|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
#InstaLove - Relationships in the 21st Century
 Interested in reinvigorating your marriage or relationship? Tired of dull conversations and a life too busy to stay connected or concerned about your spouse? Do you wonder where, or if, God is anywhere in your relationship? Explore what a committed relationship looks like in our touchscreen, instant gratification world. Led by VHUMC member Ellery Berryhill, a marriage and family therapist and licensed professional counselor, these three Sundays will allow you to reconnect with your partner, learn communication and behavioral patterns that create distance and disinterest, and identify how God can re-center your relationship. Starting this Sunday, join us every week, February 12-26, in the Chapel at 9:45 am.
|
 Welcome Juli Hansen
Thrive Student Ministries is excited to announce Juli Hansen as the new Student Ministries Administrator, filling the position that was held by Lisa Lovell. Juli is a member at VHUMC and has a 6th grade son, Samuel, and a 4th grade daughter, Mary Elizabeth. We are excited to have her on board with us. As you stop by our office, please introduce yourself or shoot her a message and make her feel welcome! ([email protected] / 769.0137) |
 Boomer Spirituality Conference
VHUMC will be hosting our very first Boomer ministries conference on February 25. Join us as Craig Kennet Miller shares insights from his new book: "Boomer Spirituality, Seven Values for the Second Half of Life." We'll discuss how the values and beliefs we hold affect the whole of our lives - relationships, work, goals, faith, and most fundamentally, our self-understanding. We'll explore the values of brokenness, loneliness, rootlessness, and self-seeking which form the spiritual roots of boomers. We'll have breakout sessions in the afternoon and finish the day with a dinner and a dance featuring The Beatlads (a Beatles cover band). The cost for this event is only $25 and you can register at www.vhumc.org. Register today! Space is limited.
|
 Women's Ministry Listening Sessions
Please come share your thoughts and ideas on where our Women's Ministry can be helpful to your life in room 201, at 6:00 pm, this Sunday, February 12, or on Wednesday, February 15. Our goal is to help each woman feel the presence of God in all circumstances and to connect with other women so that we can support and care for each other as we grow in our faith. These sessions are a time of listening to one another and to God for direction in moving forward. Please contact Ruth ( [email protected]) with any questions or concerns! Until then, we hope to see you for this important time for this vital ministry.
|
 Welcome New Members
Last week, VHUMC added 10 new members into our family. Let's all extend a warm welcome to: James & Erica Barnes, Matt and Allison Chapman, Michael Covington, Claire Finley, Steve Norris, Bridges and Will Swift, and Judy Traylor. We are better because they are among us. The next joining service will be held on Sunday, April 2. For more information, please contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell ([email protected]). |
 Sunday Evening Worship
Come as you are on Sunday Evening at 5:00 pm in the Chapel for a joyful time of worship through singing of old, familiar hymns, warm fellowship, and a message from Mickey Morgan, "The Man in the Mirror" from Psalm 119:1-8. Also, plan to join us on February 19, when Butch Williams will preach and we'll share Holy Communion.
|
 Still Changing Lives After Death
Debbie Salter devoted her life to helping others. That never changed after she met George and they had two wonderful daughters, Sarah and Shelley. It is no surprise that Debbie's heart for others and her actions to help them continued after her death from cancer this past April. As Debbie was entering retirement, she wanted to make a difference in the lives of urban children. She had purchased a large quantity of beads and other crafts to use, but regrettably was never able to put that into place with her cancer. Debbie's dying wish was that these materials be put to that use, and our United Methodist Women's Circle #1 group did a great job of that this past December.
