Newsletter

Volume 51

Issue 37

September 16, 2021

Navigating Change Sermon Series

Change comes, and usually when we need it the least. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego found themselves in such a situation. They were taken far away from home in Jerusalem, watched their homeland destroyed, and could choose to either serve the conquering King or die. They chose to help the Babylonians, and even thrived into leadership. But through it all, they were grounded in their faith, even as their lives were at stake. This three-week preaching series is based on the Book of Daniel, as well as the leadership books “Who Moved my Cheese,” “Orbiting the Giant Hairball,” and “Start with Why.” The series continues this Sunday in all worship services. Bill Brunson and Kipp McClurg also made videos for each week for use in small groups, with written study guides, available at vhumc.org.

Study Guides

Church-Wide Assembly

Please join us this Sunday, at 9:45 am, in Tyson Hall for an update on the church. You will hear from our leadership on our new Discipleship Pathway, church finances, upcoming facility improvements, exciting events, and more. The assembly will also be available on live stream, which can be accessed at the link below.

Watch Live

Congratulations to Jack Traffanstedt

The Paul W. Bryant Alumni-Athlete Award recognizes two former Alabama athletes for their outstanding accomplishments as alumni. Selection is based upon character, contributions to society, professional achievement, and service to their fellowmen. The 2020 recipients, Jack Traffanstedt and Bob “Yogi” Andrews, were awarded on the field at half time of the Alabama-Mercer game last weekend. Another church member, Jerry Duncan, is a former winner who was awarded in 1997.

Holy Smokes

Gentlemen, come join us for a night of action-packed fun! This Sunday, we will have whole hogs cooked by Rodney Scott’s BBQ, axe throwing, and speakers you want to hear. Rodney Scott’s Pit Master will share expert grilling tips and Stephen Bunn, Chaplain to the PGA, will share about his faith journey. We will meet from 5:30 – 7:30 pm in Dick Kelly Park.

Hilltoppers Meeting Next Tuesday

Come enjoy food and fellowship with the Hilltoppers! We have three great events planned this fall on Tuesdays in the Fellowship Hall with Charlie Gagne’s famous lunches:

September 21: Jim Frazier will lead a sing along, then we will play bingo. Make your reservations by 11:00 am on Friday, September 17!
October 19: Keith Elder will be doing a music program. Keith is a retired minister who is also an incredible songwriter and storyteller.
November 16: ABC 33/40 Weatherman James Spann will be talking about his latest book.

For information or to make a lunch reservation ($6.00) contact Margaret Flowers (769-0112 / mflowers@vhumc.org).

Boomer & Beyond Pickleball & Pizza

Our next Boomer & Beyond Pickleball and Pizza night will be on Friday September 24 at 6:00 pm in the Lighthouse. The cost is $5 to help cover the cost of the pizza and drinks. You don’t need to know how to play Pickleball to attend. This event is for anyone over 50. Please make reservations by clicking the link or contacting Jim Frazier at 769-0126 or jfrazier@vhumc.org.

Boomer & Beyond Dayhike

Eric Carlton will be leading a hike at Red Mountain Park on Thursday September 30. We will meet at Gate 1 at 9:00 am and have a very leisurely hike until around 12:00 noon. This is for anybody 50+. We are attaching a detail sheet that will answer most of your questions. If you plan on hiking or if you need more information please contact Jim Frazier at 205-769-0126 or jfrazier@vhumc.org.

Details

This One is for You VHUMC

Mark your calendar and save the date! This one is for you VHUMC! Because of your generosity and support, we are having a one-day meal-packing event for you to support Rise Against Hunger to say thank you for all you do to support Rise Against Hunger at our church.

We will pack 100,000 meals on Sunday, October 17, from 1:00 – 7:00 pm. Registration is open! Click the link below to sign up! Grab your SS class, your small group, your best friend, or your family and sign up to volunteer for one of the two-hour shifts. The event will take place in the Lighthouse gym and all ages are welcome.

September Memory Verse

Our 1st – 5th graders have the opportunity to learn a different Bible verse each month. Children can recite their verse in the elementary office before or after Sunday School. Kids who recite their verse successfully will get a sweet treat and will have a chance to win a grand prize at the end of the school year!

September’s memory verse is: “Work at everything you do with all your heart. Work as if you were working for the Lord.” Colossians 3:23

Confirmation 2021 – 2022

We are so excited to begin the Confirmation journey with our 6th grade students this year! Confirmation is a special time for students to learn about their faith, connect with new friends, and ask questions to their mentors in a small group setting. This year’s Confirmation program will look different than in year’s past as we try to best accommodate the busy schedules of our students, parents, and mentors. Once a month beginning on October 6, we will meet from 6 – 7pm in the Thrive Assembly Hall for a lesson from one of our clergy, activities, and discussion. Register your confirmand at the link. There will be an informational meeting for parents this Sunday, September 19, at 12:15 in the Thrive Assembly Hall.

THRIVE Sunday School

All 6th – 12th grade students are invited to join us as we continue our series, Into the Unknown. This series is all about change, how our world always seems to be changing around us, and the one thing that is always constant – Jesus. Students are welcome to start arriving on the floor at 9:30 am to hang out in the Game Room and Assembly Hall before Sunday School starts at 10:00 am.

