Volume 49
Issue 2
January 10, 2019
              
Wesley Challenge Book Study
Please join us on Wednesday nights, January 16-30, as we discuss The Wesley Challenge: 21 Days to a More Authentic Faith. We have over 500 VHUMC members studying this book with daily readings coinciding with the January sermon series. This study leads us through the 21 questions used by John and Charles Wesley as they met with their friends to grow closer to God. Please come eat dinner at 5:00 pm, then join the discussion at 6:00 pm in room 202 as we chat about these questions together. For more information on this book and sermon series, please visit the link below, or contact Suzanne-Scott Trammell (sstrammell@vhumc.org).

Don't Miss Disciple Fast Track
We have 80+ people registered thus far to participate in the Disciple Fast Track Bible study starting the week of January 13. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about God's Word and discuss with a small group. We have various times from which to choose:
  • Sundays, 5:00-6:15 pm in room 322. Leaders: Kelly Lipford and Jay Evers. Studying: New Testament
  • Tuesdays, 10:00-11:15 am in room 203. Leaders: Kipp McClurg and Jim Frazier. Studying: Old Testament
  • Wednesdays, 6:00-7:15 pm in room 203A. Leaders: Rick Cybulsky, Tony Ballard, and Harry Dinken. Studying: Old Testament
  • Wednesdays, 6:00-7:15 pm in room 208. Leaders: Ty Howell and Rob Moxley. Studying: Old Testament
You can register online by clicking the link below, or let Suzanne (sstrammell@vhumc.org) know if you want to join any of these classes. You can pick up a book in the front office (the cost is $16).

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 through January 14 in the front office. Contact Barbara Porter (bobarb@bellsouth.net) for questions.
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.

MLK Mission Day
VHUMC has always had a day of service in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King. Join us this year 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 (jmeeks@vhumc.org).

For more information or to let us know you are coming to the day of service, please email Rachael Hayes (rhayes@vhumc.org). 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.
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 (sstrammell@vhumc.org) for more information or assistance.

Register for Whale of a Sale
It's almost time to register to be a seller or volunteer to help at Whale of a Sale. Both groups get to shop early, so don't miss registration. It will open on Tuesday, January 15, at 8:00 pm. Please note that registration spaces are limited and fill up quickly. 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 thewhaleofasale@gmail.com.

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 (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.

Welcome New Members
Let's all welcome the newest members to our VHUMC family, Alison and Ryan Jenkins, with their sons Walton (11) and Wales (8). They come to us from Kansas and are looking forward to being involved in our community of faith. They will be visiting Sunday School classes as they seek their place in ministry with us.
The Lighthouse at VHUMC
We would love your input as we are always striving to provide more appropriate classes and programming in our Health, Wellness & Recreation program in the Lighthouse. Please click on the link to take a short survey. Your input is very valuable to us!

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).

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 Hilltoppers Meeting
Our next meeting is Tuesday, January 15, at 10:30 am in the Fellowship Hall. Church member, Eric Carlton, will join us for a musical program. For information or to make a lunch reservation ($6.00) call Harriette Woodring (822-9318) or Margaret Flowers (mflowers@vhumc.org / 769-0112) no later than 11:00 am on Friday.

Vestavia Hilltoppers is a VHUMC-sponsored organization for persons of retirement age, which meets each month for lunch and a program. They also sponsor trips and other activities that are publicized at meetings. Guests and new members are welcome.
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 anytime between now and Friday, January 18 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, please call Barbara Porter (bobarb@bellsouth.net / 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.
Wednesday Night Dinners

January 16 - Poppyseed Chicken, Chicken Salad with Fruit, Wild Rice, Green Beans, Salad, Fresh Fruit. Kids: Donato's Pizza.

January 23 - BBQ Pork, Baked Fish, Mashed Potatoes, Baked Beans, Steamed Broccoli, Fresh Fruit. Kids: Donato's Pizza.

January 30 - Scrambled Eggs, Boiled Egg, Bacon, Cheese Grits, Fresh Fruit. Kids: Donato's Pizza.
Worship This Sunday 

8:30 am T raditional Service
Phillippians 4:4-9
"An Upward Focus"
Bill Brunson

9:45 am Service of Word and Table
Phillippians 4:4-9
"An Upward Focus"
Butch Williams and Sherry Harris

11:00 am Traditional Service
Phillippians 4:4-9
"An Upward Focus"
Bill Brunson

11:00 am Contemporary Service
Phillippians 4:4-9
"An Upward Focus"
Kipp McClurg

5:00 pm Sunday Evening Worship
Luke 3: 15-17; 21-22
"Baptism: Destiny Clarified"
Tom Duley
Attendance for last Sunday:  1,009
Our Time and Resources
 

Donations this past week

July - November 2018
Donations
Other Income
Total Income
Actual
$74,198


$1,262,767
$58,233
$1,321,000
Targeted  
-$9,326


-$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: