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Finding DysFUNction
Expanding on what we learned as a church from "The Wesley Challenge," we are set to begin our new sermon series this Sunday on "Finding DysFUNction." Every marriage or family deals with some level of dysfunction. However, through this dysfunction, some are able to discover their own unique path, growing in themselves and in their relationships. This series looks at marriages and families in the Old Testament, how they found their way, and what we as a congregation might be able to learn and incorporate in our own lives. Don't miss this series throughout the four Sunday's of February as we continue our growth as a church in 2019. |
 4th and 5th Graders Serve
Thank you to the more than 60 4th and 5th graders who attended our first "Serve and Skate" event on Martin Luther King Day. They decorated 150 Christmas Shoeboxes, stuffed bags that will be included in the boxes, and made Valentine cards for families and patients at Hope Lodge. After their work, they were able to spend some time together skating, playing basketball, playing games, and eating. We are so glad they chose to spend part of their day out of school in ministry with us!
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 Mother and Son Dinner
Come be a part of our Mother and Son Dinner on Thursday, February 7, at 6:00 pm, in Tyson Hall. Tickets are $15 per person. This is an event for 5k through 5th grade boys and their mothers. If you have any questions, contact Anne Strozier ([email protected]). The deadline to register is today, January 31.
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Update on the Global United Methodist Church
 Our church leadership continues to develop a comprehensive Strategic Plan. A part of that plan includes how we will manage the changing and slowly progressing struggles of the global UMC. We do not see any outcome regarding the current issues that will change the way Vestavia UMC serves the community spiritually, relationally, or through its many programs. However, we do want to help any interested members understand what proposals are on the table at the upcoming global General Conference and consider the likelihood of any current proposal being enacted. This discussion will take place on February 6, at 6:00 pm, in Tyson Hall, and will be led by the pastoral staff.
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Important Financial Update
Your Finance Committee along with our church staff have been working hard to ensure we keep the church on solid footing while managing things in a transparent manner.
Our finances look favorable - both in our recent past (a successful NEXT capital campaign, no long-term debt, overall positive momentum) along with our future (very strong 2019 Stewardship numbers). This being the case, we do need to call to your attention where we stand today.
Our year-to-date giving amounts through December (remember the church financial calendar runs from July to June each year) are our worst on record for the last eight years. What that means is that we are $244,925 behind where we had budgeted for giving at this point in the year. We have analyzed this and believe this shortfall is being driven by the new tax law, the year-end drop in the stock market, and the recent NEXT capital campaign.
We are committed to keeping the Church's finances on track and will not use any long-term debt for day-to-day operation needs. We have informed our staff and committees that for the time being there needs to be no non-essential spending. With this in mind, we prayerfully ask that you consider giving to the church at this time so that we do not have to start cutting back on our church activities.
In addition to Gary, Natalie, and John, you can contact me at any time if you have questions or concerns about our finances ([email protected]).
William Hocutt, Finance Committee Chairman
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 Children's Sunday
We hope you and your family will join us during our 8:30 or 11:00 traditional service in the Sanctuary on Sunday, February 10 when our elementary children will be leading worship. We will focus on 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a; 13. We look forward to hearing how God speaks to us through His children.
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 Pickleball is Coming
Pickleball, is one of the country's fastest growing sports, with more than 2.8 million players and 12% growth in the past year. Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a tennis-size net, a perforated plastic ball (similar to a whiffle ball), and composite or wooden paddles about twice the size of ping-pong paddles. It can be played indoors or outdoors. It is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. In addition, the game has developed a passionate following due to its friendly, social nature, and its multigenerational appeal.
Beginning in February we will have open play in the gym on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, and on Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Bring some friends and come learn how to play! For more information contact Allie McGill ([email protected]).
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Barre Sculpt Classes Coming Soon
 Barre Sculpt classes will provide a low impact, full body workout that leaves you feeling strong and centered. By performing precise isometric movements, muscle burn occurs more efficiently using your own body weight as resistance. Classes also include intervals of active and passing stretching that improve range of motion and posture. Barre Sculpt is therapeutic for the joints and safe for all ages and levels of fitness! For more information contact Allie McGill ([email protected]).
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 Join the Lenten Study
In the book Soul Keeping, bestselling author John Ortberg sheds light on the most overlooked, underrated, and least-understood part of your being. With a workable and relevant approach, he shows how living the "with God" life isn't just a good idea, it's the only way to find lasting peace and satisfaction. If you or your Sunday School class would like to participate in a church-wide study for Lent, please contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell ([email protected]). She will be ordering leader's guides and DVD's for classes to discuss. To watch the trailer: https://binged.it/2COD7cr.
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 United Counseling Available
United Counseling is a ministry of the UMC that has provided professional counseling services for more than 45 years. Their counselors provide marriage, family, group, and individual counseling on issues spanning from anxiety to grief and more. They also file claims for United Healthcare and BCBS-Blue Choice and Blue Advantage. Visit the website or call the office to learn more. They are located at Canterbury UMC, 205-824-8320.
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Come Join Us
If you've been wanting to join the VHUMC community and just haven't gotten around to it, join us at the Informal Joining Service on Sunday, February 10, at 12:15, in the Chapel. You will be joined by others who want to join the church in a more intimate setting, as the pastors read the membership vows and we share lunch as a church family. If you're interested in joining in this way, please contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell ([email protected] / 769-0136).
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 Lux Aeterna Collaborative Concert
Please join us for a wonderful concert event on Sunday, February 24, at 7:00 pm, in the Sanctuary. The combined choirs of Vestavia Hills UMC and First Tuscaloosa UMC will present Morten Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna (Light Eternal) as well as several other well-known choral music pieces. Dr.'s John Ratledge and Quint Harris, conductors.
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Designated Giving Policy
Because of our Designated Funds, we publish the following statement twice a year and print it on your donation statements to comply with IRS guidelines:
VHUMC welcomes designated donations for pre-approved items such as benevolence, building, missions, and mission trips. In approving such causes, VHUMC is committed to using the collected funds for the intended cause. In the unusual event of the closure of a designated fund or project for which donations have been accepted, any remaining funds may be transferred to the General Fund or used for a similar purpose. Checks should be made payable to VHUMC, with the suggested designation listed on the memo line or on attached correspondence. Thank you for giving to VHUMC.
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Upcoming Grief Support Group
 All of us experience grief differently, and we have a dedicated ministry at VHUMC focused on providing loving care and support to those who have are suffering the loss of a loved one. As part of that ministry, we periodically offer our Grief Support Groups to help you during your grieving process, and our goal is to provide a loving environment with trained leaders who facilitate these grief support sessions. Participants learn valuable ways to cope with their grief, and they are able to share with others who have experienced the loss of spouses, children, parents, and siblings. Our sessions take place in a warm and caring environment, and they follow proven resources devoted to grief support.
The group meets on Wednesday evenings to dine together at 5:30 pm and start our sessions around 6:00 pm. We meet for about one hour. There is no cost for our Grief Support Group, and part of the joy of our ministry is also in furnishing dinner for all participants.
Our next Grief Support Group will meet for six sessions on Wednesdays from March 6 through April 17. Although you are not required to attend every meeting, you are encouraged to make as many sessions as possible for the benefit of you and for others in the Group who are helped by your attendance and participation.
To learn more about this upcoming Grief Support Group, or to register to participate, please contact either Cathie Amos ([email protected] / 908-2731) or Butch Williams ([email protected] / 769-0102).
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 Sunday Evening Worship Schedule
Don't miss our great line up of leaders for the next seven Sunday nights. Please try to join us at 5:00 pm in the Chapel and bring your friends. For more information, please contact Jim Frazier ([email protected] / 769-0126).
