MINISTRIES
ANGEL KEEPERS
This exciting ministry is a two day a week
pre-school for our church and our community. It provides the children with Biblical
teaching as well as preparing them for kindergarten. We share the love of God with each
child helping them know of His love for them. We provide basic teaching of art, phonics,
math, physical education, Bible, music, nature, home-living, etc. On occasion home visits
are made. Bible studies with parents are offered. Angel keepers Ministry is an
inexpensive, but quality day-care which gives us an opportunity to connect these children
and their parents to Christ.
BENEVOLENCE MINISTRY
This ministry is at work to see that the needs
of those within our family at Eastern Hills are met and also attempts to meet the basic
needs of people living in Athens/Henderson County who, because of personal circumstances,
are unable to provide for themselves or their families. Special needs are focused on and
met during the holidays. A follow-up on all benevolent cases is provided whenever deemed
necessary. The benevolent building is stocked from several projects, is maintained and
records are kept. On occasion, needs of transients, all-ins and other emergencies are met.
Through these expressions of loving benevolence, we are able to connect these people to
Jesus Christ.
BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY
The purpose of this ministry is to send a card
or inspirational book to bereaved families. This includes members of our congregation as
well as families in the community. This ministry works with the local funeral homes in
securing names of those bereaved/ A goal of this ministry is to branch out to the whole
surrounding area, to connect those who are saddened to Christ.
CHRISTIAN COUNSELING MINISTRY
This ministry is offered as an encouragement
and assistance for those in the congregation who need information regarding specific
topics of needs. This ministry is strictly confidential. Those participating in the
ministry are reliable people who have a deep love for those who need help or are hurting.
They truly understand that a connection with the Lord is where the source of
strength comes from.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT MINISTRY
This ministry takes Jesus into the community
by meeting specific targeted needs of groups and individuals with our community. Those
area may include specific needs for the public school students, college students (a Bible
Chair), foreign students, single adults, Blacks, Hispanics, etc. This group is the first
to assist when there is a community disaster or special need. Jesus will be connected
to those in need through this ministry.
CHRISTIAN SERVICES OF EAST TEXAS – A Ministry of the Churches of Christ
There is an urgent need for Christian Families
of all ages throughout East Texas to be part of the CSET team for child care. There are
several levels of involvement from which you may select: Respite Care, Relief Care, Short
Term, Long Term. Ongoing training and support are given. There is a daily room and board
rate you will receive for each child, and all transportation, clothing and other costs are
provided because of the gifts to Christian Services by Christians of East Texas. You can
help connect children to Christ by referring families in need to CSET, praying for
the growth of this ministry, becoming a foster family, or supporting the ministry
financially.
EDUCATION MINISTRY
One of the main functions of the church is to
educate people about God and Christ and the will of God for our lives through His word,
the Bible. This ministry provides for the preparation and implementation of Bible
instruction through our Bible Classes on every level, from Cradle Roll to Adults. Other
areas of this ministry include maintaining the teacher’s workroom, Vacation Bible
School, Leadership Training for Christ (LTC), Timothy/Tabitha Training, Bible Hour and
Children’s Worship. Occasionally this ministry will promote attendance drives and
class visitation. There will be classes to recruit and train teachers and helpers. The
Education Ministry seeks to develop Christ-like attitudes, motivation to action and the "Connect
People to Christ".
FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY
The Family Ministry seeks to create a
community of faith where all members can be made whole and Holy. Family members are
encouraged to develop spiritual intimacy through warmth, affection, shared concern and
service to one another and community. Through the use of Family Connection groups,
classes, retreats, Parent-Teen treks.
FAMILY BOARD PICTURE MINISTRY
This ministry will see that photographs are
taken of each family and displayed on the hall picture board. They may also provide
photography for special church activities and display them as well as for promotional
activities of the congregation.
FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY
The Fellowship Ministry at Eastern Hills is to
serve as a catalyst for personal growth, involvement, and sharing of those common factors
we have as Christians. This ministry plans, hosts, and coordinates church-wide social
fellowships, activities for special groups within the congregation and assist new members
in becoming more familiar with the congregation.
FINANCE MINISTRY
This ministry is responsible for handling the
business affairs of Eastern Hills Church. These responsibilities include counting and
depositing all church monies, prepare annual budget, disburse accounts, maintain
appropriate records, prepare monthly statements and communicate to the congregation,
secure insurance for church property and personal liability insurance and coordinate
fund-raising activities. This ministry does not manage special accounts.
GROUNDS MINISTRY
This ministry is designed for the purpose of
caring for the physical grounds. Care of the yards, flowers, shrubs and trees is a loving
gift for all to enjoy. The parking lot is maintained as well as the church signs at the
entrance of the property. This ministry makes the very first impression on all those who
come by and visit. A good impression helps connect our visitors to Jesus.
HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE
The purpose of this ministry is to invite new
members, guest preachers or our visitors into homes or to a quarterly luncheon. This
committee will share love, food, and information with anyone who places membership or
visits our congregation often. The goal is to make sure everyone is welcome and has the
opportunity to become involved with the Lord’s work of connecting people to Christ.
INVOLVEMENT MINISTRY
This ministry is designed to provide an avenue
for every member of our church family to serve others and use the gifts God has given
them. Responsibilities include meeting with each new member to determine their interests
and talents, provide opportunity for new members to complete a Membership Information
Sheet and Ministry Form, maintain an updated Master Record to be used to identify workers
for specific jobs and to provide "Discovering Your Ministry" Class for
all new members.
LADIES IN ACTION NEWSLETTER
The purpose of the newsletter is to keep the
congregation informed about what’s happening in the Women’s Ministries. It also
provides inspirational reading, recipes, ministry reports, benevolence news, and other
interesting items. You may want to be a reporter, typist, or advertising person in this
ministry. This ministry keeps us all connected to each other and to Christ.
MARTHA MINISTRY
Taking care of the special areas in the church
is a rewarding ministry for those who have the gift of serving. This ministry does
laundry, cleans and organizes cabinets and the pantry, cleans the kitchen stove and
refrigerator. Martha was responsible for taking care of the physical needs of our Master.
Our targeted areas are the kitchen and baptismal areas.
MEALS OF KINDNESS
The purpose of the meals ministry is to
provide a meal for members of the congregation who have been hospitalized or have
experienced a death in the family. Love and food are shared with those who have need. It
someone wants to participate in this ministry, but can’t cook, they could provide
money or their services setting up a meal. Through being a servant, we connect people
to Christ.
MEN’S MINISTRY
Creating an environment in which to equip men
to minister to each other and their families, building relationships with one another in
God’s word for spiritual leadership. This will result in men taking the spiritual
leadership in their families and churches, to better our communities and cities, to
influence our states and our country to turn from the world and Connect people to God.
MENTORING MINISTRY
Younger people and new Christians in the
church need to be discipled and given guidance in their personal walk with Christ. The
purpose of this ministry is to pair up mature Christians with those in need of
discipleship and guidance. One might be an adopted grandparent or grandchild, an adopted
sibling, etc. Won’t you take someone under your wing to connect them to Christ?
MISSIONS MINISTRY
The goal of the Missions Ministry is for
Eastern Hills to be a "mission-conscious" church which is aggressively
fulfilling its responsibility to carry the Good News to all outside our immediate
neighborhood. This ministry coordinates the mission program, corresponds with
missionaries, promotes interest in missions within the congregation, coordinates support
for children’s homes and recommends possible additional mission involvement. This
ministry is a bold effort to "connect people to Christ."
MUSIC MINISTRY
The Music Ministry is designed to meet the
needs of the congregation by enhancing the spirit of celebration in our assemblies,
fellowships, and other occasions through the powerful medium of music. This ministry
ensures song leaders for all services, coordinates selection of songs in conjunction with
the theme of the service, coordinates special groups to sing for assemblies, assist
congregation in learning new songs, funerals, weddings, church fellowships and other
events. The Music Ministry encourages and "connects people to Christ"
through the message in songs.
NEW BABY MINISTRY
The purpose of this ministry is to welcome a
new life. They will deliver miniature Bibles and other gifts to mothers who have just
delivered a baby in the local hospital accompanied with a card or brochure with complete
information about Eastern Hills. This ministry wants to connect the family and new baby
to Jesus Christ and to show them love and a desire to help them in their new life.
NURSERY MINISTRY
The purpose of this ministry is to provide
caretakers to attend the nursery on Sunday mornings, Sunday nights and other special
services. It is responsible for keeping the linens and toys in the room cleaned and
ordering supplies as necessary. These caretakers love children and will provide the very
best care possible. It is for ages from birth through 18 months.
