The Notes - December 27, 2018

Volume 48

Issue 51

December 27, 2018

January Sermon Series
We kick off our new sermon series "The Wesley Challenge: A New Year, A New You" next Sunday, January 6. This series will redirect our focus to deepen our faith and to start the new year as faithful Christ followers. Through this series we will be challenged in the way we live out Christ's purpose, focusing on our relationship to God, with ourselves, and with others. Join us every Sunday in January as we take on a new year's challenge!

Alongside the sermon series we will be selling copies of "The Wesley Challenge" book. This short book focuses on the 21 questions used by John Wesley during the beginnings of Methodism to deepen people's faith. This 21-day challenge is about opening our minds, our hearts, and our hands to develop a lifestyle of living out the Christian Faith in our day to day life. Click the link to hear more from our senior pastor and be a part of this church-wide challenge.

Upcoming Sunday Worship Services
This coming Sunday, December 30, we will only have one morning service in the Sanctuary at 10:00 am. There will not be any Sunday School, but there will be childcare. That evening we will also have our 5:00 pm Sunday Evening Worship service.

Financial Update
As you plan your end-of-year giving, we hope that you will give generously to VHUMC. Through this week of our fiscal year, giving is $302,285 below our budget - which was very conservative and based on what was received the previous year. This giving gap is quite significant and more than 10% below our needed income.

If you can give to our General Fund (or give a little extra) that would really help us. Gifts received by midnight, December 31 will be credited toward 2018 giving.
You can give online or check on your giving (and any pledges that you have made) at vhumc.org/give.
Always feel free to contact Natalie ([email protected] / 769-0121) or me ([email protected] / 769-0108) for a personal giving update or if you have questions.

New Church App Available
Just in time for the new year, we have finally released our brand new church app filled with new goodies and features. The new VHUMC app now has all of the latest sermon series published weekly as well as all of our upcoming events right at your finger tips. And don't forget to enable "push notifications" when you open it up for the first time to help you stay connected with some of the great news coming from this wonderful community! All you have to do is go to your phone or tablet's app store and search for "VHUMC." Download the brand new app today and stay connected wherever you may be.

Start 2019 with Exciting New Bible Study

Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about the Bible, starting with the New Testament. Disciple Bible Fast Track is a 12-week course offered at various times, starting the week of January 13 (Sunday at 5:00 pm, Tuesday at 10:00 am, and Wednesday at 6:00 pm). Childcare is provided for the evening courses. Each course will last 75 minutes starting with a brief, illustrated review video and then lively and engaging video presenters who will offer insights into the current week's session.

Please register using the link so we can order materials and line up leaders accordingly.

Save the Date
Soup and Stories with Dolores Hydock is coming on Sunday, January 20. Look for ticket sales for this wonderful event in January.

Holy Land 2020 Information Meeting

VHUMC will be returning to the Holy Land in 2020. The trip dates are February 4-13. Dr. Bill Brunson and Jim Frazier will be the leaders. We will have an information meeting on Sunday January 27, at 4:00 pm, in room 316. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Frazier ([email protected] / 769-0126).

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 January 31.

Exercise for Better Health
Physical activity or exercise can improve your health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Physical activity and exercise can have immediate and long-term health benefits. Most importantly, regular activity can improve your quality of life. A minimum of 30 minutes a day can allow you to enjoy these benefits.

Join us at The Lighthouse! We offer a variety of ways to get some physical activity from walking on the track, working out in our Fitness Center, or participating in an exercise class. Join us in December for one free class of D1 Boot Camp or Yoga. Contact Alli McGill ([email protected]) for more details.

Mercy Mats for the Homeless
The Lighthouse is collecting plastic grocery bags to make mats for the homeless. Dubbed Mercy Mats, they have a two-fold purpose - making life a little nicer for folks who are homeless while putting to good use thousands of plastic bags that would otherwise go to waste. With the freezing cold temperatures, these mats could help someone stay warm. Please bring plastic bags by the Lighthouse and drop them in the bin. Feel free to ask grocery stores to donate some or give you a few extra when shopping. We have already started making mats, but you can still come and help. If you are interested in helping to make the mats, contact Alli McGill ([email protected]).

December 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. December's memory verse is: "She will bear a Son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." -Matthew 1:21

Upward Soccer Registration
Upward Soccer registration has started! This league is for boys and girls K4-4th Grade. Registration is $95 before January 11, then jumps to $105 until the deadline of February 12. We also offer $10 discounts for each additional child in a family that registers. You may register online or in person at the VHUMC Lighthouse.

The season will start the week of February 25, and ends on May 4. Join us in a league that is focused on development and learning the game in a Christ-filled environment! If you have any questions, please contact Miles Erbe at [email protected] or 205-769-0134.

VDS Needs Teachers

Vestavia Day School's After School Program is currently interviewing for part-time teachers who would work Monday-Friday from 2:00-6:00 pm starting in January. Teachers are responsible for assisting with homework, providing engaging activities, and ensuring a safe and fun environment for the students from Kindergarten - 5th grade. If you or someone you know may be interested, please contact TaraKy Eason, Director of VDS ( [email protected] / 769-0138 ) .

Ongoing Outreach

Food Pantry

Our Food Pantry needs syrup, spaghetti sauce, and fresh produce. For Christmas, we gave food and hams to 230 families! Thank you all for your continued support and donations.

Oak Mountain Mission

The mission is currently closed until after the new year.