The Notes - January 17, 2019

Volume 49

Issue 3

January 17, 2019

MLK Mission Day
VHUMC has always had a day of service in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King. Join us next Monday on January 21, from 10:00 am -12:00 pm, on the Youth Floor for a fun day of service with many opportunities. We will have several hands-on-projects that anyone can participate in such as assembling hygiene kits, working in the food pantry, decorating Christmas Shoeboxes, Blessing Bags and more. However, if those participating are third grade and younger, they will need to be accompanied with a parent. Fourth and fifth graders will have the opportunity to serve on the elementary floor. To register for this project, contact Jamie Meeks ([email protected]).

For more information or to let us know you are coming to the day of service, please email Rachael Hayes ([email protected]). Also, let Rachael know if you are interested in volunteering that day to help coordinate the different stations of projects. We will need extra volunteers to help that day so please prayerfully consider volunteering for a couple of hours.

Soup and Stories
Join us this Sunday, January 20, for Soup and Stories with Dolores Hydock, in the Fellowship Hall. The cost is $15 and the doors will open at 12:15 pm. If you haven't brought a ticket, we can't guarantee a seat, but please come by and see if there's a place for you.

Offices Closed on Monday
The church offices will be closed on Monday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King. Service events will still take place in the Elementary and Student Ministry areas.

Update on the Global United Methodist Church

Our church leadership continues to develop a comprehensive Strategic Plan, the outline of which will be presented on January 27 in our Sunday School Assembly. A part of that plan includes how we will manage the changing and slowly progressing struggles of the global UMC. Though 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, we do want to help any interested members understand what proposals are on the table at the upcoming global General Conference, and consider the actual likelihood of any current proposal ever being enacted. This discussion will take place on Wednesday, February 6, at 6:00 pm, in Tyson Hall, and will be led by the pastoral staff.

Continued Generosity
We have had a remarkable string of special gifts lately. Anonymous gifts helped us buy a new upright piano and a new video projector for the Sanctuary this fall. Just before Christmas we had another one.

One of the important elements of using drums in our Contemporary Worship Services is the drum "cage" a wood, metal, or plastic shell around and over the drums that contains the sound and allows the drums to be mixed with the other instruments at the sound board.

We have had a cage for years, but it was in such bad shape we could hardly move it - even though it has to come off the stage for certain other productions. We had priced out a new one that would hold up to moves better, contain sound better, integrate better and faster with our sound system, and look 100% better. But, we just could not afford it. Then, just before Christmas, we received a special designated donation to move ahead and buy the new drum cage!

While the donor wishes to remain anonymous, the story is important to share. It serves as a reminder to each of us to seek out ways that we can give to others. Our time, talents, and resources are immensely valued, and in quiet, selfless moments, a significant impact can be made.

Wednesday Night Dinner Times Extended

You are now able to order your meals ahead of time online! You can order dinner to eat in the Fellowship Hall or pick up carryout boxes from the kitchen. We also have extended hours so you can pick them up as late as 6:30 pm. So grab a plate to eat with us starting at 5:00 pm, or to get carryout boxes in the kitchen from 6:00-6:30 pm. You can take them home or get them to take with you to a Wednesday night class. Please contact Margaret Flowers (769-0112) if you would like to make a verbal registration (you can also do it in the Sunday morning attendance pads).

Fidget Mat Objects Needed
We need new objects that can be attached to future fidget mats! Examples: a child's small toy, keys, a pouch, etc. We also need place mats (stained, strange pattern, any shape or color). Lastly, we would love help making the mats! Our merry crew of Sewing Angels meets on the 4th Tuesday of every month (January 22 this month) from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. For more information, please contact Peggy Patton ([email protected] / 335-5097) or the church office.

Car Ministry in 2018
2018 was a record year for the car ministry. The ministry accepted more car donations and placed more cars with deserving applicants than in any previous year. The team worked really hard this year developing new systems, streamlining operations in the Missions office, and focusing on the mission of the ministry. None of this would have been possible without God's guiding hand. There are many people on a daily basis who continue to pray for this ministry and prayers were answered.

Thank you VHUMC for your donations, time and financial donations that continue to bless this ministry. We look forward to seeing what God has planned for us in 2019.

Serve and Skate
We invite 4th and 5th graders to join us on Monday, January 21, for Serve and Skate! We will meet at 10:00 am in rooms 219/221 on the elementary floor to do various projects benefiting multiple organizations. We will go to the Lighthouse at 11:00 am for pizza, skating, and games! Pick up is at 12:00 noon from the Lighthouse.

Deeper Spiritual Growth Opportunities
If you're looking for ways to grow deeper in your faith, check out these programs at VHUMC and across our community. In addition to programs at VHUMC (Wesley Challenge, Disciple Bible Study, and Soul Keeping), these programs may also encourage you in your faith:

AL Walk to Emmaus spiritual retreats at Camp Sumatanga
Silent Retreats at the Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman
UMC Read the Bible Together program from the UMC Conference
5-Day Spiritual Academy for Spiritual Formation at Camp Sumatanga
Spiritual Director Training Program (2-year certification for laity and clergy)

God's Holy Spirit is doing great things at VHUMC. Let us know how we can support you through this time of transformational change and growth. Contact Suzanne ([email protected]) for more information or assistance.

Register for Whale of a Sale
Registration is open for sellers and volunteers to help at Whale of a Sale. Both groups get to shop early, so don't forget to register. There is a $8.00 registration fee for sellers payable via credit card or PayPal at the time of registration. The Spring 2019 Whale of a Sale will be held February 21-22 in the Lighthouse. If you have questions or need additional information, please email [email protected].

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 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.

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.

January 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. January's memory verse is, "Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." - Philippians 4:6

Ongoing Outreach

Old Christmas Cards

Do you have old Christmas cards and not sure what to do with them? Please drop them off at the mission's office by Monday to be used during our MLK Day of Service. We will use them to decorate Christmas Shoeboxes that will be sent to our missionaries in other countries next fall.

Food Pantry

Food Pantry now has two refrigerators/freezers that are not working. If you have a working one you would like to donate , or know where we could purchase them reasonably , p lease call Barbara Porter ( [email protected] / 444-9793 ) .

Oak Mountain Missions

Oak Mountain Mission needs plus-size adult winter clothing and coats of all sizes, including children's coats. No Christmas decorations at this time please. For furniture pick-up, please call Brenda (685-5757) for details.