PIE MINISTRY
The purpose of this ministry is to provide a
home-baked pie, cake, cookies or candy to all first-time visitors at Eastern Hills. A
short friendly visit is made at time of delivery to let the visitor know we appreciate
them visiting and welcome them back. If you do not like to bake, perhaps you could help
deliver. Share your love while connecting others to Jesus.
NURSING HOME MINISTRY
Eastern Hills has a strong commitment to the
special needs of the aged in our community. Though all nursing homes within our community
fall under the hand of this ministry, a special bond has been established with the South
Place Nursing Center in Athens. On a volunteer basis, this ministry help with and
encourages our elderly loved ones on a regular basis and at special times of the year by
coordinating activities with the activities directors of each nursing home. The committee
takes gifts on Valentines Day, Birthdays and Christmas to all church members. Once a
month, birthday cakes are furnished to South Place Nursing Home to celebrate all the
birthdays that month. A tremendous difference can be made in the lives of these people
with just a little effort on our part and this is truly an opportunity to connect Jesus to
them through us.
PRAYER WARRIORS
A most important ministry of the church,
without a lot of time to become involved in ministries that require detail and planning,
we can always pray for the church family. This ministry is responsible for praying for the
preacher, staff, elders, sick, missionaries, and the entire congregation. It is also
responsible for praying for the general needs of the individuals in the family and for any
emergencies that arise. There is always an opportunity to connect someone to Christ through
prayer.
READING PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS MINISTRY
We have an opportunity through this ministry
to help children at the local elementary schools learn to read. As a volunteer, you would
only be required to give 30 minutes of your time once a week for this effort. There is the
HOSTS program at South Elementary, the SNAPP program at BelAir Elementary and a Bilingual
program available. What a community outreach this can be connecting people to Jesus through
this ministry.
SHOWERS OF BLESSING MINISTRY
This ministry is responsible to coordinate
wedding and baby showers for members of the congregation. In order to not leave anyone
out, please tell the leaders of this ministry when there is a need. The Showers of
Blessing Ministry seeks homes, hosts, and hostesses for this loving outreach by Connecting
the honorees to Christ through our gifts.
SINGLES MINISTRY
This ministry is an effort to reach, bond and
connect together, in Christ, single individuals who wish to share the common efforts of
growing in Christ and Christian fellowship.
SMALL GROUPS MINISTRY
Each group is comprised of people who have
like interests. They have been designed to provide Bible study and fellowship in a much
smaller setting. Each group meets weekly in the home of the members for a time of Bible
study, encouragement and accountability. Each group ministers to the "special"
needs of the group members, invites non-members to participate, continues in prayer
together and provides the spiritual needs of the group. All members of each group
encourage each other to Connect to Christ.
SPECIAL SEMINARS AND RETREATS
The purpose of this ministry is to arrange and
schedule seminars throughout the year as an outreach into the community and a retreat or
special ‘one-day’ retreat for community, Eastern Hills and area congregations.
Locations, speakers, theme, dates must all be coordinated and planned. Many subjects of
interest may be focused on. Please volunteer if you have an interest in Connecting People
to Christ through this ministry.
SUPPORT GROUPS MINISTRY
The support groups exist to provide a forum
for members to share their experience, strength and hope with each other (and others) in
experiencing the grace God offers. They extend the practice of fellowship and offer
solutions to a variety of life experiences. Support is extended for one another throughout
the week. Remembering the non-professional status, there is a quick reference to other
groups or professionals as required by specific situations. Each member is encouraged to
seek God’s help and by ministering to one another and is encouraged to Connect to
Christ.
T.L.C. MNIISTRY
The T.L.C. Ministry was established to provide
opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth among those of our congregation who are
55 and older. Special functions and activities are provided on a periodic basis. There are
Bible study groups, a visitation program, and a time to serve one another with
"special needs" remembering always to Connect others to Christ through
this ministry.
TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY
Supporting other ministries of the Eastern
Hills family, this ministry will maintain church vehicles and meet the transportation
needs of the family as we all serve others and share God’s Word in Connecting
others to Christ. This ministry will coordinate efforts to provide transportation to
church services and Vacation Bible school for those who are unable to drive, to doctor
visits, grocery shopping, etc. as well as group transportation for special events.
