Volume 38.24 December 2, 2016

“Bringing in the sheaves” for 2017 brings news both good and bad

Oak Hill United Methodist ChurchWhere everyone is a minister

7815 Highway 290 W. Austin, Texas 78736 512-288-3836 Pastors Jim Roberts, Pam Sheffield & Katy Fitzgold

Dec. 7 Speaker: Donna BrobergDec. 14 Speaker: Tim Abel

Sunday, December 118:45 & 11:15 Worship Services

Pastor Jim RobertsChildren’s Christmas Musical (8:45)

“Everlasting Father” Isaiah 9:6

10:00 “Pathways” ServicePastor Katy Fitzgold

Children’s Christmas Musical“Everlasting Father” John 14:15-20

Sunday, December 48:45 & 11:15 Worship Services

Pastor Jim Roberts“Mighty God”

Isaiah 9:6

10:00 “Pathways” ServicePastor Katy Fitzgold

“Mighty God”Mark 1:21-28

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

“The past, present, and future walked into a bar. It was tense.”

Aside from talking about the election around the Thanksgiving table, does anything make us more tense than talking about money? Ugh! I hate it. I’d rather do almost anything else.

Jesus, however was not timid. Aside from the Kingdom of God, Jesus spoke more about money than anything else. He knew that our use of and attitude toward money is a deeply spiritual mat-ter. He affirmed the need for workers to be paid, as well as the need for his followers to use money to feed the poor. He affirmed the paying of taxes and honest dealings in business. Jesus understood the power of money. Money had the power to be an impediment to the kingdom. Remember what he said about a camel and the eye of a needle? He also was clear that money was necessary for min-istry. It could expand the kingdom. People, main-ly women, supported Jesus and his disciples by opening their homes and their purses. Considerthe impact made by Mary Magdalene, Joanna,Susanna, and the others who freely gave to Jesus and his disciples.

The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. (Luke 8:2-3)

Stewardship Sunday is over, but we’re still in the process of “bringing in the sheaves.” Thus far we’ve had some encouraging news: 38 families have pledged for the first time to the tune of about $50,000. More good news: The average pledge amount has increased! In addition, we are expect-ing more than 100 pledges to come in from folks who pledged last year. Hopefully they will.

Here’s the bad news: If all of those pledges come in, we will still have a significant budget deficit. The staff has not been given raises, and there have not been large increases for our ministry teams. However, we are facing two realities: 1) We want to give our staff affordable health insurance. This is not only needed, but it’s the right and fair thing to do. 2) We must replace our current fire alarm — See “Pledges,” back page

Children’s News

Parents have a day out Dec. 10Parents’ Day Out will be offered Saturday,Dec. 10, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. This is a chancefor parents to have time to shop, spend sometime running errands, have a quiet day, etc.,and a chance for kids to come and play together with friends.

Activities will include free play, art projects, games, a holiday movie, and more. Pizza will be served for lunch (non-pizza eaters are invited to bring their own lunch). Infants-fifth graders can stay all or part of the day. Half-day sessions will be available either 9 a.m.–1 p.m. or 1–5 p.m. A half-day session is $25 per child or $40 for two or more in the same family. An all-day session is $40 per child or $65 for two or more in the same family.

Space is limited! Register with Pastor Suzanne by email: suzanne@oakhillumc.org.

Oak Hill UMC still acceptingapplications for youth directorThe deadline for submitting resumes hasbeen extended. Resumes should be sent tojobs@oakhillumc.org. More information about the fulltime position is available athttp://www.oakhillumc.org/now-hiring.

Youth News

Children’s Christmas musicalThe children’s choirs will present their Christmas musical, “The Incredible Adam Angel,” at the8:45 a.m. and 10 a.m. worship services Dec. 11. There will be a dress rehearsal and pizza lunch for all children in the musical Saturday, Dec. 10,from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Make plans now to attend ourChristmas potluck party!Bring your parents, your favorite dish to share, your ugliest sweater, and a white elephant gift! Christmas comes a week early as we celebrate with friends, food, and festivity. Don’t miss it — Sunday, Dec. 18, from 5–7 p.m.

