
Spiritual Formation
at Oak Hill UMC
Helping you grow in your spiritual journey
Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy
— Ephesians 4:23-24 NLT
What is Spiritual Formation?
Christian spirituality is a transformational journey in which we learn to open ourselves up to the love of God and the shaping work of the Holy Spirit. Most of us long for a deeper connection with God, but we often don’t know where to start. That’s where Oak Hill’s Spiritual Formation Ministry comes in. We want to help you get to know God more intimately by showing you how to journey deeper into relationship with God.
We seek to walk alongside you in this journey – no matter whether you’re only just getting started or have been on the road for a long time. On this page you will find information on concrete steps you can take right now to help you deepen your spiritual life: from our new group spiritual direction ministry, to classes and workshops, to Internet resources. It is our prayer that the practices and resources listed on this page will help you experience God’s presence in your hearts, minds and bodies and transform you into disciples who love abundantly.
Current
groups & classes
What are you waiting for?
Join us as together we explore
God's vision for abundant life!

OHUMC World Explorers
Do you love to travel? Join other OHUMC world explorers as we begin to create plans to tour areas of the world related to stories of the Bible or engage in other spiritual pilgrimages to places near and far.
The World Explorers would meet a few times throughout the year at times TBA to delve into historical background, spiritual significance, and/or contemporary issues related to the places we would potentially visit. Our goal is to enrich our spiritual lives through immersive travel opportunities to places of spiritual significance.
Sign up to join a group interested in learning more about ideas and plans for upcoming opportunities for world exploration near and far! Signing up for the group does not commit you to participate in any particular tour that may be offered!
For more information, contact Carol Reese at

group Spiritual Direction
Have you ever heard of spiritual direction? It's a spiritual discipline that will help you pay attention to God's presence in your life with the guidance of a trained spiritual director. Pam Castles, a dear friend of OHUMC who happens to also be a Spiritual Director, will be offering "Group Spiritual Direction" for 6 weeks this fall.
Each session will last 90 minutes and will follow the FAITH Spiritual Direction Process:
Focus: Using scripture, poetry, music, quotes, etc. that is read to one another, while listening for elements that stand out and touch the heart
Activity: Providing a project that builds on the focus using art or other creative methods.
Intentional listening: Using discussion to intentionally listen for intimations of God
Theological reflection: Reviewing discussion topics to discern God’s will and call
Healing prayer: Opening our hearts to our authentic self and experiencing God's healing love
There will be two Groups for Spiritual Direction on Thursdays - a morning session from 10:00am-11:30am and an evening session from 6:30pm-8:00pm.
It will meet from August 31-October 12 (with no meeting on Oct. 5). If you're interested in exploring this new opportunity, fill out this interest form.
Contact Pastor Missy (missy@oakhillumc.org)
or Pam Castles (pcastles@mhm.com) with any questions.

Coffee & Conversations
Do you love coffee and good conversation? Do you want to explore your faith more fully? If so, this may be a perfect group for you!
We meet every Sunday about 9:45ish in the “coffee bar” area of the Fellowship Hall to sip some delicious French press coffee and discuss matters of life and faith. We usually follow along with the worship series and associated readings, but we also occasionally explore other questions or topics of interest to the group. Our goal is to create a friendly and supportive space for us to share experiences, grow in our faith and develop a sense of belonging. We support one another as we open ourselves to God’s love and seek to cultivate an awareness of God’s presence in our lives.
So grab your favorite mug and join us for some coffee (or tea) and discussion! We can’t wait to meet you!
Afraid that your schedule doesn’t allow you to commit to a weekly meeting? It’s ok not be able to participate every week. Each class covers distinct material.
For more information, contact Pastor Stephen at stephen@oakhillumc.org.

Prayer
Walk
Prayer walks offer a wonderful opportunity to gather and walk outdoors in neighborhood parks, hiking trails, and on nature preserves such as the Wild Basin.
This is a monthly event, that typically takes place on the first Saturday.
​
Here are the dates for Fall 2023!
​
September 9, 8:30 am
Charro Ranch Park,
Dripping Springs
October 14, 9 am
Lady Bird Johnson
Wildflower Center
November 11, 9 am
McKinney Falls State Park
December 9, 9 am
Circle C or Dick Nichols Park
Want to see what we've gotten up to at past Prayer Walks? Check out these videos!
​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atev-6loHnE
​
For more information, contact Laurie Sharp at rauriecoon@aol.com.

Parenting For Faith
Pastor Missy will begin a new class for parents of young children who long for their kids to know God for themselves.
You are uniquely placed in your kid's lives to be able to help them develop a vibrant and connected relationship with God. The Parenting for Faith video-based course will give you confidence to share your life with God in a way that feels natural to you – and the tools to do it easily in everyday life.
Dates: Sundays, September 20 - October 29
Time: 9:45 - 10:45 am (during the Sunday School hour)
Location: Children's Building, Room TBD
Sign up using this form.
Contact Pastor Missy for any questions or more information: missy@oakhillumc.org.

Contemplative Prayer
This will be a 13-Session class running roughly 9/8 to 12/8 with a week off at Thanksgiving.
For more information, contact Catharine Corder at catinbody@hotmail.com.
want to learn more about Sunday school classes?
At Oak Hill United Methodist Church, we focus on growing in our faith.
We are committed to our mission of spreading the love and teachings of Jesus Christ and welcoming all into our church family.
Click this button to learn more about our Adult Sunday School Classes!
Prayer & Spiritual
resources
The Upper Room:
Supporting the spiritual life of Christians seeking to know and experience God more fully.
Renovare:
Resources and community for a deeper, more transformative life with God.
https://renovare.org/
Sacred Space:
Daily online prayer/meditation guide
Pray as You Go:
Daily short meditation session and other prayer tools, series, retreats and resources.
3-Minute Retreats:
Take a short prayer break right at your computer.
https://www.loyolapress.com/3-minute-retreats-daily-online-prayer/
Praying in Color:
A visual, active, meditative, and playful way to pray.
https://prayingincolor.com/ways-to-pray-in-color
Center for Action and Contemplation:
Daily Meditations email reflections
https://cac.org/daily-meditations/
Contemplative Outreach:
A spiritual network of individuals and small faith communities committed to living the contemplative dimension of the Gospel
https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/
Podcasts: