The Notes - August 24, 2017

Volume 47

Issue 34

August 24, 2017

Bingo Blessings
It is time to kick off our Bingo Blessings to benefit Children's Harbor. Join us 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]).

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 ([email protected] / 769-0112) today to make reservations for your family. Tickets are $9 per adult and $7 per child with a family maximum of $39.

Welcome New Members
Please welcome the new members to our faith community. You can see all new member pictures on the bulletin board outside the front office.

Emily & Ben Byrd: Greyton (5) and Harrison (1)
Glenn Cornelius
Tom & Katherine Lewis: Claire Isabelle (10) and William (6)
Stacey & Kevin Nelson: Russell (13), Kayleigh, and Chase

If you are interested in joining VHUMC, please contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell ([email protected] / 769-0136).

New Grief Support Program
After the memorial service and when the cards and flowers have stopped arriving, those around you return to their normal lives. However, your grief continues and you can feel alone. We offer our Grief Support Groups to help you during your grieving process and our goal is to provide a loving environment with trained leaders who facilitate these grief support sessions. Participants learn valuable ways to cope with their grief, and they are able to share with others who have experienced the loss of spouses, children, parents, and siblings. Our sessions take place in a warm and caring environment, and they follow proven resources devoted to grief support.

We meet on Wednesday evenings, and we gather at 5:30 pm to dine together at the church. Our sessions begin around 6:00pm, and we conclude each evening about one hour later. Our next Grief Support Group will begin meeting on Wednesday, September 20. We'll meet for six weeks, ending October 25. Although you are not required to attend every meeting, you are encouraged to make as many sessions as possible for the benefit of you and for others in the group who are helped by your attendance and participation. So, we invite you to join us!

To learn more about this upcoming Grief Support Group, or to register to participate, please contact either Steve Marmurek at ([email protected] / 813-230-8999) or Butch Williams ([email protected] / 769-0102).

Bible Pathfinders
We invite 1st-5th graders to join us for our elementary Bible Study, Bible Pathfinders, on Wednesday nights during the school year from 6-7pm in rooms 219/221! We will kick off on September 6th and we will be learning about kids of the Bible and how we can do big things for God right now! We will have lots of fun with music, skits, discussion, games, and more! Contact Jamie Meeks ([email protected]) for more information.

Little Lambs Bible Class
Little Lambs Bible class is for children that are three years old (by Sept. 1) through age 5K. Our classes begin September 6 and meet every Wednesday evening from 6:00-7:00 pm. To register your child please email Anne Strozier ([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.

Sunday Evening Worship
We are blessed to have Rick Owen, our District Superintendent, preaching for us this Sunday Evening in the Chapel at 5:00 pm. Come as you are and enjoy great preaching, spirited singing, and warm fellowship!

Financial Peace University Offered

Beginning on September 6, during our Wednesday night activities, Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University will be offered. What if you could be debt-free with an emergency fund of 3-6 months of expenses saved, all while investing for retirement and planning for your family's future? Sound impossible? It's not! With Dave Ramsey's class, Financial Peace University, you CAN take control of your money. If you're interested in learning more about the class, message me! We're offering it at VHUMC just for you starting September 6! Please contact John Sweeney ([email protected]) for more details.

Student Ministries Parent Information Meeting
Please join the student ministries staff this Sunday, August 27 at 10:00 am in the Fellowship Hall for a parent information meeting. We will discuss our programming, events, and volunteer opportunities.

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.

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!

Upcoming Women's Conference

Save the date for our upcoming women's conference, "Praying for Girls...Because We are All Little Girls at Heart." We hope mothers and daughters of all ages will join us for a morning of inspiration and breakout sessions that will help you through whatever season of life you are going through. The conference will be held Saturday, October 28 from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, and will feature our keynote speaker Teri Lynne Underwood as well as various breakout sessions. Registration will begin in September and we hope you will be able to join us for this incredible morning of faith and prayer formation.

Whale of a Sale Volunteers Needed

Vestavia Day School is one of the strongest outreach ministries of the church and they need our help. Whale of a Sale, the school's only fundraiser, is coming up and in need of volunteers. This is a great opportunity for you, your friends, or your Sunday School group to serve our church and community. Please check your calendars and see if you have two hours free on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, September 13, 14 and 15. Sign up and enjoy sorting and organizing clothing and toys for the sale. And, all volunteers get an early shopping pass at 1:30 pm on Thursday before the sale opens to the public! If you don't have time to spare, please also consider donating a treat to the hospitality room! If you are interested in helping, email us at [email protected] or visit the link below and select a time and day that works for you!

Sunday School Leader Workshop
We are gearing up for another great year in Sunday School and want to make sure you are as sharp as possible as you lead and teach our adult Sunday school classes and Bible studies! Please join us for Sharpen: A teaching/facilitation workshop focused on Bible-based studies (Sunday school and Bible-based groups). Our workshop will be interactive, and suitable for new or experienced teachers and will be held on Sunday, September 17 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Reserve your dinner by contacting Ruth Grissom ([email protected]). We look forward to a great evening of learning how to help others learn!

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.

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.

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.

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 the 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.

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!

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. 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, peanut butter and jelly. Now that the farmers market is closing for this season, we can use fresh apples, oranges and vegetables. Thank you for your continued support for our 600 food pantry families.

Oak Mountain Mission

Oak Mountain Mission needs boy's jeans and cookware. Thanks to our elementary Sunday School children for preparing bags of toiletries for the mission. Got extra furniture? Call Brenda for a pick up at 685-5757.

Table of Hope for Urban Ministry

Join us for Urban Ministry's fundraiser, Table of Hope, on Thursday, September 21, at 5:30 pm at The Florentine. The speaker is Woodlawn actor, Caleb Castille. Individual tickets are $150 and are available by clicking the link below. Deadline for tickets is September 8. A fun night for individuals or Sunday School classes to help a great cause and support one of our own mission partners. Hope to see you there!

Family Promise Annual Fundraiser

Fall in love with Family Promise! Family Promise's annual fundraiser will be Thursday, September 21 at 6 pm at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. There will be food and drinks, live and silent auctions, and raffles. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. For more information or to get tickets visit the link below or call 918-0246. A great way to support one of our mission partners and have a fun night at the same time.

Wednesday Night Menu

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.