Volume 47
Issue 49
December 14, 2017
              
Service of Healing and Light
The holly-jolly Christmas atmosphere can be difficult if we are experiencing the recent loss of a loved one or a significant life-changing event. We need the space to acknowledge our grief and hold it up to the light of the Christmas message: God is with us. Come be a part of this very special service on Thursday, December 21, at 6:00 pm, in the Chapel.
Advent Devotional Guides
An annual favorite, this booklet of daily devotions is designed for every family or individual to have a copy. It contains brief readings for each day in Advent, including a passage of Scripture, a short devotion, and a closing prayer. Donald K. McKim leads us along an Advent journey as people who live in darkness and are awaiting God's great light. Day by day, we get closer and closer to the light as we take time to read and reflect on Scripture throughout the Advent season. This calendar of devotions will help us focus on the Incarnation in the midst of so many distractions we face as we prepare for the birth of Christ.
Gifting Matured Stock
As we approach the year-end, and as we find ourselves in the midst of a record stock market, there are simple ways to make a charitable gift of matured stock to the church. Gifting matured stock that has been owned for more than one year can easily be transferred to VHUMC while avoiding any capital gains taxation. End of the year stock transfers are great ways to make payments towards existing pledges or to provide a one-time gift. Matured stock gifts can be used toward both our Annual Budget campaign and our NEXT Capital campaign. For more information, please contact John Sweeney ([email protected] / 769-0101), Director of Stewardship Development.
Joy at Sunday Evening Worship
Come as you are as we celebrate the joy on this third Sunday of Advent! We'll sing many of the old, familiar Christmas hymns and we'll share in Holy Communion. Butch Williams will preach about "Joy to the World" from Isaiah 9:2, 6-7.
Gift Bags to VHUMC Neighbors
We are so blessed by the hospitality of our "across the street" neighbors - especially during Christmas and Easter. During these seasons, we deliver VHUMC gift bags with bread, a Christmas card, and an invitation to join us at our Christmas Eve services. Thanks for the love and commitment of the teams that bake the bread and make the deliveries.
Christmas Day Lunch Celebration
The Christmas Day Lunch at 11:30 am is a holiday meal with fellowship and sharing for anyone who will not be with family on Christmas Day. Turkey, dressing, rolls, and beverages will be provided. Please bring a dish to contribute to the meal. Members and visitors of all ages are invited. We ask that you make reservations by calling either Margaret Flowers (769-0112) or Jim Frazier (769-0126) by December 20. Also, if you would like to volunteer in any way please let us know.
Christmas Eve at VHUMC
We would love for you to join us this Christmas for a powerful evening of worship, prayer, and celebration as we honor the birth of Jesus Christ. Services will be held at a variety of times throughout our campus, so find which time works best for you!
  • 2:00 pm - Candlelight Communion Service | Sanctuary | Children's Choir
  • 4:00 pm - Candlelight Communion Service | Sanctuary | Chancel Choir
  • 4:00 pm - Candlelight Communion Service | Tyson Hall | Ensemble
  • 6:00 pm - Candlelight Communion Service | Sanctuary | New Life Singers
  • 8:00 pm - Chapel Communion Service (30 Minute Service) | Chapel
  • 11:00 pm - Candlelight Communion Service | Sanctuary
This year Christmas Eve is on a Sunday. We will have two services that morning, both at 10:00 am in Tyson Hall and the Sanctuary. There will be no Sunday School. We also will not have services on Christmas day, December 25.

The following Sunday, December 31, we will have one service in the Sanctuary at 10:00 am and no Sunday School.
Bike Drive for Trips for Kids
VHUMC Missions and Health & Wellness are teaming up after Christmas for a bike drive to benefit Trips for Kids. Please recycle any used bicycles, biking equipment, or biking clothes and donate them at the Lighthouse between Sunday, January 7 and Sunday, January 14. Trips for Kids uses bicycles for lessons in confidence building, achievement, health, fitness, environmental awareness, and simply having fun!

