Volume 49
Issue 1
January 3, 2019
              
January Sermon Series
We kick off our new sermon series "The Wesley Challenge: A New Year, A New You" this Sunday, January 6. The 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.

Start 2019 with Disciple Fast Track
Disciple Fast Track, an adaptation of the original Disciple Bible Study, provides a viable option for busy people seeking comprehensive engagement over time with the entire biblical text. We'll start with the New Testament in January in a twelve-week course offered Sunday at 5:00 pm, Tuesday at 10:00 am, and Wednesday at 6:00 pm. Childcare is provided for the evening classes. Please register using the link below so we can line up teachers and resources, based on demand.

Participants read a manageable 3-5 chapters of the Bible daily in preparation for the weekly meetings, which last approximately 75 minutes. A brief, illustrated review video enables participants to recall important facts and ideas; lively and engaging video presenters then offer insights into the current week's session.

Soup and Stories
Join us for Soup and Stories with Dolores Hydock on Sunday, January 20 in the Fellowship Hall. The cost is $15 and the doors will open at 12:15 pm. Please bring cans of soup for our Food Pantry. Get your tickets to reserve your place January 6-14 in the front office. Contact Barbara Porter for questions (bobarb@bellsouth.net).
Mercy Mats
Thank you for bringing your used plastic bags to the Lighthouse. Please keep them coming! We are starting to make Mercy Mats for the homeless using the Loom that was graciously donated to us by the UMCOR Warehouse. If you have some spare time, stop by the Lighthouse and spend a few minutes on the loom. And bring a friend. Our goal is to make several mats to deliver downtown during the next several weeks.
Created for a Purpose Registration
Created for a Purpose is a week-long creative arts program, offered July 8-12, to teach girls that they are a unique masterpiece created by God. This camp is for current 2nd-7th Grade girls. In addition, we offer a Jr. Art Camp for current Kindergarteners and 1st Grade girls.

We will meet from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm each day and the cost is $210 per camper. Daily lunch, supplies and a T-shirt are provided. Priority registration for active church members* and Summer Days Participants** will open Monday, January 7 at 12:30 pm, and will close Wednesday, January 8 at 7:00 pm. Registration will open to the community on January 9 at 9:30 am. For more information please contact Emily Boles (eboles@vhumc.org) or Jenny Waters (cfapvhumc@gmail.com).


*An active church member at VHUMC is defined as having attended or given financially in the last 13 months.
**An Active Summer Days Participant is defined as a child who will attend at least three camps through VDS Summer Days 2019 other than CFAP.
Church-Wide Assembly
Twice each year we have a special gathering during our Sunday School hour to share insights about how VHUMC is doing, our plans for the future, and answer any questions you have. Please plan to join us on Sunday, January 27, at 9:45 am, in Tyson Hall for our next assembly. We will be sharing information on our 2018 and construction finances, ministry updates, and highlights of our new strategic plan for 2019 and beyond.
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 Rev. Jim Frazier will be the leaders. We will have an informational meeting on Sunday, January 27, at 4:00 pm, in room 316. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Frazier (jfrazier@vhumc.org / 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 (astrozier@vhumc.org). 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 this month for one free class of D1 Boot Camp or Yoga. Contact Alli McGill (amcgill@vhumc.org) for more details.
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. 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 (merbe@vhumc.org / 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 (teason@vhumc.org / 769-0138). 
Ongoing Outreach
Food Pantry
Thank you to BioHorizons for their canned food drive. We really appreciate donations from local businesses and organizations. Please note that we cannot accept homemade canned items because of health regulations. Thank you all for your continued support and donations.

Oak Mountain Mission
The mission is back open for 2019 and currently accepting donations.
Wednesday Night Dinners

Wednesday night dinners will resume on January 9.
Worship This Sunday 

8:30 am T raditional Service
Isaiah 60:1-6
"New Year - New You"
Bill Brunson

9:45 am Service of Word and Table
Isaiah 60:1-6
"New Year - New You"
Sherry Harris and Butch Williams

11:00 am Traditional Service
Isaiah 60:1-6
"New Year - New You"
Bill Brunson

11:00 am Contemporary Service
Isaiah 60:1-6
"New Year - New You"
Kipp McClurg

5:00 pm Sunday Evening Worship
Ephesians 3:1-13
"This is My Work - This is Our Work!"
Mike Harper
Attendance for last Sunday:  458
Our Time and Resources
 

Donations this past week

July - November 2018
Donations
Other Income
Total Income
Actual
$200,045


$1,262,767
$58,233
$1,321,000
Targeted  
-$57,485


-$107,965
-$150
-$108,115
 
(+) Better or (-) worse for the church than our target
Care and Support
Congratulations, hospitalizations, and sympathies

Prayer Requests
Please be in prayer for the following persons: