The Notes - October 5, 2017

Volume 47

Issue 40

October 5, 2017

Strangers in a Strange Land
None of us like to feel like an outsider or be the one who does not fit in, but as believers in 21st century America, far too often we can feel like strangers in a strange land. How do we follow Jesus faithfully in a world where we are the "other?"

Our current five-week sermon series, "Strangers in a Strange Land" will help us address the need and difficulties as we seek to live as Christians in an increasingly non-Christian world. Through October 29, we will look at how essential connections and staying close to Jesus, the True Vine, must be a part of our faith walk. What it means to live out Jesus' call to love God and neighbor and why that calls us to offer radical hospitality to everyone. Discovering together that extravagant generosity is an expression of our heart and a response to the abundant love and life we receive through Christ. We hope to see you each of these Sundays as we love and learn together.

Fall Festival
Join us on Sunday, October 15, from 4:00-6:00 pm for another amazing evening filled with family entertainment, food trucks, and fun with the entire community. This year we are welcoming Lazy Boy BBQ, Greg's Hot Dogs, iCantina, and Bruster's Ice Cream. The parking lot will be filled with train rides, games, inflatables, pony rides, face painting and live music. Admission is totally free, but we hope you will bring school supplies that we will be collecting for one of our partner ministries. Please join this amazing event in the heart of this community and invite your friends and neighbors to join us as well!

Being Hospitable in a Disaster
As we have recently followed the news of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, we have all wanted to help in some way. We have just developed a new plan for helping those who have to flee their homes when severe weather strikes. Many of you opened your homes to friends and family who had to evacuate for Hurricane Irma. We are now organizing a network of members who would be willing to give temporary housing to members of connected Methodist congregations.

Through our UMC connections, we know of many sister churches in coastal areas whose members may one day need to evacuate. Some examples would be First UMC Lakeland, FL; Hyde Park UMC in Tampa; or First UMC Pensacola. In a threatening situation, we will coordinate with their church leadership to assign their members to homes what you make available. You and the family that you host would each have the confidence of knowing you are both active members of a Methodist church.

This is a wonderful way for us to provide Christian hospitality and support another church in need. If you have the desire to help another individual or family, please consider signing up to be a host home. Just email us your name, address, phone number, email, how many extra bedrooms and baths you have, and the number of guests you can accommodate. Send the information to Rachael Hayes ([email protected] / 769-0143) or sign up outside one of the services this Sunday.

Kairos Cookies
Each spring and fall, teams of volunteers conduct a Kairos Prison Ministry weekend at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility. Similar to the Walk to Emmaus, our next weekend will be October 19-22 and we need homemade cookies! The fact that somebody cares enough for them to actually bake them cookies touches the hearts of these men in ways that you cannot believe. We ask that you minimize the use of fruit in the cookies and not bring any "store bought" cookies. Place the cookies in a one-gallon, clear zip-lock bag. No other containers are allowed through the prison security check. Please bring cookies to the church office no later than Wednesday, October 18.

You can also help this ministry effort through prayer. If you would like to pray for this Kairos #66 weekend, a prayer vigil web site (Bamakairos.info) has been established where you can sign up for a particular slot. For more information, contact Mike Harris ([email protected]), Mike Patton ([email protected]), or Butch Williams ([email protected]).

Sunday Evening Worship
Come as you are and join us this Sunday evening at 5:00 pm for some great singing together of old, familiar hymns, warm fellowship, and Butch Williams preaching on Matthew's Parable of the Wicked Tenants. Please plan to attend our Fall Festival on October 15. We will not have Sunday Evening Worship that night!

Mae Mae's Hugs Coat Drive
Mae Mae's Hugs will be collecting coats for children and adults during the month of October. Would you help? If you are cleaning out your closet and have gently worn coats to donate, please wash them and bring them to the church. Or, if you are purchasing new coats, would you consider purchasing an extra coat for this effort? Bright purple boxes will be placed at the Chapel, Preschool and Tyson Hall doors. Coats of all sizes are needed for young children and youth. You can also make a donation online and new coats will be purchased with these funds. It's our hope that through this ministry, the children across the state can receive winter coats to keep them warm, as if receiving a warm, loving hug from Mae Mae and VHUMC. Email any questions to Anne Strozier ([email protected]).

High School 5th Quarter
All 9th-12th graders are invited to attend the High School 5th Quarter event this Friday night, October 6, from 9:00 - 11:00 pm in the Lighthouse after the Vestavia vs. Thompson football game for fun and fellowship. This event is sponsored by VHUMC, Help the Hills Coalition, and Help the Hills Student Team.

Save the Date
There is growing excitement within our congregation about our upcoming facility improvements. Please mark your calendar for these Sundays where we will present our plans both for the NEXT Capital Campaign and our annual budget.

NEXT Capital Campaign Kick-Off - October 29 from 9:30 - 11:00. We hope that everyone and every Sunday School class will plan to attend.
Property Improvement Sunday - November 5
Annual Budget Sunday - November 12
Commitment Sunday - November 19

Other Sunday Mornings Happenings

October 15 - Dale Wisely - Balanced Parenting in a Wobbly World #1 at 9:45
October 22 - Dale Wisely - Balanced Parenting in a Wobbly World #2 at 9:45
December 24 - Both the Traditional and Contemporary services will be at 10:00 am. We will not have Sunday School. Christmas Eve services will be at 2:00 & 4:00 (Sanctuary and Tyson); 6:00 & 8:00 (Chapel); and 11:00 (Sanctuary)
December 31 - We will have one service in the Sanctuary at 10:00 am and no Sunday School

Middle School Retreat
You don't want to miss our upcoming Middle School Retreat October 27-28 at Camp Lee. The cost is $100 and includes transportation, meals, t-shirt, and all activities. The deadline to register is October 13. This is a very special time for your middle schooler. Please email Juli Hansen ([email protected]) if you are interested!

Seniors Only 2018
We want your high school senior to be a part of our "Seniors Only 2018" program at VHUMC. We will be discussing life after high school, college, and other life-related topics that will help our Seniors grow in their faith and prepare them for their next step in becoming adults. In addition to discussions with Jeremy, we will bring in outside speakers who are extremely knowledgeable in the topics we will be discussing.

We hope that your Senior will take advantage of this opportunity to ensure that they are prepared to live a responsible and faith-filled life away from home. We will meet on the first Tuesday of every month starting on October 3, at 7:00 pm, in the Cafe. The cost is $50 for the entire year and covers all food and expenses. To register, click on the link below.

October Midweek Connection Classes
We have several new classes starting in October.

October 4 - Do-ers of the Word: Love in Action. Room 202 This six-week study, written by Suzanne Scott-Trammell, will focus on experiences which help us live out our faith as Christ-followers, based on James 1:22 (don't be hearers only, but do-ers of the Word).
October 4 - World Religions. Room 206 This four-week class will study the histories of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and several lesser known religions. Our teacher will be Mr. Ben Osborne teacher of AP World History at Vestavia Hills High School.
October 18 - Women's Bible Study. Room 208 Jesus cares about our spiritual wrestling, but He also wants to step in and see you through it. Join us as we explore the seven I AM statements of Jesus found in the Gospel of John. Through this interactive, six-week, in-depth study we will be trading feelings of emptiness and depletion for the fullness of knowing who Jesus is like never before.
October 18 - Cold vs. Flu Seminar with Flu Shots. Room 245 Learn the difference between a cold and the flu and get your flu shot, too.

Funeral Pre-Planning Seminar
Funeral and Cemetery pre-planning is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give your family. Having things in order means gaining peace of mind and not having your loved ones make decisions when they are overwhelmed with grief and emotion - especially if they don't know what you wanted and how you would want to be remembered. Planning can also protect your loved ones from the rising cost of final arrangements. We will review the four planning steps: Reflect, Record, Secure, and Share; and the Dignity Memorial Personal Planning Guide that helps families organize and record important information, personal thoughts, and final wishes. Most importantly, we will answer any questions you have. Join Steve Marmurek on Wednesday October 18, at 6:00 pm, in room 206.

Middle School Retreat
You don't want to miss our upcoming Middle School Retreat October 27-28 at Camp Lee. The cost is $100 and includes transportation, meals, t-shirt, and all activities. The deadline to register is October 13. This is a very special time for your middle schooler and we are inviting you to enjoy this experience with them by being a chaperone. We need ten adult helpers for this event. Please email Juli Hansen ([email protected]) if you are interested!

Human Trafficking Education and Awareness

Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal activity in the US and second only to drug trafficking. Forty percent of U.S. human trafficking happens here in the Southeast. I-20 is a major trafficking corridor where victims are sold at various stops along the interstate. This topic is hard to understand and it is hard to believe it is happening here, but it is. Join us the next three Wednesday nights, at 6:00 pm, to become more aware of this growing problem.

October 11- Two missionaries, David and Allie Houle, will be sharing about their work to fight human trafficking in Thailand. They are from Alabama but will be working with the Thailand Methodist Mission at Blessing Home. Room 204.
October 18- 8 Days Movie. Don't miss this excellent drama, inspired by real stories, about the rise of human trafficking. This is for adults only. Room 324
October 25- Maryhelen Kirkpatrick from The Wellhouse will be sharing about their rescue and recovery mission for women who are victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking. Room 204.

Please join us for one or all of the programs to learn ways that you can help be involved whether internationally or locally.