Kindermusik
COA is proud to be offering Kindermusik to the Vestavia community. Kindermusik with Michele & Friends has a passion for educating young families through music! In every Kindermusik class, your child is welcomed into a playful and nurturing environment where they will sing, move, play instruments, and hear stories-all while developing social skills, problem-solving skills, pre-math skills, and a foundation for reading. Our research-based curriculum focuses on whole-child development and helps you understand how your child is developing musically, cognitively, and socially. Kindermusik is the world's leading music and movement program for small children. Don't miss out on this spectacular program!

Registration is open for the winter/spring session. Classes will be held on Sunday afternoons and Monday mornings. Check us out on www.kmwithmichele.com or call 568-6702.
December Memory Verse
Our 1st - 5th graders learn a different verse each month, and have the opportunity to recite the verse before or after Sunday School in the elementary office for a sweet treat! December's memory verse is: For a Child has been born for us, a Son given to us (Isaiah 9:6). At the end of the school year we will give a grand prize to one boy and one girl. We hope that these verses help to guide them throughout their lives.
Confirmation Registration is Now Open
Parents of 6th Grade students, don't forget to register your student for Confirmation 2018! Confirmation 2018 begins on Sunday, January 21, in the Fellowship Hall. Each lesson will be on a Sunday night from 5:00 - 6:30 pm, includes dinner, and is facilitated by one of our clergy members. We will hold a parent meeting on Sunday, January 7, at 4:00 pm, in the Fellowship Hall.

Our Confirmation Retreat is scheduled for February 2-3 at Camp Sumatanga. This is truly a transformational retreat where the students learn more about themselves, each other, and the United Methodist faith. The total cost for Confirmation is $115 and includes the retreat, 8 dinners, and a t-shirt. Register online by clicking the link.

Confirmation Mentors Needed
Do you have a passion for working with students and want to help them grow in their faith? Serving as Confirmation mentor might be the right role for you! We are currently seeking Confirmation mentors to serve for the 2018 Spring semester. Confirmation is typically for our 6th grade students and mentors help by facilitating discussions around the topics the clergy will be teaching each Sunday night. If you are interested in serving as a mentor please contact Jeremiah Stone ([email protected])!
College Scholarship Opportunity
Dick Kelly Scholarship Fund is one of our Foundation Funds with the purpose of "providing college scholarships for church members." We have developed new guidelines over the past year for giving up to $5,000 total each year. If you are a student or have a student already attending college or entering college next fall, we invite you to submit an application. Applications are available through the link and completed applications should be sent or given to Gary Wyatt ([email protected]). Awards will be based on both merit and need. The deadline for applications is January 10. Donations are also welcome to continue replenishing the fund.

