Children's Director
Jimi Lou O'Hara
Jimi is Elk City UMC’s Children’s Director. Since 2018, she has served the church in all areas of children’s religious education - ages 2 through 6th grade – including Sunday School, Children’s Moment during worship services, Wednesday night classes, Vacation Bible School and special events, like Back to School Bash, Fall Carnival, etc. She says the most important part of her job is teaching children about God; teaching them the stories and lessons so important to our faith. She believes in building positive relationships between children and the church, as well as their families. Jimi’s hope is to develop life-long disciples of Christ. She is a firm believer that God opens doors for us throughout our lives. She worked in education for 36 years as a teacher, principal and mentor for educators during summer training, and its those open doors preparing her for this one. “All of the talents God’s given me has led me here.” Jimi considers it a privilege and joy to share her faith with those at our church. She enjoys working in such a positive, appreciative and caring environment. She values integrity, passion, compassion and empathy. Family is very important to her. She has a large, close extended family but most of her free time is spent with her seven grandchildren at all of their activities. She also loves to travel and is a voracious reader. Jimi feels like every encounter is an opportunity for mission and looks for ways to share God with others every day. She also enjoys taking her Sunday school class to stock the Blessing Box by the church each week. When asked for a favorite Scripture her response is, “There are so many!” Although hard to choose, her stand-outs are 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Hebrews 12:1 and Philippians 4:6-7. Jimi always wants to reflect God’s love and teachings through her words and actions. She desires to be a joy to those around her and make a positive difference in someone’s life. “The children are the future of our church. My hope and prayer is that by what I do, I have made an investment in this future.”
