The Notes - August 17, 2017

Volume 47

Issue 33

August 17, 2017

Back to School Bash
We invite families to join us next Wednesday, August 23, at 6:00 pm, in Tyson Hall for captivating illusion and laugh-out-loud humor with a serious message of Jesus Christ. Terry Hedges has performed at churches across the country and Europe as well as the White House. He will be with us to share the Kingdom of God with a fresh perspective.

Dinner will be served before the show in the Fellowship Hall, at 5:00 pm, for $6 per adult and $4 per child (with a $20 maximum for families). The show is completely free and we hope to see you there!

Come Join Us
We are better together and would love to welcome you into our church family. If you haven't yet joined us officially, we will hold an Informal Joining Service this Sunday, August 20, at 12:15 pm, in the Chapel. If you have questions or want to join our community of faith, please contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell ([email protected] / 769-0136).

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 27, 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 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 by Thursday, August 24 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.

Discovery 2017 Recap
Words cannot describe the amazing things that God did through Discovery Weekend 2017. Thank you to our 100+ adult volunteers who gave of their time, prayers, support, and love to make this weekend happen. We could not do it without you! Over 300 students were impacted through Discovery Weekend from worship, D-Groups, the prayer room, mission opportunities, fun rotations, and more! If you missed out on all that happened check out our recap video here! Shout out to Livemore Collective for the hard work in producing this video and for our special guest, Jimi Cravity, who brought the house down in Tyson Hall on Saturday night. This truly was a weekend to remember!

We have a very busy year coming up in Thrive Student Ministries. If you are interested in being a part of this ministry please contact Juli Hansen ([email protected]). There are countless ways you can get involved!

A Place at the Table
Come as you are and join us as Sherry Harris leads our Sunday Evening Worship in the Chapel at 5:00 pm preaching from Matthew 15: 21-28. Share in singing the old, great hymns as we joyfully worship together. Also, mark your calendars for August 27 when our District Superintendent, Rick Owen, preaches!

Bingo Blessings
It is time to kick off our Bingo Blessings to benefit Children's Harbor. Join us, on August 30, in the Fellowship Hall, immediately following dinner at 6:00 pm, for a fun night of food, fellowship, and a great cause. Our team goes once a month to Children's Harbor to serve one of Charlie's great meals, make crafts, and play games with the families staying at Children's Hospital. One of the highlights of their visit is playing Bingo with lots of prizes. At last month's meeting, they made pencil cases decorated with art and filled with pens and pencils from our Bingo Blessings last year.

We need to fill up their prize chest for this year. So, your "ticket" for August 30 is a bingo prize for Children's Harbor. Prizes should include craft items, books, puzzles, and other items for all ages. Please let us know you are coming to play on August 30 by emailing Rachael Hayes ([email protected]).

Music and Arts is Back
The VHUMC Music and Arts program starts for this school year on August 30. Music and Arts is for all children K-5th grade and meets every Wednesday, from after school until 5:00 pm, when Vestavia Schools are in session. Children will have the opportunity to be creative as we gather for Choir, Hand Bells, Drama, Visual Arts, Drumming, and Orff instruments. We offer transportation from Vestavia East, West, Central and the Vestavia Day School to VHUMC every Wednesday for Music and Arts. You may register online by clicking the link below. There are also many opportunities for you to get involved with Music and Arts. If you would like to volunteer to be a van driver, a shepherd (lead children between sessions), or be a Visual Arts session leader. If you have questions about Music and Arts, please contact Matt Wall ([email protected]). We hope to see your child with us on August 30.

Christmas Shoeboxes
It is that time of year for us to start making Christmas shoeboxes to send to our missionaries. This is a wonderful way to serve our missionaries and it is a great project for Sunday School classes, small groups, individuals, and families. Boxes include coloring books, flip flops, small toys, toiletries, school supplies, and clothing. We supply the boxes and coloring books. You have to supply all the other items.

If you, your family, or Sunday School class are interested in participating, please contact the Missions office or come by the church office to receive your boxes and a list of suggested items. Email Rachael Hayes ([email protected]) to coordinate the pickup of your boxes and items. The deadline to return completed boxed to the Missions office is Monday, September 17.

Prayer Breakfast Resumes
Our Student Ministries' Prayer Breakfasts started back this week and will take place every Wednesday at 6:45 am in the Assembly Hall for Middle School Students and at 7:00 am for High School students. Transportation will be provided to Pizitz and VHHS after we eat and pray. Please send your student with $5. Actual breakfast cost will depend on what they choose to eat. We need church van drivers in order to make this possible. If you are van-trained and would like to serve by driving a van to the schools, please click on the link below.

