr.com.
Intercessory Prayer
In addition to those on the Prayer Chain who are contacted immediately as concerns arise and then pray in their homes, a group of prayer ministers meet each week in the sanctuary to lift up to God before the altar of Oak Hill United Methodist Church those who are on the church's prayer concern list. Notes are then sent to those who have been prayed for.
Prayer & Communion Service
Held on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., this quiet meditative service offers an opportunity for persons to pray for others by name and to come to the communion rail for a time of personal prayer themselves. The service is especially for those who need healing in body, mind, emotions, or relationships and for their family and friends. It is also particularly helpful to caregivers: doctors, nurses, counselors, etc. For those who desire, the church's ancient ministry of anointing with oil and laying on of hands is offered. We believe spiritual healing is not a substitute for medicine or psychotherapy, but complements them. The service concludes with Holy Communion.
Children's Ministries
We offer a comprehensive program of worship, Christian education, mission and outreach, and fun and fellowship for all God's children. The heart of our ministries begins with worship and Sunday School on Sunday mornings, where we learn about God's love for us through the stories of our faith and we spend time with our church family. We also have Wednesday evening choirs and fellowship groups for children each week during the school year. Special events occur throught the year, including many opportunities for fun and fellowship throughout the summer. Contact Ms. Suzanne at 288-3836 or suzanne@oakhillumc.org for more information.
OHUMC Kid's Day Out
This program provides a nurturing, socially interactive experience in a small group setting for children, ages 14 months - 23 months on Monday/Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more information, contact the Kid's Day Out Director, Rita Wilson, at 512-288-3124 or email kdo@oakhillumc.org.
Sunday School (In the New Children's Building)
8:45 a.m.: Combined Elementary Class - room 108
10:00 a.m.: Stars (2 & 3 year-olds) - room 107; Sunbeams (4 & 5 year-olds) - room 106; Kindergarten - room 105; First Grade - room 104; Second Grade - room 201; Third/Fourth Graders - room 202; Fifth Grade - room 203.
11:15 a.m.: Combined Elementary Class - room 204.
Sunday Nursery Care (In the New Children's Building)
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Baby nursery and toddler-preschool nursery - rooms 109 and 110. No reservations necessary.
Wednesday Evenings (In the New Children's Building)
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.: Nursery care for children of all ages - rooms 109 and 110.
6:15 - 6:45 p.m.: Kingdom Cubs Choir (age 4 - First Grade) - room 108
6:30 - 7:15 p.m.: Kingdom Kids Choir (Second - Fifth Grades) - Great Room
6:45 - 7:15 p.m.: S.A.L.T. (Activities for ages 4 - First Grade) - room 108
Summer Programs
In June we have Vacation Bible School, in July we run a music and drama camp (MAD Camp) and in August a Cub Camp for preschoolers. We also have an eight-week Kids' Day Out Kamp for our 18-24 month-old children. Care Camp is offered each summer for those who participate in our morning programs and need all day care.
Community Ministries
These ministries provide opportunities for our congregation to reach out to the community, sharing Christ's love by providing a compassionate response to basic human needs.
These include; Casa Marianella, Habitat for Humanity, ARCH, Interfaith Hospitality Network, the Burke Foundation, Crop Walk and Operation Christmas Child. For more information, contact Chris Jackson at chris@pokerclock.net.
Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) is a shelter program based on a national model that provides transitional shelter for families experiencing homelessness. Host churches, synagogues and support congregations work in collaboration to provide year round shelter, meals, and support to families as they work toward achieving goals of permanent housing and self-sufficiency. Contact David Matustik at david.matustik@ci.austin.tx.us for more information about IHN at Oak Hill UMC.
To learn more about United Methodist Ministries, UMC.org is the official online ministry of The United Methodist Church. The denominational website represents The United Methodist Church in the digital world, carrying out our charge as Christians to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
Environmental Stewardship
The Oak Hill UMC Environmental Stewardship ministry's purpose is to invite, inspire, and enable the Oak HIll community to live in harmony with the Biblical principles of environmental stewardship, both at home and at church. Contact Team Leader Walt Earnest at walter_earnest@yahoo.com.