Julian Family Recital
The Julian family would like to invite you to their annual Family Recital in the Sanctuary, on Tuesday, December 19, at 7:00 pm. The evening will feature Rachel Julian and Katrina Julian Booth on the organ, Karl Julian on the piano, and Kyle Julian on the French horn. A reception will follow the performance in the church parlor.
Welcome New Members to VHUMC
Please welcome our newest members to VHUMC:
  • Frank & Marti Buck
  • Kyle & Katie Duett
  • Maggie & Sarah Gann
  • Rachel & Bill Flowers
  • Jeffery Terrell
As Bill often says, "we are stronger now with these new members than we've ever been!" So, welcome them into the VHUMC family!
Student Ministries ChristmasBreakfast
We had over 40 families attend our Christmas Breakfast last Saturday morning where our student volunteers served them breakfast and gave out toys. This is our second year for this event and we are pleased to see how this program has grown. Thanks to everyone who brought the wonderful toys for these families in need!
Lighthouse Christmas Holiday Hours
The Lighthouse will be open during the holidays! Come visit us to play basketball, workout, walk the track, play in the game room, or just hang out. Our holiday hours are posted below. Please call 769-0100 for gym availability.
  • Monday, December 18 (7:00 am - 9:00 pm)
  • Tuesday, December 19 (6:30 am - 9:00 pm)
  • Wednesday, December 20 (7:00 am - 9:00 pm)
  • Thursday, December 21 (6:30 am - 9:00 pm)
  • Friday, December 22 (7:00 am - 5:00 pm)
  • Saturday, December 23 (8:00 am - 12:00 pm)
The Lighthouse will be closed Sunday, December 24 through Monday, January 1. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, January 2. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Boomer Bible Study
In the fall of 1960, America was introduced to the town of Mayberry and in many ways, we've never left. When reflecting on The Andy Griffith Show most people say that the show represented a time to which they would like to return. However, even a casual look back at the decade in which the series originated reveals a very turbulent time in the history of our country. We will be watching one episode per week and looking at how it relates to the Bible and what lessons we can learn. The class will meet on Thursdays at 6:30 pm, in room 322, from January 4 - February 8. For more information please contact Jim Frazier ([email protected] / 769-0126). Join us as we find our way back to Mayberry!
Mission Trip to Tanzania
In 2018, VHUMC will partner with Trinity UMC to visit our missionary friends in Tanzania. Last summer we had the privilege of hearing Eric and Liz Soard speak about their efforts and the ways that God has called them to be missionaries in Africa. We will be offering a new mission trip to Tanzania in 2018 to see their work first hand and to work with them in the Geita district. If you are interested in hearing more about this trip, led by Paulette West, please mark your calendars and join us on Sunday, January 21, at 4:00 pm, for an introductory meeting.
Mother and Son Dinner
Come be a part of our Mother and Son Dinner on Thursday, February 8, at 6:00 pm, in Tyson Hall. Tickets are $15 per person. This is an event for 5k through 5th grade boys and their mothers. If you have any questions, contact Anne Strozier ([email protected]). The deadline to register is February 1.
Soups and Stories is Coming
Our annual Soup and Stories luncheon with Dolores Hydock will be on Sunday, January 28, at 12:15 pm. If you would like to help, please contact Barbara Porter ([email protected]). Tickets will be sold the first week of January.
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.

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!
Ongoing Outreach 
Oak Mountain Mission
Oak Mountain Mission is a non-profit mission demonstrating Christ's love by helping clients referred by shelters, social service agencies, and faith-support churches. Everything belongs to God and is provided to clients free of charge. Thank you for your donations. Needed items are linens, kitchen items, new toys for Christmas, and boys' jeans. For furniture pick-up, please call Brenda at OMM (685-5757).
Wednesday Night Menu
  • Our Wednesday night fellowship dinners will resume on January 10.   
Worship Focus
 
8:30 am         Traditional Service
Mark 1:1-8
"The Greatest Baby Reveal Ever!"
Bill Brunson
 
9:45 am         Service of Word and Table
Mark 1:1-8
"Greatest Baby Reveal Ever!"
Sherry Harris and Butch Williams
 
11:00 am         Traditional Service
Mark 1:1-8
"The Greatest Baby Reveal Ever!"
Bill Brunson
 
11:00 am         Contemporary Service
Mark 1:1-8
"The Greatest Baby Reveal Ever!"
Kipp McClurg
 
5:00 pm         Sunday Evening Worship  
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
"JOY to the World!"
Butch Williams
Our Time and Resources
 

Donations this past week

July - October 2017
Donations
Other Income
Auxiliary Ministries Net
Total Income
Actual
$ 52,191


$1,101,168
$40,146
$135,720
$1,277.034
Targeted  
-$ 79,730


+$25,016
-$6,120
+$120,025
+$138,921
 
(+) Better or (-) worse for the church than our target
* Includes COA, Summer Days, VDS, and Vestavia Dance 
Worship service attendance last Sunday:    1,377
Care and Support
Congratulations, hospitalizations, and sympathies

Prayer Requests
Please be in prayer for the following persons: