Volume 46
Issue 34
August 26, 2016
              
Help Needed for Louisiana and Mississippi
Your response to the flooding in Louisiana and Mississippi has been amazing! $6,510 has been given through VHUMC to UMCOR and many of you have brought in supplies or volunteered your time to help. Thank you!

Currently all UMCOR warehouses throughout the country (including the United Methodist Disaster Response Warehouse in Decatur) are running low on cleaning buckets because all available kits have been shipped to Louisiana. Our help is needed to replenish these much-needed supplies! Please visit the link to find out how you can help and see the list of cleaning bucket items. All items or completed buckets can be delivered to the Missions office.

3rd Grade Bible Sunday
It is the tradition at Vestavia Hills United Methodist to give a Bible to all our third graders each year. Bibles will be presented to the children this Sunday 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!
Join Us for Sunday Evening Worship
Come as you are and join us at 5:00 pm in the Chapel for joyful singing of old, familiar hymns, warm fellowship, and Tyler Hopkins preaching "You Done Messed Up!" from Jeremiah 2:4-13. Come join us on September 4 when Butch Williams will preach.
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. This 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 (mflowers@vhumc.org / 769-0112). Tickets are $9 per adult and $7 per child with a family maximum of $39.
Adult Education Opportunities
Our church exists to provide a community where everyone can experience a Christ-centered life of purpose. We want to encourage every member, along with many friends and guests, to share in opportunities for biblical study and spiritual growth here at Vestavia Hills. These studies serve as a resource for connecting the church's members and guests with small group opportunities within the church. Click on the link to find your next group or class!

Wednesday Night Late Dinner Option
Can't get here at 5:00 for our Wednesday night dinners? No Problem! Let Margaret Flowers know you need a late pick-up when making your reservation and we'll have your meal boxed and ready for you to pick up when you arrive. You can eat in the Fellowship Hall or take it with you to a class. We will have "to-go" boxes for your kids if they want to go to children's or youth activities. You are an integral part of our community and we want you to join us on Wednesday nights!
Contemporary Sermon Series

C.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.

  • 8/28  -  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.
GIFT Sunday School Class
You are invited to join the GIFT (Growing In Faith Together) Sunday School class this Sunday when Pastor Bill Brunson will be our teacher. The GIFT class began this past November and is geared toward adults with children preschool age and older. Guests and visitors are always welcome. We meet in room 250 on the second floor of the Lighthouse. Please contact Dawn Fizer (fizerfamily@gmail.com) or Margo Price (a.margo.price@gmail.com) for more information.
Youth Parent Meeting
Unable to make the youth parent meeting this past Sunday? No problem! We have another chance this Sunday at 4:00 pm in the Youth Assembly Hall for you to meet our youth staff and hear about all our upcoming events. We have many volunteer opportunities on the youth floor for you to learn about as well. See you there! 
New Worship Opportunities

VHUMC continues to seek new ways to help people worship God. Last year we began Sacred Connections. Beginning September 8, we will add three other worship opportunities that will also meet on Thursday's at 10:30 am:

