Volume 46
Issue 38
September 22, 2016
              
A Special Evening with Brenda Ladun
We are excited to kick off our Creating Positive Life Change series tonight with Brenda Ladun, a favorite, prime-time ABC news anchor who is a breast cancer survivor. When faced with her personal storm, she inspired countless viewers who watched the nightly news as she underwent her courageous battle. Brenda, who describes herself as "wife, mother, author, news anchor, cancer survivor and believer," will share her story and the positive changes that worked for her. The event starts at 6:30 pm in Tyson Hall and is completely free.

Next week, Lydia Grace Cole will talk about healthy choices incorporating body, mind and spirit, sharing her experiences as a Yoga and Pilates Instructor, marathon runner, Mrs. Alabama/America winner, and wellness advocate. She is a registered nurse who has taught over 10,000 healthcare professionals, leveraging her skills as a certified trainer of Real Colors personality assessment, and Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. She is a preacher's kid, with a legacy of five generations of ministers and missionaries.

Join us each week as we focus on what it means to truly live a balanced life:
  • 9/22 - A Special Evening with Brenda Ladun
  • 9/29 - Creating Positive Life Changes That Work with wellness advocate, Lydia Cole
  • 10/6 - Serving Up Healthy Nutrition That Works with Sonthe Burge and Charlie Gagne
  • 10/13 - Fitness Changes That Work with Paula Windle, Barbara Lee, & Leigh Karagas
  • 10/20 - Spiritual and Mental Changes That Work with Sheri Ferguson
For more information on each of these classes please visit www.vhumc.org. We look forward to seeing you there!
Welcoming the New BSC President
This Sunday VHUMC is honored to welcome Birmingham-Southern College President Linda Flaherty-Goldsmith to our 11:00 am traditional service. You and your family are invited to attend a reception in her honor following the service in the Fellowship Hall. During the reception President Flaherty-Goldsmith will have the opportunity to share information about BSC.
Join Us for Sunday Evening Worship
Come as you are and join us for a wonderful evening of music this Sunday, September 25, in the Chapel, at 5:00 pm, led by Jim Frazier & Friends. Butch Williams will lead our worship on October 2.
World Communion Sunday
Sunday, October 2, is World Communion Sunday. On that special day, VHUMC is encouraging  donations designated for use by the English-Speaking United Methodist Church (ESUMC) in Vienna, Austria, to help that multinational mission congregation continue to respond to the many needs resulting from the European refugee challenge and other outreach opportunities in Austria, across Europe, and around the world. Follow the link for further information on ESUMC.

The connection between our two congregations began in 2004-05 when VHUMC members who were working and living in Vienna attended services at ESUMC. Between 2008 and 2010, the ESUMC pastor and some "musical ambassadors" made several visits to VHUMC to express gratitude for the financial support that our church and the North Alabama Conference had been providing. In 2011, ESUMC sent a substantial over-budget, free-will offering to our Conference's Tornado Relief Fund because, "We wanted to help those who had been helping us." Over the years, VHUMC has received several beautiful expressions of gratitude from ESUMC's Church Council.

VHUMC's support has led to significant matching gifts from our General Board of Global Ministries to multiply our help to ESUMC. We hope this year to have most, if not all of our gifts from VHUMC matched again. Please help continue this unique missions partnership through this special gift opportunity. If you are interested in learning more about ESUMC-Vienna or in joining a team to guide our continued partnering with this international, intercultural mission congregation, please contact Rachael Hayes (rhayes@vhumc.org) or Larry Durham (lbdbsc63@gmail.com).

Men's Prayer Breakfast
VHUMC Men's ministry will be hosting a very special Men's Prayer Breakfast with Samford baseball coach Casey Dunn on Wednesday, September 28. Casey grew up in Vestavia and played baseball at Vestavia Hills High School under his father the legendary coach Sammy Dunn. Join us in the Fellowship Hall at 6:45 am. The cost is $5 if you want breakfast. For more information, contact Jim Frazier (jfrazier@vhumc.org / 769-0126).
A Financial Update
Our Finance Committee met this past Tuesday night and reviewed our income and expenses through the end of August. In the chart below, we have updated our income vs. our targeted amounts. After a record-breaking June, we have fallen short of our income target in both July and August - putting us behind for the year by $59,979. Accordingly, we are still limiting expenses, but wanted you to know where we are as you plan your giving to the church.
Thin Blue Line Family Discussion
The term "thin blue line" is a symbol for our law enforcement officers which points to their role as the main providers of peace and order instead of violence and chaos. Our law enforcement officers have taken an oath to serve humankind, and this oath often places them in harm's way. While the average law enforcement officer will spend most of his/her career assisting the public and may never be involved in an officer shooting, the recent focus and attention of the news media, activist groups, and other online sources has been on police brutality and shootings.

In the wake of these controversies, children of law enforcement officers often hear negativity, distrust, and even hatred about their parent's profession from classmates, neighbors, online and through the news. The children often feel uncertain and have questions about their parents' role in society.