• Our one Sunday School hour is at 10 a.m.• Sunday Night Youth is from 5–7 p.m.• Wednesday night dinner and Bible study happen from 5:30–7 p.m.

NEW:• Sunday, Dec. 4: Caroling at Legacy Oaks (Meet ..at church at the regular time (5–7 p.m.)• Finals party in the Youth Lounge on Wednesday, ..Dec. 14, from 5:30–8 p.m.

• Winter Break party at Altitude on Wednesday, .. Dec. 21, at 6 p.m. (We’ll meet you there!)• Pre-New Year’s Eve party at the Crows’ house ..on Dec. 30 from 5–8 p.m.

No Youth Activities on Christmas Dayor New Year’s Day

Check out our regular schedule — plus caroling and three parties!

Our Prayers

November 27Sunday School: 174

ReCharge: n/a8:45: 118

10:00: 8211:15: 220

Legacy Oaks/Affinity: 36Total in Worship: 456

November 20 General Fund: $28,474 Building Fund: $388 Deaf Ministries: $300 Endowment Fund: $100 Memorial Fund: $575 Seven Well: $150 Trustee Donation for Air Conditioning: $1,000

November 27 General Fund: $11,238 Building Fund: $245 Deaf Ministries: $150 Memorial Fund: $50

Our Gifts

Our PresenceNovember 20 Sunday School: 130 ReCharge: 36 8:45: 140

10:00: 6011:15: 155

Legacy Oaks/Affinity: 42Total in Worship: 433

Mike Eide and family (On the passing of Mike’s father)Charles Cutting and family (on the passing of Charlie’s father, Charles Cutting Sr.)Jim Halbrook and family (on the passing of Jim’s father, Jerry Halbrook)Chris & Ginny West (on the sudden passing of Ginny’s sister, Laurie Melton)Mary Beth GartnerEmily GloverJody HannaCaroline (Deborah Herbster’s mother)Will PannabeckerGeorge Shineldecker

OHUMW profits through Rada and That’s My Pan! salesOHUMW reports profits valued at almost $500 from recent fundraising activities with RadaCutlery and That’s My Pan!

Rada total profits were valued at $145.35. Thisreflects $80.50 in sales profit plus $64.85 indonated merchandise used for promotional sales.

Two That’s My Pan! sales in November nettedprofits of $55 for the first and $270 for the second, plus a $25 bonus given by the company for selling more than 50 items since we began our fund-raising experience with them. November grand total profit was $350.

Final 2016 orders will be submitted December 6!

Thank you to all who have supported OHUMW fund-raisers this year! Our missions are the true benefactors.

Meet our newest members! Gary and Sandra Mann joined the Oak Hill UMC congregation at the 11:15 a.m. service Sunday, Nov. 27. They joined by affirmation of faith. Welcome!

The sign-up calendar for our spring dinners is available in Fellowship Hall. If you have questions or you’d like to help with a team, but would rather not lead one, please contact Pastor Katy atkaty@oakhillumc.org.

Sign up now for spring dinners!

Harvey Cecil Bennett was baptized at the 11:15 a.m. service Sunday, Nov. 27. He is the son of Ashlee Anne and Robert Jackson Bennett.

Don’t miss hearing our special musical guest at the 8:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services Sunday, Dec. 4. Guitarist Mark Anthony Cruz, professor of guitar at Texas State University, will perform selections

during the services and will have CDs available for purchase afterward. They will make wonderful Christmas gifts!

Mr. Cruz is represented by many important national publishers in ad- dition to managing his own company, MAC Publications. He was the first prize winner of the Austin Classical Guitar Society-sponsored composition competition in 2006, ‘07, ’08, and ‘10.

He has received several commissions from large institutions, DMA stu- dents, and private artists. Mr. Cruz’s Triptych for solo guitar has been per-

formed internationally by guitar virtuoso Adam Holzman. Such notable artists as Presti Trio, TxGQ, and the Hanser/McClellan Duo have also performed his work in addition to numerous high schools and universities

across the country and abroad.

