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Walk the Via Dolorosa at VHUMC
 On Friday morning of Holy Week, Jesus stood in the presence of Pontius Pilot, the Roman Governor of Judea, and was sentenced to die. The cross beam that would be used in his execution was placed on his shoulders and he began the walk through the city, out of the gate, to Golgotha. The route he would follow is called the Via Dolorosa, and was about 700 yards long.
Join us in the Lighthouse for prayer and reflection, as you walk seven laps around the Lighthouse Track - approximately the same distance our Lord walked to Golgotha. You will be provided a booklet with scripture, reflection questions, and prayer to help guide you through each lap on this spiritual journey. The prayer walk will be available during regular Lighthouse hours. Key cards to access the track can be obtained from the 1st floor Lighthouse desk. Prayer booklets will be located on the track and at the front desk. For more information, contact Megan Drumm ([email protected] / 769-0139).
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To Help You Journey Through Lent
Come and explore the reflective spirit of the season by picking up a free  copy of "The Sanctuary for Lent 2018." Copies are located throughout the church. The season of Lent is a time to center your heart on the things that God would have us evaluate and change in our lives. Our Lenten devotional contains brief reading for each day of the season including a short scripture reading, a devotion, and a prayer. Beginning Ash Wednesday through Easter day, we hope you will explore the wilderness of Lent to prepare to experience fully the joy of the Resurrection.
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40 Days of Lent - A Personal Response
The season of Lent began yesterday on Ash Wednesday and is a 40-day (the six Sundays of Lent are not included) period of time for personal reflection and preparation for Easter. During these 40 days, what can you do each day that will transform your life towards a more Christ-centered life of purpose? What people do you need to contact? What things should you be doing to add (or subtract!) to the quality of your Christian walk?
We're providing a handy tool for you to use to capture those important steps in your faith journey. Pick up a copy at church or click the link for a downloadable file.
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Six Great Sunday Evenings of Lenten Preaching
Come as you are to Rutland-Memorial Chapel at 5:00pm each Sunday during the Season of Lent, as we are blessed with the preaching of six wonderful VHUMC (former and current) ministers!
February 18 - Kipp McClurg
February 25 - Ted Leach (with Friar, the service dog)
March 3 - Mickey Morgan
March 11 - Bill Bostick
March 18 - Sherry Harris
March 25 - Bill Brunson |
 Children's Sunday
It was remarkable to hear God's message about love and acceptance recently from our elementary children.
Thank you to all who joined us in our 8:30 or 11:00 traditional worship services. May we all be of the
same mind that was in Christ Jesus!
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Choral Iron Bowl Success
Thank you to everyone who attended or participated in the 3rd Annual Choral Iron Bowl on Tuesday, January 30. The event was a huge success with both University of Alabama and Auburn University Choirs participating, along with our friends from Unless U and the Mt. Brook High School Chamber Choir. The event raised over $3,000 for Unless U and our VHUMC Music Ministries. The winner of this year's Choral Iron Bowl was the Auburn Tigers and gives AU the 2-1 historical edge over the Crimson Tide. Look for information about the next Iron Bowl in the future and make your plans to attend.
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Conservatory of the Arts Keeps Growing
From the beginning, our Conservatory of the Arts has been a success. They started with 72 students taking music lessons in the fall of 2012. Currently, they have 280 students involved in these areas: Piano (145), Guitar (31), Kindermusik (30), Voice (21), Percussion (14), Art Class (13), Violin (9), Theatre (6), Flute (5), Trumpet (4), and Saxaphone (2)
Come take a class with them. All ages and nearly all instrument lessons are available. Click the link for more information.
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Aid to Inmate Mothers
Did you know there are dedicated volunteers that drive children and caregivers to the prison to visit their mothers who are incarcerated? VHUMC has worked with Aid to Inmate Mothers (AIM) for many years to help fulfill their mission of providing services to Alabama's incarcerated women with an emphasis on enhancing personal growth and strengthening the bonds between inmate mothers and their children.
Suzanne Holmes has been serving this ministry for over eight years! She is moving on to other things and we want to say thanks to Suzanne for the numerous Saturday hours she has given to this cause. Lisa Holloway has also faithfully given of her time and dedication to minister to these mom's. Lisa will be continuing in this effort.
AIM needs more volunteers and would welcome your help. If you If you would like to know more about AIM, please contact Rachael Hayes ([email protected]).
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Journeys of Paul Cruise Informational Meeting
Dr. Bill Brunson and Rev. Sherry Harris will be leading a group from VHUMC on the Journeys of Paul Cruise September 26 - October 7, 2018. We have a few spots still available. If you or a friend are interested, then you will need to attend the final informational meeting on Sunday, March 4, at 4:00 pm, in room 316. For more information please contact Jim Frazier (769-0126 / [email protected]).
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Hilltoppers Meeting
Our next meeting is next Tuesday, February 20, at 10:30 am, in the Fellowship Hall. The Gospel Jubilee Singers will be performing old time gospel music for us. For information or to make a lunch reservation ($6.00) call Harriette Woodring at 822-9318 or Margaret Flowers at 769-0112 or [email protected] no later than 11 am on Friday, February 16. Please note the price and, if possible, have correct change or an extra dollar bill.
