The Notes - January 24, 2019

Volume 49

Issue 4

January 24, 2019

VHUMC Named Chamber Member of the Year

Congratulations to all of you who have assisted with the many community events we have hosted and collaborated on in 2018. We were awarded the Member of the Year honor at last week's Chamber luncheon, in recognition of outstanding community service. This is what is meant by VHUMC as the community church: we are the go-to place for community events and needs, demonstrating good stewardship of our space and time.

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 this 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.

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 February 6, at 6:00 pm, in Tyson Hall, and will be led by the pastoral staff.

Private music lessons are still available for guitar, tuba, trombone, percussion, flute, piano, and voice. Lesson options are on various days which are detailed on our website. Group Classes include:

Theatre Class - Come join the fun! Our new theatre class is looking for both boys and girls ages 8-15! Classes meet on Mondays from 4:30-6:00 with the next class on Monday, January 28.
Art Class - Spots are still available for our spring art classes. Tuesday classes are for advanced art students and Thursday classes are for beginning students (grade K-3rd). Both classes are for one hour and start at 4:15 pm.
Showstoppers Class is a musical theatre class for both boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 16 on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-7:00 pm. This class will include elements of singing, dancing and acting.

Email Ellen Bryant ([email protected]) with any questions, or follow the link to sign up.

Pickleball is Coming
Pickleball, is one of the country's fastest growing sports, with more than 2.8 million players and a 12% increase in the past year, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a tennis-size net. It is played with 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]).

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]).

Welcome New Members to VHUMC

Please join in welcoming our newest members to VHUMC, who joined this past Sunday.

Carol and Michael Lightfoot are already members of the Apostles on the Hillside Sunday School class, with their son, Zach (15) involved in our Student Ministries programming. They attend the 11:00 worship service in the sanctuary.
Kristin and Grant Coppock are already members of the Agape Sunday School class, with their daughter Eva (9) and son Charlie (6), already involved in our children's ministry programs. They typically attend the 11:00 worship service in the sanctuary but also have attended the contemporary service in Tyson Hall.

Please make a note to welcome them warmly into our VHUMC family.

Come Join Us
If you've been wanting to join VHUMC but haven't yet done so, please come to our next Informal Joining Service, being held on Sunday, February 10, in the chapel at 12:15 (after the 11:00 worship services end). We will meet in the chapel, with pastors reading membership vows before eating lunch together afterward. VHUMC is a great place to call home, we want to welcome you into this community of faith. To join, please contact Suzanne ([email protected] / 769-0136).

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]).

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.

High School Retreat Parent/Student Meeting
If your student is planning to attend the High School Retreat to Lake Junaluska, they, along with at least one parent, are required to attend this meeting. We will meet this Sunday, January 27, at 4:00 pm in the Student Ministry Assembly Hall. If you have not completed your paperwork or turned in your remaining balance, please have it all ready when you arrive at the meeting. For more information, contact Jeremiah Stone ([email protected]).

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.

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].

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 this Sunday, January 27, at 4:00 pm, in room 316. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Frazier ([email protected] / 769-0126).

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

Food Pantry

Food Pantry is grateful to Cahaba Heights Elementary for four carts of food last week, to Vestavia East for ten carts of cans, and to those attending Soup & 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.

Wednesday Night Dinners

January 30 - Scrambled Eggs, Boiled Egg, Bacon, Cheese Grits, Fresh Fruit.

February 6 - Salad, Fresh Fruit, Ginger Chicken OR Sesame Glazed Pork, Jasmine Rice, Steamed Veggies (Healthy Option: Chef Salad or Ginger Chicken)

February 13 - Salad, Fresh Fruit, Turkey Tetrazzini OR Bow Tie Shrimp, Steamed Broccoli (Healthy Option: chef salad or bow tie shrimp)

February 20 - Salad, Fresh Fruit, Orecchiette w/ Bolognese OR Marinara Sauce, Sautéed Veggies (Healthy Option: Chef Salad or Orecchiette with Marinara sauce)

February 27 - Salad, Fresh Fruit, Pot Roast OR Baked Chicken, Roasted Carrots, Couscous (Healthy Option: chef salad or baked chicken)