|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 An Evening with Ray
This Sunday, Ray Buchanan, founder of Rise Against Hunger, will share how he equipped millions to feed the masses. A former Methodist minister, Ray envisioned a world without hunger and recognized that accomplishing a mission required "commitment to something larger than yourself." Over the past three decades, that principle has driven Ray's mission to eradicate world hunger.
Join us this Sunday, March 1, at 6:00 pm, for this free event in Tyson Hall to learn how the Vestavia community is making a difference around the globe. The idea that "ending hunger is more than just feeding people" is the driving force behind Ray's mission, and we are grateful for the opportunity to learn from this servant leader and master storyteller. All ages are welcomed. The event is free, but we will accept a love offering for our annual Rise Against Hunger meal packing event in April.
|
 Lenten Sermon Series
We all know the drill for Lent; it is a time to confront our sins, maybe give up chocolate or social media for forty days and pray for Easter to arrive so we can get back to business as usual. In pursuit of a Christ-centered life, we tend to maintain our focus on the eternal life that awaits us at the end of our spiritual journey. But what if we stopped thinking about eternal life as something we can only experience after we die? What if, instead, we lived life with the faith that eternity is, in fact, upon us in the here and now?
This year's Lenten sermon series will navigate that very question as we explore the book "Eternity Is Now In Session" by John Ortberg in the weeks leading up to Easter. Join us starting this Sunday as we explore eternity together - here and now.
|
 Lenten Study: Eternity is Now in Session
During the Lenten season, our sermon series will be based on John Ortberg's book, Eternity is Now in Session. This is a wonderful series that is perfect for your class, small group, or those who want to follow on their own. The book can be purchased using the link below or from our church office. If you have any questions, or want to get into a group doing the study, please contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell ([email protected]).
|
 We Asked You Responded
Continuing our commitment to be transparent with our church finances, we sounded the alarm in late January to let you know that we were significantly behind in our donation income. We are happy to report that giving has increased in late January and so far in February. Thank you! You will see from the new report below that our income budget shortfall has reduced from nearly $255,000 to $208,000. That means we still need some significant "catch up" giving, but we are excited at your generosity and your commitment to help us get back on budget. If you have any questions about our finances, contact Gary Wyatt ([email protected] / 769-0108).
|
 Carnegie Project Concert
The Birmingham Voices will be in concert this Sunday, March 1, at 6:30 pm, at Trinity UMC, in preparation for their Carnegie Hall debut. The concert will feature music by local Birmingham composer, K. Lee Scott. The choir will be in concert with The Cathedral Brass of Birmingham and Karen Krekelberg on organ. The event is free but donations to the Carnegie Project to help our guest instrumentalists are appreciated. For more information contact Quint Harris ([email protected]).
|
 Girls Just Want To Have Fun
Due to popular demand, Party Art is back! Join us on Wednesday, March 11, at 6:00 pm, for another fun evening! The cost is still only $35, but this time we will be painting a gorgeous spring picture to add to your home décor. Our instructors will be there to give us step by step instructions, answer questions, and even do some hands-on help if needed. You can register for the class on the church website. The deadline for registration is March 9.
|
 Summer Grand Camps
Grand Camps are unique adventures for grandparents and their grandchildren focused on leaving a faith-legacy for the next generation. These camps are filled with activities that grandparents and grandchildren experience together to discover God's Word through life-changing memories.
The first camp is July 5-7, followed by the second on July 8-10. Both camps are identical. Camps will be led by Rhonda and Jim Frazier and hosted at Camp McDowell. Grandchildren must be between 4-9 years old at the time of the camp. The cost is $190/person for the first two in the room. The cost is $90/person for the third and fourth persons in the room. We begin camp at 5:00 pm on the first day and end at 1:00 pm on the third day. For more information please contact Jim Frazier ([email protected] / 769-0126). Space is limited, so make sure you register online today!
|
 Sozo Children at VHUMC
The Sozo Children's Choir will be with us again on Wednesday, March 18, at 6:00 pm in Tyson Hall. This group of children travel from Uganda to America and tour the US leading worship at churches, schools, and events. VHUMC last hosted the Sozo Choir 2016, so we are excited to have them back. Experience cultural Ugandan singing and dancing with African instruments, powerful corporate worship, and brief testimonies.
The Sozo Children's Choir provides spiritual, personal, and cultural development opportunities for those served by Sozo Children in Uganda. They refer to their US choir tour as a "mission trip" for each child, who are often the recipients of short-term mission service from friends and sponsors from the States. Through the tour, the children are able to share Christ's love, grow in their faith, and continue learning to serve others as part of Sozo Children's mission to empower vulnerable children to become thriving leaders for Jesus Christ.
|
 Informal Joining Service
We will hold an Informal Joining Service on Sunday, March 15, in the chapel at the conclusion of the 11:00 worship services. If you're interested in joining the church in a more intimate setting, with a small group of people, please contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell ([email protected] / 769-0136). This service is brief and will conclude with lunch together.
|
 Hiking to the Cross
Join the VHUMC clergy at McCallum Park (on Rosemary Lane) on Saturday, March 14, at 9:00 am, as we take a leisurely hike together. We will stop periodically to remember each of the 14 stations of the cross (the events that happened to Jesus from the Last Supper until his resurrection on Easter Sunday). Invite your friends as we enjoy a beautiful spring morning. For more information please contact Jim Frazier ([email protected] / 769-0126).
|
 Rise Against Hunger Event
Our annual community effort to end world hunger is coming up April 26-28! Our community-wide meal packing event, known as Rise Against Hunger, can make a tremendous difference in the lives of children that go to bed hungry. Over the course of three days you or your group can sign up for 90-minute time slots and help pack nutrient-rich meals. There is something to do for every age! It will be our 6th year to host this event, so plan to be a part event and help us cross the finish line to end world hunger.
|
 Upcoming Grief Support Group
All of us experience grief differently. That's why we have a ministry focused on providing loving care and support to those who have are suffering the loss of a loved one. Our next seven-week Grief Support Group will meet beginning on Wednesday, March 4, in room 203. The group will dine together at 5:30 pm, with the sessions beginning around 6:00 pm. Each session lasts about one hour, and meetings typically conclude around 7:00 pm. There is no cost for our Grief Support Group, and part of the joy of our ministry is also in furnishing dinner for all participants.
Although you are not required to attend every meeting, you are encouraged to make as many sessions as possible for the benefit of you and for others in the group who are helped by your attendance and participation. Our goal is to provide a loving environment for participants to learn valuable ways to cope with their grief.
To learn more about this upcoming Grief Support Group, or to register to participate, please contact either Peyton Chandler ([email protected] / 306-3591) or Cathie Amos ([email protected] / 908-2731).
|
 Fun with Food
What is a small savory dish typically served as an appetizer at the beginning of a meal? You guessed it: hors d'oeuvres - also known as our favorite food or how to spoil your dinner in only ten minutes. Do you ever feel intimidated trying to create great hors d'oeuvres? We have the solution for you! Join us on Wednesday, April 1, 6:00 pm, in Tyson Hall and learn how to create beautiful and tasty hors d'oeuvres with convenience items from the grocery store. The cost is $35.00, and our own Melinda Burnett is wowing us once again. You can register on the church website, but the deadline to register is March 27 and the class size is limited to 35 so don't delay. Don't miss out on this fun event!
|
The Holy Spirit at VHUMC
Come get a basis of scripture, teaching us about who the Holy Spirit is and how He works. Also, hear stories from some of your peers about how the Holy Spirit is working in our lives individually and collectively as a church. Please join Andy Byrd, Julie Harper, Jill Kimbrough, Jim Sturdivant, Alan Legg, Sharon Lovell, and Suzanne Scott-Trammell in room 202, on Wednesday nights through April 29.
|
Spring Kids' Musical
It's not too late for your child to join us for our spring musical with Music and Arts! Each Wednesday from 3:30-5:00 pm, we meet for music, drama, art, and more. Our final project for the school year will be a musical all about God's greatest creation: you! Join us for only $30. For more info, contact Zoe Wirt ([email protected]).
