Volume 34.24 December 16, 2012

Oak Hill United Methodist ChurchWhere everyone is a minister

7815 Highway 290 W. Austin, Texas 78736 288-3836 Pastors Jim Roberts, Pam Sheffield & Stella Burkhalter

Lay-Led Worship & Communion - 6:15 p.m.

December 19 - Speaker: Scott BrobergMusic: Greg Graham Clergy: Pam Sheffield

January 2 - Speaker: Donna BrobergMusic: TBA Clergy: Jim Roberts

“Home” Sermon SeriesPastor Jim Roberts at 8:45 & 11:15;

Pastor Stella Burkhalter at 10:00 PathwaysDecember 16: “Lessons and Carols”

from the Chancel Choir at 8:45 and 11:15. Pathways: “Facing What’s Waiting” Luke 3:1-6

God gives strength to face whatever drama we find at home.

December 23: “It’s All Good” Luke 1:39-45When we meet Christ, the spirit stirs our deepest

sense that we’re finally home.

Christmas Eve Worship services

children & Family, costumes Welcome - 5 p.m.Traditional candles & carols - 7 p.m.

pathways candlelight & communion - 9 p.m.Guitar candlelight & communion - 11 p.m.

All Are Welcome!

coMe To The chrisTMAs pArTY AT LoLA’s!Oak Hill United Methodist Church is joining with Nubian Queen Lola’s Soul Food Café to surprise the children in an East Austin neighborhood on Christmas morning, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These children have been disappointed in the past when their gifts have been stolen, lost, or pawned, so we will provide them with something that can’t be taken away – au unforgettable experience and the life-saving message that Christ is alive in the world. The day will begin with music and crafts, as well as hours of free time for jumping on inflatable castles. A turkey lunch will be served, and the kids will get to decorate their own desserts as well as make cookie gift bags for family members. Plan to participate by donating to offset the costs of the inflatables, paper goods, and craft supplies. Plan to bake ahead of time. Plan to add meaning to your Christmas morning by helping load and unload chairs and tables, set up, supervise, sing, serve, clean up, or simply sharing the love of Christ on the most impor-tant birthday of the year. Contact: Rev. Stella Burkhalter at stella@oakhillumc.org for more info.

The MiLLiKiN UNiversiTY choirThe Millikin University Choir, directed by Dr. Brad Holmes will be presenting a concert at Oak Hill UMC on Monday January 14, 2013. Millikin University is located in Decatur, Illinois and is Suzanne Pence’s alma mater! The members of the choir will need over-night accommodations in host homes from Oak Hill. The concert will also feature the Westlake High School Varsity Choir. If you are interested in serving as a host, contact Suzanne Pence at drpence2009@gmail.com.

Presence

Our Gifts December 2, 2012General Fund $32,333Children’s Building 5,180Jesus Birthday Party 746Youth Mission Fund 100

Our PrayersTo see the full prayer list, please go to the church website

www.oakhillumc.org

December 2 December 9 2011 2012 2011 2012Sunday School 293 286 202 295Worship 676 567 627 656

Wednesday Night FelloWship MealDecember 19: soup & salad

January 2: pasta

have You Turned in Your pledge?So far we have received 298 pledge cards totaling

$1,022,540! We need to complete our budget planning for 2013 and our 2013 goal is 400 pledges totaling

$1,500,000. If you haven’t had a chance to return your 2013 estimate of giving card, please do so soon.

The church will be facing increased cost in several areas, including utilities, debt service and insurance and we want to keep our wonderful ministries going in the

midst of that. If you have questions, please contact Angie in the

church office or by email angie@oakhillumc.org.

Walk With ohUMc Through The Zilker park Trail of Lights

Monday, December 17We’ll meet at Barton Creek Mall (on the North side of the mall by Dillards) at 6:30 p.m. and take the shuttle to Zilker Park. There will be entertain-ment and food vendors at the trail. The Trail is free, but you will need $2 for the shuttle and any extra money you would like to bring for the food vendors.

For more information go to http://austintrailoflights.org or contact

Fran Batch at 801-6797 orJeanne Huston at 288-0323.

