Volume 47
Issue 16
April 20, 2017
              
Rise Against Hunger Meal Packing Event
Every night, 66 million elementary-aged children in the developing world go to bed hungry. Our community-wide meal packing event, Rise Against Hunger (formerly known as Stop Hunger Now) can make a tremendous difference. Each meal costs 29 cents, and our Lenten offering will support our goal of packing 300,000 meals April 23-25. Please give as generously as you can, and sign up to volunteer during a shift (or several) by clicking the link. Let's work together to end hunger in our lifetime.

Rockin' Rummage Sale
Spread the word and join us for the upcoming Rockin' Rummage Sale on Saturday, April 29, from 7:00 am-12:00 pm, in the church parking lot. This effort goes to support the New Life Singers youth choir in their preparation for their New York City choir tour.

Do you have something we can sell? Drop it off in the large parking on Friday, April 28, between 1-6 pm. Otherwise, please contact Quint Harris (qharris@vhumc.org) for further instructions. We will try to sell anything! Please donate now.
6th Grade Serve Week
We strive to provide ways for our students to be the hands and feet of Christ. Our Serve Week allows our 6th graders the opportunity to serve in the downtown area at four different mission sites. We will serve at a site each day, June 5-8, from 8:00 am - 1:15 pm (including lunch).
  • Monday: YWCA
  • Tuesday: Church of the Reconciler
  • Wednesday: Urban Ministries
  • Thursday: Pathways
The cost is $25 and includes a t-shirt! Your child will also need to bring $10 each day for lunch. We hope this opportunity will allow your student to see the needs of others right in our own back yard. To register, please click the link below. If you are interested in serving as a chaperone or van driver, please contact Jeremiah Stone (jstone@vhumc.org).

7th & 8th Grade Mission Trip
Registration is now open for our annual 7th and 8th grade mission trip! We will be going back to Livingston, AL June 18-23 to serve families in need through various construction projects. The cost is $325 which includes all meals and a T-shirt! To register, click on the link below.

We also desperately need chaperones to help make this trip possible, and if you are handy with construction, even better, but certainly not a requirement! For more information or if you would like to serve as a chaperone please contact Jeremiah Stone (jstone@vhumc.org).

Vacation Bible Camp
Calling all superheroes! Vacation Bible Camp is scheduled for June 12-16, and this year our theme is Hero Central. We will be learning how we can become truly heroic in God. You can register your 4k (by last September 1, 2016) through 5th grader online by clicking the link below.

We are looking for 1st and 2nd grade group leaders as well as helpers in crafts, snacks and preschool areas. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Jamie Meeks (jmeeks@vhumc.org) or Anne Strozier (astrozier@vhumc.org). If your 6th-12th grader would like to volunteer as a student helper please contact Anna Watts (awwatts@bellsouth.net) before May 26.

Discovery Weekend Registration is Open
Do you ever wonder, "Who am I?" Do you ever ask, "What defines me?" or "Who Defines Me?" These are important questions in our lives, questions that already have answers. Join us August 4-6, at Discovery Weekend 2017 where we will answer these questions and more about who you are and what defines you.

Discovery is a fun and energetic weekend where students come together to grow in their faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ through worship, small groups, food, talks from a few of our senior students, mission projects, games, more food, and much more! Through the weekend, our middle school students are led by our high school students alongside some incredible adults! This is Thrive Student Ministries' biggest and best event of the year and we hope all students in 6th through 12th grades can participate! The deadline for middle school registration is July 1, and the deadline for high school is June 1.

In order for this event to be a success, we need the help of many hands! There are endless amounts of ways to volunteer. To learn more about how you can help, please contact Juli Hansen (jhansen@vhumc.org / 769.0137), Student Ministries Administrator. To learn more about Discovery or Thrive Student Ministries, please contact Emily Boles (eboles@vhumc.org / 769.0130), Jeremy Robuck (jrobuck@vhumc.org / 769.0131), or Jeremiah Stone (jstone@vhumc.org / 769.0135).