|
Nursery Angel Volunteers Needed
On Sunday mornings, during the 9:45 Sunday School hour, our nurseries on the preschool floor get very busy! Please consider being an Angel in our sweet Lambs Toddler class. The commitment is one Sunday a month from 9:45-10:45. You can choose which Sunday will work best for you. Please contact Anne Strozier ([email protected]) for more information. Thank you!
|
Walk the Via Dolorosa at VHUMC
 On the morning that Pontius Pilate sentenced Jesus to die, a cross beam was placed on his shoulders and he began the walk through the city, out of the gate, to Golgotha. The route he would follow is now called the Via Dolorosa, and was about 700 yards long.
During the Lenten season, the Lighthouse track will be open for a time of prayer and reflection as we invite you to walk seven laps around the Lighthouse track (approximately the same distance our Lord walked to Golgotha). You will be provided a booklet with scripture, reflection questions, and prayer to help guide you through each lap on this spiritual journey. The prayer walk will be available during regular Lighthouse hours. Prayer booklets will be located on the track and at the front desk. For more information, contact Miles Erbe ([email protected] / 769-0134).
|
 Prayer 2020
Please be in prayer for our missions team traveling to Costa Rica (February 29 - March 7) to rebuild a UMC camp in disrepair, lead VBS for local children, establish relationships, and evaluate needs for future trips. Prayer commitment cards are still available in pew pads and in the church office to join a prayer team or commit to praying for various areas of the church and beyond.
|
Orphan and Foster Care Prayer and Action
We are excited about our new Orphan and Foster Care ministry at VHUMC. With so many that have this ministry on their hearts, we wanted to offer more ways for us as a church to continue to pray for this ministry, encourage those in this ministry, and provide tangible ideas for how you, your SS classes, small groups, and families can be engaged together. Each month, we will provide suggestions for you to use. Click the link below to see how we can help with prayers, action, and encouragement in February.
|
 Pickleball and Pizza
The Boomers and Beyond will be offering a fun evening of pickleball and pizza for anyone 50+ years old on Friday, March 20. We will play in the Lighthouse gym from 6:00-8:00 pm with pizza and drinks in the lobby. Please contact Jim Frazier ([email protected] / 769-0126) so we will know how much pizza to order. We are asking for a $5 donation to help with the cost of the pizzas and drinks.
|
 March 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 sensory room next door to 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. The March memory verse is: Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs." - Matthew 19:14
|
Honoring Church Membership
Some of you have wondered how we handle priority registration for Vestavia Day School and some of our events when we anticipate that available slots will fill up quickly. We always want to make sure that our faithful, active members don't miss the opportunity to participate.
Some time ago, we adopted a policy (that is very similar to other churches of our size) that gives priority registration to a member who has:
- Been a member of VHUMC for at least one year.
- Had their attendance recorded in Sunday School or the worship service pew pads 1/4th of the time.
This seems a fair measure to use in giving priority registration to our members. For those who have (or plan to have) children involved at VHUMC, we highly encourage you to register your attendance and if you contribute in cash, please use an offering envelope.
If you have questions about this policy, please contact Gary Wyatt ([email protected] / 769-0108).
|
Ongoing Outreach
Request for Help in the Bahamas
People in the Bahamas are still trying to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian this past September. We have been asked to help in the relief effort by Oak Ridge Methodist Church in Hartselle, AL. Oak Ridge has partnered with local Bahamian churches to build twenty houses for homeowners who were under-insured or had no insurance in an area that was flooded by thirty feet of water. Oak Ridge has partnered with Home Depot in Ft. Lauderdale to help get the supplies transported and delivered securely to Freeport. The approximate cost is $6,000 per house. Please prayerfully consider if you, your Sunday school class or small group can help with Pay It Forward-Bahamas. VHUMC will partner in this relief effort as God calling you to help. For more information, contact Ginny Slay ([email protected]).
Oak Mountain Mission
Oak Mountain Mission needs tables, chairs, sofas, and end tables. Pots and pans are always needed as well. No summer clothes, toys, or knick-knacks please.
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