VHUMC would like to help those who serve by offering our support and our prayers. We are inviting all law enforcement officers and their spouses to join us on Wednesday, October 5, at 6:00 pm, in the Rutland Memorial Chapel, to hear Rev. Arthur Harrison, a Battalion Chaplain and a United Methodist pastor serving at Alabaster First United Methodist Church. Rev. Harrison will be joined by Officer Dustin Patton, a Sargent in the Army Reserves and a police officer in the Atlanta area. Together, they hope to give important tips to help law enforcement officers discuss these issues with their children as questions arise.

Childcare will be available by contacting Anne Strozier (astrozier@vhumc.org / 769-0127). For questions, please contact Ruth Grissom (rgrissom@vhumc.org). 
Wednesday Night Prayer Series
"Developing a Life of Prayer" is a series in room 202 at 6:00 pm that you won't want to miss. It explores how prayer can help us grow in our relationship with God and one another. These sessions will be fun and interactive, so come comfortable with an open heart and mind.
  • 9/28 - Praying in the Midst of Life - Rev. Ron DelBene
  • 10/5 - Praying the Scriptures - Rev. Katy Smith
  • 10/12 - Prayer & Fasting - Stu Enloe
  • 10/19 - Begin with Prayer - Bob Bently
This is Our Story Series Rescheduled
Due to the emphasis on the Prayer Series running simultaneously, "VHUMC: This is our Story" series has been rescheduled for a later date. We encourage everyone to attend one of the other Wed. night sessions or to attend the Developing a Life of Prayer series.
How Many Ways Can You Pray
For many of us, prayer is an activity that we have done one way most of our lives. But there are many rich methods for prayer, from Christ-followers who have gone before and from traditions different from our own. Join Dr. Kipp McClurg on Sunday, October 2 and 9 at 9:45 a.m. in Tyson Hall to learn about, but also to experience, these rich and diverse ways of prayer.
What's Your Spiritual Gift
Discovering and exercising your God-given spiritual gifts allows you to experience maximum fulfillment with minimum frustration in your Christian life and ministry. For that reason, we are offering this VHUMC-branded assessment to our church community so we can all learn to experience our Christ-centered lives of purpose. Please take 10 minutes and learn more about your spiritual gifts.

High School Senior Program
Calling all high school seniors! Thrive Student Ministries will start back our "Seniors Only" program beginning on Tuesday, October 4. On the first Tuesday of each month our high school seniors will meet, have dinner together and learn about getting ready for college. Speakers will be brought in each month to discuss life-related topics that will help our seniors grow in their faith and prepare them for their next step in becoming adults and moving away from home. If your high school senior is interested, the cost is $50. Click the link to register. If you have questions, contact Jeremy Robuck (jrobuck@vhumc.org).

Youth Floor Volunteer Opportunities
Want to help out and be a part of the youth program at VHUMC? We have many opportunities for all members of our congregation to help our youth with activities, retreats, missions, food, etc. Please click on the link for volunteer opportunities! We are building and would love for you to be a part of it! If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Lovell (llovell@vhumc.org). 

4th Annual Hootenanny
Come join our "Round-up" of all 6th-12th graders for the 4th Annual Hootenanny in the Lighthouse parking lot on Sunday, October 2 from 5-7 pm. The cost is $5 but first time cowboys & cowgirls are free! Wear your best western or redneck attire and bring a friend! Yes, the mechanical bull will return along with other games and great food!
Sunday Sermon Podcasts
Each week we publish audio podcasts of the Sunday sermons from our 11:00 am traditional and contemporary services. Every Sunday afternoon they become available and can be very helpful to listen to a service that you had to miss or to listen again to remember and deepen your understanding of what was said. You can subscribe to our podcasts through iTunes, or visit www.vhumc.org. Contact Nash Osborne if you have questions (nosborne@vhumc.org / 769-0117).

Finding God in the Movies 
Jim Frazier will be leading a 6-week study on Christian themes and Biblical truths that we can find in secular movies. The class will meet at 6:00 pm on Wednesday nights in room 203A.
  • 10/19 - The Blind Side
  • 10/26 - Frozen
  • 11/2 - Shawshank Redemption
  • 11/9 - The Wizard of OZ
  • 11/16 - Captain America: Civil War
  • 11/30 - A Christmas Story
Sunday Morning Options
Every Sunday morning, we are offering new adult education opportunities during the Sunday School hour (9:45-10:45). Each class will be held in the Tyson Hall.
  • 9/25 - Helping Families with Autism and Special Needs
  • 10/2-9 - Developing a Life of Prayer
  • 10/16-30 - Balanced Parenting in a Wobbly World
Bible Pathfinders
Bible Study for 1st - 5th graders is up and running on Wednesday nights! We have music, a memory verse, skits, small group time and more! Our current focus is How to be a Superhero. We have had lots of fun so far and would love for your child to join us on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm in Tyson Hall as our path takes us closer to Jesus.
September Memory Verse
Each school year our 1st-5th graders have the opportunity to memorize a new Bible verse each month. Our September memory verse is: "With the Lord on my side I do not fear. What can mortals do to me?" -Psalm 118:6. 1st-5th graders can recite the verse in the elementary office before or after Sunday School for a sweet treat and a chance to win a grand prize at the end of the school year!
Elementary Ministry Need
Elementary Ministry is in need of a laptop computer to run media presentations for our Wednesday night Pathfinders Bible Study, Vacation Bible Camp, and other gatherings. Because this is an unbudgeted item, we are asking for donations to help pay for this need. If you are interested in contributing, please contact Gary Wyatt (gwyatt@vhumc.org). 
Mae Mae's Hugs Coming in October
Mae Mae's Hugs collects and distributes new and gently worn coats to our ministry partners across the state. If you are cleaning out or have coats that are the wrong size, would you consider cleaning them and bringing them to the church for this ministry? Or, if you are purchasing new coats please consider purchasing an extra coat for this effort.

