Northwest Hills uses $100,000 gift to
enhance music, art awareness

Northwest Hills UMC, Austin, has used part of a $100,000 gift to increase community awareness of music and arts events at the church.
The 1,149-member congregation received the gift in 2005.
Not only does the church have many of its own performing ensembles, it is home to Chorus Austin, the Austin Classical Guitar Society, Austin Civic Orchestra and the Texas Choral Consort.
In addition, Northwest Hills UMC houses the North Hills Gallery. Monthly exhibits showcase works by local artists.
Members of the church and community can meet artists as well as view and purchase their artwork during monthly receptions.
A hospitality group, known as Friends of the Arts, was formed in the fall. This 50-member church group attends concerts at Northwest Hills and is available to greet patrons, hand out programs and answer questions from concertgoers.
This group has become a tool for evangelism because concerts bring in hundreds of visitors each year.
Northwest Hills celebrates God through the gifts of music and art. Furthering music and arts at the church and in the community continues to be an ongoing process.
For information about music and arts at Northwest Hills or to request a music and arts brochure, contact Beth Watson, director of music ministries, or Corey Candler, assistant director of music, at (512) 345-1743, or visit www.nwhillsumc.org.