Mr. Cruz placed first in the 2013 Winfield International Fingerstyle Competition. He has been a featured artist at many important guitar festivals across Texas as a performer and lecturer. Five of his CDs have been featured on the internationally syndicated radio program Classical Guitar Alive. Two of his all-original CDs received positive reviews in the scholarly periodical, Soundboard.

On Nov. 21 Oak Hill UMC delivered 593 lbs. of food to the Central Texas Food Bank, the equivalent of 495 meals! Thank you to everyone who donated and supported us in our canned food drive, which was a part of our overall Stewardship Campaign.

Please join us for our Christmas dinner andfellowship on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 6:30 p.m. We will meet at the Olive Garden Italian restaurant located at 3040 S. Lamar Blvd.

This is our Christmas gathering and will include a “Brown Santa” unwrapped gift for teens. We will also have a “white elephant” gift exchange for all that choose to participate. This is always a fun event to start the Christmas season with good food, good friends, and a lot of Christian holiday spirit. Don’t be shy, and makethis possibly your first “Young at Heart” dinner meeting. You will be hooked to come to all thedinners in 2017. To RSVP or for more information, please email jmoody4515@aol.com with “Young at Heart” inthe subject, or call Jeannie Moody at 512-301-3305.

“Young at Heart” Christmasdinner is scheduled Dec. 15

Guitar virtuoso Mark Anthony Cruz to play at Dec. 4 services

Tai Chi classes will end for the year on Dec. 14,but new morning classes begin in January! Stay tuned for more information. The location willstay the same: Room 101.

New people can join anytime!

Tai Chi classes end Dec. 14 butwill resume in January 2017

Don’t forget to order a poinsettia! Order forms will be inside the Dec. 4 bulletins. Orders will be accepted through Dec. 8.

Orders for poinsettias will beaccepted through Dec. 8

Blood drive reservations arenow available onlineThe bus from The Blood Center of Central Texas will be at Oak Hill UMC from 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. Please note we have changed the hours to accommodate the bus staff scheduling and our needs. No more turn-aways after the 11:15 service!

Several members have been scheduled accord-ing to preferred times; if times aren’t convenient, please walk in at a time that works. If you haven’t been scheduled, please do so as soon as possible.

Visit https://www.wrbdonor.org/donor/sched-ules/drive_schedule/46301 to schedule your appointment.

Questions? Contact Anita Barton at (512) 299-7551 or anitabchef@yahoo.com.

Guitar virtuoso Mark Anthony Cruz to play at Dec. 4 services

CelebrateChristmasAT OAK HILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

For more information, visit www.oakhillumc.org

Blue ChristmasA space for worship when grief accompanies ChristmasTuesday, Dec. 20, 7 pm

Christmas Eve5 pm Family Celebration7 pm Traditional Worship*+9 pm Pathways Contemporary Worship*~11 pm Candlelight Worship*~ * Candlelight ~ Communion + Interpreted for the Deaf

Christmas Day10 am Combined Worship

New Year’s Day/Epiphany Sunday10 am Combined Worship

The Pathways lunch-bunch crowd will visit Mandola’s at Arbor Trails for another round of paninis and pasta. Don’t miss this chance to share food and fellowship with some of your friends who attend the Pathways service each week. Meeting time is 12:30 p.m. See you there!

Pathways to gather for lunchat Mandola’s Sunday, Dec. 11

Dec. 7 is deadline to donate to the “Coats for Kids” program!Keep a child warm this winter by donating a new or gently used coat to “Coats for Kids.” Every year this successful program finds homes for coats and jackets that are either new or no longer used.

The Oak Hill Rotary Club and Oak Hill UMCPreschool have collection bins in the coffee area outside Fellowship Hall and in the Children’s Building. For more information, contact George Kennebeck (gknn@earthlink.net) or Jennifer Barkis (preschool@oakhillumc.org).

For some people the holiday season can be a very difficult time of year. It is a time of sadness, lone-liness, and hopelessness; a time of self-evaluation and reflecting about the past; and a time of anxiety about the new year to come. Those who have lost loved ones, separated from loved ones, or dealing with health issues can find it to be a very blue time. With the current state of the economy and unemployment rates, many people are likely to be feeling the financial blues, too. Too much pressure from the season brings on stress and depression.

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.

Stephen Ministers can help when your days aren’t merry and bright

OHUMC Mission Possible Kids and GLOW Kids

and Retired Agent Eleanor Present:

The 5th Annual

Mission Possible Kids Holiday Movie “Night” and Sing-Along!

Benefitting the Austin Chapter of the

Join us at OHUMC in the Children’s Building

for popcorn and a show!

Sunday, December 11th from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Come in your pajamas and bring a new pair of pajamas, for boy or girl, any size.

Even smaller adult sizes will help a kid waiting in an Austin shelter.

Any MPK agent can earn a star for bringing pajamas or a friend!

Hope to see you there!

Questions? Contact Director Ms. Becca at beccahemenway@gmail.com or 512-291-4884

Stop by the Agape Christmas Market from9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, for special gifts that aren’t available in stores. You’ll findopportunities to purchase items that benefitsuch organizations as Habitat for Humanity, Heifer International, Interfaith HospitalityNetwork, and more!

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

Saturday, December 3 9:30 AM Reunion Group, A10210:00 AM Gingerbread House Worskhop 6:30 PM Trail of Lights Fun Run, Zilker Park Sunday, December 4 Blood Mobile here today Musical guest, Mark Cruz, plays at worship Youth Choir sings at 8:45 service Agape Christmas Market in Fellowship Hall 8:45 AM Blended Worship Service, Sanctuary 9:00 AM B.A.S.I.C. Sunday School Class, A201 Agape Christmas Market, Fellowship Hall 9:15 AM Legacy Oaks Worship, Legacy Oaks 10:00 AM Pathways Worship Service, Sanctuary Sunday School, Adult Ed. Bldg, Children’s Bldg, FSH11:15 AM Seven Sunday School Class, A102 Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary 4:00 PM Dinner Groups Christmas Party, TBD 5:00 PM Youth Christmas Caroling, FH 5:30 PM Advent Study, A201-202 Children’s Advent Study, Children’s Building Monday, December 5 6:00 PM Emmaus Reunion Group, A102 6:30 PM Bell Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary and Choir Room 7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 505 Meeting, Fellowship Hall Scout Committee Meerting, A201-202 Troop 505 Committee Meeting, A203 Tuesday, December 6 3:45 PM Kids Acting Studio, Choir Room 5:45 PM Yoga Class, A206 6:30 PM Stephen Ministry Meeting, A203, A102 7:30 PM Mom2Mom Evening Group, Off Site

Wednesday, December 7 8:45 AM Tai Chi Class, A101 10:00 AM UMW Wednesday Morning Group, A201-202 4:30 PM Emmaus Reunion Group, A102 5:30 PM Emmaus Group, A204 Dinner, Fellowship Hall 6:00 PM Kingdom Kids (2nd-5th) Choir Rehearsal, A206 Youth Bible Study, Youth Lounge 6:15 PM Music Rehearsal, Choir Room ReCharge Worship Service, Sanctuary 7:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room 8:00 PM Praise Band Rehearsal, Sanctuary

Thursday, December 8 6:00PM WorshipTeamMeeting,Jim’sOffice 7:00 PM UMW Chloe Circle, A102

Friday, December 9 7:00 AM Emmaus Reunion Group, A102 10:00 AM Knitting Class, A102 5:00 PM Classical Music for the World Concert, Sanctuary

Saturday, December 10 9:00 AM Sabbath Saturday, A206 Parents’ Day Out, Children’s Building 9:30 AM Reunion Group, A10210:00 AM Worship Committee Poinsettia Setup, Sanctuary11:00 AM Children’s Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

