At Oakton UMC we put great emphasis on the on-going process of spiritual growth that leads us toward more effective Christian service.  Nurturing Ministries encompasses all those programs, using study and fellowship as a means to this goal, that enhance spiritual development and foster a greater dedication toward working for Christ.

 Our Nurturing Ministries include:

·    Adult and Family Ministries:  Oriented towards strengthening family in the church and in the surrounding community, this ministry organizes special events focused on family fellowship such as the Community Carnival, Incredible Kids Day, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Watermelon Feast, and the Children’s Bake-Off.    

·    Gateways: Following a brief children’s sermon during the 10:55am worship service, children ages 3-7 are encouraged to leave the adult sermon and attend these Christian education activities.

·    Oakton Christian Preschool: September through June, children ages 2-4 are offered a Christian-based preschool environment 2, 3 or 5 days a week.  During the summer months, children may attend Camp Sunshine.  Follow this link for more information.

·    Shepherd Program:  Designed to create a warm and welcoming environment, fourteen shepherds signal members and guests are important, valued, and cared for by welcome guests, watching over the welfare of their flock, providing a channel for internal communications, and coordinating Third Sunday Fellowship. 

·    Sunday School: Our comprehensive program meets Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:30am offering age-appropriate, Biblically based lessons for children (ages 3 through grade 5), youth (grades 6-12), and adults

·    Tables of 8:  Small groups of eight (couples or singles), formed by the church, that share in preparing and hosting an evening meal, four times over the course of one year.

·    The Lord’s Book Nook: The Church library is a valuable nurturing resource offering a wide variety of non-fiction and fiction books, videos, and DVDs on Christian themes for adults and children.  Located off the breeze way, the library is open during regular church hours and during church functions in the afternoon and evening. 

·    Third Sunday Fellowship:  Gather for fellowship and a light snack on the third Sunday of each month, in the large Fellowship Hall, immediately following the 10:55am service.

·    United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF):  A fellowship program for junior and senior high school students, the UMYF meets on Sunday afternoons during the school year.  For more information, follow this link to their web page.

·    United Methodist Men (UMM):  The United Methodist Men exist to build men spiritually, while involving them in discipleship in the local church and beyond.  Oakton's United Methodist Men meet at the church on the third Saturday of each month, at 8:00 am, for breakfast.  Follow this link for more information.

·    United Methodist Women (UMW):   A community of women with the purpose of knowing God and experiencing freedom, as whole persons, through Jesus Christ.  The UMW at Oakton Church consists of the Susannah Circle which meets at noon on the 2^nd Tuesday of each month usually in a member’s home, and the Women’s Fellowship which meets at the church on the 1^st Saturday of the month at 10:00 am.  

·    Young Adult Fellowship:  At Oakton UMC we define “young adult” as anyone over 21, but not yet ready for the Young at Heart.  Young Adults meet for a pot-luck dinner once a month at a member’s home.

·    Young at Heart:  For single or couple seniors who meet monthly for a pot-luck lunch, fellowship and a program or activities.

Oakton Church invites you to take part one or more of these Nurturing Ministries.  For additional information, contact the Church Office at 703-938-1234.