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 Easter Egg Hunt
Neighbors and friends, come join us for the VHUMC Easter Egg Hunt! We will gather this Saturday, April 8, at 10:00 am, in Tyson Hall. All toddlers thru 2nd grade are invited to bring a basket and camera to take pictures with the Easter Bunny and, of course, have fun as we hunt eggs together! |
 Forty Days-Forty Items
This Saturday, April 8, VHUMC will once again host the Clean Out Challenge in the large parking lot from 9:00 am to noon. Our first clean out challenge in October was very successful, and many of you have requested that we do it again. We will have the following vendors to collect your stuff: Shred It, ATR Recycling, Oak Mountain Missions and Salvation Army. We will also have an area for you to donate luggage to our mission partner, Family Promise. Bellhops will help you unload your car so all you have to do is just pull up and donate! In the upcoming weeks, we will give you some suggestions of items to donate to help some of our mission partners. Any goods not used by our mission partners will be sold in the upcoming New Life Singers rummage sale.
This spring we are adding a prescription drug take-back program. The Vestavia Hills Police Department will be on site to collect all prescription medications with the exception of needles and aerosols. Misuse of prescription drugs is quickly becoming the gateway into illegal drug abuse. Clean out your medicine cabinets and keep these medications out of the wrong hands.
Forty days, forty items - are you willing to accept the challenge? For questions and information about this challenge contact Rachael Hayes ([email protected]). |
 Holy Week at VHUMC
Easter Egg Hunt - April 8
All toddlers through 2nd grade are invited to bring a basket and camera to take pictures with the Easter Bunny and, of course, have fun with each other as we hunt eggs together! We will gather at 10:00 am, in Tyson Hall.
Palm Sunday - April 9
Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Join us as we come together for a special sermon in our 8:30 & 11:00 traditional services, our 9:45 service, as well as our 11:00 contemporary service.
Holy Week Luncheons - April 10-12
Worship with us daily at 11:30 am, in Tyson Hall as we journey to the cross with Christ. Services begin at 11:30 am followed by lunch at noon. For lunch reservations, contact Margaret Flowers ([email protected]).
- Monday, April 10 - Janet Hall O'Neil
- Tuesday, April 11 - Rev. Dr. Andy Wolfe
- Wednesday, April 12 - Jamey Langley
Maundy Thursday - April 13
This service celebrates and remembers the Passover feast that Jesus shared with his disciples. The service will be at 6:00 pm, in the Sanctuary.
Good Friday Worship - April 14
Together we will remember the night Jesus died on the cross, sacrificing himself for us. The service will be at 6:00 pm, in the Sanctuary.
Easter Worship - April 16
- 6:30 am - Sunrise Service in the McGrimsey Garden Columbarium
- 8:30, 9:45, 11:00 am - Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
- 9:45, 11:00 am - Contemporary Worship in the Tyson Hall
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 Join the Parade This Sunday
As we celebrate Palm Sunday, we invite anyone who would like to participate to join the Chancel choir in processing into the 8:30 and 11:00 and 11:00 Contemporary worship services waving palms high remembering this special day of Holy Week.
If you would like to participate, simply go to the back area of Tyson Hall or the back of the Sanctuary where you will be given palm branches to wave high as we process in. We will end at the altar where our palms will be laid. After you have laid your palms at the altar, you may return to your seat to celebrate, praise, and worship with your friends and family through the rest of the service. |
 Confirmation Service
Over the past several months, our 6th graders have been going through Confirmation, learning what it means to be a follower of Christ, and being a part of a community of believers. It has been a great semester as our Confirmands have laughed, asked questions, and learned a lot.