 Ann Clemmer and the other women of Circle #1 took Debbie's beads and organized a "Beads Party" for the Urban Kids, part of our Urban Ministry UMC outreach in downtown Birmingham. Not only was it well attended, but the kids were thrilled! Each child made a Christmas gift for someone - most for their Mom, then other things for themselves. The Circle women also took gift bags and tissue paper so they could wrap their gifts. The kids were so happy to have a handmade gift to give at Christmas and so proud of the bracelets, necklaces, and keychains they made for themselves. It was truly a special and fun day for everyone involved - all as a result of Debbie Salter's heart for helping others. |
Vestavia Dance Performance Company
 This is just the second year for our Vestavia Dance Performance Company and they are already bringing home awards! They performed five dances at the Nuvo Dance Competition in Atlanta and brought home two high silver awards and three gold awards. The following weekend, they performed 11 dances at the In10sity Dance Competition here in Birmingham. They received one platinum, eight high gold, and two gold awards. Their overall scores placed Vestavia Dance third out of the eight competing dance studios which earned them an additional $500 award! They have four more competitions planned this season. Congratulations! |
 Troop 4 Eagle Scouts Named
Boy Scout Troop 4, chartered through Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, announced that Alec Albright, Stephen Mims, Connor Ridgway and Thomas Sturdivant have earned the rank of Eagle. Congratulations! See the full article in the Vestavia Voice.
|
New Online Bible Study
 This app-based study helps you read in any spare time you have, (carpool, waiting rooms, etc.). Then on Sundays at 9:45 in room 105, you'll hear and share insights with the group from your readings. Join Shannon Raley and Scott McEwen as they guide us through the plan "Bible In One Year 2017." Throughout the year, we'll pray for this study to give us 'wisdom that is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere' - just as God intended us to have! |
 Daddy Daughter Dance
Our Daddy Daughter Dance is coming up Sunday, February 26, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, in the Lighthouse gym. The cost is $12 per person. This is an event for 4k through 5th grade girls and their fathers. If you have any questions contact Anne Strozier ([email protected]).
|
 February's Memory Verse
Our 1st-5th graders' February Memory Verse is: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself" Luke 10:27. 1st - 5th graders can recite their verse in the elementary office or the sensory room before or after Sunday School. After they successfully recite their verse they will receive a sweet treat, and their name will be put in a basket to have a chance to win a bike at the end of the school year! When they learn this month's verse they can work on the Apostle's Creed or books of the Old and/or New Testament. If they learn any of these they get to put their name in the basket 5 times! |
 Elementary Bible Study
We invite all 1st - 5th graders to join us on Wednesday nights from 6-7 in rooms 219/221 for Bible Pathfinders. Using music, crafts, hand motions, skits, games and lessons, many of the children who have been attending have already learned the first 27 books of the Bible! We would love for your child to join us on this adventure! Contact Jamie Meeks ([email protected]) for more information. |
 Confirmation Retreat 2017
57 of our Confirmands attended our annual Confirmation Retreat at Camp Sumatanga this past weekend. The students learned about the Wesleys and our Methodist heritage, where the Bible came from, and about the Holy Spirit. We also survived the ropes course, did various activities like soccer and gaga ball, and hiked the mountain to Creel Chapel where we enjoyed experiencing God's creation and shared in holy communion together. This weekend is always a great time for students to get away as they grow closer to God, have a lot of fun, and get to know each other as part of the Confirmation process. The confirmands have several meetings left on Sunday nights from 5:00 - 6:30 pm. Plan to attend our Confirmation service on Sunday, April 9, at 5:00 pm, in the Sanctuary. Please be in prayer for all of these students and mentors as they walk along this journey together. Click the link for a full list of mentors and confirmands. For any questions regarding confirmation please contact Jeremiah Stone ([email protected]).
|
 ASP Registration Now Open
Summer is approaching and we are excited to serve another year with our long-term ministry partners, Appalachia Service Project (ASP). This is an amazing experience for High School Students travel to a poverty stricken area of Appalachia and spend the week making homes warmer, safer, and drier for families who need a helping hand. It is a week filled with hard work, relationship building, and being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. The trip is open to any student who is currently in 9th-12th grades.
This year's trip will be July 15-22. In order for you to go this summer, you must return all required forms to the Student Ministries Office with a copy of the front and back of your insurance card and a $200 non-refundable deposit. All forms and a paperwork check-list are on the VHUMC website or by clicking the link. All paperwork and the deposit must be turned in by March 1 to reserve a spot. The remaining balance will be due at the parent meeting, Sunday, May 7, at 9:45 am, in Tyson Hall.
