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 Fall Festival
Join us on next Sunday, October 21, from 4:00-6:00 pm for another amazing evening filled with family entertainment, food trucks, and fun with the entire community. This year we are welcoming Lazy Boy BBQ, Greg's Hot Dogs, iCantina, and Bruster's Ice Cream. There will also be free popcorn, cotton candy, water, and cokes! The parking lot will be filled with race car rides, games, inflatables, pony rides, face painting, music, and a trolley ride! Admission is totally free, but we hope you will bring socks that we will be collecting for the homeless! Please join this amazing event in the heart of this community and invite your friends and neighbors to join us as well!
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 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.
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 Amazing Generosity
For more years than anyone can remember, we have sought to replace our outdated, upright piano in the Sanctuary choir loft. The right instrument for this large space would be very expensive. A new upright Steinway is $40,000 so it never got included in the music budget.
Recently, in a conversation on our renovations, a church member asked one or our clergy if there were additional needs for the Sanctuary that were beyond the scope of the NEXT campaign. The need for the special piano was mentioned, and that need definitely "struck a chord" with this donor! The next day we received a check for $40,000!
But, the story gets even better. This particular model of Steinway is in very high demand. Our local dealer located one for sale that was less than a year old and, with the donor's approval, it will be installed in our Sanctuary within the next two weeks - complete with full warranties. Since the "used" piano was less expensive, our dealer is including an additional Steinway piano for the $40,000 for one of our classrooms. As a result, this amazing gift has already multiplied in value!
While the donor wishes to remain anonymous, the story is an important one to share. It speaks to giving in its purest form - unconditional and selfless. This story also 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.
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 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.
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A Wonderful Place to Call Home
If you've been thinking about joining VHUMC for a while, please contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell ([email protected]). You can either join after your worship service or come to the informal joining service this Sunday, October 14 at 12:15 in the chapel (right after worship). It's a quick service with membership vows before enjoying a meal together.
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 Welcome New Members
Please join in welcoming Robbie and Nicole Sommerville to VHUMC. They have 2 children: Nora (3) and Grant (6 months). Nora is already involved in Elementary Ministries and Robbie and Nicole are visiting Sunday School classes. They attend the 11:00 traditional worship service. Let's give them a warm welcome and greet them if you see them.
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 Sunday Evening Worship
Join us in the Rutland-Memorial Chapel this Sunday evening at 5:00 pm as Butch Williams preaches from Mark 10:17-31 about the rich, young ruler and the important lesson for all of us. Also, please note that we'll be celebrating with the VHUMC Fall Festival and not have Sunday Evening Worship on October 21. Mark your calendars to attend that wonderful event!
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 October 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. October's memory verse is: "He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken." ~Psalm 62:2
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 Passion Conference
The Passion Conference will be here soon and we cannot be more excited for our High School Seniors and our College Students to gather in Atlanta for three amazing days of worship. The conference will be held at the All State Arena and we will be staying in a hotel within walking distance. The Passion speakers are amazing and it will be an unforgettable experience.
We have limited space, so register as soon as possible! If your college student will be using their own transportation, please use promo code "mytransportation" and receive $50 off the regular price! Enter "siblingdiscount" to receive half off of your second student
- Early Bird Registration = $275 by October 31
- Regular Registration = $325 November 1 to December 1
- Late Registration = $358 after December 1
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 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]).
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 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]).
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 October Hilltoppers Meeting
We meet next 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.
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 Rice and Revelry
We hope you can join us for a little R&R on Thursday, November 1 when we host Rice & Revelry, a fundraiser to support the church's annual Rise Against Hunger meal packaging event. This is going to be a fun, casual evening for adults at the Hoover-Randle Home and Gardens on Tyler Road from 6:00-9:00 pm. We'll enjoy a jambalaya dinner, beverages, live music and lawn games, as well as a live auction and other opportunities to help hungry children in developing countries. Auction items include a beach house in Panama City, an escape package to Chateau Elan Winery and Resort in Braselton, Georgia, and a piece of beautiful jewelry from Steed's Jewelers.
