Volume 46
Issue 39
September 29, 2016
              
World Communion Sunday
World Communion Sunday (Photo)(Link)(9/29) Because this Sunday, October 2, is World Communion Sunday, VHUMC is encouraging special donations for the English-Speaking United Methodist Church (ESUMC) in Vienna, Austria. That multinational mission congregation continues to respond to the many needs resulting from the European refugee challenge as well as to other outreach opportunities in Austria, across Europe, and around the world. Presently, ESUMC is furnishing temporary housing for two asylum-seeking refugee families; is working with other Viennese churches to help refugees across the city; and, is providing financial support for a multi-agency center in Linz, Austria, that is caring for unaccompanied minor refugees.

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. ESUMC's current pastor, the Rev. Matthew Laferty, is a United Methodist missionary from Ohio whose previous post was in Moscow, Russia.

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). Please follow the link below for further information on ESUMC.

Serving Up Healthy Nutrition
Come join Sonthe Burge and VHUMC Chef Charlie Gagne for a fun and informative evening loaded with nutritional and diet tips. Sonthe and Charlie will both discuss and demonstrate simple, healthy food ideas that can help us all make positive changes in our lives. Sonthe is a registered licensed dietitian nutritionist who has helped scores of women and men achieve their wellness goals. She has advanced training in adult weight management from the Commission on Dietetic Registration and has an active nutrition counseling practice at PRI Counseling in Birmingham. Charlie is our chef at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church where he leads our food ministry that serves not only the many ministries within the church but also extends to many ministries in the Greater Birmingham Community.

Serving up healthy nutrition that works, Sonthe and Charlie will focus on changing behaviors which sabotage our nutritional wellness and teach us how to eat better and balanced. Come see for yourself how 'delicious' and 'healthy' can peacefully coexist! Join us each Thursday at 6:30 pm as we focus on what it means to truly live a balanced life:
  • 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!

Maintenance in Sunday School Rooms
Alabama Power will be conducting maintenance work in the neighborhood surrounding the church on Sunday, October 2, 2016. The Lighthouse is the only affected area in the church and it will be closed all day on Sunday. The following classes will be relocated for the day: Cornerstone will meet in room 106, Advent will meet in room 107, St. James will meet in room 101, Harvest will meet in room 102 and Seekers will be attending the joint Sunday School event in Tyson Hall. If you have any questions, please contact Melinda Burnett (mburnett@vhumc.org).
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). 
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.
Hannah Prayer Team
The Hannah Prayer Team has prayed for 45 babies and continues to pray for 6 babies due in 2016. If you are expecting a new baby, we would love the opportunity to pray for you and your family. Please contact Ty Howell (satyrahowell@gmail.com / 529-1262) if we can pray for you or if you would like to join the Hannah Prayer Team. 
Join Us for Sunday Evening Worship
Come as you are and join us at 5:00 pm in the Chapel for a joyful evening of worship. There will be singing of old, familiar hymns; sharing warm fellowship; and listening to a message from Butch Williams on "Because I Said So!" from Luke 16:5-10. Butch will also preach on October 9th, and we'll NOT have Sunday Evening Worship on October 16 as we join in the fun of the VHUMC Fall Festival!
Prayer Bracelets
The ministries and missions at VHUMC are undergirded with prayer, so join us in wearing a "Begin with Prayer" band, suitable for all ages! Prayer is being emphasized in our Children's Bible Pathways, Youth Prayer Breakfasts, Men's Prayer Breakfasts, and Developing a Life of Prayer series. Come to the office to get prayer bands for yourself and your small group/Sunday school class as a reminder to begin all that we do with prayer and thanksgiving.
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. 

  • 10/5 - Praying the Scriptures - Rev. Katy Smith
  • 10/12 - Prayer & Fasting - Stu Enloe
  • 10/19 - Begin with Prayer - Bob Bently
Balanced Parenting In a Wobbly World
We are once again honored to have Dr. Dale Wisely leading us for three Sundays in October (16, 23, and 30) from 10:00 -10:40 am in Tyson Hall. This will allow any Sunday School classes joining the discussion to meet first for 15 minutes, or join up at the Coffee Shop. 

Dr. Wisely is a Psychologist and Director of Student Services for Mountain Brook High School. He is a person of faith, and understands the real-life dilemmas of parents in our community. Below are this year's topics:
  • 10/16 - There is Nothing Wrong with the Teenage Brain
  • 10/23 - Teens, Underage Drinking, and Drugs: What Parents Can Do
  • 10/30 - The Digital World and Your Child
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 Wednesday 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; however, there are many rich methods of prayer we can learn 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 am in Tyson Hall to learn about and experience a variety of prayer techniques.
What's Your Spiritual Gift
We each have a unique and valued role in the kingdom of God. Discovering and exercising your spiritual gifts allows you to match your passions to the needs of the community of Christ. For that reason, we have made available this spiritual gifts assessment. Please take 10 minutes and learn more about your spiritual gifts.