  • 1st Thursday - Harvest Prayer Service in the Chapel - A time to lift up the needs of our community and our world.
  • 2nd Thursday - Special Blessings Service in the Chapel - A time for families who deal with Special Needs.
  • 3rd Thursday - Vineyard Prayer Service in the Chapel - A time to center on the needs of our church family and our church ministries.
  • 4th Thursday - Sacred Connections Service in Tyson Hall - A time of worship for those who are affected by memory loss.
Welcome New Members to VHUMC
Let's join together to extend a warm welcome to 16 new members of our VHUMC community:
  • Leigh Walker (Young Professionals Class)
  • Meredith Dewees (Contemporary Service)
  • Cheryl & Trey Gulledge (Agape Class)
  • Matt & Sadie Wall (9:45 Service)
  • Josh Williams (Young Professionals Class)
  • Torie Efird (Young Professionals Class)
  • Ellen Roberts (Contemporary Service)
  • Ann & Jason Nelson (Contemporary Service)
  • Philip & Lane deKozan (Young Professionals Class)
  • Heather & Mark Anderson (Contemporary Service)
  • Cursey Sitzler (11:00 Traditional Service)
You can find photos on the wall outside the church office.
Joint Sunday School Class
Join us in Tyson Hall on Sunday, September 4, (Labor Day weekend), as Suzanne Scott-Trammell leads us in a lesson entitled "Yes You Can! Living out Philippians 4:13". We will review ways God is always faithful and willing to empower us to live a life of significance using the gifts with which we've been entrusted.
Opportunities to Serve in Contemporary Service
If you attend the 11:00 Contemporary Worship Service and can assist on a ministry team, please contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell (sstrammell@vhumc.org / 769-0136). She can discuss various commitments required on the teams: ushers, refreshments, sound/technology, and/or praise band. Worship is at its best in community - we are stronger with input, insights, and relationships among each of us.
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 (astrozier@vhumc.org).
Children's Music & Arts
Calling all children! Our Children's Music and Arts program will kick-off Wednesday, August 31 immediately after school. Registration is now open and all children K-5th grade are welcome to join us. We can provide transportation from schools if needed. Register by clicking the link below. Contact Karen Krekelberg (kkrekelberg@vhumc.org) if you have any questions.

Exercise Classes for Those 50+
VHUMC Boomers & Beyond have two stretching classes that are geared to those over 50. Fuel 1 is led by Barbara Lee on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 8:15 am. This class uses chairs and no floor work. Fuel 2 is led by Jim Frazier on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:00 am. This class is for the more active and includes floor work. There is no charge for either class. For more information please contact Jim Frazier (jfrazier@vhumc.org / 769-0126).
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 four-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 at http://everygirlfitness.com/classes and be sure to select the VHUMC class offerings. For questions, childcare reservations, or additional details, contact Megan Drumm (mdrumm@vhumc.org). We look forward to seeing you there!

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 are offered each week: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5:15 am and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 1:00 pm. Sign up for two sessions a week for $110/month or three sessions a week for $150/month. Each session runs for four weeks. Space is limited to 10 people per session. Don't miss out on this great exercise opportunity! Register by using the link below. Contact Megan Drumm (mdrumm@vhumc.org) with questions.

Lace Up Your Running Shoes
Interested in running but not sure how to get started? Looking for a group to train with because you are tired of running alone? Want to run a race but aren't sure where to start? Whatever your motivation might be, let VHUMC help you achieve your goals. Our Health, Wellness, and Recreation Ministry is putting together a group of experienced and inexperienced runners to begin running and training together. Runners from any pace and ability level are welcome to join.

We will begin training runs this Monday, August 29. The group will meet and run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at 5:30 am for shorter training runs, and Saturday mornings at 6:00 am for longer training runs. Our first run on August 29 will begin and end at the Lighthouse. Running routes will change weekly depending on group preference and needs. The ultimate goal of the group will be to train and run, or race, the Magic City 5K and Half Marathon on Sunday, November 20. Additional 5K and 10K race options are available.

So, lace up your running shoes and join us for running, racing, fellowship, and more! Contact Megan Drumm to sign-up (mdrumm@vhumc.org / 769-0139). We look forward to seeing you on the running trail! 
Elementary Memorization Program
Our elementary bible verse memorization program will begin again in September! Our 1st - 5th graders will be taught 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! 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. Parents should have received an email with more information. If you have any questions, please contact Jamie Meeks (jmeeks@vhumc.org).
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 (rgrissom@vhumc.org) or Jamie Meeks (jmeeks@vhumc.org). We look forward to getting started on our path to God's Word in our life!

Theatre Class for Middle/High School Students
The Conservatory of the Arts is offering an Acting Techniques class beginning September 12. This 12-week class is open to students in grades 7-12 and will be taught by Martha Summey who just got back from taking some of her students to the Fringe Festival in Scotland! She is multi-talented and can help your student be prepared to reach their potential in future productions at school, local productions, and for our own productions at VHUMC. Register ASAP before the class fills.