Additional information will be sent out after registration closes. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jeremy Robuck ([email protected]). We are looking forward to another year of serving with our High School Students!
|
Sunday Morning Optional Class
On Sunday, February 26 Craig Kennet Miller will share Biblical insights on the importance of developing the spiritual life, and share a spiritual life template that he has developed. Craig is the Director of Congregational Development at Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Join us at 9:45 am in Tyson Hall. |
Golf Cart Ministry
VHUMC has a golf cart transportation team taking congregants to and from their cars on Sunday mornings. This is an extension of our hospitality team, so if you want a ride, please flag down one of our drivers before any of the Sunday morning services. For more information, please contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell ([email protected]). It is our honor to transport and assist anyone who wants help! |
Wednesday Night Dinner Servers
We are looking for Wednesday night dinner servers. The commitment would be for the fourth Wednesday night of each month. We serve January through the middle of May and the middle of August through the second week in December. If you are interested, please contact Melinda Burnett ([email protected] / 769-0115). |
 Youth Silent Auction Donations
The New Life Singers will hold a silent auction in conjunction with the upcoming youth department dinner theatre on March 12. We are now collecting donated items to be sold silently at this event. If you have an item you would like to donate please drop it off in the main office of the church. Examples of items to donate would be signed sports memorabilia, electronic items, gift certificates, quality art, Sunday School baskets, etc. If you have any questions please contact Susan Sturdivant ([email protected]). |
 Veterans Care Kits
The Armed Services Ministry Committee of VHUMC is pleased to announce that it is coordinating the creation and distribution of Veterans Care Kits. These kits will contain basic items that will greatly help our Birmingham homeless and needy veterans. We are asking for item donations to help us fill these kits. Drop-off locations will be clearly marked throughout the church building. It is our goal to create 100 of these kits. If you would prefer to make a monetary donation for the committee to purchase items, please make your check payable to VHUMC and indicate "Veterans' Care Kits" on the memo line. Donations of items and your checks will be received through March 1. Items needed for the kits include:
- Travel-sized toiletries available for purchase in many drug stores, dollar stores, etc., or that you may already have on hand from your own travels (e.g. shampoo, soap, deodorant, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm/chap stick)
- First aid items (e.g., band aids, bandages/gauze, first aid ointment).
For more information, please contact Jarry Taylor (613-3875) or Butch Williams ([email protected] / 769-0102). |
Thrive Student Ministry Lenten Devotions
 We want to provide a Lenten devotion each day from Ash Wednesday until Easter this year. We will publish these devotions on the student ministry app and on Facebook. We really want our students to take ownership of this, so if your student would like to participate contact Jeremiah Stone ([email protected]) by February 15.
We have a scripture picked out for each day. We just need our students to write whatever God puts on their heart! This is a great opportunity for students who may not want to give a devotion in front of people, but still feel like God is speaking to them through scripture. All devotions will be due to Jeremiah by February 22.
We hope these devotions will be a source of spiritual renewal for all students and parents as we journey to the cross and then celebrate the resurrection of our Lord on Easter Sunday! |
Men's Hiking Group September Trip
 The VHUMC Men's Hiking Group will be heading to Rocky Mountain National Park September 9-16 to hike through a wide variety of wildlife within various climates and environments from wooded forests to alpine lakes and mountain tundra. The plan is to stay in a local motel at night and take a hike each day. As the days go by the hikes will become more ambitious. Features along the hikes will include lakes, waterfalls, and mountain summits. For those interested in backpacking and overnight camping, part of the group may go out for a two-day wilderness trek. Estimated expenses including airfare, motel, car or van rental, food, and miscellaneous items is $1,500. To register please contact Jim Frazier ([email protected] / 769-0126). |
 Memorials and Honorariums
Click on the link below or visit www.vhumc.org to see the memorials and honorariums given last month. Thanks to everyone who has given to help the church in recognition of a loved one.
|
Ongoing Outreach
UMCOR Kits Needed
UMCOR has been able to replenish their inventory of disaster relief supplies and place themselves in a better position to respond to disasters. Although the inventory has increased, they are still in need of health and bedding kits. As you are aware, crisis can occur anywhere, at any time, just as with the recent tornadoes that hit Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Let's help to keep them prepared as best we can to answer the call should our brothers and sisters need us. Click on the link below to see what all a kit contains. If you and your Sunday School class are able to assist with this request, please contact Rachael Hayes ( [email protected]).
