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 Contemporary Sermon SeriesC.S. Lewis' story of four siblings who stumble into an alternate, magical world is an imaginative book for children on one level, and a metaphor for the Kingdom of God at another. Join our Contemporary Service in Tyson Hall August 14 - September 11 for "Narnia: A Lion, a Witch, and a Whole other Kingdom." We will journey to this mythical world of Narnia, and to the profound beauty of a loving God in a very broken world.
- 8/14 - A Witch - Why is there evil In the world and where is God in all of it?
- 8/21 - A Lion - Understanding a God who is both terrifying and loving?
- 8/28 - A Whole Other Kingdom - What is the Kingdom of God and how do I get into it?
- 9/11 - A Hope - Resurrection gives hope to any situation.
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 Children's Promotion Sunday
Promotion Sunday is this weekend! You should have received a postcard from our Preschool or Elementary Ministry to let you know your child's class for the 2016-2017 school year. If you need assistance, contact Anne Strozier ([email protected]) for Preschool or Jamie Meeks ([email protected]) for Elementary. Hope to see you there! |
 VHUMC Blood Drive
Join us for a blood drive hosted by the American Red Cross this Sunday from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Interested donors can schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or by visiting redcrossblood.org and entering sponsor code: VHUMC. For more information about the blood drive and to learn how to make your donation experience go faster, contact Megan Drumm ([email protected]).
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Flag Football and Cheerleading Deadline
Upward Flag Football and Cheerleading registration is open! The cost is $105 if you register before August 14 (deadline), and $115 after that - if space is available. You can register at The Lighthouse or online at www.vhumc.org. Contact Seth Autry (769-0134 / [email protected]) for more info!
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 Back To School Bash
Don't miss out on a great evening of fun with our Back to School Bash next Wednesday, August 17! Our Wednesday night dinners resume that night, then we will all move to Tyson Hall for an evening of fun with ventriloquist, Mark Thompson, who has traveled the country with his fun and Christ-centered show. Bring your kids, your grandkids, and your neighbor's kids to kick off our new school year VHUMC style!
Mark Thompson has been delivering God's message of love for over 20 years with his incredible gifts of ventriloquism, song, and puppetry. With the help of his puppet friends, Red, Kirby and Crackers, and his unique approach to audience participation, he creates a vibrant show that is robust with music, laughter and most importantly the Gospel. His special ability to entertain encourages audiences of all ages to new heights of understanding God's love. |
 Join Us for Sunday Evening Worship
Come as you are and join us this Sunday at 5:00 pm in the Chapel as Mike Harper preaches "The Signs of the Times" from Luke 12:49-56. We'll sing great, familiar hymns and enjoy warm fellowship together. Butch Williams will be preaching on August 21.
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 Joining Service Next Sunday
Come join the VHUMC community as we strive together to live out our Christ-centered lives of purpose. This service will be held on Sunday, August 21, at 12:15 pm - immediately after the 11:00 services end. Come to the beautiful Chapel for a quick service, followed by a time of pizza and fellowship in the fellowship hall.
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Blessings for Our Teachers and Leaders
Where would we be without the great teachers in our lives? How would we function without someone to lead us in the ways of Christ? God is relying on us to teach those in our midst, to make sure that our Bible is our guidebook to discipleship. We are grateful for the many people God uses to teach us faithfulness.
This Sunday, August 14, in our 8:30 and 11:00 Worship services, we will offer a special blessing on the ministry of those who teach and lead all ages in our church family and also those who teach in our schools. We know this upcoming school year will be filled with many uncertainties, ups and downs, new class rolls, new classrooms, and new ways of being called into ministry inside and outside the walls of our church. If you are a teacher, we encourage you to come forward when called upon in worship to receive a blessing and sending forth with the power of the Holy Spirit. |
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Time of Prayer for our City Elections
 On Tuesday, August 23, Vestavia Hills will go to the polls to vote on our City Leadership for the upcoming years. We, as people of God, believe that all decisions should be covered in prayer. Therefore, on Monday, August 22, our Chapel will be open for anyone and everyone to come and pray from 6:00-7:00 pm. This is not about campaigning, politicking, wearing our t-shirts, or handing out pamphlets. This is about prayer - that God will guide us as we vote, and that God will strengthen us as a community. Please come and join us in this time of prayer. We are also encouraging churches across our city to gather in prayer.
