The Notes - September 13, 2018

Volume 48

Issue 367

September 13, 2018

Free Gift from VHUMC
VHUMC has a gift for every member and visitor that are a part of the church! We are excited to announce that we are offering free access to RightNow Media, a resource that has over 20,000 discipleship videos for kids, youth, and adults. It's kind of like the Netflix of Bible studies! If you haven't gotten the email in your inbox, no worries! Just click on the link below to create a profile and get started. We are looking forward to learning and growing together as we experience our Christ-centered lives of purpose.

Click here to receive your free gift!

Church-Wide Assembly
Plan to attend this informative meeting this Sunday, September 16, in Tyson Hall, during the Sunday School hour at 9:45 am. Church leaders will be sharing reports on our progress, ideas for our new strategic plan, a construction update, and our fiscal year-end finances. As always, we will have a time for questions and answers at the end. Coffee and snacks will be available in the Fellowship Hall.

New Mid-Week Worship Service
We live in a very hectic world with lots of choices. Let's face it, coming to church on Sunday morning can seem like one more thing to check off our list.

That is why every Wednesday night we will have a guilt free worship service in Tyson Hall. We'll start at 6:05 pm and end promptly at 6:50 pm so you can pick up your children or your students from their Wednesday night activities. All your preaching pastors will rotate through the service and the 45 minutes we share will be very different from Sunday morning worship. We don't want anyone to feel guilty about missing Sunday worship, we just want you to have the space and time to reset and breathe in the middle of the week. Our goal is for everyone to walk out of worship with a renewed spirit and some practical applications. So consider joining us for Mid-Week Worship so we can all hit the reset button together.

Whale of a Sale Starts Today
The Fall 2018 Whale of a Sale starts today with the sale opening to the public at 5:00 pm in the Lighthouse. Please join us and shop our huge selection of toys, baby items, and gently used clothing. Proceeds from the sale support Vestavia Day School, one of the strongest outreach ministries of the church. The sale is open to the public from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm today, and from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm tomorrow (with our half-price sale starting at 12:00). We hope to see you there!

Follow Us On Facebook
If you haven't already, head over to the VHUMC Facebook page and hit the "Like" button. That way you will see our latest updates and powerful stories each week as ministry continues to happen throughout this community. We also try to keep the latest news of the church on there as well as some of our funniest video updates. So head over and follow us on Facebook!

Grief Support Group
If you're struggling with the loss of a loved one, we invite you to participated in the "Give It To God" grief support group. The group will meet each Wednesday evening from September 26 through November 7. Dinner will be provided each Wednesday at 5:30 pm followed by the group meeting from 6:00 pm until 7:15 pm in room 242 of the Lighthouse. If you would like to participate in this six-week session, or if you wish to learn more about the group, please contact Peyton Chandler ([email protected] / 306-3591).

A Sunday Evening of Singing
Come join us for a fun and worshipful evening of singing the great, old hymns of the church this Sunday Evening at 5:00 pm in the Rutland-Memorial Chapel. Our Music Leaders will share the stories behind the hymns, and we'll also sing requested favorites. Come as you are!

Brian Davis to Speak at VHUMC Prayer Breakfast

Brian Davis, the director of Public Works for the City of Vestavia and an SEC Football line judge, will be our guest speaker next Wednesday, September 19, at 6:45 am, in the Fellowship Hall. Brian has worked for the city of Vestavia Hills for 17 years. In 2012, he was named the city's public services director. Because he attended the University of Alabama, Brian cannot officiate Crimson Tide games. Men, women, and students are all welcome to attend this special breakfast. The cost is $5. Please RSVP by contacting Jim Frazier ([email protected] / 769-0126).

New Theatre Class Begins Monday

The Conservatory is pleased to announce our new theatre class instructor, LaShanna Tripp. LaShanna has many years of experience directing theatre programs and is currently employed with the Jefferson County School System. She also holds dual degrees in English and Theatre along with a Professional Alabama Teacher's Certification in Theatre Arts Education, and has been a troupe director with the International Thespian Society since 2012.

