Building a Sacred Community in Worship and Discovering the love of God
at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church
Our Community
Serving the Owings Mills, surrounding area, and online communities:
Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church is open to worshippers of all ages and backgrounds. We lead our congregation in worship, deepening the connection to God, understanding the teachings of Jesus Christ, and ultimately to a vibrant and lasting faith. We have a long, proud history of serving the people of Owings Mills, MD going back to 1837. Through the dedication of our leadership, staff members and volunteers, we are committed to the teachings of Jesus Christ, and are here to spread His message. Contact us today to find out more about becoming part of the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church community. We want you to experience our love and joy.
Meet the Pastor
Pastor Michael Reese Ritt is a licensed local pastor who answered his call to pastoral ministry at the age of 35. He has lived in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Florida and has been appointed by Bishop Latrelle Easterling to Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church as their pastor. Pastor Michael has a background in music ministry and studied Music Education at Frostburg State University and Business Management at the Community College of Baltimore County. He also works in the Alarm Industry and has done so since 2005.
Meet our Director of Music Ministries
Shannon K. Harmon is an accomplished pianist, she received her Master of Piano Performance and a minor in ethnomusicology from Indiana University, where she held a piano graduate teaching assistantship. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Bowling Green State University. Among her many accolades, Ms. Harmon won the Toledo Symphony Orchestra's Women's League Young Artist Competition, has performed concertos with the Toledo and Perrysburg Symphony Orchestras, and recorded on America's Finest Singing Machine, B.G.S.U. Men's Chorus Twentieth Anniversary recording. She currently teaches piano at the McDonogh School and at Music for the Young Child in the Baltimore area. She is also in demand as an adjudicator for regional festivals and the National Piano Playing Auditions. Ms. Harmon joined Pleasant Hill Church in October of 2015 as our Head Organist and Pianist and was promoted to our Director of Music Ministries in June of 2021.
Upcoming Events
Regular Weekly Schedule
Sunday Bible Study
Join us every Sunday at 8:15am in the downstairs Fellowship Hall of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church for Bible Studies. Our small group enjoys reading and learning about scripture with a time of beautiful discussion and even a few laughs. We welcome you to come and join us in this wonderful journey of faith.
Sunday Private Prayer
Join us every Sunday at 8:45am in the sanctuary for a moment of personal prayer and reflection. Take this time to connect with God through prayer, meditation, or by reading the Bible. It's a peaceful and intimate way to start your day with just you and God in the church pew.
Sunday Morning Worship
Join us every Sunday at 10am in the Church's Sanctuary for a time of worship, prayer, scripture, and diverse contemporary and traditional church music singing our praises to God. Our themed messages will inspire you to take them out and light up the world. Whether you come with your family or by yourself, you will be greeted with warm smiles and comfort. Come and experience the awe-inspiring presence of God.
Sunday Morning Choir Rehearsals
Looking to join a church choir? Look no further than Pleasant Hill UMC! Every Sunday after worship service, our Director of Music Shannon K. Harmon leads rehearsals for our choir. We sing a wide range of church choral music and have a lot of fun doing it. Come learn new music, make friends, and close out in prayer with us.
Pleasant Hill Ministries
Community Give Back
Pleasant Hill UMC is dedicated to helping those in need by collecting clothing, hygiene products, school supplies, books, detergents, and educational materials throughout the year. Twice a year, we distribute these items at the local Owings Mills High School's Resource and Job Fair. If you are in need of these items, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are always accepting donations and ready to provide assistance throughout the year.
Composition Book Drive
Great news! Pleasant Hill's annual composition book drive for Owings Mills Elementary School was a huge success this year. We collected over 990 composition books for the students. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this wonderful cause!
Free Flu Shot Clinic
Pleasant Hill UMC is proud to partner with the University of Maryland's St. Joseph's Hospital to provide free flu shots to the congregation and the community. Last year, we served over 40 people within the local community and we are excited to continue this service every year.
Thanksgiving Dinner Drive
Looking to give back to your community this Thanksgiving? Pleasant Hill UMC is collecting Thanksgiving Dinners for those in need in the local area. If you have any donations to offer, we would be happy to accept them in the month leading up to Thanksgiving. And if you and your family are in need of a Thanksgiving Dinner, please don't hesitate to reach out us and we will do our very best to assist you.
Angel Tree Christmas
Looking for a way to spread some holiday cheer? Join Pleasant Hill UMC in our annual tradition of adopting families during the Advent season. Help us collect gifts for children who might not otherwise receive presents this Christmas. Contact us to adopt an Angel and make a difference in a child's life.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Great news! Pleasant Hill UMC has a wonderful Prayer Shawl Ministry led by Ginnie Bailey. Whether you're an experienced knitter or a beginner, Ginnie can help you get involved. The ministry recently donated 15 prayer shawls to FutureCare Cherrywood in Reisterstown. Join the ministry and help make a difference in the lives of others!