Student Choir Kick-Off
Calling all students! The New Life Singers Student Choir will have its kick-off celebration for the 2017-2018 school year on Sunday, August 20, at 4:00 pm in the choir room. We hope all youth will consider being a part this year. Bring a friend and hang out with us. Look for more reasons to join in the weekly student newsletter. For any questions or more information contact Quint Harris ([email protected]).

Volunteers Needed for Student Ministry Events
There are so many ways that you can volunteer to help with Thrive Student Ministries. Opportunities consists of being a chaperone or van driver for our events, or helping with Sunday School check in. Please consider signing up for some of these events by clicking the link. We cannot do this without you!

4th Grade Party Success
43 fourth-graders joined us last Friday for our 4th grade party. Most of them are all coming together for the first time this year at Vestavia Hills Elementary Central. They were able to spend time together playing and making new friends. They skated, played games, ate ice cream, and had a great time!

Vestavia Dance Registration
Registration is now underway for Vestavia Dance. We have classes in ballet, pointe, lyrical, jazz, tap, clogging, and hip hop. Classes begin the week of August 28 and are held in the upstairs Lighthouse dance studios.

Vestavia Dance Performance Company

Vestavia Dance just hosted Alabama's Quest Intensive. During this two-day dance journey, our students learned choreography from a Radio City Rockette, a former dancer for Mia Michael's New York company, and a hip-hop faculty member of Broadway Dance Center! Our students continued dancing into the following week, learning 11 pieces that we will perform at three competitions in January. Our Performance Company grew from 35 to over 60 dancers this year! We are so thankful for another year that we get to spend sharing our love of dance.

Magic City Nutcracker Auditions

Auditions for our Magic City Nutcracker will be Saturday, September 9, in the Lighthouse. Five-year-old's to adults are invited to be a part of our fantastic performance of the wonderful holiday tale. Come join us as we celebrate our 5th year!

Journeys of Paul Cruise
VHUMC will be taking the Journeys of Paul cruise through Greece, Italy, and Turkey September 26 through October 7, 2018 with Rev. Bill Brunson. We will be holding two informational meetings in room 316 on Wednesday, September 6, at 6:00 pm and Sunday, October 8, at 4:00 pm.

New Boomer Bible Study
Join our new Boomer Bible Study on the first and third Thursdays, through November 16, at 6:30 pm, in room 320. Jim Frazier is leading an eight-session study on Boomer Spirituality. The class is free and books are provided. For more information, please contact Jim Frazier (769-0126 / [email protected]).

Is Your House Safe
VHUMC has a Home Safety Team who want to help make your house safer. They have been trained by the Vestavia Hills Fire Department and would be glad to set an appointment and come inspect your home. If you would like to have your house inspected there is no charge. For more information contact Jim Frazier ([email protected] / 769-0126).

Attention Middle and High School Students
The Conservatory of the Arts is forming a new Theatre Class starting August 29. We are looking for both boys and girls from 7th to 12th grade to join the fun! The class will be held from 4:00-5:00 pm on Tuesdays for 12 weeks with a performance at the end. Holly Harrington is the Theatre Instructor. Email Ellen Bryant ([email protected]) for more information or to register.

New Acting Class for Adults
The Conservatory of the Arts is looking for both men and women to join a new acting class taught by Martha Summey. This will give the participants an edge in auditions for future performances at VHUMC. The class plans to meet every other Sunday night. Email Ellen Bryant ([email protected]) for more information or to register.

Run with VHUMC Runners
Interested in running but not sure how to get started? Maybe you are a runner and are looking for a group to train with because you are tired of running alone? Perhaps you would like to run a race but aren't sure where to start? Whatever your motivation might be, let VHUMC help you achieve your goals.

VHUMC Runners is a running group of mixed pace runners that run daily. The group meets at 5:30 am Monday-Friday in the Lighthouse parking lot and Saturdays at 6:00 am at the Trak Shak or Lakeshore Trail. Whether you want to train for a race, or just want to get moving, we have a program ready for you. Runners from any pace and ability level are welcome to join. Lace up your running shoes and join us for running, racing, fellowship, and more! Contact Megan Drumm ([email protected] / 769-0139) with any questions. We look forward to seeing you on the running trail!

Upward Flag Football/Cheerleading

Football season is coming up! Sign up for Upward Flag Football and Cheerleading at VHUMC. Join the fun, learning, and faith with your community! The cost is $105 per participant, $115 for late sign up. The deadline for registration is August 22. Register by clicking the link below or pick up a form at the Lighthouse!

Men's Basketball League
Come join us for our Men's Basketball League! Men ages 18 and older can create teams with games on Tuesday nights from August 29 - October 17. The cost is $400 per team. The deadline to register is Friday, August 18. For more information, contact Miles Erbe ([email protected] / 769-0134).

What's Happening in the Day School

August 10 was the first day for our After-School students and August 14 was the first day of our full-day students. It was very exciting welcoming our returning students to their new classrooms and our brand-new students and parents to the VDS family. We have our largest enrollment in our 50-year history - 335! This is a very exciting time for VDS!

We currently have a few part time job openings in both the preschool (infants - five years) and in the after-school program (K - 5th grade). We need two teachers in the after-school program and several in the preschool. All positions would be Monday - Friday from 2:00 - 6:00 pm. If you are interested in applying with VDS please email TaraKy Eason ([email protected]) or call our office at 769-0128.

Fitness, Fellowship, and Fun
Feel great and stay in shape with Every Girl Fitness! Join us on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6-7 pm as we get fit or stay in shape. The next session of classes begins next Monday, August 21st. The cost is $90/person for the eight-week session. Want to train for free? Bring two friends and when they sign up your session is free! To sign up, click on the link. Have additional questions? Contact Megan Drumm ([email protected]). We look forward to seeing you there for fitness, fun, and fellowship!

Achieve Your Fitness Goals with Ali Sanders

Have you ever wanted a personal trainer but didn't think you could 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 Monday-Friday 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! Ali also offers individual training sessions. Contact Megan Drumm ([email protected]) with questions.

More Than a Fitness Class
VHUMC offered Body Recall classes for several years. These were stretching classes for older adults. About five years ago, Barbara Lee and Jim Frazier decided to start a new fitness program for both Boomers and Older Adults called Fuel: for the body, mind, and spirit. Fuel #1 is led by Barbara on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 8:30 am and Fuel #2 is led by Jim on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:00 am. Both classes are taught in the Lighthouse gym. The Fuel #2 class decided that they wanted more time to fellowship and share stories, so they have started having lunch together once a month. This month the class is having a "Solar Eclipse" lunch on August 21. If you are looking for a class to stretch your body, mind, and spirit, then contact Jim Frazier ([email protected] / 769-0126).

Recreation Assistant/Lighthouse Intern Needed

VHUMC is seeking a part-time Recreation Assistant (formerly Lighthouse intern) who will provide support in the day-to-day operations of the Recreation Ministry, including management and oversight of the Lighthouse and organization with our Upward Sports leagues. For a complete job description or to apply for this position, please contact Megan Drumm ([email protected]).

Trailmixers Informational Meeting
Interested in hiking and looking to join a group? Join the Trailmixers for an informational meeting on Tuesday, August 22, at 6:00 pm. The meeting will take place in room 245 in the Lighthouse. Women of all ages are welcome to attend! Please contact Megan Drumm ([email protected]) for additional details.

Ongoing Outreach

Food Pantry

The Food Pantry needs pancake mix, syrup, jelly and peanut butter. We will be getting farmers' market items for only 3 more weeks, so if you would like to bring fresh items, that would be great. Thanks to our youth for preparing bags of school supplies for our families and to our seven truck drivers and the many helpers to unload trucks from our monthly food bank pickup!

Oak Mountain Mission

Oak Mountain Mission's annual Harvest of Hope luncheon will be on Tuesday, September 12, at The Club. Please email Barbara Porter ([email protected]) if you would like to attend and join us at one of our five tables. The silent auction at 10:00 am with lunch at 11:30 am. Questions, call Barbara 444-9793. Thank you.

Wednesday Night Menu

Aug 23 - Salad, Chicken Tetrazzini OR Spaghetti, Glazed Carrots, Bread, Cheesecake. Kids: Pizza.
Aug 30 - Salad, Roast Pork Loin OR Swedish Meatballs, Wild Rice, Green Beans, Roll, Bread Pudding. Kids: Chicken Nuggets, Mac & Cheese.
Sept 6 - Salad, BBQ Pork OR Baked Chicken, Baked Beans, Ice Cream. Kids: Pizza.
Sept 13 - Beef Tips OR Grilled Chicken, Egg Noodles, Carrot Soufflé, Cake. Kids: Chicken Nuggets, Mac & Cheese.
Sept 20 - Biscuit OR Pancakes, Smoked Sausage OR Bacon, Cheese Grits, Orange Slices. Kids: Pizza.
Sept 27 - Hamburger OR Hot Dogs, Tater Tots, Toppings. Kids: Chicken Nuggets, Mac & Cheese.