Our Theater classes (acting, no singing) will start next Monday, September 17 and end with a presentation in early December to showcase the students' talents. It is not too late to sign up! This class is designed for students in grades 4-12. Both boys and girls are encouraged to sign up! Register on our website by clicking the link below.

3rd Grade Bible Sunday
It was such an honor to be able to present Bibles to 39 of our 3rd graders last Sunday! We are also glad that some of them and their parents were able to join us for our "How to Use Your Bible" workshop that afternoon. We pray that the children will call upon God's word and allow it to guide them throughout their lives.

Fidget Mats - A Great New Ministry

Thank you so much for the outpouring of support for the Fidget Ministry in the way of resources! We have now shared 311 activity mats with individuals who suffer from Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and who are on hospice. We have also shared with several hospice groups and retirement homes. The mats are a result of the donated materials and hard-working fidget angels!

If you would like a personalized mat, please gather items that might share something about that person's life story (i.e. Auburn key chain, glove, piece of fabric from a favorite dress, belt, scarf) and that person's name and your contact info.

Please continue to donate placemats and objects that might be sewn on the mats. If you know, or have a loved one, who might benefit from a fidget mat, please contact Peggy Patton ([email protected] / 982-5997). Many thanks for your support of time, talent, and resources!

Wednesday Evening Class on "Boundaries"

Have ever wondered, "Can I set limits and still be a loving person? How do I answer someone who wants my time, love, energy, or money? or Why do I feel guilty when I consider setting boundaries?" If so, then the book "Boundaries" by Dr. Henry Cloud and John Townsend can help you establish the personal property lines that define who you are and who you are not, and influence all areas of your life. Ellery Berryhill, licensed professional counselor, is leading this faith-based study on Wednesday nights in room 208, at 6:00 pm.

September Hilltoppers Meeting
Our next meeting is Tuesday, September 18, at 10:30 am in the Fellowship Hall. Barbara Lee will join us for a program on healthy lifestyles. For information or to make a lunch reservation ($6.00) call Harriette Woodring at 822-9318 or Margaret Flowers ([email protected] / 769-0112) no later than 11:00 am tomorrow, September 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.

Blessing of the Pets
Our pets are a blessing to us, join us in blessing them. Bring those special pets to the north lawn of the church so they can receive a blessing from our clergy on Saturday, October 6, at 10:00 am. Make sure to circle the date on your calendar! Also, if you would like to volunteer to help with this service, please contact Peyton Chandler ([email protected] / 769-0119) or Butch Williams ([email protected] / 769-0102).

Welcome New Member
Let's join together in welcoming Alan Kaufman back to VHUMC. He has already become an active worship attender in the 8:30 am service, so please tell him hello and welcome him.

Middle School Retreat
We are so excited to announce a new location for our Middle School Retreat! We will be spending the weekend at Timberlake Ministries in Millport, AL. Register now through October 2. Late registration will continue through October 11 with a 10% late fee with no guarantee of a t-shirt. After October 11, we will only be able to add students to a wait list. No exceptions, so register early! There is a sibling discount of 50% off the registration price! Enter promo code: "siblingdiscount" when registering your students.

We also need chaperones! This is a first come, first serve basis so please let us know asap if you would like to chaperone by emailing Juli Hansen ([email protected]).

Seniors Only 2019
Seniors Only has begun, but you can still be a part! Join us for this monthly meeting to help prepare our senior students for college. Seniors will meet in the Student Ministries Cafe on the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm. The next meeting is October 2. The cost is $50 and includes dinner and materials.

Sound System Volunteers
We are looking for sound system volunteers for all of our Sunday services, as well as special services throughout the week. A good sounding service is crucial to making a memorable worship experience. Many weeks we risk having services with no one behind the sound board so we need your help more than ever. With the improvements we are making to all of our worship spaces we want to make sure we are good stewards of our progress and have volunteers we can call on to make our sound systems run well. It is very easy, and does not require any experience whatsoever. If you want to be a part of this wonderful team them please contact Peyton Chandler ([email protected]).

