|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 3rd Annual Choral Iron Bowl
We are pleased to announce that The University Singers from the University of Alabama and the Auburn University Chamber Singers will once again face off in the great choral grid iron classic. You won't want to miss this! Last year's performance was fantastic and talked about well beyond the event. Come see who wins. The choirs will square off next Tuesday, January 30, at 6:30 pm, in the main sanctuary. Make sure to wear your team colors!
This year we also will be joined by the Mountain Brook High School Chamber Choir and the Unless U Choir. Money will be raised in support of Unless U and the VHUMC Music Ministry. The winning side will be whoever raises the most money for our cause.
For more information on this event, please visit www.vhumc.org. We look forward to seeing you here cheering on your side. Roll Tide and War Eagle!
|
Masquerade Missions Fundraiser
 We are excited to kick off our annual Student Ministries fundraiser on Friday, February 9! We will be off-site at Park Crest from 7-10 pm. There will be live music by Month of Sundays, hors d'oeuvres and desserts, and a live and silent auction. You will want to be there! Tickets are $50 per person and are available by clicking the link!
We need items to be donated for our silent and live auction! Examples are: retail donations (jewelry, gift certificates), service professionals (photography, spa, pet services), entertainment and recreation (zoo, McWane, Barbers Sports), vacation homes or packages, sports or music memorabilia, or art work.
Please spread the word so we can make this an impactful event for our Student Ministries missions fund! For more information or to help by serving on the committee, please contact Emily Boles ([email protected]).
|
Don't Forget Soup and Stories
Remember to join us for lunch with Dolores Hydock this Sunday, January 28, at 1:00 pm, in the Fellowship Hall.
|
Serve at VHUMC
In 2016, we clarified our purpose as "VHUMC exists so each person can experience a Christ-centered life of purpose." Yet individually our struggle remains how we identify our own unique purposes in life. We invite you to embark on this journey of service as a community of faith, learning and growing through our loving and prayer-filled service.
Visit the VHUMC Facebook page to hear from other members why they serve in various areas. Fill out the form found in your pews, in the church office or online. Please join us on this journey as we prayerfully seek our individual and collective purposes in our world. For more information, please contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell ([email protected] / 769-0136).
|
 Sunday Evening Worship
Alas, the flu bug has grounded Jim Frazier and Friends, as planned this week for Sunday Evening Worship! However, we have an awesome worship team and we've got a plan! So, come as you are at 5:00 pm in the Rutland-Memorial Chapel for a fun evening of music and fellowship led by Butch Williams (and he'll bring some Friends, too)! We'll sing the old Gospel hymns, led by Louisa Elmore and Marsha Alexander. Mark your calendars for February 4 as Butch Williams will preach on "Hangin' Out With Friends."
|
 Fat Tuesday Celebration
Everyone is invited as VHUMC hosts our fifth annual Fat Tuesday Celebration on Tuesday, February 13, starting at 6:00 pm, in the Fellowship Hall. We'll have pancakes, bacon, King Cakes, and some really hot jazz by the Vestavia Hills High School Jazz Band directed by Jerell Horton. There will not be a cook-off this year - just a lot of fun for your whole family! Tickets are $5 at the door ($20 family max). For questions or more information email Quint Harris ([email protected]).
|
 Ash Wednesday is February 14
Through the centuries, Christians have prepared for Easter with spiritual practices and a recommitment to the journey of faith. We call this forty-day season of preparation, Lent - a time of growing in our faith through repentance, fellowship, prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Some Christians mark the Lenten season by giving up a specific food or activity, and replacing it with something that draws them closer to God. Regardless of one's Lenten practices, the season of Lent is designed to help believers better understand God's redemptive act in Jesus Christ.
Ash Wednesday, February 14, is the official beginning of Lent. On this day of penitence, the ashes are placed in the sign of the cross on your forehead or your hand, reminding us that as Christians we die in Christ and will be saved by His amazing grace. We have three options to give you the opportunity to begin the Lenten season just as Christians have done for centuries and receive the sign of the cross.
- Drive-Through Imposition of the Ashes in the main church parking lot - Anytime between 6-8 am
- "Come and Go" Imposition of the Ashes in the Rutland-Memorial Chapel - Anytime between 7-8 am
- Ash Wednesday Worship Service in the Sanctuary - 6:00 pm
|
Summer Art Workshop
This is a wonderful way to explore art this summer for people of all ages. We will meet July 23-27 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm each day for painting, sketching, sculpting, canvas painting, and other art forms. It will be great fun with lots of artwork to take home at the end of the week. The cost is $110 for the week. Register online by clicking the link.
|
Summer Piano Camp
Our 2018 COA Piano Camp will be June 18-22 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm each day. It will be a fun week of learning with a chance to explore ensemble time with other students, computer theory fun, guest artists, and individual time each day with a teacher. This camp is for all ages and levels of study. Registration is $230 and is available by clicking the link.
|
 Mother and Son Dinner
Come be a part of our Mother and Son Dinner on Thursday, February 8, at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $15 per person. This is an event for 5k through 5th grade boys and their mothers. If you have any questions, contact Anne Strozier ([email protected]). The deadline to register is February 1.
|
 Boomer Bible Study
In the fall of 1960, America was introduced to the town of Mayberry and in many ways, we've never left. When reflecting on The Andy Griffith Show most people say that the show represented a time to which they would like to return. However, even a casual look back at the decade in which the series originated reveals a very turbulent time in the history of our country. We will be watching one episode per week and looking at how it relates to the Bible and what lessons we can learn. The class will meet every Thursday at 6:30 pm, in room 322, from January 24 through February 8. For more information please contact Jim Frazier ([email protected] / 769-0126). Join us as we find our way back to Mayberry! |
 Craving a Healthy Lifestyle Change
A new year is upon us and with the beginning of the new year comes the desire to correct unhealthy habits and refocus on a healthy lifestyle. Join the Health, Wellness, and Recreation Ministry for a 7-week bible study that will help lead you closer to God and your weight loss goals. Together we will learn about craving God vs. food in Lysa Terkeurst's "Made to Crave." The study will run each Wednesday from January 24 through the end of February. Please contact Megan Drumm ([email protected] / 769-0139) for more information.
|
Dragons, Beasts, and Lambs, Oh My
 The last book of the Bible is known for its frightening, other-worldly images that often scare people away from its study. "Dragons, Beasts, and Lambs, Oh My!! - What the Book of the Revelation Says About God" will avoid the "end-time" speculative approach, but thrive on the incredible truths in the Revelation: hope against all odds, the prevail of God's Kingdom, the meaning of history, the nature of evil, the fragrant role of prayer, numbers as symbols, and Old Testament images in a new setting. Many of the vibrant images of the book also have a deeper meaning which adds a richness to its study.
Join us for this four-week study, by Rev. Kipp McClurg, starting January 24, on Wednesday evenings, at 6:00 pm.
|
 Upward Soccer Registration
Upward Soccer is open! 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 $105 until February 13, and $115 after February 13 if space is available. You can register at The Lighthouse or online by clicking the link. Contact the Miles Erbe (769-0134 / [email protected]) with questions or for additional information.
|
What's Happening in the Day School
 Registration is coming up soon! Our currently enrolled families can begin registering for the 2018-19 school year on Thursday, January 25. Please print the enrollment paperwork from the website and return with your registration fee. We will not begin taking any new families from the full time wait list until all currently enrolled families have completed the process.
Call in registration for NEW CDO and part time preschool is Thursday, January 25 at 6:00 pm. Call 769-0129 and leave your child's name, age, contact information, and VHUMC church member status. We place students based on the time stamp of the message.
Call in registration for NEW ASP families is Tuesday, February 13 at 6:00 pm. Call 769-0129 and leave your child's name, grade, school attended, VHUMC church member status, and contact information. Again, we place students based on the time stamp of the message.
|
 Join the VHUMC Church Family
If you've been looking for the time to join the VHUMC church family, but haven't yet nailed down a date, contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell to arrange a time/date that works for you. You can either join in the service of your choice, which allows our congregation to greet and welcome you, OR in an informal joining service, held in the chapel every other month (February 11 is the next one). Contact Suzanne ([email protected] / 769-0136).
|
Car Ministry Continues to Change Lives
 VHUMC's Car ministry had another record year changing lives for many in need. 39 cars were placed and/or repaired to help applicants in 2017. The new year has kicked off with a great start with plans to place over five cars in January. This ministry could not be possible without the generous support of our members who not only donate needed cars, but also needed funds to help the ministry. In 2017, __ out of 16 cars were donated by our members. Thank you VHUMC for your continued support of this ministry.