VOLUNTEER CHILD CARE MINISTRY
The purpose of this ministry is to share
baby-sitting with our fellow Christian parents. Who would you rather have watch your
children than a member of the family? By sharing this responsibility, we can feel more
comfortable about leaving our children. This ministry opens their homes to those who meet
this need.
VISITATION MINISTRY
In a congregation of our ever-growing size,
and where many of its members live outside the city limits of Athens and even in
surrounding communities, it becomes increasingly more important to maintain contact with
every member. The visitation program at Eastern Hills is designed to see that no one is
overlooked. A primary function of the visitation ministry is to help create a feeling of
belonging and fellowship through these personal contacts. The responsibility of the
coordinator is to organize visitation teams and provide them with names of our local
visitors and members who are absent from services. The persons in this ministry are good
motivators, have a love for the church and a deep desire to see it grow. Visits are made
to newcomers to our community, to those in the hospitals, and those shut-in or sick. All
members are visited for the purpose of encouragement, strengthening, involvement and
Connecting them closer to Christ.
WORSHIP MINISTRY
The Worship Ministry provides orderly and
appropriate support of worship activities in order to provide thought-provoking assemblies
so that each person can center his/her mind on Jesus and Him crucified. This ministry
selects prayer leaders for all assemblies, coordinates members to prepare communion trays
each week, selects men to serve at the Lord’s Table (Sunday morning and Sunday
night), to make announcements, serve as ushers/greeters, manage sound and lighting
controls and be responsible for baptismal readiness. This ministry is very vital to
Connect us all to Christ.
PRISON MINISTRY
God wants everybody to be saved and come to a
knowledge of the truth, even those in prison. God’s way with those who have rebelled
against His authority, is to subject them to bitter hardship. When the incarcerated humble
themselves and cry out for mercy, God extends His hand of mercy to rescue and deliver them
from destruction. (See Psalm 107:10-16; Romans 13:1-7). When lost and hurting people
behind bars cry out to God for mercy, who does God send? Is it not His people who hold in
their hearts and hands God'’ message of mercy and hope? In Texas alone 150,000
inmates and their families are suffering the consequences of not knowing the ways of God.
Our task is to help them connect to Christ and become fully devoted disciples of
Jesus. If you choose to be involved in this ministry, you will not be alone. A ministry
team will prepare and equip you so you can be an effective worker. You will join hands
with approximately 3500 volunteers and 87 churches of Christ in Texas who are working
together to serve the purpose of God to those in prison. What God can accomplish through
Jesus and His church:
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
We are asking God to provide workers who will commit 2-4 hours per month to teaching,
training, group facilitating and mentoring inmates and their families. Time volunteered
can be focused in a specific week or quarter, or certain days and evenings. The scheduling
of programming and classes vary depending on the needs of individual units.
INTERVIEWS
30 minute interviews are conducted with inmates and their families to discover where they
are. It is the first step in a process designed to help them reflect on what their life is
about and where they are going with it.
GROUP FACILITATORS/LEADERS
Key seminars are presented throughout the year. To help seminar participants to make the
most of their opportunity, we need volunteers who help with their assignments, group
discussion and filling out of the note books.
TEACHERS
Teachers will have the opportunity to teach small groups, one on one studies, and
correspondence courses.
BI-WEEKLY/MONTHLY MENTORS
Volunteers will help participants grow through small groups. Discussion and prayer will
focus on ways to apply and strengthen key commitments that have been made. Men will mentor
men. Women will mentor women.
YOUTH MINISTRY
The youth ministry at Eastern Hills focuses on
teenagers from the 6th through the 12th grade. The #1 goal of this
ministry is to get every one of our teenagers to Heaven. We strive to do this by
developing these young people into Biblical Christians. In the youth ministry, our teens
are involved in classes that teach Biblical facts and applications. They also participate
in a variety of activities that build group cohesion. This unity provides a peer group of
accountability that helps teenagers in their struggles, their evangelism, and in their
relationships at church, school, home, and work. Some of the activities provided are
devotionals, Bible studies, summer camps, youth rallies, retreats, trips, and many
recreational times together. These activities help us to reach our goal of becoming
Christians that are pleasing in God’s sight, and seeing Him one day in Heaven.