Men's Ministry Survey
We are always looking for ways to improve what is being offered at VHUMC. The Men's Team would like to know what you think about the men's ministries that are being offered and what ministries you would like to see us offer. Please take a minute and click on the link and help us improve the ways we reach out to our church and community through men's ministry. For more information, please contact Jim Frazier ([email protected] / 768-0126).

2019 Jesus Trail Hike Informational Meeting

Join Jim Frazier on Sunday, September 23, at 4:00 pm, in room 316 for videos and information about the exciting Jesus Trail Hike coming up April 2-10, 2019. This will be a once in a lifetime trip as you leisurely hike around the Sea of Galilee, spend a day in old Jerusalem, and another day in Bethlehem and the Jordan River. Space is limited. For more information contact Jim Frazier ([email protected] / 769-0126).

September Memory Verse
Our Elementary Bible Verse memorization program is beginning again! Our 1st - 5th graders will be taught 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! September's memory verse is: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." - Hebrews 13:8

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. Parents, you should have received an email with more information. If you have any questions please contact Jamie Meeks ([email protected]).

Conservatory Transport Volunteers Needed
The Conservatory of the Arts is in need of a few volunteers willing to offer their service in transporting children to and from lessons. Our children's safety is so important and what a blessing it is to assist in the broadening of the human spirit through the Arts. If you are interested in helping out in this ministry please contact Matthew Wall ([email protected]). Thank you!

New Joe Elmore Title Available
"JESUS" is the title of a book that seeks to answer the question Jesus asked: "Who do you say I am?" Written by Joe Elmore, the book is available in the front office and from Margaret Flowers. There is no charge. A gift to the "VHUMC Grace Fund" is requested.

Hannah Prayer Team
The Hannah Prayer Team continues to pray for expectant moms and their babies. We have six babies due this fall. Please contact Ty Howell ([email protected] / 529-1262) if you are expecting and would like us to add you and your baby to our prayer list.

Let's Be Good Neighbors
It is exciting to see our parking lots fill up on Sunday mornings and people parking on the streets to attend our worship and Sunday School meetings. If you find it necessary to park on the street, please be careful not to park on our neighbors' grass. We appreciate their patience with all the cars and do not want to damage their yards in the process.

Growing Pains: Renovating for Our Future

It is exciting to see our new Sanctuary speakers installed and progress made on our new organ screen. Work is almost finished in the Narthex and our Sanctuary side aisles. We hope to have everything complete and cleaned up by mid-October.

Work is now in progress to renovate our Adult Education Building elevator. The elevator will be out-of-service from Monday, September 17 to Friday, September 28. We apologize for this inconvenience. The end product will be a more reliable elevator for everyone.

Be sure and attend our Church-Wide Assembly this Sunday for updates and Q&A (see article above).

Ongoing Outreach

Food Pantry

The Food Pantry needs spaghetti sauce, peanut butter and Ziploc bags for treats. Monetary donations are always helpful. Thank you for your continued support of our outreach to over 500 families.

Oak Mountain Mission

Oak Mountain Mission thanks the 50 of you who attended our annual Harvest of Hope Luncheon this week at The Club. There were 500 in attendance, donating one third of the annual budget for the mission. Remember OMM when you have items to donate: Linens, dishes, glasses, and furniture. Working appliances are also needed. Thank you.

Wednesday Night Menus

September 19 - Salad, Tacos OR Grilled Chicken, Black Beans, Mac & Cheese, Brownie. Kids: Pizza
September 26 - Salad, Baked Potato Bar, Soup OR Chili. Kids: Chicken Nuggets
October 3 - Salad, Hamburger OR BBQ, French Fries, Ice Cream. Kids: Pizza
October 10 - Salad, Orecchiette w Bolognese OR Marinara, Sautéed Veggies, Cobbler. Kids: Chicken Nuggets, Mac & Cheese
October 17 - Chicken Parmesan OR Country Fried Steak, Mac & Cheese, Broccoli Amandine, Chocolate Trifle. Kids: Pizza
October 24 - Pot Roast OR Baked Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Braised Carrots, Mac & Cheese, Cake. Kids: Chicken Nuggets
October 31 - No Meal