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#InstaLove - Relationships in the 21st Century
 Interested in reinvigorating your marriage or relationship? Tired of dull conversations and a life too busy to stay connected or concerned about your spouse? Do you wonder where, or if, God is anywhere in your relationship? Explore what a committed relationship looks like in our touchscreen, instant gratification world. Led by VHUMC member Ellery Berryhill, a marriage and family therapist and licensed professional counselor, these three Sundays will allow you to reconnect with your partner, learn communication and behavioral patterns that create distance and disinterest, and identify how God can re-center your relationship. Join us February 12, 19, and 26 in the Chapel at 9:45 am.
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 New Look in the New Year
It all started with one volunteer from the Genesis Sunday School class who saw a need and felt passionate about what he saw. Early last fall, Don Hire was at Church of the Reconciler and decided that some improvement needed to be made. He started telling people what he thought VHUMC could do and recruited John Moss, Jim White, Jim Miller, Bill Crotwell and a few other men from the Genesis class to help. Every Tuesday morning and sometimes more, that core group of men were at Church of the Reconciler making improvements.
Their passion to make a change at Church of the Reconciler became contagious. The church supported the improvements by generously giving to our Advent offering. Volunteers, Sunday School classes, and the youth signed up to volunteer over the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend. Your contribution whether it was financial, hands-on, or providing a meal, made a huge difference for Church of the Reconciler.
There are not enough words to say thank you to John, Don, Jim and their crew for the many hours, man-power, and knowledge that they all have contributed over the past months to make Church of the Reconciler even better to those it serves each and every day. |
 Join Us for Sunday Evening Worship
Come as you are and join us for joyful singing of old, familiar hymns, warm fellowship in the Rutland-Memorial Chapel at 5:00pm this Sunday. Butch Williams will preach on "Blessed Action" from Matthew 5:1-12. Please note that we will not have Sunday Evening Worship on February 5.
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 Boomer Spirituality Conference
Sudden events, like Pearl Harbor or 9/11, change history and set the forces of culture in a new direction. Political decisions, like Mao's Chinese Revolution, can shape the lives of billions of people. The Boomer Spirituality Conference will focus on a great demographic change - the high U.S. birth rate from 1946 to 1964, and how the baby boomer generation has had an impact on every phase of life.
Join us on February 25 as Craig Kennet Miller shares insights from his new book: "Boomer Spirituality, Seven Values for the Second Half of Life." We'll discuss how the values and beliefs we hold affect the whole of our lives - relationships, work, goals, faith, and most fundamentally, our self-understanding. We'll explore the values of brokenness, loneliness, rootlessness, and self-seeking which form the spiritual roots of boomers. Godliness, supernaturalism, and wholeness capture the boomers unique search for God as they look toward a future that is filled with peril and promise.
We will also have the chance to share in a Boomer worship experience, and during lunch you will have the option to learn the model for ministry that VHUMC uses to reach the Boomer generation. We'll have breakout sessions for both clergy and laity in the afternoon and finish the day with a dinner and a dance featuring The Beatlads (a Beatles cover band). The cost for this event is only $25 and you can register at www.vhumc.org.
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 Mother and Son Dinner
Come be a part of our Mother and Son Dinner on Thursday, February 9, at 6:00 pm, in Tyson Hall. Tickets are $15 per person. This is an event for 5k through 5th grade boys and their mothers. If you have any questions, contact Anne Strozier ([email protected]).
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 Daddy Daughter Dance
Our Daddy Daughter Dance is coming up Sunday, February 26, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, in the Lighthouse gym. The cost is $12 per person. This is an event for 4k through 5th grade girls and their fathers. If you have any questions contact Anne Strozier ([email protected]).
