The Notes - October 4, 2018

Volume 48

Issue 40

October 4, 2018

World Communion Sunday
On October 7, all across the world, members in Christ will celebrate World Communion Sunday together as one. On this day, VHUMC will take up a special offering for our missionaries in Tanzania. This offering will help support the great works they are doing in Tanzania with the people there each and every day.

Won't You Be My Neighbor
Community unfolds in conversations over backyard fences, in porch swings, and around dining tables. It happens with a kind word and gentle touch at the bedside of a patient. It's intimate, it's communal, and its people. Not from the flat screen radiating from a computer. But from the kind that take our time, effort, our resources, and aren't always convenient.

VHUMC desires to be a large part of the community around you, Not just as a physical building dropped into the center of the town, but as a part of your life wherever you are. We want you to be invested in your neighbors, as a friend and as the hands and feet of Christ. That is why we want you to join us each week starting October 14 as we kick off our new sermon series focused around the stewardship campaign called, "Won't You Be My Neighbor." Come be a part of making our community a better place. A place where hope lives.

Blessing of the Pets
Our pets are a blessing to us, join us in blessing them. Bring those special pets to the north lawn of the church so they can receive a blessing from our clergy this Saturday, October 6, at 10:00 am. Make sure to circle the date on your calendar! Also, if you would like to volunteer to help with this service, please contact Peyton Chandler ([email protected] / 306-3591) or Butch Williams ([email protected] / 769-0102).

A Wonderful Place to Call Home
Have you been wanting to officially join the VHUMC community and make this your church home? If yes, please contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell ([email protected] / 769-0136) to discuss options. Joining during a worship service is a beautiful experience, allowing us all to renew our membership vows and commitment to one another. Or, if you prefer a more intimate setting, you can join during an informal joining service in the chapel on October 13 at 12:15 pm after worship. During this service we read the vows of membership and we share a meal together with a small group of our church family. Either way, we look forward to having you join VHUMC - a wonderful place to call home, where neighbors become family.

Sunday Evening Worship
Butch Williams will preach this Sunday on "Lessons From Our Children" in the Rutland Memorial Chapel at 5:00 pm. Come as you are and join us for warm fellowship and the spirited singing of the old, familiar hymns!

New Class on Community
Join Kym Prewitt as she leads us through the critical nature of community and how our presence in a community shapes who we are and what we are called to do. The class will be on Wednesday nights October 17, 24, and Nov. 7, in room 208 at 6:00 pm. Kym's deep knowledge of the concepts of Community will include Biblical understandings and stories that engage us and promote reflection on the importance of who and what we claim. Kym will use Peter Block's "Community: The Structure of Belonging" as a central reference.

Peter Block offers an alternative to the increasing economic, relational, and ideological divides in our culture. To achieve a deeper sense of connection and belonging, we need to change the narrative from one of deficiencies and entitlement to one of possibility and generosity. This is how community is created, and Block shows how it's done with examples from neighborhoods, towns, and cities around the United States. To bring transformation into everyday life, Community outlines six conversations that create shared accountability and shows how to design systems that foster this sense of belonging.

October Memory Verse
Our 1st - 5th graders have the opportunity to memorize a different memory verse each month. They can recite the verse before or after Sunday School in the elementary office for a sweet treat! October's memory verse is: "He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken." - Psalm 62:2

After children successfully recite the verse they also get to put their name in a basket for a 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. If you have any questions, please contact Jamie Meeks ([email protected]).

New Yoga Class on Saturdays
Kellyn Garrison teaches in a style that accommodates all bodies and all abilities, regardless of athletic experience. Please join us at The Lighthouse on Saturday mornings at 8:30 am for a one-hour yoga class focusing on foundational poses, alignment, building strength, flexibility, and relaxation. All you need to bring is a mat! Classes are $10 with a Lighthouse membership. For more information, contact Alli McGill ([email protected]).

Lighthouse Volunteers Needed
The Lighthouse at VHUMC is looking for volunteers! If you have an hour or two to spare, we would love your help! We have needs early in the morning, during lunch, and later in the day. Even some night shifts are available! For more information, contact Alli McGill ([email protected]).

October Hilltoppers Meeting
Our next meeting is Tuesday, October 16, at 10:30 am, in the Fellowship Hall. Andy Meginniss and Dan Marson will join us for a program of music & songs. For information or to make a lunch reservation ($6.00) contact Harriette Woodring (822-9318) or Margaret Flowers ([email protected] / 769-0112) no later than 11:00 am on Friday, October 12.

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.

Canada and New England Cruise
Join Jim Frazier and Margaret Flowers on this cruise of a lifetime as we travel on Norwegian cruise lines September 22-29, 2019. We will be flying from Birmingham to New York where we will board the ship. We will see some of the most beautiful sights as the fall colors are turning. Save $150 if you register by Sunday, September 30 or save $100 if you register by November 30. For more information please contact Jim Frazier ([email protected] / 769-0126).