During October you can place coats in the large, bright, purple covered boxes around the church. Coats of all sizes are needed for children and youth. You can also make a financial donation by writing a check to the church with "Mae Mae's Hugs" on the memo line. It's our hope that through this ministry, the children in Jefferson County and across the state, can receive winter coats to keep them warm, as if receiving a warm, loving hug from Mae Mae and VHUMC. If you have any questions, please contact Anne Strozier (astrozier@vhumc.org / 769-0127).
Upward Basketball and Cheerleading
Upward Basketball and Cheerleading registration is open! The cost is $95 through October 18, $105 after. K5-4th grade play Saturdays, and 5th-8th grade play Friday nights. Practices begin the week of November 14 and games begin Friday, December 2. Games and practices are held at VHUMC in the Lighthouse gym. Sign up by clicking the link below.

Magical Marketplace is Coming Your Way
Get a head start on your holiday shopping at our 18th Annual Magical Marketplace on Friday, November 18, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Shop for art, jewelry, baked goods, stationery, clothing, baby gifts, holiday goodies, and much more. Many of your favorite vendors will be joining us and we will also welcome 17 new vendors!! Boxed lunches are available for $7.00. Proceeds from the sale this year will benefit the Mitchell's Place Scholarship Fund.
Outreach Corner

Flood Buckets
Flood buckets will be done as soon as we receive the last two items that are on back order. They cannot be put together until all of the items are received. We have not yet met our goal of $5,000 so if you would like to help us financially, please make checks to VHUMC marked flood buckets. Thank you!

Food Pantry
Food Pantry needs plastic grocery bags again, especially brown ones. We also need paper, cloth or plastic tote bags for fruits & veggies. Please put them in the three bins around the church. We always need spaghetti sauce. Thank you!

Oak Mountain
Mission Oak Mountain Mission had their annual Harvest of Hope annual fundraiser luncheon last week, which was a huge success. They have raised over $105,000 so far, with donations still coming in. Thank you to all who attended and supported this wonderful mission!
Wednesday Night Menu
  • Sept. 28 - Salad, Chicken Cacciatore OR Baked Flounder, Wild Rice, Baby Lima's, Banana Pudding. Kids: Chicken Nuggets, Mac & Cheese
  • Oct. 5 - Salad, Lemon-Pepper Chicken OR Roast Pork Loin, Honey Glazed Carrots, Roasted Potatoes, Roll, Ice Cream Bar. Kids: Chicken Nuggets, Mac & Cheese
  • Oct. 12 - Salad, Braised Beef Tips OR Turkey a la King, Egg Noodles, Peas, Roll, Brownie. Kids: Chicken Nuggets, Mac & Cheese.  
Worship & Music Focus
8:30 am         Traditional Service
" Look and See "
Luke 16:19-31
Bill Brunson

9:45 am         Service of Word and Table
" Do You Know My Name? "
Luke 16:19-31
Butch Williams

11:00 am         Traditional Service
"Look and See"
Luke 16:19-31
Bill Brunson

11:00 am         Contemporary Service
" Breath of Life "
John 20:19-23
Kipp McClurg

5:00 pm         Sunday Evening Worship
Jim Frazier & Friends
Our Time and Resources
 

Donations this past week

August YTD Summary
Donations
Other Income
Auxilary Ministries Net*
Total Income
Actual
61,987


$2,176,694
$144,709
($30,479)
$2,290,924
Targeted
-1,947


-$59,979
+$8,449
+$80,864
+$29,334

(+) 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: 
Bob Baskerville
Bill Brasher
Alexandra Carroll
Chris Dibble
David Dixon
Angie Elias
Kendra Haddock
Fay Harbin
Barbara Ann Harris
Jeff Kaufman
Sharon Lovell
Ed Meloy
Mary Morgan
Paul Noto
Mary Owen
Bill Phillips
Anne Robinson
Jim Sanders
Stan Sims
Claude Small
Patsy Jones Thomas
Liz Warren
Sarah Williams
Wallace Williams
Myrna Wise

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.