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 Come Join Us
We would love to include your membership in the next Informal Joining Service to be held on Sunday, February 5, at 12:15 in the chapel. We will hold a brief service followed by a quick lunch with the pastors and staff. For more information, please contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell ([email protected] / 769-0136). |
 New Year - New Bible Study
Come join us in room 105 every Sunday at 9:45 am, starting February 5, as we discuss insights and reflections from daily readings on the One Year Bible App. The aim of the class is to help us read and truly understand the Bible, become more comfortable in our prayer life, and experience the presence of the Holy Spirit. For more information, contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell ([email protected] / 769-0136). |
 Vestavia Day School Registration
Don't forget VDS is now registering our currently enrolled students for Summer '17 and Fall 2017-18. Registration forms may be found on the website, www.vestaviadayschool.org, or in the front office. We will have call in registration for new part time preschool and after school students beginning February 7 at 6:00 pm. Preschool call 769-0129 and Afterschool call 769-0152.
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Whale of a Sale Volunteers Needed
 Our Vestavia Day School is one of our strongest outreach ministries of the church and they need our help. The school's only fundraiser, Whale of a Sale, is coming up and in need of volunteers. This is a great opportunity for you, your friends, or your Sunday School group to serve our church and community. Please check your calendars and see if you have two hours that you could spare on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday; February 22, 23, or 24. Sign up and enjoy sorting and organizing clothing and toys for the sale. And, all volunteers get an early shopping pass at 2:30 pm on Thursday before the sale opens! We take anyone over the age of 15 and willing to help! We have something for everyone. If you are interested in helping, please contact Dawn Fizer (704-300-8660 / [email protected]) or visit the registration link and select a time and day that works for you!
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 Thrive Student Ministries App
Our student ministry is excited to announce they have a new app! It is available for both Apple and Android devices. The app will have the ministry schedule and much more information. If you enable the push notifications, you can receive important information like deadline registrations or program changes. Download it today! Simply search for "Thrive Student Ministries" in the app store, or click the link below.
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Volunteer Opportunities with Students
It's a new year and there are new opportunities to volunteer with our Student Ministries! Visit our online sign-up page to find a spot to serve or contact Emily Boles ([email protected] / 769-0130) for more information.
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 Confirmation Classes 2017
We are excited to announce that over 60 sixth graders began the Confirmation process this past Sunday night. Over the course of the next 10 weeks these students will look at topics such as God and the Old Testament, Who is Jesus, What is a Christian, among others. This is not the beginning, but rather just another step in these students' faith journey. We hope you will take time to pray for all of these students as they begin this amazing process. For a full list of who is going through Confirmation, click the link below. If you are the parent of a 6th grader and would like your student to go through Confirmation please contact Jeremiah Stone ([email protected]). Thank you for your prayers!
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 Boomer Classes Coming Up
Join us for a four-part series for our VHUMC boomer generation on Wednesday nights at 6:00 pm. Each session will be led by counselors from Grayson & Associates.
- Feb. 1 - The Psychological Effects of Retirement - Dr. Peggy Thorton, psychologist
- Feb. 8 - Improving Communication (with your spouse now that you are together every day, all day) - Ms. Christy Gragg, licensed professional counselor
- Feb. 15 - Dating as a Boomer - Ms. Melissa Delong, social worker
- Feb. 22 - Elderly Parents and Boomerang Kids - Ms. Tonya Nash, counselor
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Hannah Prayer Team
The Hannah Prayer Team has welcomed 53 babies and is now praying for six moms and their babies due in the next few months. If you are expecting a new baby and would like for us to pray for you and your baby, please contact Ty Howell ([email protected] / 529-1262). Also, contact Ty if you would like to join our team to pray for these young moms and their babies. |
 Veterans Care Kits in February
The Armed Services Ministry Committee of VHUMC is pleased to announce that it is coordinating the creation and distribution of Veterans Care Kits. These kits will contain basic items that will greatly help our Birmingham homeless and needy veterans. We are asking for item donations to help us fill these kits. Drop-off locations will be clearly marked throughout the church building. It is our goal to create 100 of these kits. If you would prefer to make a monetary donation for the committee to purchase items, please make your check payable to VHUMC and indicate "Veterans' Care Kits" on the memo line. Donations of items and your checks will be received from February 1 to March 1. Items needed for the kits include:
- Travel-sized toiletries available for purchase in many drug stores, dollar stores, etc., or that you may already have on hand from your own travels (e.g. shampoo, soap, deodorant, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm/chap stick)
- First aid items (e.g., band aids, bandages/gauze, first aid ointment).