Men's Prayer Breakfast
Our next Men's Prayer Breakfast will be held in the Fellowship Hall, at 6:45 am, on Wednesday, October 11. Our guest speaker will be Mark Ingram, the UAB Athletics Director. The cost is $5 if you want breakfast. If you plan on attending please contact Jim Frazier ([email protected] / 769-0126).

Registration is now open online for our upcoming women's conference, "Praying Girls...Because We are All Little Girls at Heart." This conference for ages 3rd grade and up will be a morning of inspiration and breakout sessions that will help you through each season of life. Join us on Saturday, October 28, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, to hear our keynote speaker, Teri Lynne Underwood, and our breakout session leaders. We hope you will join us for this incredible morning of faith and prayer formation.

October Memory Verse
We have a new memory verse for October. 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! October's memory verse is: "...The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." -1 Samuel 16:7 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.

Upward Basketball and Cheerleading

Join us for Upward Basketball and Cheerleading! Grades K5-4th can participate. The season will run from November 13 - February 3 with a break for the holidays. The cost is $105 ($115 for late registration). The deadline for registration is October 24.

Wednesday Sessions About Children and Students

Don't Worry About a Thing: Anxiety in Children and Students and What to Do. Anxiety is a common topic of discussion among preschool, elementary, and student ministries and families. Learn more information and coping strategies from Psychiatrist, Karen Callahan, MD and Licensed Counselor, John Douglass, MA, LPC. November 1; 6:00 pm; Room 206.
"Screenagers:" Raising Kids in the Digital AgeScreen time is a hot topic in our society. Join us for this extended class as we watch the movie, "Screenagers," and leave feeling confident to empower your children to best navigate the digital world and find balance. For parents of all ages. November 8; 5:30-7:00 pm. Reservations are required for reserving your spot for viewing, childcare, and boxed dinners in case you won't make it in time to enjoy dinner in Fellowship Hall.

Two New Sunday School Options

A New Young Couples Class: We are excited to be starting a new class for couples in their early 30's with small children! If you are not currently in a class and are interested in joining one, come to our meet and greet on Sunday, November 5, in the Small Dining room. We will have refreshments and discuss future plans to grow in our faith together! Questions? Contact Lane de Kozan ([email protected]) or Kimberly Robbins ([email protected]). We look forward to our time together!
Bible Project Sunday School Class: This class will help you learn more about the Bible, including its rich and complicated history, its wisdom for the modern world, and how it points us to Jesus. We will use cutting edge tools, such as the Read Scripture app and The Bible Project videos, to discuss and learn. Whether you've read through the Bible numerous times or simply thought about reading it, we invite you to join us for some great discussions! Come to our open house on Sunday, October 22, in room 105, to hear all the details!

Journeys of Paul Cruise
VHUMC will be taking the Journeys of Paul cruise through Greece, Italy, and Turkey September 26 through October 7, 2018 with Rev. Bill Brunson. Be sure and attend our informational meeting in room 316, on Sunday, October 8, at 4:00 pm.

Panama Mission Trip 2018
VHUMC's 2018 Panama Mission Team is looking for a few good men and women for a work trip to Camp Cielito, El Espino, Panama. This will be the fourth year in a row VHUMC has sent a mission team to this camp. The team leaves May 19 and returns on May 27. The camp, which is under development by the Panamanian Methodist Church, will be able to house, feed and support large groups of youth and adults for a true summer camp experience. The VHUMC team will be working on the dining hall/kitchen combination building which it started during the 2016 work trip. The team will also continue its great relationships with area families and their children engaging in recreational and other fun activities each afternoon. If you are interested in being a team member, please contact either Jim Frazier ([email protected]) or Jarry and Janet Taylor ([email protected]).

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.

Ongoing Outreach

Food Pantry

Food Pantry needs more help with our monthly Food Bank pick-up. Do you have a pick-up truck and/or two hours free on the second Monday of each month? We could use your help. It takes seven trucks for our order. More details, contact Barbara Porter ([email protected] / 444-9793). Thank you

Oak Mountain Mission

Oak Mountain Mission needs boys' jeans and "like new" tennis shoes, as well as kitchen items and linens. Got extra usable furniture? Call Brenda for a pick-up 685-5757.

Wednesday Night Menu

October 11 - Tacos OR Grilled Chicken, Spanish Rice, Black Beans, Toppings Brownie. Kids: Chicken Nuggets, Mac & Cheese.
October 18 - Salad, Orecchiette w/ Bolognese Sauce OR Chicken Alfredo, Sautéed Veggies, Cobbler. Kids: Pizza.
October 25 - Salad, Chicken Parmesan OR Country Fried Steak, Egg Noodles, Broccoli Amandine, Bread, Cherry Trifle. Kids: Nuggets, Mac & Cheese.