Fellowship Ministries
We host musical galas, parties in the parking lot, bridge clubs, mom's clubs, supper clubs, Christmas events and more. New things are always being planned, so check the calendar or church newsletter for the latest information! Contact
Julie Comey, Team Leader, at julie.comey@gmail.com.
Bridge Club
All are invited to join us for an evening of social bridge. We play from 7-10 p.m. on the first and third Fridays of each month in rooms 201-202 of the Adult Education Bldg. On the fifth Fridays of the month we generally host other card and domino games, along with bridge. Contact Ernie Rebuck at erebuck@sbcglobal.net for more details.
Music Ministries
These joyful ministries include the Chancel Choir, the Men's and Women's Choirs, Youth
Choir and the Kingdom Kids & Kingdom Cubs Children's Choirs. They are accompanied by the Hillside Ringers Handbell Choir, the Mostly Gospel Blues Band, and several Adult and Youth Praise Bands.
For more information, please contact the Music Director, Dr. Suzanne Pence, at 288-3836 or drpence2009@gmail.com.
Prayer and Discernment Team
This team meets periodically for the purpose of intentional prayer, praying for God's will and direction regarding the life of our church and its people.
Our program of early childhood development provides creative learning experiences for children ages two through four. Weekly chapel is a part of the program. A two-day-a-week or a three-day-a-week schedule is available. Classes run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Click here to go to the OHUMC Preschool website for more information, or contact Preschool Director Kristin Wright - preschool@oakhillumc.org or 288-3836, x213.
Stewardship Team
This group plans for and oversees annual activities that encourage persons to be good stewards of all that God has provided for them materially and spiritually; to assist persons in fulfilling their vows as members to provide prayers, presence, gifts and service to Christ. ContactAndrea Brannon at andriaebay@gmail.com for more information.
Stephen Ministers
Stephen Ministry is an extension of the church's pastoral care ministry. A number of our lay persons have participated in the nationally recognized Stephen Ministries Program. As Stephen Ministers, they have received at least 50 hours of training in active listening and caring, and they continue in supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders.
Stephen Ministers are not substitutes for the pastors, but, working with the pastors and supported by them, Stephen Ministers make it possible for our church to reach more people with Christian care on an ongoing basis than the pastors can reach by themselves. Nor are Stephen Ministers substitutes for licensed counselors, psychotherapists, or psychiatrists. They are not qualified to treat psychologically persons who are suffering from neuroses or psychoses.
Stephen Ministers are trained to listen and pray with persons who are hurting in a one-to-one caring and confidential relationship. Sometimes, because of the stresses and strains of life, we just need someone we can trust, someone with whom we can talk, who we know will listen and keep our confidences, someone who can "be there" for us in troubling times.
Contact Cheryl Althaus at clathaus@austin.rr.com to request a caregiver or to find out more about becoming one.
If you have questions please contact Rae Barho (301-2581), Cheryl Althaus (292-0654), or Barbara Browne (292-9484).
UMM President Don Roets droets@hotmail.com
Men's Monthly Breakfast Gathering
On the last Saturday of February, March, April, August, September and October, the United Methodist Men meet at 8:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall, located in the Main Building, for a time of fellowship, fun, inspiration, and a hearty breakfast, featuring eggs, a variety of meats, and pancakes. Programs vary from the spiritual to the practical, and sometimes feature speakers from the community who are involved in significant ministries. The meetings usually end shortly after 9 a.m. Occasionally a few stay to do minor repair and clean-up around the church. Anyone, whether a member of OHUMC or not, can come to the breakfast. Oak Hill members are encouraged to bring their children, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to enjoy a time of warm fellowship, fun and laughter, inspiration and wonderful food. Childcare for infants and toddlers is available.
Annual Retreat
Each year the UMM sponsors a retreat, usually in January, open to all men, whether members of the UMM or not, at a nearby retreat center in the country. The event begins on Friday evening with a hearty meal and ends shortly after lunch on Saturday. Over the years, programs have varied from featuring noted speakers to talks given by our own members about applying their Christian faith to their daily lives, in their marriages, on the job, as fathers, etc. This more relaxed setting gives participants the opportunity to unwind and share more deeply their own inner faith struggles. The retreat concludes with a communion service led by the pastor.
