Volume 47
Issue 29
July 20, 2017
              
Christmas in July
We have the opportunity to give now and allow some of our missions partners to make the November/December holidays more meaningful to those in need. Please put the following items in the bins around the church labeled "Christmas in July" or bring them to the mission's office:
  • For the Car Ministry - jumper cables
  • For Hope Lodge - paper products from Costco; Solo spoons, knives, forks; Dixie everyday plates; and Hefty bowls
  • For Children's Harbor - wooden frames and boxes from Michael's that will be used for crafts
  • For Christmas shoeboxes - flip flops
Another Positive Impact
If you have noticed a special group of children at church this summer, there's a fascinating story about their presence. It started with a Kipp McClurg sermon where he mentioned a ministry in which he and Stephanie had volunteered while in college. A week later at lunch, Chip Casey said to Kipp, "We are the Birmingham version of that ministry you helped in college."

Many of us drive by Impact Family Counseling (located above the Dollar General on the corner of Hwy 31 and Kentucky Avenue), but most of us don't know what they do, or that their director (Chip) and his family are members of VHUMC. Back in 1991, a group of people wanting to assist children and families on life's margins asked Chip to help them start a non-profit counseling service. Often its clients can't pay for the assistance, so their organization works with many partnering organizations and ministries. There are countless stories of conflict resolution and strengthened relationships for youths, parents, husbands, and wives. Recently they have provided academic space for students who are not able to function safely in a typical school environment. Students from Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook are referred there for specialized learning. Chip's staff knows how to deal with children who have the most challenging of behavioral disorders.

Over lunch, Chip shared their summer plans for an academic readiness camp for children who are struggling and need a boost. He asked if it might be possible to bring students from around Birmingham to VHUMC for this program. Their mornings would focus on academic advancement with a version of Vacation Bible Camp in the afternoons. We were excited to let them use the classrooms beneath Tyson Hall and Dick Kelly Park as their campus for the summer. We are so blessed to have so many members invested in our community like Chip Casey and his work at Impact.
Sunday Evening Worship
"Don't Be WEEDY!" Come join us we study the Gospel (Jesus' Parable of the Weeds) and sing the good 'ole gospel hymns at Sunday Evening Worship in the Chapel at 5:00 pm. Also, mark your calendars as Sherry Harris preaches on July 30 and Kipp McClurg preaches on August 6!
4th Grade Party
Most of our rising 4th graders will be combining together this year for the first time at Vestavia Hills Elementary Central. We would like to help them take this big step in their life by having them all together for a party. Our rising 4th graders are invited to come to the Lighthouse on Friday, August 11, from 3:30-5:00 for skating, ice cream, and games! Please register your child by clicking the link. We are praying for all of our children as they prepare to begin another school year!

Join a Women's 2, 4, 6 Group
We know that women need and depend on each other to talk through their busy lives. We are creating "2, 4, 6" groups to meet that need! Groups will consist of 2 hours, 4 questions, and 6 women around a table. You can establish your own group of six women, or sign up to be placed in a group. For two hours, you will enjoy a meal together, discuss your faith, and share in fellowship. Groups will begin in September, and you can hold your group or join a group meeting at a day and time that works for you. If you would like to sign up to join a group, or if you would be interested in leading or starting a group, please contact Ruth Grissom ([email protected]). Don't miss out on this opportunity to share your discipleship journey with one another through a 2, 4, 6 small group!
New Boomer Bible Study
Join our new Boomer Bible Study on the first and third Thursdays, from August 3 - November 16, at 6:30 pm in room 320. Jim Frazier will be leading an eight-session study on Boomer Spirituality. The class is free and books are provided. For more information, please contact Jim Frazier (769-0126 / [email protected]).
We Are All Kids at Heart
Even as adults we would love to play on an age-appropriate playground. We have two great playgrounds at VHUMC, but the structures and motion rides are often damaged by older children who are too big for the equipment. Parents, please help us by keeping your children off of the small playground if they are over three years old and off the larger playground if they are over 4th grade. And please, never leave your younger children playing without adult supervision.
Adult Volunteers Needed
Our student ministries team has been busy planning several events for our students this summer. However, we need adult volunteers to make these events possible! Please click on the link below to view our volunteer opportunities and see how you can help make this summer a success for our students. Thank you so much for all that you do for Thrive Student Ministries!

Upward Flag Football and Cheerleading
Register now for Upward flag football and cheerleading! 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 grades K5-4th are invited to join in the fun! Registration is $105 until August 22. Late Registration is $115. Flag football jersey and shorts or cheerleading outfits are included. You can register at The Lighthouse or online by clicking the link. Contact the Lighthouse (822-9631), with questions or for additional information.

Ongoing Outreach
Food Pantry
The Food Pantry desperately needs tote bags for fresh fruits and veggies that some generous church members buy each week from our own Farmers' Market. We also need Ziploc sandwich bags for our donated Panera sweets. Thanks!

Oak Mountain Mission
Oak Mountain Mission needs items for their upcoming September silent auction: Gift cards, sports memorabilia, jewelry, beach or mountain trips, etc. Call Barbara Porter (444-9793) if you have any questions. Thank you.
Worship & Music Focus

8:30 am         Traditional Service
1 Samuel 3:1-10
"Can You Hear Me Now?"
Sherry Harris

9:45 am         Service of Word and Table
1 Samuel 3:1-10
"Don't Have Time to Listen!"
Butch Williams

11:00 am         Traditional Service
1 Samuel 3:1-10
"Can You Hear Me Now?"
Sherry Harris

11:00 am         Contemporary Service
1 Samuel 3:1-10
"Here Am I, Send Me!"
Kipp McClurg

5:00 pm         Sunday Evening Worship
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
"Don't Be Weedy!"
Butch Williams
Our Time and Resources
 
January 2016 - May 2017

Donations
Other Income
Auxilary Ministries Net*
Total Income
Actual

$5,162,594
$248,848
$195,156
$5,606,598
Targeted

-$99,203
-$10,228
+$87,801
-$21,630

(+) Better or (-) worse for the church than our target
* Includes COA, Summer Days, VDS, and Vestavia Dance
Worship service attendance last Sunday:    770
Care and Support
Congratulations, hospitalizations, and sympathies

Prayer Requests
Please be in prayer for the following persons: