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Evangelism at Northwest Hills

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." John 3:16

Tami Anderson

Evangelism Chair
Tami Anderson

This is one of the most widely quoted verses from the Bible. It has been called the "Bible in a nutshell" because it is considered a summary of some of the most central doctrines of traditional Christianity. This verse reminds us of the love of God, which offers us hope in the midst of heartache, peace in the midst of turmoil, guidance in the midst of uncertainty, joy in the midst of loss, and gives meaning to our lives. It is this love and the hope it gives us that we want to share by reaching out to the community, welcoming visitors, and staying connected to our church members.

Visitors

If you are new to our church, welcome! We appreciate the opportunity to get know you. You are welcome to participate in all ministries, Sunday School classes or programs the church offers.

Please provide us with your contact information by signing the registration pad handed out during worship or contacting the church office at 345-1743.

If you have questions or need assistance, feel free to contact Rev. Bill Henderson, Rev. Madeline Henners or Tami Anderson.

Join us again soon for worship or one of our other church programs.

Shepherding

Shepherding

Beginning when someone joins the church, this team helps new members become connected, involved, and informed so they can become active members of our church and participants in ministries fitting their needs. We are in the process of revitalizing this ministry.

NorthWest Hills 101

Join Rev. Bill Henderson and other members of the church leadership team to learn more about our faith, the United Methodist Church and Northwest Hills. Keep watching the bulletin for additional information.

Guardian Angels

Guardian Angels

The Guardian Angel Team tracks those church members who have not been signing the registration pad. They follow-up with phone calls, notes, and pastoral calls. Whether you are traveling and unable to attend or ill, having a personal struggle, or time of crisis, we want you to know you are missed and want to support you with prayers or other needs. Contact Bill Cain at 345-4953 to be a part of this ministry.

Sarah's Story

Jacob, Brian, Sarah and Reba Miller

My family and I, new in town and knowing only one other family in the Austin area, knew that we needed to connect with a church and fast. Both born into a long lineage of Methodists, raised in the church, and having met through Methodist camping in the Pasadena, CA district, my husband and I looked carefully and thoughtfully for a new church. On a wing and a prayer we showed up to Northwest Hills UMC, unannounced and unknown to anyone.

Upon entering the sanctuary we were graciously greeted by members of this congregation. We were given a visitors packet that we pored over when we got home. We had never seen anything like it before. This church was so active, centered on Christ, and so eager to plug us in, yet not so set in their ways that they wouldn't also be open to growth. Hallelujah, an answered prayer. We were further enthralled by a great message from the Senior Pastor, a delightful young and energetic Associate Pastor, and music and talent like we had not experienced actually inside of a church before. You could have knocked us over with a feather. People greeted us and earnestly made attempts to learn our names. As we were leaving the kids really did beg us to go to Sunday school. What parent wouldn't oblige? We were greeted by a strong summer program and the delightful Miss Jean leading the pack. It was clear God was working here.

Since that day in July we have gratefully made the 30 minute drive from Leander to be a part of this amazing church. Through the Sunday school (kids' and adults'), extra activities like breakfasts and pageants, fellowship with our incredible pastors and fabulous new friends, we have found our family. On the day we joined the church and officially transferred our membership, a congregation member that typically sits in front of us and gives the children "5" on the way back from Communion (or "snack" as one of my kids calls it) mentioned that he had no idea we were new. He thought we had been there forever — indeed, now we feel the same way.

Sarah Miller

Greeters

Welcoming Visitors

After their first visit, we reach out to our visitors with a phone call and letter. After the second visit, a member of the Bread Delivery Team arranges a convenient time to drop off a small loaf of bread as a token of appreciation for worshiping with us. If you would like to be on the Bread Delivery Team, contact Lynne Cline at 345-8066.

Greeters

Our greeters are ready with a warm welcome for all who come to worship. Contact Bob Bowker at 401-0787 to be added to the Greeters Schedule.

Alpha Class

Alpha

The Alpha course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith during ten, thought-provoking weekly sessions. It's low key, friendly and fun. It consists of a series of topics that include dinner, music, group presentations, and small group discussions. Alpha courses take place twice a year. Keep watching the church bulletin or contact Tim Martin at 331-5010 for additional information.

Matt's Story

Matt Mitchell

Do you ever get that feeling that everything you're doing is serving yourself rather than God? Well, that was me. I had everything going for me: a great job, great friends, great family, great life. And I was pretty wrapped up in my own little world. Because of that, I really felt disconnected from God, a nagging feeling that I wasn't fulfilling the promises the Lord had in store for me. So I vowed to reconnect with my spirituality... but where do I start? Raised in the United Methodist Church, I decided to give NWHUMC a try.

The moment I walked through the doors I found welcoming smiles, hearty handshakes and a kind congregation that looked at me with peaceful understanding. Settling into a pew, I wondered what exactly I was hoping to find here. Of course, I didn't even have the questions yet, much less the answers, but I noticed in the church bulletin a quick mention of Thursday's Homeless Breakfast, and a contact number for Bonner Landrum. Figuring this would be a good place to start, I phoned Bonner and she agreed to meet me in the church parking lot early on Thursday morning and we'd ride downtown together. She had an easy way about her, and an energy that was inspiring. Perhaps she sensed I was looking for a greater purpose, and she couldn't wait to share her mission with me.

The Homeless Breakfast was a truly humbling and bewildering event from the very first morning, and just what I needed. Feeding the hungry is the simplest Christian act, but so reflective of God's love for every one of us. Talking, interacting, serving our "clients" on a weekly basis reminded me of Jesus breaking bread with all who came to him, no matter their social status, loving each and every one equally. We provide showers, toiletries, haircuts, social services and, most importantly, humble servitude to our fellow man. It was that humility that I was lacking; that, and an outlet to use it. We don't just give the homeless food, we give them back their humanity.

I've been going every week for two years now, and am constantly amazed at how the Lord continues to work in astounding ways in my life, challenging me to push beyond my comfort zone and take on more responsibility, not to hide behind the stainless steel kitchen appliances, but to get out and meet my fellow man who is in need. Shifting the emphasis from "me to He" has given me the most rewarding commitment I've ever made, full of inspiring people, challenging situations, and opportunities for growth and Grace. The Homeless Breakfast has changed my life, and so has NWHUMC.

Matt Mitchell