The Notes - August 22, 2019

Volume 49

Issue 34

August 22 , 2019

Wednesdays Made Easier
Each Wednesday during the school-year, Vestavia Methodist provides a family-oriented dinner. Starting at 5:00 pm each week, there will be two entrees and a children's option, along with fresh fruit, salads and vegetables. Meals are $6 for adults and $4 for children, with a maximum of $20 per family.

This meal is an easy way to eat as a family or with other families. It is at a time between our daytime childcare, dance, and music and arts programs, and before evening options at 6:00 pm which include:

Infant and Toddler care (begins at 5:00 pm)
Little Lambs for preschool children
Elementary Bible Study (Bible Pathfinders)
Thrive Student Ministry Activities
Adult Bible Study and Classes

Come join us and enjoy a night without dishes!

Upcoming Sermon Series
Joy is something all of us want in our lives, but it's elusive. Joy does not follow a magic formula, and rarely is it present when we would have predicted. Objects and events that should bring joy often don't, and then the simplest of experiences can cause a flood of joy that overwhelms us. Join us, starting September 8, as we encounter The Mysterious Pathways of God's Joy each Sunday based on the new book by Kipp McClurg. Also, follow along with our video discussions that can be used for personal or group studies.

Dr. Kipp McClurg's New Book
We are excited to have Kipp's first book, "The Mysterious Pathways of Joy," available for purchase online through Amazon (paperback and Kindle versions) and a small quantity in the church office for $8. It is designed for small groups and Sunday school classes to study the same themes that will be covered in our Sunday Worship Services. Kipp plans to complete a second book, "The Tic-Toc Paradox," for another sermon series in February.

Kipp will also be leading a small group discussion on this material each Wednesday from September 11 to October 2, at 6:00 pm, in room 202.

What's New in the Fall
There are so many new things happening right now at Vestavia Methodist; livestream, small group resources for every Sunday during a sermon series, a book published by one of our pastors, and a consulting firm to help us look to the future. Join the pastors next Wednesday, August 28, at 6:00 pm, in room 202 to learn more. Following the discussion (if there is time or interest), the pastors will lead a "behind the scenes" tour of our buildings and worship facilities.

Fidget Mat Sewing Bee
Please bring us your "junk!" That lone glove, old belt, stained tie, jeans pocket? We can take parts of items and sew them onto activity mats for people with Dementia, Alzheimer's, or other memory issues. Zippers, patches, and soft toys are also great - anything we can attach that will allow a person to twist, pull, open, squeeze, rub, or remember! Items can be dropped off in the church office.

Also, join us next Tuesday, August 27, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. No sewing ability is required in assembling the mats! Bring a friend and join in this wonderful ministry! Snacks and drinks will be available.

Party Art at VHUMC
Come kick off Wednesday nights next week, 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. 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! Please make a reservation by noon on Monday and choose one of the four designs using the link below.

Bible Pathfinders
We invite 1st - 5th graders to join us for our Elementary Bible Study, Bible Pathfinders, starting next Wednesday, August 28, from 6:00-7:00 pm, in rooms 219 and 221. We will meet each Wednesday night during the school year. Our path will take us closer to God as we learn through music, skits, games, crafts, and discussion! Please email Jamie Meeks ([email protected]) for more information.

Music and Arts Registration is Open

Now that school is back in session, our VHUMC Music and Arts program is too! Music and Arts is for all children K-5th grade every Wednesday, from 2:30 pm-5:00 pm, when Vestavia Schools are in session. Children will have the opportunity to be creative with choir, drama, visual arts, and percussion. We offer transportation from Vestavia East, West, Dolly Ridge, and the Vestavia Day School. We are also in great need of volunteers to drive vans, shepherd students between classes, and provide snacks each week. We hope to see your child with us when we kick off next Wednesday!

Kindermusik Classes at VHUMC
Did you know that our Conservatory of the Arts 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 a location nearby in the afternoon for five and six-year-olds 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.

Crazy Bible Facts You Never Knew

Would you like to dazzle your family, friends, and members of your small group or Sunday school class? If so, our Wednesday night class on September 4, at 6:00 pm, in room 202 is made for you! Three of your pastors, Bill Brunson, Kipp McClurg, and Sherry Harris, will be on hand to share obscure, startling, and enlightening crazy Bible facts that you never knew. Here are just a few hints. Do you know why we should say, "Jesus and his merry band of teenagers" instead of Jesus and his disciples? Has anyone ever told you that the story of David the underdog and Goliath the giant isn't true? Why is Balaam the Prophet best known as the "Donkey Guy?" Join your pastors for a night of fun Bible facts that might sound crazy but will still teach you more about God.

Marriage Night Success
Thanks to those who attended the Marriage Night at VHUMC last Friday. We had 127 participants, 21 of whom were first-time guests. We had a great time sharing fellowship, laughter, food, and lots of good information on building relationships! If you weren't able to attend, you can access the sessions on your free subscription to RightNow Media.

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 (erichere@bellsouth / 979-0559). Tickets will be available for purchase very soon!

Help VHUMC With Planet Fundraiser

Throughout our area, you can give to VHUMC every time you make a purchase. With the Planet Fundraiser free app, you can easily have a portion of each dollar donated through the generosity of our local vendors. Simply download the app, take a picture of each of your receipts, and help your church! If you connect the app to your checking account, it happens automatically. Be sure to select "Vestavia Hills United Methodist Foundation" and continue spending.

Download their app to see a list of participating merchants and what percent of your purchase they will contribute to VHUMC. If you have any questions, please contact Rachael Hayes ([email protected]).

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 has begun livestreaming our traditional worship services! We are beginning 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).

Doing the Right Thing
Doing the Right Thing explores the ethical and moral breakdown that is assaulting culture from all sides. Through panel discussion, interviews, and student questions, this video study hosted by Brit Hume raises ethical issues in a compelling and fresh way, stimulating thought, discussion, and action. The six sessions and study guide encourage participants to examine themselves and how ethical and character issues relate to their lives at home, school, and the workplace. Panelists and guests include: Chuck Colson, Robert George, Joni Eareckson Tada, Ben Stein, Brit Hume, and many others.

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.

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!

Wednesday Nights at VHUMC

Classes/Programs starting at 6:00 pm

What's New in the Fall - Church Tour: August 28 - Room 202
Party Art: August 28 - Fellowship Hall
Men's Bible Study: August 28-November 20 - Room 204
Crazy Bible Facts You Never Knew: September 4 - Room 202
Disciple Bible Study: September 4-November 20
Mysterious Pathways of Joy: September 11-October 2 - Room 202

Menus

August 28 - Poppyseed Chicken or Chicken Salad with Fruit, White Rice, Green Beans, Rolls, Salad, Fruit, Cut Veggies with Dressing. Kids: Pizza
September 4 - BBQ Pork or BBQ Chicken, Baked Beans, Slaw, Salad, Fruit, Cut Veggies with Dressing. Kids: Cheeseburger and Chips
September 11 - Scrambled Eggs or Boiled Eggs, Bacon, Cheese Grits, Biscuits, Fruit. Kids: French Toast Sticks
September 18 - Ginger Chicken or Sesame Glazed Pork, Fried Rice, Steamed Mixed Vegetables, Salad, Fruit, Cut Veggies with Dressing. Kids: Pizza