Volume 47
Issue 21
May 25, 2017
              
Anchors Away Tyler and Ashley Hopkins
We are excited to see Tyler Hopkins take his next steps toward active duty service as a Chaplain in the US Navy, but we are sad that he and Ashley will be leaving us. Please plan to say Farewell to the Hopkins during the Coffee Time this Sunday, May 28, at 9:15 am, in the Fellowship Hall. If you would like to give the Hopkins a love offering, there will be a basket where you may place your card.
Holiday Weekend Sunday School
With summer here, we have modified our Sunday School Options for the Holiday Weekends. On May 28 and July 2, there will be no preschool, elementary or student Sunday School, though the nursery will be available. There will a combined Sunday School series entitled "Methodism 101" in the Chapel each of these days, taught by one of our clergy for adults, students, and children who would like to attend. On September 3, Sunday Schools will meet as usual, but the "Methodism 101" combined option will also be available.
Memorial Day Holiday
The church office will be closed and all regular activities will not meet on Monday, May 29, as we observe Memorial Day.
Vestavia Hills Farmers Market
The VHUMC Farmers Market has resumed for the summer. The market will be open from 7:00 to 11:00 am every Wednesday through August 30 in the large parking lot. Mark your calendars and come purchase the seasonal vegetables, fruits, breads, and baked goods from local producers!
Sunday Evening Worship Series
Ted Leach will preach for us this Sunday on "A Prayer We Must Remember" from John 17:1-11. Come as you are and join in a joyful time of worship beginning at 5:00 pm. Also, please note that we will not have Sunday Evening Worship on June 4 in observance of Annual Conference in Huntsville.
It is Going to be a Big Red Day
A Big Day is one in which our whole church family is "all in" together! We all know how important it is to worship together every Sunday. We are establishing some "over the top" Big Days that will focus on a particular way that we worship together. Our first Big Day will be Sunday, June 4 as we celebrate Pentecost and the gift of the Holy Spirit together.

Pentecost marks a time when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples. You can read about it in Acts 2:1-13. The liturgical color for Pentecost is red representing the flame of the Holy Spirit and the tongues of fire that rested above the disciples' heads. It is celebrated and called the birthday of the church because this great occasion marks the time when the disciples began taking God's Word to the people, thereby starting the church as we know it today.

We are calling Sunday, June 4, our "Big Red Day!" Everyone is asked to wear red and we will decorate our worship spaces in red as well. Join us for our big celebration! Look for more details on other Big Days coming up.
8th Grade Party
For all of our existing 8th graders, we are headed out to Splash Adventure to celebrate on Saturday, June 3. Meet on the Student Ministries floor at 1:00 pm and arrive back at 7:00 pm. The cost is $30 and you can register online by clicking the link. If your student would like snacks or dinner at the park, please bring extra money. If you are interested in serving as a chaperone, please contact Jeremiah Stone ([email protected]).

Middle School Man Cave
Calling all Middle School Men! We are starting a new program called Middle School Man Cave. Our first event will be Friday, June 9, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. We will have food, a time of worship and message, and then play dodgeball! For this event, we will be looking at the life of King David, including his successes and struggles and how we can learn from him, even today. Cost is only $5 and is open to all current 6th - 8th graders. Make sure to invite your friends for this awesome event!

Dads, if you are interested in helping out with this event please contact Jeremiah Stone ([email protected]).

Earn a Bike Program with Trips for Kids
A huge thank you for helping with VHUMC's previous bike drives for Trips for Kids. We have been able to give Trips for Kids an assortment of bikes over the past year with our bike drives, and we hope to continue our partnership with them. The children are able to go through the "Earn a Bike" program where they learn about bike safety and how to take care of a bike. Once they have completed the training, they are able to earn their very own bike. On Wednesday, they will have completed the earn a bike program and will be taking their bikes home. Thank you VHUMC!
Bundles of Success
Our first diaper drive through Bundles of Hope was a huge success. We gave away 3278 diapers! We appreciate all the donations and contributions to this organization. We have learned a lot about this program and the need for diapers for mothers. We hope to continue this partnership every year around Mother's Day. Thank you for being a blessing to others by bringing bundles of hope.
Financial Update and Summer Plans
The General Fund Report (below) has our new totals through April. Remember that as we transition our fiscal year to July-June, we are currently in an 18-month financial period. Your giving has been very strong the past four months and we are closing the gap between our target (budget) and actual giving. Thank you!

We want to be sure our donations do not drop over the summer as vacations start and schedules change. One way to really help is to give monthly through our online donation option. Once you set up a bank draft or credit card charge, the church will keep getting monthly donations until you stop them. Click the link or contact Natalie Giesen ([email protected]769-0121) if you need assistance.

Every dollar counts, so please give generously as you can to VHUMC this summer.

Calling All Superheroes
Vacation Bible Camp is coming up 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 by clicking the link below or visiting www.vhumc.org.

We are still in need of volunteers, so please contact Jamie Meeks ([email protected]) if you are able to join us! If your 6th-12th grader would like to volunteer as a student helper please contact Anna Watts ([email protected]) before May 26. We hope you can join us for the fun!

Elementary Awards Assembly
We invite all 1st-5th graders to join us for our Sunday School Awards Assembly on Sunday, June 4 in the Fellowship Hall from 9:45-10:45. We will have games, attendance awards and we will draw for the winners of our two memory verse bikes (boy and girl)! You must be present to win the bike, so we hope to see everyone on June 4!
Lighthouse Volunteers Needed
Our Health, Wellness, and Recreation ministry is seeking volunteers to assist in the Lighthouse. If you are looking for a way to serve VHUMC, this is an excellent way to volunteer and meet members of the church. Please contact Megan Drumm ([email protected] / 769-0139) for more information.
Group Personal Training Sessions with Ali
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.
Welcome Student Ministries Summer Interns
Thrive Student Ministries is excited to announce two summer interns starting later in May.
  • Bethany Willis, grew up in Millbrook, AL, and is a rising senior at Samford University majoring in Human Development and Family Science.
  • Billy Prewitt (Son of Kym and Johnny Prewitt) is a graduate of VHHS and VHUMC. After attending Belmont his freshman year, Billy will attend Auburn University in the Fall as a sophomore and is majoring in finance. In addition to interning with our Student Ministries this summer, he will be playing the drums in the Contemporary Service many Sunday mornings.
We are excited to have Bethany and Billy joining our team this summer to work with our students.
Volunteers Needed for Family Promise
Did you know that Family Promise is one of our oldest ministries we have been involved with? VHUMC was one of the first churches to begin hosting Family Promise when they started many years ago. They are the only organization that keeps families together when they are homeless.

VHUMC usually hosts families 3-4 times a year depending on the schedule. Our next week to host is June 18-23. There are many responsibilities during our week as a church host for the families. We are in need of volunteers. There is literally a job for everyone. If you are interested in helping during our host week, please contact one of our coordinators, Rob Armstrong ([email protected]) or Susan Sturdivant ([email protected]) to find the right place for you to serve.
Helping Hands in the Hills Planning
It's that time of year again! The Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and City of Vestavia Hills are planning the third annual Helping Hands in the Hills "day of service" to assist our residents (senior citizens, disabled, etc.) who need a helping hand with minor projects around their homes. This community service day will be on Saturday, September 9. Please be thinking about your volunteer teams and/or possible community service projects to be considered. Please contact the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce ([email protected] / 823-5011) for more information.
Upward Flag Football and Cheerleading
Upward Flag Football and Cheerleading registration is open! The season begins with practices the week of September 4 and games begin Saturday, September 16. Games and practices will take place at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Vestavia. Children in grades K5-4th grade are invited to join in the fun! Register early and save:
  • May 1- May 31: $95
  • June 1-August 22: $105
  • Late Registration: $115
Flag football jersey and shorts or cheerleading outfits are included. You can register at The Lighthouse or by clicking the link below. Contact the Lighthouse (822-9631) with questions or for additional information.