Sunday Night Worship
Come worship with us this Sunday Evening when Butch Williams will preach "Seeing is Believing?" from John 20:19-31. Mark your calendars for a joyous evening of music lead by Jim Frazier & Friends on April 30.
National Day of Prayer
Join us Thursday, May 4, for the 66th Annual National Day of Prayer. Our chapel will be open from 7 am - 5 pm for prayer. This year's theme is "For Your Great Name's Sake" emphasizing the need for us to ask God to hear us, forgive us, and to heal us. Prayer guides will be available for you to use as you enter the chapel. Don't miss this important day of repentance and petition for us and our country. If you have any questions please contact Ruth Grissom (rgrissom@vhumc.org / 822-9631).
Adult Softball
It's time to form a team for softball this spring! We will have a co-ed league and a league for men. The cost is $275/team. That's just $27.50 each for a 10-person team or less if you get more people. Jerseys can be ordered at an additional cost. The season will start May 22 with eight games and a tournament over a 10-week period. Form you team and sign up at the Lighthouse by May 11. For more info, contact Seth Autry (sautry@vhumc.org / 769-0134)
Senior Sunday is Coming Up
Attention Graduation Seniors! Graduation is right around the corner and we have several ways we want to honor you. Mark your calendars for the following events, and be on the lookout for a more detailed email in the coming weeks.
  • May 2: Senior Canvas Painting - 7:30 pm
  • May 7: Pictures/Information Due to Juli Hansen (jhansen@vhumc.org)
  • May 7: Senior Night at Sunday Night Thrive - 5:00-6:30 pm
  • May 21: Senior Sunday - 9:45 am reception in Fellowship Hall, 11:00 service in Sanctuary
High School Atlanta Trip
Registration is open for all current 9th-12th graders for a trip to Atlanta, June 16-17, for a Braves Game and a trip to Six Flags.
  • $100 if you register by May 1. Registration by May 1 also insures that your Braves ticket is with the group.
  • $150 if you register by May 31

To register, please click on the link or visit www.vhumc.org. Cost includes transportation, Braves ticket, Six Flags admittance, and hotel. All meals will be on your own. Please email Juli Hansen (jhansen@vhumc.org) if you would like to be a chaperone.

 

2018 Holy Land Information Meeting
Due to the wonderful response to our first informational meeting, we have scheduled another one for Sunday, May 7, at 3:00 pm, in room 316. We can only take 40 people on this trip and we will not be going back to the Holy Land until 2022. We have over 20 people already registered so it won't be long before this trip is full. Jim will also be doing a presentation on the Nile Riverboat Cruise optional trip extension. For more information contact Jim Frazier (769-0126 / jfrazier@vhumc.org).
Summer Grand Camps
If you have a grandchild between the ages of 4-9 years old, then you need to consider taking them to Camp Sumatanga this summer. Jim Frazier will be leading two Grand Camps July 9 - 11 and July 12 - 14. You will have the chance to spend quality time with your grandchild while you swim, ride horses, hike, canoe, fish, make crafts, and sing songs around the campfire. Click on the link to register or call 256-538-9860.

Steeple 2 Steeple 10K, 5K, and Fun Run
Support the United Methodist Children's Home by lacing up your running shoes and participating in the Steeple 2 Steeple race on Saturday, April 22. The race takes place in Homewood and Mountain Brook and is run between Trinity UMC and Canterbury UMC. Run or walk the 10K, 5K, or Fun Run course and represent VHUMC! Grab a few friends and compete in the 5K team competition. For more information about the race or the team competition contact Megan Drumm (mdrumm@vhumc.org). We look forward to seeing you there!

Trailmixers Leader Needed
Do you have a love of hiking? Are you interested in leading a group of women during hiking expeditions? VHUMC Health, Wellness, and Recreation Ministry is seeking a leader for our Trailmixers women's hiking group. Please contact Megan Drumm (mdrumm@vhumc.org), if you are interested or would like more information.
Get in Shape with Every Girl Fitness
Looking for a great workout or to get in shape? Join Every Girl Fitness on Monday and Wednesday evenings. A new session of classes will begin on April 10 and run through May 19 from 6:00-7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall and room 245. The cost is $90 for the six-week session. Not sure if Every Girl Fitness is right for you? Come try out a class for free! You will love the class, just take it from two of our EGF participants!

"I was nervous about joining a class like this, but I loved it from Day 1! The class was fun, always different, challenging but not intimidating, and the instructors are the best! This girl who couldn't even run a mile in July has signed up for a half marathon! " - Elizabeth Radford

"I had never exercised at all until I started EGF when I was 49 years old and 25 pounds overweight. Paula and Leigh, the trainers, were so supportive and welcoming of me to their class. I survived the first day and was determined to keep at it. I would recommend EGF to any woman no matter their age or physical ability." Elise Wheeler
Registration Open for Kindermusik Classes
The Conservatory of the Arts is proud to announce that Kindermusik classes will begin this summer at VHUMC. Kindermusik is one of the very best ways to share the wonderful gift of music with young children from infants through age six. These classes are considered pre-instrumental and will have your child ready to start private music lessons by age six. Register now to save your spot for summer classes. There is a June session and a July session. Classes are available both in the morning and late afternoons to accommodate busy schedules of the parents. Click on the link below for more information or to register for these classes!