To keep this great ministry going, we have a huge need for an office volunteer! There are a lot of moving parts to this ministry and a vital part is an office support volunteer. If you have a heart for missions, enjoy helping others, are detailed oriented, and like to see things that constantly amaze you, then please prayerfully consider joining our team and volunteering in the missions office on Thursdays for two to four hours each week. Please email Rachael Hayes if you are interested ([email protected]).
|
 Mission Trip to Tanzania
In the summer of 2018, VHUMC will partner with Trinity UMC to visit our missionary friends in Tanzania. Last summer we had the privilege of hearing Eric and Liz Soard speak about their efforts and the ways that God has called them to be missionaries in Africa. We will be offering a new mission trip to Tanzania in 2018 to see their work first hand and to work with them in the Geita district. If you are interested in hearing more about this trip, led by Paulette West, please mark your calendars and join us at VHUMC, on Sunday, January 21, at 4:00 pm, in the Small Dining Room, for an introductory meeting. |
 MLK Missions Workday
Thank you to the many volunteers who came out and worked during our MLK Missions workday. What a great turnout we had. A special thanks to Barbara Porter and her team, the Junior League of Birmingham, and many of our own VHUMC youth and families who took part on this day. With over 100 volunteers, we were able to pack 100 flood buckets, 50 layette kits, 120 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the warming station in Birmingham, and organize our worship candles. Not only were people working in our church, there was another team of volunteers working and helping make needed repairs at another church. Thank you, VHUMC, for being the hands and feet of Christ when the opportunity is there.
|
Hannah Prayer Team
Are you expecting a new baby in 2018? The Hannah Prayer Team is praying for eight moms and their new babies coming soon. If you are expecting a baby or would like to join the Hannah Prayer Team to pray for these moms and babies, please contact Ty Howell ([email protected] / 529-1262).
|
 January Memory Verse
Our 1st - 5th graders learn a different verse each month, and have the opportunity to recite the verse before or after Sunday School in the elementary office for a sweet treat! January's memory verse is: If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; everything has become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
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.
|
Consulting Help For Your Business
Bob Perry and Jim Woods have effectively started and managed successful ventures for several decades. They have a passion for helping persons who are thinking of starting a new business and are willing to help VHUMC members at no cost. If you are interested in starting a new business, purchasing a business or franchise, or just need insight and assistance with your current business, they would love to help you develop a plan to succeed and avoid pitfalls. Contact Bob Perry ([email protected] / 985-0727) to schedule a free appointment.
|
 A Women's Evening of Fun
Don't miss an evening of love, laughter, and inspiration with Rachel Macy Stafford on Friday, February 2, at 6:30 pm, at Trinity UMC Sanctuary. The New York Times best-selling author will share her message of overcoming distraction and perfection to embrace a more purposeful life. She is the author of Hands Free Mama, Hands Free Life, and Only Love Today. Read more about her at handsfreemama.com. Tickets are $25 and you can register online or in the church office. Proceeds from this event will benefit The Bell Center, Overflow Foundation, Firehouse Shelter, Community Furniture Bank, United Methodist Children's Home, and Family Promise.
|
Growing Pains: Renovating for Our Future
 This is a new Notes section where you can stay informed about our renovations, meeting room changes, worship services, and other items of interest.
Demolition began last week. Tyson Hall is sealed off, and the interior has been removed from ceiling tiles to the floor. Demolition will continue at least another week with construction staring soon after.
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.
Preliminary HVAC work is beginning on the basement floor of Tyson Hall. For the coming few months, all support groups, Conservatory of the Arts, and Sunday School classes in those areas will be moved to different rooms in the building. The Youth Hall will not be affected. Should there be any scheduling difficulties, please contact Melinda Burnette ([email protected]).
After the basement of the Tyson building is habitable, HVAC work will move next to the Sunday School classes on the second floor and eventually to the classes on the third floor. Look here each week for scheduling changes. |
Ongoing Outreach
Volunteers Needed
We have recently become involved with Stair. Stair of Birmingham tutors children from many public schools in the community. One of the schools that we have been involved with this year is Avondale Elementary. They currently meet at Avondale UMC. They need more tutors on Mondays, Wednesdays, or both days. The time commitment is from about 3:30-4:45. If you are interested in learning more about this program or would like additional information, please contact Allison Carney ([email protected] / 443-858-1343).
Habitat Starts Soon
On January 27 we will begin building a home for Schadell Lewis and her two young children in the Roebuck area. This is the 13th home to be built by the amazing partnership between VHUMC and the VHHS Habitat Club. If you would like to volunteer to work for all or part of a day on our house, either individually or as a group, please contact Cynthia McGough ([email protected] / 901-0956).
Food Pantry
The Food Pantry needs oranges, apples, carrots, etc. for our families since we have no farmers market until spring. Our families really enjoy receiving fresh items. We are also looking for a good suitcase with wheels for one of our families who take the groceries we give them on the bus to Bessemer. Their current suitcase is falling apart. Contact Barbara Porter if you can help (
[email protected] / 444-9793). Thanks.
Oak Mountain Mission
Oak Mountain Mission needs kitchen items and linens. No Christmas decorations, toys, or summer clothing please. Blankets and coats are needed, as well as hats and gloves. Clothing can also be taken to the new Salvation Army women's shelter in the old Lewis School downtown to be distributed to those in need.
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