Sunday, December 11 Music Sunday! Children sing at 8:45 a.m. and 10 a.m. 8:45 AM Blended Worship (Kingdom Kids sing), Sanctuary 9:00 AM B.A.S.I.C. Sunday School Class, A201 9:15 AM Legacy Oaks Worship, Legacy Oaks10:00 AM Pathways Worship Service, Sanctuary Sunday School, Adult Ed. Bldg., Children’s Bldg., Fellowship Hall OakHill101,Jim’sOffice11:15 AM Seven Sunday School Class, A102 Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary Oak Hill 101, A201-202 12:00 PM Lunch at Mandola’s 5:00 PM Youth Turkey Bowl, Fellowship Hall 3:30 PM GLOW Kids, Children’s Building, C107 Mission Possible Kids Movie Night, Children’s Bldg. 5:00 PM Youth Fellowship and Worship 5:30 PM Advent Study, TBD Children’s Advent Study, Children’s Bldg. Monday, December 1211:30 AM Mary Martha Circle, Fellowship Hall 6:00 PM Emmaus Reunion Group, A102 6:30 PM Bell Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary, Choir Room 7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 505 Meeting, Fellowship Hall Tuesday, December 13 5:30 PM Kids Acting Studio, Choir Room 5:45 PM Yoga Class, A206 6:00 PM Girl Scout Troop 1580 Meeting, Children’s Building 7:00 PM Trustees Meeting, A104

Wednesday, December 14 8:45 AM Tai Chi Class, A101 10:00 AM UMW Wednesday Morning Group, A201-202 4:30 PM Emmaus Reunion Group, A102 5:30 PM Emmaus Group, A204 Dinner, Fellowship Hall 6:00 PM Youth Finals Party, Youth Lounge 6:15 PM Music Rehearsal, Choir Room ReCharge Worship Service, Sanctuary 7:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room 8:00 PM Praise Band Rehearsal, Sanctuary

Issue Submission Deadline December 16 December 9 January 6 January 2

Oak Hill United Methodist Church7815 Highway 290 WestAustin, TX 78736www.oakhillumc.orgThe 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.-noon Friday. Submit announcements and articles to cornerstone@oakhillumc.org.

Ministers All members of Oak Hill UMCPastors Jim Roberts

Pam SheffieldKaty Fitzgold

Financial Administrator Angie BraggFacilities Administrator Billy Keating Director of Communications Don KerrPathways Worship Leader Greg GrahamHandbell Choir Director & Accompanist Cathy IngersollDirector of Music Ministries Suzanne PenceAssociate Director of Music Ministries Kati CoxDirector of Children’s Ministries Suzanne StevesDirector of Preschool Ministries Jennifer BarkisOffice Manager Kathy Williamson

system. This is a costly but necessary safety issue.

So, what are we going to do? This year we were asked to increase our pledge $12 per week. Jan and I have done that. Will you consider doing the same? Have you turned in your pledge yet? If not, please do so right away. Call or email Angie Bragg, our Financial Administrator, and let her know what you can pledge. Email angie@oakhillumc.org.

Maybe you’ve never pledged. Please understand that if you make a pledge you can adjust it up or down later if your financial situation changes.

Please consider supporting your church home with a pledge. Let your church know that we can count on your support in 2017. Follow the lead of Mary, Joanna, Susanna, and the other faithful disciples who supported Jesus.

May God’s peace overcome the tension in your life this Advent season. All will be well if we make it so. — Pastor Jim

The first Christmas without a loved one. A seasonof unemployment and financial hardship. Thestruggle of living with a devastating illness. There are times in life when the joy and celebration of the Christmas season either forces us to paint on a fake smile while weeping inside or leads us to avoid church altogether.

The Blue Christmas service, (often referred to as the “Longest Night”), is an intentional space of wor-ship in the midst of everyone else’s joy where those grieving can come as they are, tears included. Join us at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20.

“Blue Christmas” worship serviceprovides comfort for the grieving

To the Oak Hill family,

Thank you for your kind words and deeds during Jerome’s illness and after his death. We areforever grateful for your prayers for him andfor our family.

Sincerely,

Glenda McCombs

— “Pledges,” from front page