A Simple Thank You Seems Too Small!I wanted to thank my entire family here at Oak Hill for your love, support, and generosity. Thank you seams too small of words to tell you how grateful I am to all of you for standing with me as I seek the dream that God has planted in my heart 2 years ago. After stepping foot on African soil for the first

time in 2011, my heart has been burdened to go back. A few months ago I was invited to join the Sierra Leone team for 2012. If I could have screamed out loud with excitement I would have!!! I was honored by Pastor Jim’s support and knew that your support held me close to the task. I am now back from two weeks in Freetown. This experience was different from last year. More crazy stories to write down that’s for sure!! The connection that I felt with all of my new friends across the sea is priceless. It was the most humid place that I ever set foot in, the air smelt of hot charcoal, the travel was crazy, and everything was layered in red dirt. All of this and I wouldn’t change a thing!! I saw a new business be put into place and saw the miracle of life first hand (literally!). All of this could not have happened without all of you! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I felt each and every one of your prayers that were lifted as we worshiped in Africa. My heart is full! I hold the promises in my heart that our Father walks with us as we do His will. Until I am able to set my feet on African soil again, there is much work to do here. Let’s search His purpose for Austin together. Acts 2:25-28Love you with my whole heart, Tracy Stewart

Dear Friends,Thank you for such a generous donation in November - almost 400 lbs. of goods for the pantry! We really appreciate your hard work in supporting us!The Dripping Springs Helping Hands

plan To Give Blood atThe BLooD MoBiLe

oak hill UMc, January 13Sign-up at www.inyourhands.org Group #A242

We saved 24 lives in October, let’s save 30 in January! The best times are available right now, sign up soon or Anita Barton says she’ ll hunt you down!

Wyatt “Buzz” Burkhalter, Hunter Burkhalter’s fatherDave, Lynn Sampsell, and Teresa TalleyJon Polson, friend of Sheila JettonAmy ScottYvonne, Linda Brodbeck’s sisterDoris Holden, Beth Kell’s motherTonya Lloyd, friend of Bob and Fran BatchJerry Williams, Ryan Turner’s step fatherEd Lundblade, friend of Kevin and Shelley ChaseyRev. Suzanne StevesDr. Reynaldo Maniago, friend of Andria BrannonBonnie Wurl, Kristen Bridgeman’s grandmotherAnn JamesAll who serve in the militaryPeace and stability in the Middle EastThe unemployed, the homeless, and our country’s leaders

December 9, 2012General Fund $28,812Children’s Building 4,310Jesus Birthday Party 50Youth Mission Fund 65Angel Tree for youth 250Africa Dresses 500Staff Gift Fund 100

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United Methodist WomenLydia Circle December Lydia circle

Lydia Circle will meet at Kellye Graham’s house (6428 Taylorcrest Drive, 78749) on Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 7 pm for the annual Christmas party. Bring a wrapped Christmas ornament to exchange. Food and beverages will be provided but if you want to

bring something to share that is wonderful. Interested in being a part of Lydia Circle - please come to this fun, social event. Childcare is provided at the church with proper reservations. For additional information, please call Kellye at 288-3497.

God’s Love in ActionFor some people the holiday season can be a very difficult time of year. It is a time of sadness, loneliness and hopelessness, a time of self evalua-tion and reflecting about the past and a time of anxiety about the New Year to come. Whatever you are feeling, a Stephen Minister is available to you for prayer after every church service. You will find one in the front pew waiting to listen, hold your hand, give a welcome hug and extend God’s love through prayer with you. For further information about Stephen Ministry please contact: Cheryl Althaus, 796-6305; Rae Barho, 589-5871; Barbara Browne, 796-7434; or Sandra Fudge, 653-0786.

2013 confirmationWednesdays 6:15-8:00pm

rev. pam sheffieldIf you have a seventh grader or older youth in your family, they are eligible to participate in the annual Oak Hill UMC Confirmation classes from January, 2013 to April, 2013. These classes will prepare them for membership into the church and help them to develop an under-

standing of their faith in God. The first meeting will be an orientation:Confirmation Orientation w/Parents and Youth January 16th, room A206 at 6:15 p.m. To register, email Pastor Pam at pam@oakhillumc.org.

Thank You OHUMC!Our church set a new record this year in preparing Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes – 642 boxes!! This means that 642 needy children around the world will receive probably the only Christmas gift they will get this year. The Sunshine Class wrapped the boxes during the year and gave them to people in the congregation to fill. Many individual, families, adult and children’s Sunday School classes filled boxes and/or donated toys, candy, school supplies and toiletries to the effort. Special thanks to the Walgreens at Slaughter and Mopac for their generous support, and to Mike & Beth Cochran for all their hard work organizing the effort!