As the Confirmation semester comes to a close we would like to invite you to join us this Sunday, April 9, at 5:00 pm, in the sanctuary. We are excited to welcome Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett, who will bring our message. We hope you will join us as we celebrate the call God has placed on the lives of these 63 Confirmands and continue to surround them with love and support as a church family! |
 Easter Flowers
In celebration of Easter, the Flower and Altar Guilds will be adorning the worship services with both fresh cut and potted flowers. You can participate by donating flowers in memory or honor of a loved one for $20. There will be a few potted plants available to be picked up after the 11:00 am services. The Gardening Committee will place any unclaimed potted plants in the church gardens as a living tribute. If you wish to donate flowers in memory of or in honor of a loved one, you must contact Margaret Flowers ([email protected] / 769-0112) or Gail Ashe ([email protected] / 769-0109) before Monday, April 10, at 11:00 am. Order forms will also be available in binders in the church office.
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5-Minute Missions to Pack Veteran's Kits
 Please join us this Sunday, April 9, at 9:30 am, for a 5 Minute Missions to pack Veteran's Kits during the coffee hour in the Fellowship Hall. We will pack all the kits that were collected over the last month to be sent to Veterans. Five minutes of your time will help many, so please join us. For more information, contact Steve Williams ([email protected] / 334-596-0484). |
 Three Ways to Help the Hungry
Ray Buchanan, a United Methodist minister, envisioned a world without hunger and decided to do something about it. A former Marine, he knew that accomplishing a mission required "commitment to something larger than yourself." Nearly 20 years after he founded Rise Against Hunger (formerly Stop Hunger Now), more than 180 million meals have been distributed to hungry people in 65 countries.
It's our turn to make a big commitment. Join us as we work together to package 300,000 meals April 23-25 during our Rise Against Hunger event. Support the effort as generously as you can with your Lenten offering, and volunteer for a shift by clicking the link below.
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Easy Fundraising for Rise Against Hunger
 Many of our local merchants are willing to contribute 3-15% of your purchases to help us pay for the food we pack at Rise Against Hunger. It's easy: Download the free app from Planet Fundraiser, select the group you would like to join (VHUMC-Community Wide event Rise Against Hunger) and get a list of participating merchants. Save your receipt(s) from one of those merchants and follow directions on the app to capture a picture of the receipt. A portion of your purchase will be donated back to our Rise Against Hunger event. Remember that one meal is only $.29, so any amount of donation we receive will help to feed a child. Many thanks to Diane Sausen for discovering this great fundraiser for us! If you should have any questions, email Rachael Hayes ([email protected]).
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 Sunday Evening Worship
We'll worship in the Sanctuary this Sunday evening, April 9, as we celebrate with the Confirmation Class joining VHUMC! Also, please note that there will be no Sunday Evening Worship on Easter Sunday - enjoy the time with your families! |
 Men's Prayer Breakfast
VHUMC Men's Ministry will be hosting a Prayer Breakfast next Wednesday, April 12, at 6:45 am, in the Fellowship Hall. Our guest speaker will be Richard Simmons, lll. Richard is the Executive Director of The Center for Executive Leadership, where he teaches men's bible studies, counsels individuals, and oversees a talented group of professional and personal counselors. He is a frequent public speaker and published author. The cost is $5 for breakfast. To make reservations please contact Jim Frazier ([email protected] / 769-0126). |
 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 ([email protected]).
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 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 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 ([email protected]).
