|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 Discovery 2019 Recap
This past weekend almost 300 students and over 100 adult volunteers participated in Thrive Student Ministry's annual Discovery Weekend. The theme for the weekend was "You Are Here" as our students looked at the entire Book of Jonah. Five senior speakers shared their own stories in relation to Jonah as they discovered times in which they have "run away from God," "run to God," "run with God," and "run against God." It truly was a transformational weekend that we hope will have a lasting impact on all who attended. Pictures from the weekend will be posted on the Thrive Student Ministries Facebook Page. Check out the first video link for a recap of everything that happened during the weekend or the second link for our closing worship service. We praise God for this past weekend and look forward to all that is to come in the year ahead!
|
 New Sermon Series
Most of us live life pulled between expectations of family, lifestyle standards, peer groups, and financial limitations. If one part of life gets out of sorts, we have to decide which other part gets shorted. Join us starting this Sunday as we have conversations about the demanding culture we live in, the strain it puts on our lives, and ways to move life away from the anxiety that seems to never end. We don't want you to miss this exciting new series!
|
 Livestream is Here
After successful beta testing in last Sunday's Discovery Worship Service, VHUMC is excited to officially announce our new Livestream Worship Services! Each Sunday, LIVE footage of the 11:00 Traditional service will now be accessible through various outlets for those who are unable to attend worship. Each service will be live on the Livestream page on VHUMC's smartphone app and on VHUMC's Facebook page where it can also be viewed in its entirety any time after the live broadcast. On Tuesday morning following each Sunday, the Scripture/Sermon portion of the Livestream video will be archived on our app and website. Livestream makes it easier than ever before to stay connected to the latest sermon series or special Sundays at VHUMC, so that you never miss a message, even when you are unable to physically attend worship. We are excited to offer this new way to stay even more connected with our congregation!
|
 Register for Marriage Night
Don't miss VHUMC's first marriage night on Friday, August 16, from 5:30-9:00 pm. Childcare is available if you register soon and dinner is provided. Come hear from co-authors and therapists Les and Leslie Parrott; co-authors and minister/speaker Francis and Lisa Chan; and comedian Michael Jr. who was recently featured on the Tonight Show. Let's invite our community to be a part of this fun and enlightening event before the fall frenzy begins. For questions or further information, contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell ([email protected] / 769-0136).
|
 Financial Update
It was a great year in the life of our church! Our church financial year, which runs from July 1 to June 30, has recently ended and we finished $234,443 better that we had originally budgeted for all net church activity. One major reason for this was $3.9 million in General Fund giving, which was the highest on record over the last five years.
The other major factor was the church leadership and staff being good stewards of our funds. In January, we reported that our giving from July 1 to December 31, 2018 was the lowest in the past eight years and we were $248,516 behind what we had budgeted for giving at that point. Because of this and not wanting to use long-term debt for daily church activities, we re-budgeted throughout the church reducing most of the ministry spending amounts by 30%.
A big "Thank You" to everyone who donated and to all the church staff that worked to ensure we remained "in the black." Going forward please help us keep up the great momentum as we continue to grow and touch so many lives for God's purpose!
Your finance committee takes their task to heart and it has been a pleasure to see this group work toward the best interest of our church and congregation as a whole. We strive to ensure that our funds are used to the best of our ability in a transparent environment to be good stewards of your donations.
In addition to Gary, Natalie, and John, you can contact me at any time if you have questions or concerns about our finances ([email protected]).
William Hocutt, Finance Committee Chairman
|
 It's Promotion Sunday
Sunday is promotion day for all of our children's Sunday School classes. You should have received a postcard from the preschool or elementary ministries to let you know your child's class for the 2019-2020 school year. If not, please contact Jamie Meeks ([email protected] / 769-0144). We will all meet in our new rooms this Sunday. We hope to see you there!
|
 Party Art at VHUMC
Come kick off Wednesday nights on August 28 with a fun activity for women (and creative men) of all ages. Party Art will be coming to the Fellowship Hall, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, where we will create beautiful door hangings (choose one of the four designs). The cost is $35, and all materials are supplied. If you cannot stay the whole time, they'll finish it for you, and you can pick it up from the church office. Come paint, meet some new friends, laugh, and have fun together!
|
 New Fall Disciple Studies
Come join a group of fellow disciples who yearn to learn more about the Bible to find peace and stability in our busy and frenzied world. The New Testament will be discussed this fall, where we can learn Jesus' way of living a life of love, peace, and meaning. Come join in the joy of the truth bestowed on those of us with eyes to see and ears to hear. Register for the day and time that works best for your schedule. For more information, please contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell (769-0136 / [email protected]). Classes will start around Labor Day and run for 12 weeks.
|
 Student Choir Kick-Off
Calling all students in grades 6-12! The New Life Singers Student Choir will have its kick-off celebration for the 2019-2020 school year on Sunday, August 18, at 4:00 pm in the choir room. We hope all youth will consider being a part this year. Bring a friend and hang out with us. Look for more reasons to join in the weekly student newsletter. For any questions or more information contact Quint Harris ([email protected]).
|
Bible Bearer, Acolyte and Crucifer Training
 We love for the Cross, the Word of God, and the Light of Jesus to be carried into our worship services by our children and students! If your child or student would like to serve as a bible bearer, acolyte, or a crucifer, we invite you to join us this Sunday, August 11, for training in the Sanctuary at the following time:
- Bible Bearers (1st-2nd graders) - 3:00-3:45 pm
- Acolytes (3rd-5th graders) - 3:45-4:30 pm
- Crucifers (6th-12th graders) - 4:30-5:00 pm
We hope that you will encourage your child or student to participate in this special ministry! If you have any questions, please contact Jamie Meeks ([email protected]).
|
 Bingo Bash
We invite all ages to join us on Wednesday, August 21, from 6:00-7:00 pm in Tyson Hall as we have a fun night of Bingo and prizes benefiting Children's Harbor. We ask that each person please bring a bingo prize to donate to our Children's Harbor mission team. |
 Kindermusik Classes at VHUMC
Did you know that our Conservatory offers Kindermusik classes for the littlest ones? We are currently registering for Fall classes at a variety of times for babies and toddlers. Bring your infants, toddlers, and preschool age children to one of our classes for some good fun and enrichment. Pre-piano classes are also offered at another nearby location in the afternoon for children ages 5 and 6 years old to prepare them for private lessons. If you have any questions, please contact Michele Mulder (568-6702) or visit her website to see all the classes being offered and to register.
|
Boomers and Beyond Meetings and Trips
The Boomers and Beyond are planning two day-trips:
- August 27 to Aldridge Gardens with lunch following at Formosa in Hoover. The cost is $5 and does not include lunch.
- September 12 to the Jack Daniels Distillery with lunch at Miss Mary Bobo's. The cost is $54 and includes lunch.
We will be signing up for both at the next meeting. For more information or to sign up, please contact Margaret Flowers ([email protected] / 769-0112).
Our first Hilltoppers meeting this year is Tuesday, August 20, at 10:30 am in the Fellowship Hall. The program will be Alabama storyteller Kelly Kazac. For information or to make a lunch reservation ($6.00) call Harriette Woodring (822-9318) or Margaret Flowers (769-0112 / [email protected]) no later than 11 am on Friday, August 16. Please note the price and, if possible, have correct change or an extra dollar bill.
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.
|
 Travel to the Holy Land
Join Dr. Bill Brunson and Rev. Jeremiah Stone on a once-in-a lifetime trip to experience the Holy Land and see your faith come to life! We all know the importance of serving as the hands and feet of Christ in our world, but we want to invite you on another faith journey during spring break: March 21-29, 2020.
Walk where Jesus walked, sit and hear the stories from the Bible in the places where they actually happened, and experience a trip that will help you take a deeper step in your relationship with our Risen Lord.
There will be an informational meeting on Sunday, August 18, at 4:00 pm, in room 316. For more information please contact Jim Frazier ([email protected]). We have families, couples, friends, and individuals already signed up, but there is still room to join the group.
|
 VHUMC Men's Basketball League
It's time for our fall season of VHUMC Men's Basketball! This league is for Men ages 18 years or older. Come as an individual player or sign up a whole team! The registration deadline is Friday, August 16. Games will be on Monday nights at the VHUMC Lighthouse from August 26 to October 7 with additional playoffs dates.
Fill out the attached packet or come to the VHUMC Lighthouse to pick one up. If you have any questions about the league or season, please contact Miles Erbe ([email protected] / 769-0134).
|
 Lighthouse Memberships
If you are not a member of the Lighthouse Health, Wellness & Recreation program, you should be! We have so much to offer including group exercise classes with certified instructors such as Yoga, Barre Sculpt, Fuel, and D1 Boot camp. We also offer personal training, pickleball, and fun adventures like Goat Yoga! Come walk the track, shoot some hoops, join a class, or come along on our next adventure.