To the lovely people of Oak Hill UMC;I want to thank you for your support of both my mother and me dur-ing my recent illness. Your prayers, cards and visits by the pastors were greatly appreciated. It was a true comfort to me to know how much my mother is loved and that she did not have to worry through this dark period alone. She had you to help lift the weight on her and me. Thank you, Connie Cornell

GiFTs oF cAriNG An Alternative To Mall Madness

Struggling to find the perfect gift for someone who has everything? Consider a meaningful gift from Gifts of Caring buy donating to a worthy charity in honor of your loved one. Each Sunday

you will have an opportunity to select from a wide array of ministry choices and, with a lovely

card provided through Gifts of Caring, be able to write a personal note of explanation and best wishes to that person. Each Sunday in the courtyard, a church member will be available to help you and answer any of your questions. (Online, click here to see the shopping list.)

Gifts ofCaring

Each year, many youth from Oak Hill take a break from their busy schedules to go to MidWinter Retreat, an event put on by the Southwest Texas Conference of the Methodist Church. It has become a huge part of our winter and has acted as a springboard to so much more. More involvement in youth, a deeper sense of mission outreach-es, has had the most impact in the lives of our students of anything we do. This year, we are again making plans to go to MidWinter. The cost is $110 per student. There are scholarships available at the Conference, District, and church level (please email or text me if you need a scholarship - we do not want cost to be a factor). This weekend will be full of worship, preaching, free time, great friendships, good food, and plenty of fun. I hope you will make plans for your student to join us! The dates are:- Middle School - Feb 1-3 @ Mt. Wesley- High School - Feb 15-18 @ Echo Valley (near Leakey)We will provide transportation. The easiest way to sign up is to register online at www.reachingyouth.org/midwinter.html After you register, please let Dave know so we can make arrange-ments for vehicles, at stewy@oakhillumc.org.

“A Word of Thanks” continued:

Corner

January 13 - 3:30 p.m. - FSH

“CREATED BY GOD” JAnuARY 10-13Created By God is our annual human sexuality seminar for fifth and sixth-graders and parents.

Once again we will be joined this year by our friends from Dripping Springs UMC. Created By God offers young people the opportu-nity to learn, grow, and celebrate the fact that we have each been wonderfully created by God and are called to responsible living as sexual beings. It is a United

Methodist curriculum and our team of parents, teachers, nurses, and clergy has taught together for a long time. More information and registration forms are available in the Children’s Building or by emailing Ms. Suzanne at suzanne@oakhil-lumc.org.

Congratulations to the following agents for being promoted to Special Agent 1st Class: Will Bridgeman, Aiden Giroux (not pictured), Haley Hallberg, Eleanor Hemenway , Abby Jackson, Clayton Laney (not pic-

tured), Julia Parker, Thomas Parker, Lauren Spencer, Katie Wiedeman, Madison Wright, Walker Wright (not pictured).

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!In just three short months, the Mission Possible Kids have already:• Written 40+ letters to Oak Hill FD• Collected over 200 lb. of trash at Dick Nichols Park• Collected 1000+ pairs for Soles4Souls for Uganda and beyond• Sent letters with our Mission Team in Sierra Leone, Africa• Cut 100+ Scarves for Bridging Hearts destined for Mexicoª Collected and delivered almost 400 lb. of food for Helping Hands Food Pantry in Dripping Springs• Sorted 120+ coats for Junior League Austin’s Coats for Kids• Made bookmarks for OHUMC’s Christmas Day party for under-privileged children in East Austin

What does God have in store next for the Mission Possible Kids at Oak Hill? Join us at our next meeting to find out!

Sunday, January 13th at 3:30, OHUMC Fellowship Hall

FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICEOur annual Family Christmas Eve Service will take place at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. This is the service affectionately known as “Bedlam in Bethlehem”, where all the children are invited to dress as a nativity character (person or animal) and join in the fun of the live nativity presentation! Costumes from home are encour-

aged, though we will have a limited number of costumes here - first come, first served! We also extend a special invitation to all families who have had a baby born in the last year to join us and come forward at the appropriate time in the service.  This service is followed by birthday cake for Jesus and is always a meaningful experience for all ages, so everyone is invited to join us.  If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Suzanne at suzanne@oakhillumc.org.

