The Notes - September 19, 2019

Volume 49

Issue 38

September 19 , 2019

UMCOR Response to Hurricane Dorian

We have all watched the devastation in the Bahamas and our Eastern U.S. coastline by Hurricane Dorian. As always, UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) is already responding with much needed supplies and assistance.

District Response Teams to both the Bahamas and the Carolinas are forming, so please contact either Rachael Hayes ([email protected] / 769-0143) or call the church office (822-9631) if you would like to serve in that way. If you would like to make donations, please make your check payable to VHUMC and include UMCOR in the memo line. Or, make your donation online by visiting the link below and choosing Missions-UMCOR in the account field. Thank you!

Joining VHUMC

If you've been considering becoming a member of VHUMC, we want to invite you to our informal joining service this coming Sunday! This special service will be in the Chapel, after the 11:00 am services. We will discuss membership, pledge vows, and eat a brief lunch together as we get to know you even better and welcome you into our community. If you want to join, but are unable to make today's event, then please contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell ([email protected] / 769-0136).

Stewardship Campaign Co-Chairs

We are thrilled to announce that Tom and Kiley Watson and Jeff and Katie LaMaster are the co-chairs of our VHUMC 2020 Stewardship Campaign. Tom and Kiley are, perhaps, familiar faces (and voices) to many at VHUMC. Kiley is often a featured soprano in the Chancel Choir (think O' Holy Night on Christmas Eve) and Tom is one of The Four Docs (along with Bill Brunson, Kipp McClurg, and Bob Dowda) who entertain us with their acapella barbershop-stylings. Both Tom and Kiley have found VHUMC to be the place they have wanted to raise their daughters, Gracie and Emily, and to share in the active life of the church. We are grateful for the tremendous impact the Watson family has made in the life of VHUMC, and for their willingness to lead our Fall stewardship campaign.

Jeff and Katie LaMaster, along with their children, Price and Lacey, are active members in our children's ministry and our contemporary worship service. Katie grew up at VHUMC (Katie Gillis) and is thrilled to be raising her family surrounded by those who helped raise her. Jeff grew up Roman Catholic, but has found exactly what he and Katie were looking for in a church home - faithfulness, friendships, and engaged programming for their children. We are grateful for Jeff and Katie's leadership of our Fall stewardship campaign.

Fidget Mat Ministry
Our Fidget Mat Ministry helps create lap-sized busy blankets to provide an activity to help restless hands and promote a calm environment. We need to share these mats with those people in our community who would benefit from a sensory/tactile activity mat. Please let the church know if you have a family member, fellow congregant, neighbor, or friend that could use one. Call the church office (822-9631) and let us know their contact information. These fidget mats are made with love by members of VHUMC. Also, we would love to have you join us next Tuesday, September 24, in the Fellowship Hall as we sew together more mats! Come anytime between 10:00 am-2:00 pm. No talent required! Snacks, drinks, and laughter will be available!

Habitat for Humanity Kicks Off
The VHUMC Habitat for Humanity teams have started this season with our Thursday Group, which started today, September 19, and the VHHS Habitat Club on September 21. If you would like to go with us (either individually or as a group) on either a Thursday or a Saturday, please get in touch with Cynthia McGough ([email protected] / 901-0956) for details.

Timely Giving
Our clergy share an "Offering Moment" as a part of each worship service to give you a quick glimpse into one of the countless ministries that make up this vital church. As we prepare to present our tithes and offerings, we hear how those gifts serve all of our missions and ministries. This September, as we begin to settle back into our routines of life, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your faithful giving. We also want to encourage you to consider establishing a monthly electronic gift to allow all of our ministries to receive adequate funding on a regular basis.

Monthly online giving allows us to more accurately budget and distribute funds, allowing for consistent, effective ministry to occur. To schedule your giving, simply visit the link below, log into your church account, and click the green "Schedule Giving" button on the right side of the page. If you have any questions about online giving, or setting up your login, please contact John Sweeney ([email protected] / 769-0101).

Mother Daughter Paint Party
We invite mothers and daughters (5k - 5th grade) to join us for a Mother Daughter Paint Party! We will meet on Sunday, October 6, from 4:00-6:30 pm, in room 202 for painting, snacks, and fellowship. Each person will go home with a personalized apron and a canvas creation of their very own! The cost is $15 per person with a $45 maximum per family. If you are registering three daughters use the code "child3" to get the discount for the family cap. Space is limited, so register now!

Learning To Tell Your Story
We all have a different story, but we also have a part in a larger story: the story of God's love for each one of us. Learning to tell your story allows you to see the many ways God has moved or is moving in your life. Knowing and telling your story is a way to go deeper into your faith in a more genuine way. But your story should not be told in isolation because hearing it will allow other women to experience God in fresh new ways.

If you are a woman looking for a small group where you can be vulnerable and authentic, join us on Wednesday night, October 9 at 6:00 pm, in room 202 as we all learn together what it means to tell our story and also discover how someone else's story can speak into your life and your heart. This class is for women of all ages and stages of life as we experience God's love through the power of a story.

Upward Football/Cheerleading Recognition

We want to congratulate and recognize our Upward Football/Cheerleading participants in the 11:00 am Contemporary Worship Service, in Tyson Hall, on Sunday, October 6. If you have a child who participated, please make sure you're there. These budding athletes are fun to watch, as they develop the skills they've been given. We want them to know we support and love them all along life's journey.