Several membership options are available. Check out our website or Facebook page for more information.
|
 Christmas in July
Thank you to everyone who participated in our annual Christmas in July. We had such a successful month and we could not have done it without all of you. We donated hundreds of hygiene products to the Lovelady Center and they were so excited to get them.
Our annual toy drive for our Christmas breakfast in December was the best one yet with many toys for all ages donated from church members. We are so excited for the children to receive these gifts, and we appreciate your contribution. Thanks again VHUMC! We are so grateful!
|
Last Chance for Christmas Shoeboxes
If you have not received your Christmas shoeboxes yet and you want to participate, come by the missions office and grab some. We only have about 25 left so first come, first served. We would love for you to participate if you can. Every shoebox needs a pair of flip flops, a coloring book (we provide) and we can give you a copy of suggested gift ideas to fill the box. The deadline to have them returned to the missions office is no later than Tuesday, September 3.
|
Livestream Volunteers Needed
Do you have a desire to serve VHUMC and help bring the message of Jesus Christ to those outside of the church walls? We are excited to announce that VHUMC will begin Livestreaming our traditional worship services very soon! We will begin by streaming the 11:00 traditional service, with the 8:30 and 9:45 am services soon to follow. In order for this effort to be made possible, we are very much in need of volunteers to operate the Livestream equipment during Sunday morning worship services. Volunteers will be trained in advance with plenty of learning time before operating the equipment. We hope you will consider volunteering to help VHUMC in this exciting new endeavor to help bring Christ's message to the Vestavia community and beyond! Contact Peyton Chandler ([email protected]) to sign up or ask questions.
|
Upward Flag Football and Cheer Registration
 Upward Flag Football and Cheer registration has begun! This league is for boys and girls K4-4th Grade that want to play flag football or cheer and learn the basics of the sports experienced in a Christ-centered atmosphere. Practices will be once a week on either a Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday evening starting the week of September 2. Games will be on Saturday mornings starting on September 14. The cost is $105 per participant and includes uniforms. The league also offers multi-child family discounts.
You can register online at the link below or in person at the VHUMC Lighthouse. We are looking forward to seeing your family participate with us this fall! For any questions about the league or season, please contact Miles Erbe ([email protected] / 769-0134).
|
 Gigi's First Day of School
Hard to believe, but the ever-confident Gigi is actually nervous about starting first grade. She's heard some rumors from the neighbor kids about the teacher and isn't sure school is for her. Join Tiara, Fluffy and Frances for a wild ride thru Gigi's over-active imagination on her way to growing up.
Be sure to register for this free resource! Text rightnow vhumc to 41411 to get your link to create a profile. Then watch 2,000+ Bible studies, talks, kids shows, youth studies, and movies. You can also contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell ([email protected]) if you have questions.
|
Designated Giving Policy
Because of our Designated Funds, we publish the following statement twice a year and print it on your donation statements to comply with IRS guidelines.
VHUMC welcomes designated donations for pre-approved items such as benevolence, building, missions, and mission trips. In approving such causes, VHUMC is committed to using the collected funds for the intended cause. In the unusual event of the closure of a designated fund or project for which donations have been accepted, any remaining funds may be transferred to the General Fund or used for a similar purpose. Checks should be made payable to VHUMC, with the suggested designation listed on the memo line or on attached correspondence. Thank you for giving to VHUMC.
|
Ongoing Outreach
Food Pantry
The Food Pantry needs tote bags for vegetables and cloth bags for groceries. We especially need monetary donations for our monthly Community Food Bank purchases (payable to VHUMC marked for Food Pantry). Thank you!
Oak Mountain Mission
Please join us for the annual Harvest of Hope luncheon at The Club on Tuesday, September 10, at 11:30 am with a silent auction at 10:00 am. This is the only fundraiser for the mission each year, so let's help with our donations. The keynote speaker this year is our own Ashley Curry, so we want VHUMC to be well represented. Call Barbara Porter (444-9793) to reserve a seat. Thank you!
Kids Stand for the Homeless 
The 2nd annual Kids Stand for the Homeless is going on now through August 31 to benefit Church of the Reconciler, one of our mission partners. Plan your stands now and sell whatever you want: lemonade, cookies, or even garage sale items. Pair up with friends at church or in your neighborhood, just limit your teams to 10 people each. All money collected needs to be turned in to Church of the Reconciler by check, Paypal, or credit card through their website. Make sure to note "Kids Stand" in the memo or description. The winning family or team will receive an ice cream party at Big Spoon Creamery. Last year our Agape Sunday School class won!
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