For more information, please contact Jarry Taylor (613-3875) or Butch Williams ([email protected] / 769-0102). |
 Women's Ministry Listening Sessions
Please come share your thoughts and ideas on where our Women's Ministry can be helpful to your life in room 201 on Sunday, February 12 or Wednesday, February 15 at 6:00 pm. Our goal is to help each woman feel the presence of God in all circumstances and to connect with other women so that we can support and care for each other as we grow in our faith. These sessions are a time of listening to one another and to God for direction in moving forward. Please contact Ruth ([email protected]) with any questions or concerns! Until then, we hope to see you for this important time for this vital ministry.
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A Living and Growing Community
Did you know ...
- New members grew in 2016 by 49% vs. 2015 (115 new members)
- Confirmands grew in 2016 by 80% (79 new 6th graders joining the church) vs. 2015
Thanks to this loving congregation who welcomes visitors with open arms and reaches out across our community to demonstrate His story is not just history. It's alive among us! |
 Bible Pathfinders
We invite our 1st-5th graders to join us on Wednesday nights from 6-7 pm in rooms 219/221 for Bible Pathfinders. Our path will take us into great music, Bible memory work, large group time, small group time and much more! Our focus for this semester is "Books of the Bible." Each week, you will learn more books of the Bible and be able to recite them by the end of April. We can't wait to see all of you!
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 Get Fit and Stay in Shape
Achieve your health and fitness goals with our Health, Wellness, and Recreation Ministry. Whatever your health and fitness goals might be, let our team help. Our ministry offers a variety of fitness options to meet your needs.
- Individual and Group Training Sessions with certified personal trainer, Ali Sanders. Contact Megan Drumm, [email protected], to join a group session or schedule an individual training session.
- Women's group exercise classes with Every Girl Fitness. Classes take place on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6-7 pm. Visit http://everygirlfitness.com/classes to sign up for a class.
- Train for a race or just get in shape by joining VHUMC's new running group, VHUMC Runners. Runners of any pace level are welcome to join our daily runs. Contact Megan Drumm, [email protected], for additional details.
- Become a member of the Lighthouse and gain access to our track and fitness center. Lifetime memberships are only $5 and give you full access to our fitness amenities. Stop by the Lighthouse to join!
Contact Megan Drumm ( [email protected]), with questions about our programs listed above or additional details. We look forward to making 2017 your healthiest year yet!
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Upward Soccer Registration is Open
 The season begins with practices the week of March 6 and games beginning on Saturday, March 11. Games and practices will take place at Southminster Presbyterian Church. The cost is $95 through February 6. Be sure to register early! Children in grades K4-4th grade are invited to join in the fun! To register click on the link.
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New TRX and Personal Trainers at VHUMC
 Our Health, Wellness, and Recreation ministry is excited to announce the addition of Every Girl Fitness to our personal training schedule. Every Girl Fitness currently teaches a women's group exercise class on Monday and Wednesday evenings in the Lighthouse. Their certified personal trainers will also be offering individual TRX and personal training sessions in the Lighthouse fitness center. Men and women ages 13 and older are welcome to join the training sessions. Each session costs $30/hour. Don't want to train alone? Bring a friend, train together, and split the session fee. Not sure if TRX and personal training is right for you? Your first session is free! Contact Paula Windle or Leigh Karagas (482-6720), to schedule your first session. |
New Musicianship Classes
Dr. Kawai Shiu will be teaching Musicianship Classes for both adults and students this spring who want to further their knowledge of Music Theory. You do not have to be taking music lessons to attend these classes. This material would be very helpful for instrumental students in middle or high school band or choir members. There are three modules based on experience level. Dr. Shiu will also will be teaching Music Appreciation and Composition (for advanced students). Contact Ellen Bryant ([email protected]) if interested, or sign up by visiting the link below.