- Feb. 3 - Rev. Mike Harper
- Feb. 10 - Rev. Tom Bell
- Feb. 17 - Jim Frazier and Friends (Bluegrass Band)
- Feb. 24 - Rev. Bill Bostick
- March 3 - Rev. Mike Harper
- March 10 - Rev. Roger Thompson
- March 17 - The Harmony Bells
Looking ahead:
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 Habitat For Humanity Kicks Off 2019
We have started construction on the 14th Habitat for Humanity house through the long-standing and successful partnership between VHUMC and the VHHS Habitat Service Club. If you would like to come work alongside the VHHS students on a Saturday or with the Thursday group, please get in touch with Cynthia McGough ([email protected] / 901-0956).
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 Join the "Like & Share" Team
The last chapter of the 21-day Wesley Challenge that we just finished as a VHUMC community was "When did I last speak to someone about my faith?" One way to do that is by sharing what we are doing as a community of faith to serve God with our hands, feet, and hearts. Please join this team to "Like" the VHUMC Facebook page and "Share" on your own pages. If you're interested in this, please respond to Nancy Remke ([email protected]) to be added to the team. We will send information on notification settings that will allow you to see and share posts and/or share your personal experiences with the ministries and missions at the church and beyond.
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 Daddy Daughter Dance
Our Daddy Daughter Dance is coming up on Sunday, February 24, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, in the Lighthouse gym. The cost is $25 per couple ($10 per additional daughter). This is an event for 4k through 5th grade girls and their fathers/grandfathers. If you have any questions contact Anne Strozier ([email protected]).
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Whale of a Sale Volunteers Needed
 Vestavia Day School is one of the strongest outreach ministries of the church and they need our help. The Whale of a Sale, the school's only fundraiser, is coming up and in need of volunteers. This is a great opportunity for you, your friends, or your Sunday School group to serve our church and community. Please check your calendars and see if you have a few hours free on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, February 20, 21, or 22. Sign up and enjoy sorting and organizing clothing and toys for the sale. Plus, all volunteers get an early shopping pass at 1:30 pm on Thursday, February 21 before the sale opens to the public! If you don't have time to spare, please also consider donating a treat to the hospitality room! If you are interested in helping, email us ([email protected]) or visit the link below and select a time and day that works for you!
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Honoring Church Membership
Some of you have wondered how we handle priority registration for Vestavia Day School and some of our events when we anticipate that available slots will fill up quickly. We always want to make sure that our faithful, active members don't miss the opportunity to participate.
Some time ago, we adopted a policy (that is very similar to other churches of our size) that gives priority registration to a member who has:
- Been a member of VHUMC for at least one year.
- Had their attendance recorded in Sunday School or the worship service pew pads 1/4th of the time.
- Given a minimum of $1,000 a year to the church as a donation (not as payment for services).
This seems a fair measure to use in giving priority registration to our members. For those who have (or plan to have) children involved at VHUMC, we highly encourage you to register your attendance. Also, if you contribute in cash, please use an offering envelope. If you have questions about this policy, please contact Gary Wyatt ([email protected] / 769-0108).
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Save the Date for Rise Against Hunger
 Mark your calendars and save the date for our 5th Annual Rise Against Hunger event. This year will be a great year for VHUMC's event after hitting our millionth meal packed last year. Our event is scheduled for Sunday, April 28 - Tuesday, April 30. Watch the Notes for more details in the upcoming months.
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 February Memory Verse
Our 1st - 5th graders are 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 and chance to win a grand prize at the end of the school year. We hope that these verses help to guide them throughout their lives. February's memory verse is: "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you." -Ephesians 4:32
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 Food Pantry
Food Pantry is grateful to Cahaba Heights Elementary for four carts of food, to Vestavia East for ten carts of cans, and to those attending Soup and Stories for the cart of soup cans! Thanks also to those who helped sort and tray all of the above on MLK Day and also doubled a pile of grocery bags for us.
Oak Mountain Missions
Oak Mountain Mission needs cookware, silverware and dishes. They also need working microwave ovens. Please call Barbara (444-9793) if you have one to arrange a transfer. Don't leave them inside the church. For furniture and larger items, please call Brenda for a pick-up at 685-5757. Thank you.
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