Tickets are only $29, which feeds 100 children, and you can buy them online. Seating is limited, though, so please reserve your spot early. If you can't make it, there's an option on the website to make a donation, so we hope you will consider doing that. You can make a tremendous difference for just $29.
We have also had several Sunday School classes contribute $290 to our efforts, so that they could feed 1,000 children. We would love for your class to accept the challenge and do the same if you can. Most of you have participated in our Rise Against Hunger events in the past, so you know what a rewarding experience it is and how helping the hungry can feed your soul. Thanks so much, and we hope to see you on November 1!
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 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).
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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).
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 Kairos Cookies Needed
Each spring and fall, teams of volunteers conduct a Kairos Prison Ministry weekend at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility. Similar to the Walk to Emmaus, our next weekend will be October 18-21 and we need homemade cookies! The fact that somebody cares enough to actually bake cookies for the inmates touches the hearts of these men in ways that you cannot believe. We ask that you minimize the use of fruit in the cookies and not bring any "store bought" cookies. Place the cookies in a one-gallon, clear zip-lock bag. No other containers are allowed through the prison security check. Please bring cookies to the church office next Monday and Tuesday, October 15/16 (no later than Wednesday).
You can also help this ministry effort through prayer. If you would like to pray for this Kairos #68 weekend, a prayer vigil web site (Bamakairos.info) has been established where you can sign up for a particular slot. For more information, contact Mike Patton ([email protected]) or Mike Harris ([email protected]).
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 Fidget Mat Sewing Bee
Join us to make more Fidget Mats on Tuesday, October 23, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, in the Fellowship Hall. We will not meet again until January 22, 2019, so please try and make this meeting. When pulling out holiday decorations, please bring us any mismatched or unloved holiday placemats, stockings, or objects that could be sewn on a fidget mat!
Thanks to the many members of VHUMC who have donated time, talent, their sewing machines, or materials to help create these activity mats for others. If you have any donations, please drop them off at the church office. We have seen proof that the mats help soothe and comfort those who are afflicted with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Macular, or are facing their last days of life.
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 Live2Lead Leadership Event
Bring your work team and friends for this half-day event at VHUMC on November 1 (lunch provided). Check out the powerful lineup for this simulcast discussing "The Art of the Shift," how to stay agile and effective in a changing world. For more information, and registration, visit the link below.
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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, 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]).
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Growing Pains: Renovating for Our Future
 We are excited to reveal our new organ screen in the Sanctuary! After many weeks of construction, we can finally enjoy a whole new look in this space. But...we are not finished yet. We will still be working on some wood staining, new hardwood floors, Narthex crown molding, and the audio/video systems - including the induction loop for the hearing impaired. While providing constant pressure, we continue to tell our contractors to "get it right" over "get it done fast" so we ask for your continued patience. Also, we just found out that our new front Narthex doors will not be ready until mid-November!
We are also excited to have completed renovations to the Adult Education Building elevator. All the moving parts are now new and the interior "car" has new walls and flooring. The vertical speed is still the same, but the doors open much more quickly now. It should give us another 39 years of good service.
Please continue to pray for worker safety and continued progress. We are looking forward to having everything completed and cleaned up soon.
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Thanks to everyone who took cans to the library to cover late fees! All of the cans came to our food pantry. We still need tote bags for our fresh fruits and vegetables. I have heard many of our families say they do not get fresh items anywhere but with us, and they so appreciate them. Please remember to pick up a few extra at the store. Thank you for your continued support!
Oak Mountain Mission
Oak Mountain Mission really needs furniture: tables, chairs, chests, sofas, and end tables. Call Brenda for a pick up (685-5757). Winter coats and jackets are also needed. Please put them in the purple boxes or the OMM bins around the church.
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.
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