THRIVE Tribes

This past Sunday, Thrive Student Ministries launched its newest Sunday Night Programming, Thrive Tribes. Tribes is designed for students to meet at various homes in our community twice a month for a time of fellowship, food, and fun. High School students lead the groups in devotional talks, games, and prayer. Follow the link if your child is interested in registering for Thrive Tribes! If you are interested in hosting a group, sponsoring a meal, or just simply want more information about this programming please contact the Thrive Office (thrive@vhumc.org).

Fidget Mat Jamboree

Come One, Come All! Our next Fidget Mat Jamboree is Tuesday, September 28 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. An ample supply of giggles, snacks, and drinks will be available! No sewing skills are required, so come as you are and learn how to participate in this amazing ministry that touches so many.

If you have material scraps, knickknacks, small gadgets, etc. that would be fun to add to these sensory-stimulating mats, please bring those with you. We can always use cloth table mats, too. We had fun and made lots of mats in August! Hope you can join us on the 28th! For more information, call Nancy Remke at the church office (822-9631) or contact Peggy Patton at p_patton@bellsouth.net or (205) 335-5097.

Yoga is Back at the Lighthouse

Nancy Mosley, founder of Lamp Light Fitness, is providing a no impact, safe way to get fit. Nancy brings 20 years of experience and passion for helping others with their fitness goals. She will lead you through intense, yet mindful workouts through her style of yoga. Join her to improve balance, reduce stress, and increase overall strength. These classes will lead to the development of a lighter, stronger physical body and a clear, peaceful mind.

Classes will begin the week of September 20 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. One class will meet from 8:30-9:30 am in room 245 in the Lighthouse. Another class will meet from 4:00-5:00 pm in room 115/117 on the Youth Floor. If you are interested in attending a yoga class, please contact Malcolm Prewitt (mprewitt@vhumc.org / 769-0139) and let him know which class you would like to attend. Also, don’t forget your yoga mat!

Pickle Ball for Beginners

Come learn to play this new, popular sport. We are offering Pickle Ball for beginners on Tuesday mornings, September 21 and 28, from 9:00-10:00 am. We have balls, paddles, and everything you need. If you are interested in learning more about Pickle Ball, contact Malcolm Prewitt (mprewitt@vhumc.org / 769-0139).

Missions SOS

An S.O.S. is an urgent appeal for help – and we have one now! There is an urgent need in Georgia for some underprivileged newborns that are born premature and with drug withdrawals. These children do not have any clothing whatsoever, so let’s shower them in clothing and show Christ’s love the best way we can from VHUMC. Help us “Shower Our Sweeties” (SOS) by dropping off items at the missions office near the church library.

Suggested sizes are preemie, 0-3 months. Items needed are preemie size socks, sleep gowns, day gowns, sleep sacks, and sound machines. Thank you for answering this S.O.S. call to be the hands and feet of Christ for those that are less fortunate. For more information contact Rachael Hayes (rhayes@vhumc.org / 769-0143).

Small Groups: The Right Habit

Andy Stanley defines character as “the sum of your habits.” Consider a new habit this fall of regularly “meeting together as believers for worship and instruction… to encourage each other” (Hebrews 10:25). We are often inspired and challenged in the rows of a pew, but we are transformed in the circle of a small group. This is where “life on life” happens and we are changed from the inside out. We have several new groups forming for the fall. Come join us as we encourage and love one another….it’s a habit!

Habitat for Humanity – Love Your Neighbor Week

VHHS Habitat for Humanity’s Club’s Love Your Neighbor Week is September 20 – 24 this year. Every day of that week has a theme (Monday: Serve Your Neighbor Day, Tuesday: Love Our Schools Day, Wednesday: favorite business day, Thursday: favorite restaurant night, and Friday is the Love Your Neighbor Concert). The Love Your Neighbor Concert is at 5:30 pm at Wald Park and it will feature several student bands and local food trucks. Admissions is $15 and is open to the public. They are also selling t-shirts, sweatshirts, yard signs, and flower bombs. All of the links to purchase items are on their website. Let’s help support Love Your Neighbor Week all week long.

Habitat Website

Live-2-Lead Leadership Event at VHUMC

Don’t miss this great leadership development experience for you and/or your team. Hear from 5 top leadership experts on how to increase effectiveness, multiply buy-in, and create/enhance collaboration for your vision and mission. This simulcast will be held Thursday, November 4, 8:00 am – 12:00 noon at VHUMC Tyson Hall and registration cost $25. Co-sponsors include: Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Vestavia Hills, and VHUMC. Click the link to register.

Ongoing Outreach

Food Pantry

The Food Pantry team thanks you for your continued support. Items needed now are bags of rice, breakfast items, and condiments (ketchup, mustard and mayo).

We always appreciate food drives done by offices, scout troops, birthday parties, supper club groups or any club group that would like to do a pantry project.

Oak Mountain Missions

Oak Mountain Mission is still only open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday and not yet picking up furniture. Small items of linens, kitchen items, and clothing may be put into the three bins around the church. School clothes are especially needed at this time. Thank you.