Conservatory of the Arts Summer Specials
Musicianship Classes
We are once again offering our Musicianship (music theory) Classes for adults and students who wish to learn how to read music or advance your musical knowledge. Anyone can take these classes, but it will particularly be of use to students in middle or high school choir or band. Classes start on Monday June 5 in the afternoon or evening. Click the link or contact Ellen Bryant ([email protected]) to register or for more information.



Art Workshop
Art Workshop is designed for students who have completed 5K and looking for a class on sketching, painting and sculpting techniques. The kids will take home a finished canvas art piece, a sculpture, and more at the end of the week. This workshop will be July 17-21 from 2:00-3:30 pm. Click the link to register.



Piano Camp
There are only a few spots left in Piano Camp for students who would like to learn to play in ensembles with two or more other students, enjoy meeting a guest artist, and learning how to use music technology. Piano Camp will be held the week of June 19-23 from 9:00 am-1:00 pm and is for students with all levels of piano experience. Click the link to register.



Photography Class
This five-week photography course is designed specifically for the amateur photographer who wants to improve the quality of their photos. Middle school students through adults are welcome to register for this class. Come with a basic working knowledge of your point and shoot or SLR digital camera. These classes will meet for five Thursdays from 6:00-7:30 pm beginning July 13. Click on the link to register.



Kindermusik Classes
Kindermusik classes are new 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. There is a June session and a July session. In addition, fall classes begin in August! Don't let your child be left out! Classes are available both in the morning and late afternoons to accommodate busy parent schedules. Click the link for more information or to register.

Summer Grand Camps
If you have a grandchild between the ages of 4 to 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.

Ongoing Outreach
Download Planet Fundraiser App
Planet Fundraiser will give VHUMC $1 for every app that is downloaded before May 23. If you have not downloaded the app, please do so today. The income from this promotion will help our Community Wide Event - Rise Against Hunger.

It is so easy and fun! This app helped us raise over $670 for our April Rise Against Hunger event, and we can continue to raise money for our 2018 event. All you have to do is download the app, select our campaign and when you visit a participating merchant, take a picture of the receipt and upload it. Once it is received, participating merchants will donate a percentage of the purchase to the campaign you select. Such an easy way to give back, by doing the things you normally do.

We were able to purchase and pack an additional 2,310 meals because of the funds we raised through Planet Fundraiser. If you have any questions or need help downloading it, please contact Rachael Hayes ([email protected]).

Food Pantry
The Food Pantry needs help picking up bread at Panera one Friday night once every six weeks. Call Barbara Porter (444-9793) for more details. Our farmers market is open again, so we need tote bags to hold a few veggies and fruits to distribute to our families. Thanks to the generous church members who are purchasing from the market for us!

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.
Worship & Music Focus

8:30 am         Traditional Service
Revelation 21:3-5
"I Believe in the Resurrection of the Body and Eternal Life"
Butch Williams

9:45 am         Service of Word and Table
Revelation 21:3-5
"I Believe in the Resurrection of the Body and Eternal Life"
Butch Williams

11:00 am         Traditional Service
Revelation 21:3-5
"I Believe in the Resurrection of the Body and Eternal Life"
Butch Williams

11:00 am         Contemporary Service
Revelation 21:3-5
"I Believe in the Resurrection"
Kipp McClurg

5:00 pm         Sunday Evening Worship
John 17:1-11
"A Prayer We Must Remember"
Ted Leach 
AnchorOur Time and Resources
 

Donations this past week

January 2016 - April 2017
Donations
Other Income
Auxilary Ministries Net*
Total Income
Actual
$43,341


$4,934,219
$236,260
$171,913
$5,342,392
Targeted
-$ 14,735


-$95,274
-$11,591
+$80,534
-$26,331

(+) 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: 
Jo Baskerville
Margean Brasher
Lynn Brasher
Sam Cunningham
Jami DeMarco
Chris Dibble
David Dixon
Adam Draney
Tim Eddins
Kendra Haddock
Fay Harbin
Ann Harris
Craig Knight
Billie Meloy
Mary Morgan
Will Nailen
Paul Noto
Bill Phillips Sr.
Norman Ponder
Faye Richards
Jim Sanders
Annette Smith
Gary Spearman
Bobbye Trammell
Jim Vickery
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.