Student Ministry Prayer Breakfast

We are excited to announce that you now have the option to pre-pay a flat fee for breakfast. You can pay by the semester for $65, or for the school year for $130! If you choose to do this, your name will be on a list and you will not have to pay each week. It would include all kitchen food (including orange juice and water), but not beverages from the machines. This is a one-time fee, not a reloadable account. Purchase this pre-pay option using the link below, or make a check payable to VHUMC and put Prayer Breakfast on the memo line.

This prayer breakfast is a perfect option for your middle or high school student. Join us every Wednesday morning, at 6:45 am, on the student ministries hall! If you have any questions, please contact Alice Bell Baker ([email protected]).

Fall Grief Support Group
All of us experience grief differently. We have a dedicated ministry at VHUMC focused on providing loving care and support to those experiencing grief. We are excited to begin the next installment of our Grief Support Group. Participants will learn valuable ways to cope with their grief, with the opportunity to share with the other group members who have experienced the loss of spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings.

The group just started and is meeting each Wednesday evening through until October 30. Registered attendees will gather at the church at 5:30 to eat dinner together. Our sessions begin around 6:00 pm, and we conclude each evening around 7:15 pm. If you or a loved one need grief support and are interested in attending, please contact Peyton Chandler ([email protected]) or Butch Williams ([email protected]). The Grief Support Group is open to everyone, whether church members or not.

Matters of the Heart Book Club
Everyone is invited to join us as we discuss books that ignite our hearts and inspire us to help others. Each month will discuss a different book that will encourage us to do more, so come when you can! If you would like more information or to be added to our list, please feel free to call or email Rachael Hayes ([email protected] / 769-0143).

October 21 - One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
November 25 - 7 Days of Christmas by Jen Hatmaker
December 16 - Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis Majors
January 27 - Daring to Hope by Katie Davis Majors
February 17 - Religion in Shoes by Hunter Blakely or The Hundred Story Home by Kathy Izard
March 16 - Get off your Buts by Ray Buchannan (Founder of Rise Against Hunger)
April 20 - Life is Like That by Glenn "Tex" Evans (Founder of ASP) or Tattoos On the Heart by Gregory Boyles
Summer - The Sensible Shoes Series by Sharon Garlough Brown

Freedom From Addiction Community Breakfast

Dr. Susan Walley will speak on "Vaping - the Gateway to Addiction" at a breakfast presentation to be held next Friday, September 20, at Canterbury UMC. Breakfast begins at 7:30 am, and the presentation will be from 8:00 - 9:00 am at Canterbury Hall (350 Overbrook Road in Mountain Brook). There is no charge for breakfast or the meeting.

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. 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.

Save the Date for Tablescapes
Join us on Tuesday, November 5, for Tablescapes! We have lots of fun to look forward to at this event as hosts decorate each table with brilliant themes. The doors will open at 10:30 am to view the tables, with lunch beginning at 11:30 am. Our wonderful guest speaker is women's interest and lifestyle publisher, Phyllis Hoffman DePiano.

You can also sign up to decorate a table of your own. Tables can be really simple, and our committee is happy to help you decorate. For more information about decorating a table, please contact Cheree Carlton ([email protected] / 979-1837). Tickets will be available for purchase very soon!

Looking for Someone with a Helping Heart
If you enjoy helping people, solving problems, and working independently, then we have a great opportunity for you. The Missions Office is looking for someone to help with the car ministry and perform some light office duties. This ministry truly changes lives and is transforming to so many people, but it has a lot of moving parts. We are looking for someone who is detail oriented, enjoys talking to people on the phone, can work independently, and has a heart for missions. If you have some free time and this opportunity sounds like something you would enjoy doing, please pray about it and contact Rachael Hayes ([email protected] / 769-0143).

September Memory Verse
Our Elementary Bible Verse memorization program is back! Our 1st-5th graders will be 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 a chance to win a grand prize at the end of the school year! September's memory verse is, "We love because He first loved us." ~1 John 4:19

We hope that these verses help to guide children throughout their lives. Parents, you should have received an email with more information. If you have any questions please contact Jamie Meeks ([email protected]).

Ongoing Outreach

Food Pantry

Thank you for our recent donations that provide for our monthly purchases from the Community Food Bank. If you have never seen our food pantry, please come down any Wednesday and see this great ministry that your church supports. Thank you!

Oak Mountain Mission

Thanks to everyone who attended the Harvest of Hope luncheon at The Club. We had five tables of supporters from VHUMC. We were proud of Mayor Ashley Curry who was this year's speaker.

Wednesday Nights at VHUMC

Classes/Programs starting at 6:00 pm

Men's Bible Study: Through November 20 - Room 204
Disciple Bible Study: Through November 20 - Various locations
Mysterious Pathways of Joy: Through October 2 - Room 202
Learning to Tell Your Story: October 9 - Room 202

Menus

September 25 - Bowtie Shrimp and Pasta, Turkey Tetrazzini, Broccoli, Salad, Fruit, Cut Veggies with Dressing. Kids: Hot Dogs and Chips
October 2 - Pot Roast or Greek Chicken with Artichoke Cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Green Beans, Salad, Fruit, Cut Veggies with Dressing. Kids: Chicken Nuggets
October 9 - Spaghetti with Meat Sauce or Chicken Alfredo, Green Beans, Salad, Fruit, Cut Veggies with Dressing. Kids: Spaghetti
October 16 - Beef Tips or Chicken Pot Pie, Rice or Carrot Soufflé, Salad, Fruit, Cut Veggies with Dressing. Kids: Corn Dogs with Chips