October Memory Verse
Our 1st - 5th graders have a new memory verse for October. It is: "Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long." ~Psalm 25:4

Children can recite the verse in the elementary office before or after Sunday School for a sweet treat and a chance to win a bike at the end of the school year!
vdsWhat's Happening in the Day School
It's hard to believe another month is almost behind us. We had our annual relicensing visit this month and it went very well. Our representative from the state gave our classrooms a perfect report! We are so proud of our teachers and very thankful they choose to share their gifts with the students at Vestavia Day School.

We also had our first fire drill of the school year this month. We were out of the building and to our safe places in record time! We appreciate the extra helping hands from the clergy and church office staff who assisted the infants and held doors for the preschoolers.

As always, you can reach us at 769-0128 if you have any questions or need information on anything day school related. 
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).

Passion Conference 2017
The Passion Conference is around the corner and we could not be more excited about the ability to take 40 high school seniors and graduates to Atlanta for this amazing 3 days of worship. The conference is January 2-4 and the cost is $275. The deadline for registration is November 1. This year we will be staying at the Westin Peachtree Plaza and will be within walking distance to the Georgia Dome. The Passion speakers are unforgettable and this year we will be breaking out into community groups where our kids will be in small group worship with others from all over the U.S. It is an experience that all will want to be a part of. We have limited space, so make sure and register soon.

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 and 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!
Middle School Retreat
Come join us November 18-19 as we go to Camp Lee in Anniston to worship, eat, chill out and enjoy some of the camp activities like the ropes course and zip line. The retreat is open to all current 6th-8th graders. The cost is $130 and the deadline for registration is November 1. We will meet at the church on Friday at 4:00 pm and will return on Saturday around 10:00 pm. To register please click on the link below.

Defying Gravity Sermon Series
Finding the Spiritual momentum to live above the gravity of our world is no easy task. In the Contemporary Service, we will consider our stewardship by utilizing the book "Defying Gravity" by Tom Berlin each Sunday, October 9-30 at 11:00 am in Tyson Hall. Come consider ways to break from the never-ending financial orbit to which so many in our culture are tethered.
Second Annual Choral Iron Bowl
You won't want to miss this! The University of Alabama Singers and the Auburn University Singers are going to have a sing-off at VHUMC. Last year's performance was fantastic and talked about well beyond the event. Come see who wins the preliminary to the real Iron Bowl. The choirs will square off on Sunday, October 23, at 6:30 pm, in the Sanctuary. Make sure to wear your team colors! The winning side raises the most money for our Music Ministry & Intern program.
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
Come Share A Bear
All children are asked to bring a new Teddy Bear for our Fall Mission Project. Please bring the new teddy bear to the 8:30 or 11:00 worship service on November 20. Our teddy bears will be blessed by our ministers before they are donated to children at the Children's Harbor and the YMCA. If you have any questions contact Anne Strozier (astrozier@vhumc.org).
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.
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, please 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 and $105 after. K5-4th grade play on Saturdays, and 5th-8th grade play on 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.

Gospel Jubilee Singers
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!
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. 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 still needs plastic grocery bags, preferably doubled. Food items needed are jelly, pancake mix, and syrup. We are able to get spaghetti noodles from the food bank, but always need spaghetti sauce. Thanks to our new volunteers for Wednesday food distributions! We appreciate everyone and their support of our Food Pantry. 

Oak Mountain
Oak Mountain Mission will have a truck here at the church for donations on Saturday, October 22 from 9:00 until 12:00. Let's all start cleaning out and be ready for collection day. Children's clothing and adult clothing XXL and larger are needed. No summer clothing at this time. Linens, kitchen items, new or like-new toys and furniture are needed. No mattresses. Only useable items please.
Wednesday Night Menu
  • 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.  
  • Oct. 19 - Salad, Orecchiette w/ Bolognese Sauce OR Chicken Alfredo, Sautéed Veggies, Cobbler. Kids: Chicken Nuggets, Mac & Cheese.  
Worship & Music Focus
8:30 am         Traditional Service
"The Whole Wide World"
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Bill Brunson

9:45 am         Service of Word and Table
"How Much More Do We Need?"
Luke 17:1-6
Butch Williams

11:00 am         Traditional Service
"The Whole Wide World"
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Bill Brunson

11:00 am         Contemporary Service
"One"
1 Cor. 10:16-17
Kipp McClurg

5:00 pm         Sunday Evening Worship
"Because I Said So!"
Luke 17:5-10
Butch Williams
Our Time and Resources
 

Donations this past week

August YTD Summary
Donations
Other Income
Auxilary Ministries Net*
Total Income
Actual
$31,989


$2,176,694
$144,709
($30,479)
$2,290,924
Targeted
-$31,946


-$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: 
Gussie Arnett
Bob Baskerville
Bill Brasher
Betty Davidson
Chris Dibble
David Dixon
Angie Elias
Sharon Gromwell
George Gromwell
Kendra Haddock
Fay Harbin
Larry Hill
Ed Meloy
Mary Morgan
Paul Noto
Mary Owen
Bill Phillips
Jim Sanders
Stan Sims
Dr. Charles Smith
Laura Smith
Tina Westbrook
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.