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 Calling All Knitters
Our Prayer Shawl Ministry is in need of those with knitting skills who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need of our care and support. If you would like to join this wonderful ministry or find out more about it, please contact Harriette Woodring ([email protected] / 706-2943). |
 Women In Ministry Spotlight
Our church is full of faithful women serving God each day! Women's ministry would like to start highlighting their efforts and also help others see ways they may become a servant leader themselves. Check out the VHUMC Women's Ministry Facebook page and VHUMCWomen on Instagram. Start following today to see who will be in our Spotlight next. It could be YOU!! |
 Rockin' Rummage Sale
Plan to support our New Life Singers Youth Choir by checking out our "Rockin' Rummage Sale" happening on Saturday, April 29, from 7:00 am to noon in the church parking lot. For more details or questions contact Quint Harris ([email protected]).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? If so, please contact Quint Harris ([email protected]) for further instructions. We will try to sell anything! Please donate now. |
Welcome New VHUMC Members
 We had 10 new families join VHUMC on last Sunday. Please let's all welcome them into our family:
- Rudy Daniels
- Bethany & Nick Fees
- Rebecca & David McCormick
- Mary, Andy & Garrison Measel
- Anna Leigh Richards
- Lauren Robinson
- Nichole & Andy Ryder
- Blair & Shay Thompson
- Joy & Greg Turner
- Kate & Tony Watkins
- Sue & Nick Willis
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 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 1st, 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 ([email protected]) or Anne Strozier ([email protected]). If your 6th-12th grader would like to volunteer as a student helper please contact Anna Watts ([email protected]) before May 26. |
 Students Serve During Spring Break
Last week, during Tuesday and Thursday of Spring Break, we had several students make and serve lunches at East Lake UMC in downtown Birmingham. Each day we served between 30 and 40 meals and also played and interacted with the students on the playground. Many of the students in that community receive free lunches at schools and several of them walked more than a mile one way just to receive a meal. We want to thank our students for serving last week and we ask that you be in prayer for the students of that community! |
 New Grief Support Program
Our Grief Support Committee has organized the first Grief Support Group starting on Wednesday, April 19, at 5:30 pm, in the Grace Class Room (207A, near the Fellowship Hall on the hallway to the Lighthouse). Dinner will be provided each Wednesday before the session begins. The group will meet for six consecutive Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:00 pm and conclude on May 24. If you have questions, contact Cathie Amos (967-7894) or John Amos (908-2731). To register, contact Butch Williams ([email protected] / 769-0102) by April 11. |
Join Our Usher Team
I feel very strongly as a Christian that we are each given a gift from God to do God's work and to give back that gift in any way we can. Being an usher has given me the opportunity to use my gift of "charisma" in God's worship services over the last 30 years. I see my role as the "doorkeeper in the house of the Lord." I have ushered in three different Methodist churches over the years, and take great pleasure in greeting the membership of the church and the new people who are coming to see who we are. We try our best to help prepare the way for God and the fellowship of other believers to change the lives of those who attend our services. As an usher, we are sometimes the first people that visitors meet and in some cases the last people they talk with as they go on their way. A bright smile, a firm hand shake, and a hardy good morning can go a long way in how an individual or family sees our church. If you would like to become a part of one of the Sunday morning worship services, I invite you to join us in ministry as an usher. All men and women are welcome to join! -Dan Peace (Co-Head Usher - 11:00 am Traditional Service)
If you would like to join this incredible team or learn more then please contact Ruth Grissom ([email protected]). |
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 ([email protected]). We look forward to seeing you there!
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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 ([email protected]), 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 |
 Congrats to VHUMC Runners
Congratulations to our running group, VHUMC Runners, for competing in two area races. Members of the group completed the Village 2 Village race on March 11 and the Purple Stride: End Pancreatic Cancer race on April 1. The group ran in memory of Celia Sims, mother of VHUMC member Laura Senn, who recently lost her battle with pancreatic cancer. The group trains together regularly each week. For more information or to join VHUMC Runners, contact Megan Drumm ([email protected]). Great work runners! |
What's Happening in the Day School
 We have been busy the last several weeks with registration for next school year. We are thrilled with the enrollment so far. We are almost to 100% capacity in all classes! Our after-school program and most of our infant-to-five-year-old spots are full. Our current openings are: 1 three-year-old, 3 pre-5K, and 1 Children's Day Out spot. Contact the day school if you would like to have your child in one of these spots. We are looking forward to another great year at VDS. |
 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!
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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!
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 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?