COA Photography Class
From Snapshots to Photography class is now open for registration through the Conservatory of the Arts. Taught by Virginia Jones, this is a five-week photography class will be on Mondays at 5:00 pm beginning September 12 for middle school students through adults who are interested in improving the quality of their pictures. Sign up now using the link.

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 (jsechrist73@gmail.com).
A New Financial Report
This week we have started a different reporting format of our General Fund finances. The new report shows our income on four line items and does the math for you by showing a "+" or "-" to indicate if we are doing better or worse than our budget target. A weekly donation line has been added. Expenses are no longer reported since the projected losses caused some confusion. You are always welcome to see our complete finances for any month by contacting Natalie Giesen (ngiesen@vhumc.org / 769-0121).
Outreach Corner

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 (joan.rein@att.net) or Sally Penfield (SallyPenfield@aol.com). 

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 (lholloway33@bellsouth.net).

Food Pantry
Food Pantry needs pancake mix, syrup and jelly. We are still purchasing from our farmers' market each week and getting donated items from Sprouts, Panera Bread and Publix. We have now purchased 200,000 pounds of food from the Community Food Bank so all monetary donations are really appreciated. Thank you for your continued support!

Oak Mountain Mission
Oak Mountain Mission needs kitchen tables and chairs, and useable sofas and chairs. For furniture pick-up please call 685-5757. They also need like-new hand towels that can be put into the church bins. The mission serves families who have had floods, fires, or lost homes due to domestic violence or other reasons. All items are given to the families to help them start over. Thank you.

Events by our Missions Partners

Oak Mountain Mission
Oak Mountain Mission will have its annual fundraiser luncheon on Tuesday, September 13, at The Club. Please mark your calendars if you are interested in attending. We are collecting items for the Silent Auction, which may be put in the collection bins. Contact Barbara Porter (444-9793) for questions or reservations. Thank you!
Worship & Music Focus
8:30 am         Traditional Service
"Musical Chairs"
Luke 14:1, 7:14
Bill Brunson

9:45 am         Service of Word and Table
"A Whole Other Kingdom"
Rev. 11:15-19
Kipp McClurg

11:00 am         Traditional Service
"Musical Chairs"
Luke 14:1, 7:14
Bill Brunson

11:00 am         Contemporary Service
"A Whole Other Kingdom"
Rev. 11:15-19
Kipp McClurg

5:00 pm         Sunday Evening Worship
"You Done Messed Up!"
Jer. 2:4-13
Tyler Hopkins
Our Time and Resources
 

Donations this past week

July YTD Summary
Donations
Other Income
Auxilary Ministries Net*
Total Income
Actual
40,705


$1,992,679
$131,438
($41,031)
$2,083,086
Targeted
-22,543


+$8,998
+$5,098
+$63,274
+$77,370

(+) Better or (-) worse for the church than our target
* Includes COA, Summer Days, VDS, and Vestavia Dance
Care and Support
Congratulations, hospitalizations and sympathies

Prayer Requests
 
Careline: 205-822-9336 
Weekend or After-Hour Health Emergencies: 205-914-3121

Please be in prayer for the following persons: 
John Bottcher
Loro Cleary
Lucy Coe
Lauren Colley
Gloria Cooke
Chris Dibble
David Dixon
Jinny Dowdy
Jim DuBard
Kendra Haddock
Bragg & Micah Knott
Kathryn Landen
Cathy Messer
Mary Morgan
Mary Morman
Amanda Murphy
Paul Noto
Bill Phillips
Jack Reamey
Ken Scarborough
Sandra Sims
Stan Sims
Claude Small
Wallace Williams

In an effort to keep the prayer request list current, names will be listed for two weeks unless we are otherwise notified. VHUMC will not publish the names and/or concerns of persons known to be minors (18 years of age or younger) without the permission of said minor's legal guardian. Thank you.