COA Summer Music Lessons
Summer is a great time to begin music lessons! Don't let your child grow up without being exposed to music in their life! And our instructors love adult students as well! Registration for our summer session begins April 1. Lesson times are flexible during the summer. So why not use this time to learn a new instrument, take voice lessons or continue your current lessons?

April Memory Verse
Our 1st-5th graders have a different memory verse each month. April's verse is: The crowds that went ahead of Him and that followed were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!" -Matthew 21:9

Kids can recite their verse before or after Sunday School in either the sensory room or the elementary office for a sweet treat and a chance to win a bike at the end of the school year! Once they learn their verse for the month they can work on the Books of the Bible or the Apostle's Creed for more chances to win!
Seeking Recreation Assistant
VHUMC is seeking a part-time Recreation Assistant (formerly Lighthouse intern) who will provide support in the day-to-day operation of our Recreation Ministry, including management and oversight of the Lighthouse as well as organization with Upward Sports leagues. To apply for this position send your resume and cover letter to Megan Drumm (mdrumm@vhumc.org).
Ongoing Outreach

Food Pantry
The Food Pantry needs brown plastic grocery bags, preferably doubled. If you would like to donate some spaghetti sauce, that would be useful as well. Thank you.

Oak Mountain Mission
The Oak Mountain Mission needs furniture. Please call Brenda (685-5757) for a pick-up. Remember, furniture you can sit on, eat on, or put your clothes into. No clothing is needed at this time. Thank you for your continued support.

Church of the Reconciler's Annual Fundraiser
Join us Thursday, April 27, from 5:30-7:30 pm, at Avondale Brewing Company to support Church of the Reconciler's annual fundraiser event. There will be food, fun, fellowship, and an auction.
Wednesday Night Menu
  • April 26 - Salad, Turkey a la King, OR Curried Shrimp, Rice Pilaf, Glazed Carrots, Cake. Kids: Chicken Nuggets, Mac & Cheese
  • May 3 - Salad, Orecchiette w/ Bolognese OR Chicken Alfredo, Green Beans, Ice Cream
  • May 10 - Salad, Pork Loin OR Grilled Chicken, Roasted New Potatoes, Carrot Soufflé, Assorted Desserts
  • May 17 - Hamburger OR Hot Dog, French Fries, Baked Beans, Cupcake
Worship & Music Focus

8:30 am         Traditional Service
Genesis 1:1-5, 2:1-3
"I Believe in... God the Father"
Bill Brunson

9:45 am         Service of Word and Table
Psalm 100
"What Do I Truly Believe?"
Butch Williams

11:00 am         Traditional Service
Genesis 1:1-5, 2:1-3
"I Believe in... God the Father"
Bill Brunson

11:00 am         Contemporary Service
Acts 17:24-28
"I Believe in God - But Which One?"
Kipp McClurg

5:00 pm         Sunday Evening Worship
John 20:19-31
"Seeing is Believing?"
Butch Williams
Our Time and Resources
 

Donations this past week

January 2016 - March 2017
Donations
Other Income
Auxilary Ministries Net*
Total Income
Actual
$87,014


$4,641,840
$225,236
$129,437
$4,996,513
Targeted
+$ 28,584


-$95,503
-$11,389
+$54,034
-$52,858

(+) 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: 
Ginny Baerland
Margean Brasher
Lynn Brasher
Lane Chappell
Danny Collins
Sam Cunningham
Jami DeMarco
Chris Dibble
David Dixon
Adam Draney
Tim Eddins
Jerry Farris
Kendra Haddock
Fay Harbin
Fred Hatfield
Evelyn Johnson
Billie Meloy
Mary Morgan
Will Nailen
Paul Noto
Norma Owen
Mary Owens
Norman Ponder
Helen Ryland
Jim Sanders
Jeanette White
Bob Wilson

Requested prayers for service members in combat areas:
  • 1st Lt. Spencer Carroll, US Army, (Kuwait)
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.