Emergency Response Teams Needed
We are ready to receive ERT teams to the Hattiesburg and Petal areas impacted by recent tornados. ERTs should be self-sustainable. Teams will be housed at the R3SM building located at 301 Buschman St. in Hattiesburg, MS.
Available ERTs that are interested should contact our VHUMC representative, Ginny Slay ([email protected]).
Please pray for those who suffered loss and/or damage due to the recent severe weather.
Food Pantry
Thanks so much to Cahaba Heights Elementary School for the huge food drive last week. We appreciate the support of our youth. We actually have enough bags right now, please save them for a few months. Thank you!
Oak Mountain Mission
Oak Mountain Mission needs sofas, chairs, kitchen tables/chairs, dressers, and chests. Please call Brenda at 685-5757 to arrange a home pick-up.
Training in Search and Rescue
FEMA's course called "Search and Rescue in Community Disasters" is free and open to anyone. This first of its kind course will guide participants to:
- Develop a survivor's mindset
- Prepare for a disaster
- Utilize common household items as tools to rescue themselves, their families or co-workers, and their neighbors
- Determine if they are able to wait for help or if they should evacuate
- Begin the recovery process
Two local churches will be hosting this event:
- Feb. 10-11 - Calera First UMC (Call 663-0957 to register)
- Feb. 24-25 - Pleasant Hill UMC (Call 910-9382 to register)
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Wednesday Night Menu
- Feb 15 - Salad, Chili OR White Chili w/ Shrimp, Baked Potato, Crackers, Cheesecake
-
Feb 22 - Salad, Swedish Meatballs OR Baked Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Roll, Cupcake
-
Mar 1 - Salad, Beef Tips OR Shrimp Creole, Rice, Steamed Broccoli, Bread, Ice Cream
|
Worship & Music Focus
8:30 am Traditional Service
Philippians 2:1-18
"The Joyful Decision"
Bill Brunson
9:45 am Service of Word and Table
Philippians 4:4-14
"The Joyful Decision"
Bill Brunson
11:00 am Traditional Service
Philippians 2:1-18
"The Joyful Decision"
Bill Brunson
11:00 am Contemporary Service
Philippians 4:4-14
"The Joyful Decision"
Bill Brunson
5:00 pm Sunday Evening Worship
Psalm 119:1-8
"The Man in the Mirror"
Mickey Morgan
|
|
Our Time and Resources
Donations this past week
December YTD Summary
Donations
Other Income
Auxilary Ministries Net*
Total Income
|
Actual
$84,071
$3,663,516
$189,072
($31,180)
$3,821,408
|
Targeted
+$20,097
-$229,484
-$13,877
-$81,256
-$324,617
|
(+) 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:
Pat Bendall
Ginny Bourland
Ginger Peete Bramlett
Margean Brasher
Lynn Brasher
Jami DeMarco
Chris Dibble
David Dixon
Adam Draney
Julie Duffe
|
Margaret Flowers
Kendra Haddock
Fay Harbin
Fred Hatfield
Linda Hill
Pug Kaufman
Tricia McKinnon
Gary Merrell
Mary Morgan
Paul Noto
|
Norma Owen
Mary Owens
Norman Ponder
Guice Potter, III
Jim Sanders
Claude Small
Charles Smith
Tom Webb
|
Requested prayers for service members in combat areas:
- Spencer Carroll, US Army
- Darkhorse Unit, USMC, (Afghanistan)
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.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