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Praying for Our Students
Our Discovery weekend was a great experience for our youth. Now we have the opportunity to lift them in prayer as they move forward in their faith journeys. Join us in one of our great VHUMC traditions by taking home a picture (or two) of our students to lift them up in prayer over the year. We encourage you to take at least one that you do not know, because God has used that as a way to bring families together in our congregation. You are welcome to keep previous pictures and continue to add more or feel free to give the previous year pictures to those students informing them of your prayers for them. The pictures will be in the Narthex and Tyson Hall this Sunday. Please take time between services to stop by and prayerfully choose who the Lord would have you lift up in prayer. |
New Worship Opportunities
VHUMC continues to seek new ways to help people worship God. Last year we began Sacred Connections which has become a powerful time of worship for those who are affected by memory loss. Sacred Connections is on the 4th Thursday of each month, in Tyson Hall, at 10:30 am. Beginning September 8, we will add three other worship opportunities that will also meet on Thursday's at 10:30 am with the following location and schedule:
- 1st Thursday - Harvest Prayer Service in the Chapel - A time to lift up the needs of our community and our world. The world is the Lord's Harvest. We are to "call upon the Lord of the Harvest to provide workers." Prayer is one work of the people and the heart of discipleship. We trust in His provision for the needs of our community, our state, our country, and our world.
- 2nd Thursday - Special Blessings Service in the Chapel - A time for families who deal with Special Needs. We hope that our Special Blessing Service will be a way to lift up and celebrate the unique gifts of those who have special needs. We know that different does not mean "less than," but instead offers us unique ways that we can be in relationship with God for His glory to shine.
- 3rd Thursday - Vineyard Prayer Service in the Chapel - A time to connect to the True Vine, as we center on the needs of our church family and our church ministries, so that we will bear much fruit for the Kingdom. This service gives us the opportunity to fulfill our vows to uphold our church family in prayer, remembering all who need our love, support and prayers. We will also spend each month focusing on a ministry area of our church, including the staff, the laity and the ways we serve and help others live a Christ-centered life of purpose.
- 4th Thursday - Sacred Connections Service in Tyson Hall - A time of worship for those who are affected by alzheimer's, dementia, and other memory care challenges, as well as those with mobility issues that prevent Sunday worship.This has become a very special time for those who have memory loss issues and their caregivers to worship God together with an emphasis on familiar music and scripture.
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 What's Going On Here It's a question we receive occasionally as we make changes to the Church property. We wanted to explain some of our property improvements and how they are funded.
- We recently renovated the offices of our Youth Ministry Staff. All of the costs were covered from Designated Funds in the Youth Ministry Supplemental Fund. No budget funds were used.
- We just completed new flooring on the Elementary Floor. Most all of the cost was covered by insurance since the floor problem was caused by a pipe break. We plan to re-floor the Preschool Floor in December with the same materials paid for by Designated Funds from Parent Partners (Whale of a Sale), and the Day School.
- Because of your giving in June (which got us back on our income budget), we have authorized the completion of our three-year roofing plan. This was in the 2016 budget, but we were holding off on it since our income was behind. As we complete the roofs over the Preschool, we will have new or re-sealed roofs over most of our buildings.
- The 2016 budget also included new cabinets along the Kitchen wall of the Fellowship Hall, but we are waiting to see if our income will support this cost before we authorize the work.
It is exciting to be able to improve and maintain this facility which is used so well by so many people for God's glory. |
 Men's Basketball League
Sign up for our Men's Basketball League is now open! Pick up a packet or follow the link to a printable form to turn in to the Lighthouse. Deadline to sign up is August 15. For more information, contact Seth Autry at ([email protected] / 769-0134).