VOLunTEER RECOGnITIOn - Thank You!We have enjoyed our 1st half of the 2012-2013 school year in the Children’s Education Building. The new facilities allowed us the opportunity to expand! We have 108 children and 15 staff members. It has been a smooth start, especially due to volunteers to help make it a success! As recognition of our volunteers, we ask them to select their favorite children’s book to be dedicated in their honor. This book is then placed in our library for children to enjoy.

Phil Parker - Not only did he serve on the Building Committee, he also crafted our door numbers on each preschool class-room. These are wonderful to guide our children to their classrooms. His book selection is Go Dog Go! (a family favorite).

Craig Cannon - We have been

fortunate to have Craig visit the

preschool during our community workers unit to discuss safety. He graciously donated

materials for our children to receive on staying safe and making

good choices. His book selection

was: Police Officer on Patrol.

Rita Moose - As a grandparent of former preschoolers, Rita donated her previous classroom materials to us. Hundreds of wonderful goodies for us to enjoy!!! How lucky we are that Rita has now joined our staff! Her book selection was: You are a Gift to the World, the World is a Gift to You!

Oak Hill UMC Calendar of EventsFor the latest calendar info: www.oakhillumc.org/events.html

Looking AheAdJanuary 8 - Stephen Minister’s Potluck SupperJanuary 16 - Weds. AM Women’s Bible Study

January 28 - Disciple Bible Study 1 Begins

Babysitters are available for

these events. To secure a spot for your child, call Jennifer Barkis at 801-0269 at least 48 hours

in advance. You may also arrange for childcare for

other events, but please call at least two weeks

in advance.

Sunday, December 16 3rd Sunday of Advent 8:45 AM Blended worship service, Sanctuary 10:00 AM Pathways worship service, Sanctuary Sunday School, Adult Ed. Bldg., Children’s Bldg., FSH11:15 AM Traditional worship service, Sanctuary Sunday School, Adult Ed. Bldg., Children’s Bldg., FSH 4:00 PM Youth Choir, A103 5:00 PM Disciple 1 (2nd half), A206 UMYF, Fellowship Hall Monday, December 17 9:00 AM Kid’s Day Out, C108 10:00 AM Dorcas Quilters, A203 11:00 AM Preschool Chapel, Sanctuary 7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop #505 Meeting, Fellowship Hall Pack 505 Bear Den meeting, loft Handbell rehearsal, Sanctuary 8:00 PM Reunion Group-Disciples under Construction, A102 Tuesday, December 18 10:00 AM Praying Moms, off-site 11:00 AM Preschool Chapel, Sanctuary 4:30 PM Kids Acting, A103 5:45 PM Yoga Class, A201-202 7:00 PM “The Way of Blessedness”, A206 Wednesday, December 19 9:00 AM Kid’s Day Out, C108 10:00 AM UMW Morning Bible Study, A201 5:30 PM Emmaus Group, A-102 Fellowship Dinner, Fellowship Hall 6:15 PM RECHARGE worship service, Sanctuary Kingdom Cubs rehearsal, C107 Kingdom Kids rehearsal, CB Great Rm. 6:30 PM Trustees meeting, A104 6:30 PM Youth Bible Study, Youth Lounge 7:00 PM Chancel Choir rehearsal, A103 Advent Study, A203 8:00 PM Praise Band rehearsal, Sanctuary Thursday, December 20 8:50 AM Tai Chi, A201 9:00 AM Sunshine Class, Missions Building 9:45 AM La Leche League, A206 10:00 AM Hugs project, A203 Music Forever, A103 3:30 PM Kindermusik, A103 6:00 PM Yoga Class, A201-202 7:00 PM Lydia Circle, A102 Friday, December 21 1st Day of Winter 7:00 AM Emmaus Reunion Group, A102 10:00 AM CLS/Knitting Class, A102 10:30 AM Kindermusik, A103 Saturday, December 22 9:30 AM Reunion Group, A102

Sunday, December 23 4th Sunday of Advent 8:45 AM Blended worship service, Sanctuary 10:00 AM Pathways worship service, Sanctuary Sunday School, Adult Ed. Bldg., Children’s Bldg., FSH11:15 AM Traditional worship service, Sanctuary Sunday School, Adult Ed. Bldg., Children’s Bldg., FSH 4:00 PM Youth Choir, A103 5:00 PM Disciple 1 (2nd half), A206 UMYF, Fellowship Hall