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Ongoing Outreach
Volunteers Needed to Help When it is the Coldest
During the coldest of winter nights, many places open up to provide a warm place for people that are homeless. One of those places is Grace Episcopal Church. They partner with the Red Cross during these cold months. They are looking for volunteers during the times they open as a warming station. If this is something you feel called to do, please contact Rachael Hayes (
[email protected]
) for more details.
Partnership with Trips for Kids Continues
Got a new bike for Christmas, but not sure what to do with your old one? VHUMC and Trips for Kids will partner again for our 2nd Annual Bike Drive. Trips for Kids will accept gently used bikes, biking apparel, helmets and equipment. The donation items will be accepted January 29-February 5 at the Lighthouse. For more information, please contact Megan Drumm (
[email protected]) or Rachael Hayes (
[email protected]).
Food Pantry
The food pantry needs boxes of Ziploc sandwich and quart size bags for the Panera Bread treats that we distribute. Thank you for your continued support!
Oak Mountain Mission
Oak Mountain Mission needs sofas, chairs, tables & chairs, dressers, and chests. Please call Brenda at 685-5757 to arrange a home pick-up.
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Wednesday Night Menu
- Feb 1 - Salad, Chicken Alfredo OR Orecchiette w/ Bolognese, Green Beans, Ice Cream
- Feb 8 - Salad, Lemon-Pepper Chicken OR Roast Pork Loin, Honey Glazed Carrots, Wild Rice, Roll, Cake
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Feb 15 - Salad, Chili OR White Chili w/ Shrimp, Baked Potato, Crackers, Cheesecake
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Worship & Music Focus
8:30 am Traditional Service
"The Active Decision"
Numbers 14: 1-12
Bill Brunson
9:45 am Service of Word and Table
"Lessons From Gettysburg"
Matthew 5:1-12
Butch Williams
11:00 am Traditional Service
"The Active Decision"
Numbers 14: 1-12
Bill Brunson
11:00 am Contemporary Service
"Becoming a Person of Action"
Numbers 14:1-12
Kipp McClurg
5:00 pm Sunday Evening Worship
"Blessed Action"
Matthew 5:1-12
Butch Williams
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Our Time and Resources
Donations this past week
December YTD Summary
Donations
Other Income
Auxilary Ministries Net*
Total Income
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Actual
$71,861
$3,663,516
$189,072
($31,180)
$3,821,408
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Targeted
-$14,097
-$229,484
-$13,877
-$81,256
-$324,617
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(+) Better or (-) worse for the church than our target
* Includes COA, Summer Days, VDS, and Vestavia Dance
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Care and Support
Congratulations, hospitalizations, and sympathies |
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Prayer Requests
Careline: 205-822-9336
Weekend or After-Hour Health Emergencies: 205-914-3121
Please be in prayer for the following persons:
Dale Beasley
Pat Bendall
Ginny Bourland
Ginger Peete Bramlett
Margean Brasher
Jami DeMarco
Chris Dibble
David Dixon
Julie Duffe
Margaret Flowers
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Kendra Haddock
Fay Harbin
Fred Hatfield
Pug Kaufman
Anderson Lewis
Mary Morgan
Paul Noto
Bob Odle
Norma Owen
Mary Owens
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Norman Ponder
Guice Potter, III
Jim Sanders
Claude Small
Annette Smith
Charles Smith
Vicky Sullivan
Karen Webb
Wallace Williams
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Requested prayers for service members in combat areas:
- Darkhorse Unit, USMC, (Afghanistan)
In an effort to keep the prayer request list current, names will be listed for two weeks unless we are otherwise notified. VHUMC will not publish the names and/or concerns of persons known to be minors (18 years of age or younger) without the permission of said minor's legal guardian. Thank you.
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