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 VHUMC Adult Softball League
Are you interested in playing adult softball this fall? Put together a VHUMC team through our Health, Wellness, and Recreation ministry. Men's and CO-ED Leagues are available. Registration is $400/team which includes league fees and team jerseys. The ten-week season starts the week of August 29 and includes eight games plus tournament games. VHUMC members and non-members are welcome to join. Get a team together and sign up by August 18. Contact Seth Autry ([email protected]) for more details. |
New Young Professionals Class Kick Off
 Come join us for the New Young Professionals' Sunday School Class fall kickoff! Coffee and refreshments will be served as you meet the teachers and discuss fall curriculum with an already growing member base. We meet in the Small Dining Room (201 - across from Tyson Hall) at 9:45 am. For questions, please contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell ([email protected] / 769-0136). |
 Little Lambs Bible Class Registration
Little Lambs Bible class is for children that are three years old (by Sept. 1) through age 5K. Our 2016-17 classes begin August 31 and meet every Wednesday evening from 6:00-7:00 pm. To register your child please email Anne Strozier ([email protected]). |
Helping in Our Community
Helping Hands in the Hills is Vestavia's city-wide event that brings us together to work on individual and community needs. This is a prime opportunity to BE Christ's hands and feet in our community. On Saturday, September 10 we will be assisting our residents (senior citizens, disabled, etc.) who need a helping hand with minor projects or yard work around their home. We will work together for three hours, then enjoy a community lunch. For more information or to lead a team, contact Rachael Hayes ([email protected]) or Suzanne Scott-Trammell ([email protected]). This day of service has been a favorite for those who have participated in the past. Come join the fun! |
 Every Girl Fitness
Join the women of VHUMC and Vestavia Hills for fitness, fun, and fellowship! Our Health, Wellness, and Recreation ministry is excited to bring Every Girl Fitness to VHUMC. Every Girl Fitness is a mobile group exercise program for women of varying exercise levels and abilities. Women ages 13 and older are welcome to join the weekly workouts. Classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning August 29. Class times are 9:15-10:15 am and 6:00-7:00 pm. Classes will be held in room 245 in the Lighthouse. The cost is $60 for two classes/week during the 4-week session. Free "preview" classes will be held on 8/22 at 6:00 pm and 8/24 at 9:15 am. Childcare is available upon request. Register by using the link below and be sure to select the VHUMC class offerings. For questions, childcare reservations, or additional details, contact Megan Drumm ([email protected]). We look forward to seeing you there!
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Group Personal Training Sessions with Ali
 Have you ever wanted a personal trainer but couldn't afford one? Now you can have the benefits of a trainer, pay less per session, and be motivated by your group to train hard! Ali Sanders, who has a degree in Exercise Science from Auburn University and is an ACE certified Personal Trainer with over 15 years of experience, is offering group personal training sessions in the Lighthouse gym. Six 45-minute sessions will be offered each week beginning Monday, August 22. Sessions are offered on the following days and times: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5:15 am and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 1:00 pm. Sign up for 2 sessions/week for $110 or 3 sessions/week for $150. Each session runs for four weeks. Ali will offer one free preview class to each interested participant on 8/22, 8/23, and 8/24. Space is limited to 10 people/session. Contact Megan Drumm ([email protected]) to sign up. |
 3rd Grade Bible Sunday
It is the tradition at Vestavia Hills United Methodist to give a Bible to all our third graders each year. This year Bibles will be presented to the children on August 28 at the 11:00 Traditional worship service. We hope you will make plans to attend. We are excited to celebrate this important occasion as a church family! |
A New Elementary Bible Study Experience
 Wednesdays this school year will include a supercharged night of fun for Elementary Bible studies beginning August 31, in Tyson Hall, from 6-7 pm. Our Elementary Bible Study will take on a new look when we start a new year as Bible Pathfinders. Our path will take us into great music, Bible memory work, large group time, small group time, and much more! Our focus for the first semester is "How to be a Superhero!" Each week, you will meet a new superhero to help you grow closer to the purpose-driven life to which God is calling us.
Want to be a part of this exciting ministry? Questions? Email Ruth Grissom ([email protected]) or Jamie Meeks ([email protected]). We look forward to getting started on our path to God's Word in our life!
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 COA Fall Registration is Open
Have you been putting off taking music lessons for yourself or your child? Now is the time to register for the Fall session of the Conservatory of the Arts. Is your child taking band this Fall? Interested in learning to play the Piano? We offer private lessons in Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Violin, Viola, Cello, Percussion, Piano, Guitar and Ukulele. Private Voice lessons are also available for adults and students. Lessons are available for homeschooled students during the day as well as afternoons and evenings. Register online today!
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 Memorials and Honorariums
Click on the link below or visit www.vhumc.org to see the memorials and honorariums given last month. Thanks to everyone who has given to help the church in recognition of a loved one.
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Dream Builders for Our Children
"Times and conditions change so rapidly that we must keep our aim constantly focused on the future" - Walt Disney
We are reorganizing the structure of our Children's Ministry to make it the best it can be! One of our goals is to increase the input from our congregation. As part of this focus, we are forming a Children's Council Team with people who have a passion for children's ministry and want to help our children become more deeply committed Christians. In addition to reorganizing, we want to help parents in their role as spiritual leaders. We will be facilitating parent focus groups in order to develop programming that is relevant and helpful in raising children today. If you are interested in participating in this team or in learning more about this new organization, please contact Ruth Grissom ([email protected]), Jamie Meeks ([email protected]), or Martha Wingate ([email protected]). |
 Mother Daughter Event
Kick off the new school year with moms and daughters throughout Birmingham! Guest speaker, Kari Kampakis and 1GN (a Christian girls "pop" band) will be performing on August 20, at 7:00 pm, at the Lyric Theater. There are a limited amount of VIP tickets (which include reserved front section seating in the VHUMC section and a meet and greet with the band) for $45 that you can purchase by contacting Emily Boles ([email protected] / 769-0130) or you can purchase them online at www.LyricBham.com. Keep in mind that these are assigned seats so if you are going with a group you will want to purchase them all together. |
Come to Lunch and Help Camp Sumatanga
 Since 1950 Camp Sumatanga has been a special place of lasting memories and spiritual growth for Alabama United Methodists. On Sunday, August 28, the Vestavia United Appeal Fund will hold a special luncheon at 12:00 noon, in our Fellowship Hall, to benefit the Camp. Donations received at the luncheon will be divided between Camp Sumatanga (90%) and our Church (10%). You will get a chance to hear from Daphne Orr and Dennis Flowers about recent camp experiences and goals for the future. The Vestavia United Appeal Fund is a fund-raising organization benefitting Camp Sumatanga and VHUMC and providing the added benefit of exemption from Alabama sales, use, and utility taxes. Please contact Margaret Flowers to make reservations for your family ([email protected] / 769-0112). Tickets are $9 per adult and $7 per child with a family maximum of $39. |
 VHUMC Farmer's Market
The VHUMC Farmer's Market is open every Wednesday through September 14, from 7:00 to 11:00 am, in the large parking lot. Mark your calendars and come purchase the seasonal vegetables, fruits, breads, baked goods, cheeses, and meats from local producers.
Our team is also looking for volunteers to help make this ministry possible. If you would like to help in any way, please contact John Sechrist ( [email protected]).
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Outreach Corner
 Bingo Night Coming to VHUMC
We are still collecting fun Bingo trinket prizes to help restock the Children's Harbor bingo prize closet. Please remember to bring your prizes for all ages and drop in any of the wagons around the church. We will be accepting prizes through our Family Bingo Night on August 24 at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall right after Wednesday night dinner. Make your reservations now for a fun evening for the entire family. Reservations can be made by contacting Rachael Hayes ( [email protected] / 769-0143).
Tutoring at Urban Ministry This Fall
If you are interested in tutoring a second grader at Urban Ministry once a week, we would love to have you join the VHUMC tutoring team. Tutors come on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons for a one-hour session from 3:30-4:30 pm. If we have enough tutors for Thursday, we would like to have a session then as well. Each tutor will work with the same student each week when possible and materials are provided. Tutors generally carpool, meeting at VHUMC or Shades Mountain Baptist Church. The time commitment is approximately two hours including travel time and tutoring time. If you have to miss the occasional session for travel or family commitments, we can work around that. The first week of tutoring will be the week of September 12. If you are interested, please contact Joan Rein ( [email protected]) or Sally Penfield ( [email protected]).
Volunteers Needed for Family Promise
We are in need of substitute volunteers to fill in when emergencies happen with our Family Promise volunteers. Would you be willing to be "on call" or be a "sub" for the 3-4 weeks we host Family Promise throughout the year? Sometimes things come up with our regular volunteers and we need an extra person to help fill in. Please let us know if this is something you would be willing to do. This ministry has a long history with VHUMC and we would like it to continue, but we can't do that without volunteers. If you are interested to be added to the list, please contact Lisa Holloway ( [email protected]).
Food Pantry
The Food Pantry needs pancake mix, syrup, and jelly. Thanks again to Sprouts, our Farmers Market, and the Exodus class for all of the fresh fruits and vegetables! We will have our next large delivery from the Food Bank on Monday the 15th, if anyone would like to help us unload at 1:00.
Oak Mountain Mission
Oak Mountain Mission
needs kitchen tables and chairs. Call 685-5757 for pick-up.
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