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 Hilltoppers Meeting
Our next meeting is Tuesday, April 18, at 10:30 am, in the Fellowship Hall. Karla Stamps will be performing for us. For information or to make a lunch reservation ($6.00) call Frances Cook (822-2013) or Margaret Flowers ([email protected] / 769-0112) no later than 11:00 am on Friday, April 14. Please note the price and, if possible, have correct change or an extra dollar bill.
Vestavia Hilltoppers is a VHUMC-sponsored organization for persons of retirement age, which meets each month for lunch and a program. They also sponsor trips and other activities that are publicized at meetings. Guests and new members are welcome. |
Seeking A Full-Time Database Coordinator
VHUMC is seeking a full-time Database Coordinator to fill the position left by Zoe Hubbard. This person will oversee the databases we use as a church and help our staff and volunteers use them. They will also have a number of administrative tasks and will assist our staff in performing the work of the church. This is a 40-hour job with flexible hours. Compensation will be appropriate and include benefits. Interested parties should contact Gary Wyatt ([email protected]). |
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 ([email protected]). |
Ongoing Outreach
Food Pantry
The Food Pantry needs:
- Spaghetti sauce
- Jelly
- Ziplock bags (sandwich size)
- Brown plastic grocery bags (preferably doubled)
Thanks to our helpers who replaced all of the wheels on our grocery carts. Thanks also to those who helped us get the curb changed to a ramp! For more information email Barbara Porter ([email protected]).
Oak Mountain Mission
Oak Mountain Mission needs kitchen items (cookware, dishes, glasses, etc.). They are in desperate need of sofas, chairs, chests, tables and chairs. There will be a truck at the church for our April 8 event, so please use this opportunity to help families in need. If you need a furniture pick-up, please call 685-5757. No clothing is needed at this time. Thank you!
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Wednesday Night Menu
- April 12 - No Dinner (Holy Week)
- April 19 - Salad, Baked Ham OR Roast Chicken, Candied Yams, White Acre Peas, Cobbler. Kids: Chicken Nuggets, Mac & Cheese
- April 26 - Salad, Turkey a la King, OR Curried Shrimp, Rice Pilaf, Glazed Carrots, Cake. Kids: Chicken Nuggets, Mac & Cheese
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Worship & Music Focus
8:30 am Traditional Service
Matthew 21:1-11
"Waving Palms at the Passing King"
Bill Brunson
9:45 am Service of Word and Table
Matthew 21:1-11
"Waving Palms at the Passing King"
Butch Williams
11:00 am Traditional Service
Matthew 21:1-11
"Waving Palms at the Passing King"
Bill Brunson
11:00 am Contemporary Service
Matthew 21:1-11
"What a Week"
Kipp McClurg
5:00 pm Sunday Evening Worship
No Sunday Evening Worship
5:00 pm Confirmation Service
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Our Time and Resources
Donations this past week
January - February 2017
Donations
Other Income
Auxilary Ministries Net*
Total Income
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Actual
$53,534
$4,383,266
$212,759
$125,654
$4,721,679
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Targeted
-$
4,896
-$118,797
-$12,641
-$17,454
-$148,892
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(+) Better or (-) worse for the church than our target
* Includes COA, Summer Days, VDS, and Vestavia Dance
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Care and Support
Congratulations, hospitalizations, and sympathies |
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Prayer Requests
Careline: 205-822-9336
Weekend or After-Hour Health Emergencies: 205-914-3121
Please be in prayer for the following persons:
Karen Ash
Margean Brasher
Lynn Brasher
Sam Cunningham
Jami DeMarco
Chris Dibble
David Dixon
Tim Eddins
Peggy Gordy
Kendra Haddock
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Fay Harbin
Fred Hatfield
Jane McCrary
Billie Meloy
Terry Moore
Dolores Moore
Mary Morgan
Will Nailen
Paul Noto
Norma Owen
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Mary Owens
Norman Ponder
Jim Sanders
Dixie Shows
Claude Small
Cessie Walls
Brian Weedneyer
Bob Wilson
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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.
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