Vestavia Hilltoppers is a VHUMC-sponsored organization for persons of retirement age, which meets each month for lunch and a program. They also sponsor trips and other activities that are publicized at meetings. Guests and new members are welcome.
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Unhitching from the Crazy Train
 You have a picture of how life should go. We all do. The dream job. Close friendships. Loving, grateful children. A perfect marriage. But more often than not, life doesn't go according to plan. So, we corral and control, determined to make our picture come true. Our emotional, spiritual, and even physical wellbeing are taken for a crazy ride as our very sanity becomes dependent on how closely reality matches our expectations. No wonder we're exhausted. We're hitched to the crazy train, and we want to get off. But how?
Counselor and teacher Julie Sparkman taught this seminar recently at VHUMC. The book, "Unhitching from the Crazy Train: Finding Rest in a World You Can't Control," has just been printed and is available in our church office for $16.
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David Cangelosi In Concert
Come and enjoy a free concert performed by one of the great voices of our time. David Cangelosi will be singing in th
e VHUMC Sanctuary at
4:00 pm, on Sunday, February 25. David has performed with opera companies and symphonies all over the world including the Metropolitan Opera (New York) and the
Boston Symphony.
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This Sunday our Gospel Jubilee Singers will gather in the Chapel at 4:00 pm, before Sunday Evening Worship, to sing some of the great songs of our faith. We hope to see you there!
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Passion Trip
The high school seniors and college ministry had a great time attending the Passion student conference in Atlanta, Georgia over Christmas break. They joined 55,000 other students to praise God and grow in their faith together. 
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Daddy Daughter Dance
Our Daddy Daughter Dance is coming up Sunday, February 25,
from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, in the Lighthouse gym. The cost is $25 per couple ($5 per additional daughter). This is an event for 4k through 5th grade girls and their fathers. If you have any questions contact Anne Strozier (
[email protected])
.
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 Upward Soccer Registration
Register your young athlete for Upward Soccer this Spring! The season begins with practices the week of February 26 and games begin Saturday, March 10. Games and practices will take place at Southminster Presbyterian Church. Children in grades K5-4th grade are invited to join in the fun! Registration is $115 and there is still space available. You can register at The Lighthouse or online by clicking the link. Contact Miles Erbe (769-0134 / [email protected]) with questions or for additional information.
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Awards for our Vestavia Dance
Performance Company
Our Dance Performance Company had a fun and successful weekend at Encore Dance Competition! We brought 13 dance pieces that all scored in the two highest categories possible. We competed with nine other studios from around the Southeast. Our Junior Lyrical, Junior Jazz, Elite Hip Hop, Elite Jazz, Senior Hip Hop and Senior Lyrical group also Placed Top Overall in their divisions.
Three of our groups - Minis, Senior Lyrical and Production- each received Highest Category, Highest Score and Top Overall Awards. Also, two of our dancers, Meredith Robison and Skylar Holladay, received scholarships for $1,000 toward Encore's Discovery Spotlight program. We are eagerly preparing for our next competition, which will take place at the Alabama Theatre on March 2-4!
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993 Coats Collected for Mae Mae's Hugs
The children's coat drive was a HUGE success, many thanks to you!
Because of your
generosity, children and adults across thEBirmingham and Dothan area, received warm coats this winter, thus fulfilling the mission statement of Mae Mae's Hugs: "True to the spirit of what Maegan Moore aspired to and worked to accomplish in her life, her heartfelt compassion for the less fortunate, and underprivileged children with inequities beyond their control..."
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Help the Hungry, Feed Your Soul
Every night, 66 million elementary-aged children in the
developing
world go to bed
hungry. Our community-wide meal packing event, Rise Against Hunger can make a tremendous difference. Each meal costs only 29 cents, and our Lenten offering will support our goal of packing 300,000 meals here at VHUMC April 15-17. There are three ways you can make a difference: with your money, your time, and your prayers. Please pray for the children who need our help so desperately, give as generously as you can, and sign up to volunteer during a shift (or several) at
vhumc.org
. Let's work together to end hunger in our lifetime.
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March Madness 2018
 VHUMC Men's Ministry will host our annual NCAA Guys Night Out
on
Friday, March 16, at 6:00 pm, in the Fellowship Hall. We will watch basketball on the big screens and enjoy all you can eat Pizza, hot wings, chips and salsa. The cost is $10. Please make your reservation by contacting Jim Frazier (769-0126 /
[email protected]
).
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February Memory Verse
 Our 1st - 5th graders learn a different Bible verse each month,and have the opportunity torecite the verse before or after Sunday School in the elementary office for a sweet treat! February's memory verse is: And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you.
~1 Thessalonians 3:12
At the end of the school year we will give a grand prize to one boy and one girl. We hope that these verses help to guide them throughout their lives.
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What's Happening in the Day School
 The Vestavia Day School is currently registering children for Part-Time Children's Day Out. For children ages 18 to 36 months (by September 1) the program is from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, MWF. For children ages 3-5 years old (by September 1) the program is from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm either MWF or Monday-Friday. Please call 769-0128 to find out more information.
Call in registration for our After School Program will begin on Tuesday, February 13 at 6 pm. Please call 769-0129 and leave the following information on the voicemail: Name, contact phone number, child's name and date of birth, grade and school they will be entering this coming August. Any open spots will be filled by the time stamp of the message.
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Whale of a Sale Volunteers Needed 
Vestavia Day School is one of the strongest outreach ministries of the church and they need our help. The Whale of a Sale, the school's only fundraiser, is coming up and in need of volunteers. This is a great opportunity for you, your friends, or your Sunday School group to serve our church and community. Please check your calendars and see if you have two hours free on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, February 21, 22, or 23. Sign up and enjoy sorting and organizing clothing and toys for the sale. And, all volunteers get an early shopping pass at 1:30 pm on Thursday, February 22, before the sale opens to the public! If you don't have time to spare, please consider donating a treat to the hospitality room! If you are interested in helping, email us at
[email protected]
or visit the link below and select a time and day that works for you!
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Everything You Ever Wanted to Know
About LENT and More
Why do we celebrate Lent? When did it start? Why do the dates change each year? To find out the answers to these and other questions, plan on attending a special class led by the VHUMC Clergy on Wednesday, March 7, at 6:00 pm, in room 208. For more information please contact Jim Frazier (769-0126 / [email protected]).
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SCIENTOLOGY: Fact or Science Fiction?
Join Dr. Bill Brunson and Dr. Kipp McClurg as they lead a fascinating four-week study on Scientology. With the success of the Leah Remini series on TV, there are a lot of questions that need to be answered. We will meet in room 206, at 6:00 pm, on March 14 & 21 and then again on April 4 & 11.
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Lenten Boomer Bible Study
The Boomer Bible study that meets on Thursday nights at 6:30 pm will be studying Adam Hamilton's "24 Hours that Changed the World" beginning February 15. We meet in room 203. For more information please contact Jim Frazier ([email protected] / 769-0126).
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Growing Pains: Renovating for Our Future
 Tyson Hall is officially a "construction zone" now that demolition is complete and we have our building permit. Half of the 1st floor below Tyson is also now a "hard hat only" area between 6 am and 4 pm as they are starting to install the new HVAC pipes. For your own safety, don't go there. The Youth area is still open and operational.
The Contemporary Service will continue worshiping in the Fellowship Hall or the Gym until Tyson Hall renovations are complete. The Sanctuary Services will also be moving to the Fellowship Hall or the Gym in May or June.
We will give you a "heads up" here for any upcoming programming moves. We do have a lot of construction workers on the premises now, so use caution as you move around the building.
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Ongoing Outreach
Food Pantry
Food pantry would love to have fresh items: apples, oranges, potatoes, carrots, etc. Our families appreciate those since we have no farmers market until spring.
As always, we need spaghetti sauce, peanut butter and jelly.
Oak Mountain Mission
Oak Mountain Mission needs volunteers! Retired? Looking for a one day a week commitment? Men are needed to help unload donations and bring out carts of groceries. Ladies are needed to help pack groceries and help families with clothing, linens, and toiletries. The hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30 am until 1:00 pm. Give them a visit and check it out. 685-5757.
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Wednesday Night Menu
- February 14 | Salad, Orecchiette w/ Bolognese Sauce OR Chicken Alfredo, Sautéed Veggies, Cobbler Kids: Pizza
- February 21 | Salad, Chicken Parmesan OR Country Fried Steak, Egg Noodles, Broccoli Amandine, Cherry Trifle Kids Nuggets, Mac & Cheese
- February 28 | Hamburger OR Hot Dogs, French Fries, Toppings, Kids Pizza
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Worship This Sunday
8:30 am Traditional Service
John 5:1-15
"Jesus Wants to Know:
Do You Want to Be Made Well?"
Rev. Dr. Bill Brunson
9:45 am Service of Word and Table
John 5:1-15
"Jesus Wants to Know:
Do You Want to Be Made Well?"
Rev. Butch Wlliams
11:00 am Traditional Service
John 5:1-15
"Jesus Wants to Know:
Do You Want to Be Made Well?"
Rev. Dr. Bill Brunson
11:00 am Contemporary Service
John 5:1-15
"Jesus Wants to Know:
Do You Want to Be Made Well?"
Rev. Dr. Kipp McClurg
5:00 pm Sunday Evening Worship
Revelation 22: 1, 2, 14, 18, 19
"Good in Season"
Rev. Dr. Kipp McClurg
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Our Time and Resources
Donations This Past Week:
Donations
Other Income
Auxiliary Ministries Net
Total Income |
$75,579
Actual
$2,089,632
$66,468
$199,988
$2,356,088
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+$6,681
Targeted
-$128,553
-$2,182
+$164,342
+$33,607
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(+) Better or (-) worse for the church than our target
* Includes COA, Summer Days, VDS, and Vestavia Dance
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Attendance for last Sunday:
800
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Care and Support
Congratulations, hospitalizations, and sympathies |
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Prayer Requests
Please be in prayer for the following persons:
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