"Pete" Vasquez Memorial Open Golf Tournament
Each year the UMM sponsors a golf tournament, sometimes in the spring, sometimes in the fall, sometimes both, open to anybody in the community, both men and women. Trophies are awarded, and it's lots of fun, whether you are a participant or a spectator.
Boy Scouts
Our UMM group is the official sponsor of Boy Scout Troop #505. Besides providing mentoring and encouragement to the boys, the UMM commits to raising funds for the scouts, usually by putting on a barbecue dinner, which often raises over $2,000.
Pathfinder's Camp
This facility, a project of the Burke Foundation is a therapeutic wilderness camp for troubled boys, ages 11-17, who need to develop skills for successful community living. Our UMM provides mentors, physical maintenance on the facilities, and fund-raising in support of the ministries of the Burke Foundation (burkefoundation.com).
Men's Bible Study
A men's Bible study group meets weekly.
United Methodist Women
The UMW is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom
as whole persons through Jesus Christ, to develop a creative, supportive
fellowship, and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. Contact UMW President Marsha Hughes at 288-0371 or mhughes8209@yahoo.com.
Sarah Circle is a mission-minded circle which meets on the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. They make manna bags and kits for the homeless and other service projects.
Mary/Martha Circle is a luncheon group which meets on the second Monday of each month in the Fellowship Hall, at 11:15 a.m. for a delicious lunch and a program. Contact Alana Oehler at 512-288-6916 or email also@austin.rr.com if you have questions.
Lydia Circle is comprised of young women who meet for service, study and fellowship on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the parlor. They also meet at 11:30 for First Friday Lunch at various restaurants. Contact Kellye Graham at 512-288-3497 for more details.
Dorcas Quilters meet the fourth Monday of the month in room A203 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They sew blankets and quilts for cancer patients. If you would like to join them, contact Beverly Mahady at 512-288-9567 or email bev6@att.net.
Chloe Circle meets the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. in room A101-102. They meet for fellowship and discussion of relevant topics.
The Wednesday AM Study Group meets each week at 10 a.m. in room A201 for prayer and faith-based studies.
The UMW Book Club meets the last Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. at a restaurant or in the church parlor. Contact Diana Goodloe at 512-906-1931 or email dgoodloe@austin.rr.com for more information.
Praying Moms is a circle of moms that meet each Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., off-site. Call Anita Barton at 288-5541 for more information.
The HUGS Group meets most Thursdays during the year. They make neck coolers and Christmas stockings for our troops. Contact Sandy Wilkerson at 892-0538 or swilk27@yahoo.com for more information.
RADA Cutlery & Knives products are sold through the Oak Hill UMW as a fundraiser, all profits go to UMW missions. See the current catalog at http://www.austexwebdesign.com/knives.html.
For more information, please contact Margaret Jones at margaretJ@austin.rr.com.
Young At Heart
A group for people who are retired or wish they were! They meet monthly for dinner, volunteer to help children read, and plan group outings and trips. Our fellowship group, the Young at Heart Reading Program, encourages individuals to read to Kindergarten children at Oak Hill Elementary on Tuesday mornings to introduce them to the joys of reading.
Youth Ministries
Youth activities are open to all young people who are in 6th - 12th grades. Please feel welcome to stop by and see what our youth are up to! See our website at oakhillyouth.webs.com for more info or contact our Youth Director, Dave Stewart at stewy@oakhillumc.org.
Follow us on twitter at stewy771.
The United Methodist Youth Fellowship - The UMYF meets each Sunday evening (5-6:30 p.m.) in the Fellowship Hall for sharing, fellowship, programs, discussion, day-trips, recreational activities, service and mission projects, and FUN!
Youth Choir - Weekly rehearsals are from 4-5 p.m. on Sunday afternoons. Contact Kendra Lipman, the Youth Choir Director, atkendralipman@gmail.com.
Confirmation - OHUMC offers a thirteen-week class guided by dedicated sponsors and teachers. Youth in the 7th and 8th grades are invited to participate. The next class will begin on January 11, 2012.
Small Group Bible Study - Includes SEARCH, an Interdenominational, student-led senior high group, and CROSSWALK, our junior high bible study group.
Youth Sunday School - We offer courses that focus on religion and its application during the 10:00 hour, and courses that place more emphasis on cultural and social issues at 11:15 a.m.