Monday, December 24 Christmas Eve 5:00 PM Family Christmas Eve Service, Sanctuary 5:45 PM Birthday Cake for Jesus, Fellowship Hall 7:00 PM Traditional Christmas Service, Sanctuary 9:00 PM Pathways Christmas Service, Sanctuary 11:00 PM Traditional Communion Service, Sanctuary Tuesday, December 25 Christmas Day Office closed Wednesday, December 26 Office closed 5:30 PM Emmaus Group, A-102

Thursday, December 27 Office closed 8:50 AM Tai Chi, A201 9:00 AM Sunshine Class, Missions Building 10:00 AM Hugs project, A203 Music Forever, A103 Moms Club, A206 UMW Book Club, off campus/Panera Bread 3:30 PM Kindermusik, A103 6:00 PM Yoga Class, A201-202 7:00 PM Prayer Shawl Ministry, A102 Friday, December 28 Office closed 7:00 AM Emmaus Reunion Group, A102 10:00 AM CLS/Knitting Class, A102 10:30 AM Kindermusik, A103

Saturday, December 29 8:00 AM Men’s Breakfast, Fellowship Hall 9:30 AM Reunion Group, A102

pAJAMA DrivePlease join nine-year old Eleanor Hemenway’s pajama ministry and

support the Pajama Program with a donation of new pajamas for kids in 17 Austin-area shelters. The greatest need is for larger kids

sizes, even smaller adult sizes. Donations can be made to the bins in the Children’s Building or by calling 512-291-4884.

Oak Hill United Methodist Church7815 Highway 290 WestAustin, TX 78736www.oakhillumc.org

The Cornerstone Issue Submission Deadline January 06 December 28 January 20 January 11

The Cornerstone (USPS 012-959) is published by Oak Hill United Methodist Church at 7815 Hwy. 290 W., Austin, TX 78736. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Cornerstone, 7815 Hwy. 290 W., Austin, TX 78736. This newsletter issues semi-monthly. Subscription rate: $12/year. OHUMC office hours are 9 a.m. -5 p.m. M-Th and 9 a.m. to noon on Friday. Submit announcements and articles to cornerstone@oakhillumc.org. Ministers All members of Oak Hill UMCPastors Jim Roberts Pam Sheffield Stella BurkhalterChildren’s Ministries Asst. Jennifer BarkisFinancial Administrator Angie BraggDirector of Adult Ministries Sharon DouglassDirector of Communications Page GordonPathways Worship Leader Greg GrahamAssistant Choir Director Diana Hopkins Handbell Choir Director Cathy IngersollCustodian Billie MooreFacilities Administrator Charles MooreDirector of Music Ministries Suzanne PenceOrganist Hyojin SongDirector of Children’s Ministries Suzanne Steves Director of Youth Ministries Dave StewartOffice Manager Tracy StewartDirector, Kid’s Day Out Rita WilsonDirector of Pre-School Ministries Kristin Wright

One of the groups from Oak Hill UMC (below) cleaning up our adopted

section of Williamson Creek, Saturday,

December 8.Thanks to

everyone, big and small, for all your

hard work on Oak Hill’s 2nd

Go Day!

Arch Blanket Drive plannedBrrrr! The first strong cold front rolled into Austin on Monday, December 10, 2012. ARCH (Austin Resource Center for the Homeless) started handing out blankets to the homeless. They started with 1,000 blankets. They will be gone by January, so Oak Hill United Methodist Church will send a goal of 1,000 blankets to replenish their supply, so tart looking for deals on blankets NOW. Big Lots is a good place. Costco may be another. Then bring them in and leave them in the Sunday School Class rooms or in the area of the Fellowship Hall on Blanket Drive Day, Sunday, January 13th or earlier if you want. A collection bin will be set up in the entry way for the Fellowship hall.

ARCH

Margaret Covell (left) joined OHUMC on December 9th at the Pathways sevice. She

joined by profession of faith and was baptized during the service. Her home address is 7858

El Dorado Dr. 78737.

Leona Krueger joined OHUMC

on December 9th at the 11:15 a.m. service. She transferred from another UMC

church. Her home address is 7007

Chuck Wagon Tr. 78749.

WeLcoMe New Members!