Oberammergau Informational Meeting

VHUMC will be offering two chances to see the best Passion Play in the world. This event only happens once every 10 years. Bill Brunson and Jim Frazier will have an informational meeting on Sunday, October 28, at 4:00 pm, in room 316.

The trip dates are:

June 17 - 26, 2020 : The Passion Play and the Best of Switzerland
July 30 - Aug. 10, 2020: The Passion Play and the Romantic Danube River Cruise

We have a limited number of seats and they are filling up fast. For more information please contact Jim Frazier ([email protected] / 769-0126).

Rice and Revelry
Come be a part of the first ever fundraiser to benefit our very own Rise Against Hunger Event. Join us on November 1 from 6:00-9:00 pm for a little R&R (Rice and Revelry) at the Hoover Randle Home and Gardens on Tyler Road. We will have a fun evening for hunger relief benefiting our meal packing event in April 2019. Tickets are only $29 - which will feed 100 children. Tickets are available at by clicking the link below.

Middle School Retreat
We are so excited to announce a new location for our Middle School Retreat! We will be spending the weekend at Timberlake Ministries in Millport, AL. There is still time to register through October 11 (with a 10% late fee with no guarantee of a t-shirt). After October 11, we will only be able to add students to a wait list. No exceptions, so register early! There is a sibling discount of 50% off the registration price! Enter promo code: "siblingdiscount" when registering your students.

We also need chaperones! This is a first come, first serve basis so please let us know asap if you would like to chaperone by emailing Juli Hansen ([email protected]).

Mae Mae's Hugs October Coat Drive

Mae Mae's Hugs is collecting children and adult coats during the month of October. Would you help? If you are cleaning out your closet and have gently worn coats to donate, please wash them and bring them to the church. Or if you are purchasing new coats, would you consider purchasing an extra coat for this effort? Purple boxes will be placed at the chapel, preschool and Tyson Hall doors. Coats of all sizes are needed for young children and adults. You can also make a donation online and new coats will be purchased with these funds. It is our hope that through this ministry, the children across the state, can receive winter coats to keep them warm, as if receiving a warm, loving hug from Mae Mae and VHUMC. If questions, email Anne Strozier ([email protected]).

Growing Pains: Renovating for Our Future

We are in the final weeks of our end of our construction project and it is really exciting! We are looking forward to new looks and new sounds in the Sanctuary and Narthex. Please continue to pray for worker safety and continued progress. We are looking forward to having everything completed and cleaned up soon.

Unfortunately, the Adult Education Building elevator may still be "out of service" this weekend. We are hoping to get our final inspection tomorrow, but it may be next week. We apologize for this inconvenience. The end product will be a more reliable elevator for everyone.

Ongoing Outreach

Food Pantry

The Food Pantry needs tote bags with handles for fresh veggies. Even though the farmers market has closed, we are still receiving items from one of the vendors. We also need fresh oranges, apples, etc. Thank you!

Oak Mountain Mission

Oak Mountain Mission only needs adult plus-size fall and winter clothing, boy's jeans, and children's jackets and coats. No other clothing at this time please. They always need dishes, glasses, pans, silverware, and linens. For furniture pick-up, please contact Brenda (685-5757). Remember, furniture needs to be in the basement, garage, carport, or outside. Thank you!

Table of Hope to Benefit Urban Ministry

We'd love to see you at Table of Hope on Thursday, October 4! This year is incredibly special as it marks Urban Ministry's 40th anniversary. Join us to participate in our silent auction, enjoy fine dining, and share a one-of-a-kind evening with our esteemed guest, City of Birmingham Mayor, Randall Woodfin. Visit the link to purchase tickets.

Church of the Reconciler 2020

In 1994, Church of the Reconciler was started to be a church that practiced radical hospitality. In 2002, they bought a warehouse and transformed it into a church and ministry center. Today, there's an on-site health clinic, a housing opportunities office, yoga and meditation classes, addiction recovery circles, a worshipping community, and a whole lot of food. They are launching Reconciler 2020 - a campaign that will raise $500,000 by 2020. If you are interested in supporting their campaign or contributing, please visit www.churchofthereconciler.com or pick up one of the brochures around the church or in the Missions office.

October 18 is their Celebrate Reconciler banquet at Birmingham First United Methodist Church. Come hear from their new Reconciler choir, learn more about their ministries, and hear stories from people who have been impacted by their work. Tickets are $50/person or $500/table through their website at www.churchofthereconciler.com or by sending a check to Church of the Reconciler with "banquet" marked in the memo section.

Wednesday Night Menus

October 10 - Salad, Orecchiette w Bolognese OR Marinara, Sautéed Veggies, Cobbler. Kids: Chicken Nuggets, Mac & Cheese
October 17 - Chicken Parmesan OR Country Fried Steak, Mac & Cheese, Broccoli Amandine, Chocolate Trifle. Kids: Pizza
October 24 - Pot Roast OR Baked Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Braised Carrots, Mac & Cheese, Cake. Kids: Chicken Nuggets
October 31 - No Meal