Volume 50

Issue 49

December 10, 2020

Advent and Christmas Eve Plans

There are lots of opportunities for you and your family to worship, reflect, savor, and serve during this Advent season. And you don’t want to miss our COVID-sensitive Christmas Eve services. Click the link for all the details.

Remembering Loved Ones During the Holidays

From our Senior Pastor, Bill Brunson

During December, in a “normal” year, we usually have the opportunity to place poinsettias in the sanctuary in honor or memory of someone we love. This year, because of the reduced seating capacity due to social distancing, we will pause that tradition this year. However, because several in the congregation have asked to contribute to the special arrangements for Christmas Eve, we want to give you the option to remember your loved ones and others who have made a difference in your life as you help make our special Christmas Eve services possible.

If you would like to donate (any amount is welcome) in honor or memory, please call the church office or email Nancy Remke (nremke@vhumc.org). We will list the honorariums and memorials in the first edition of the NOTES in January.

Advent Offering 

This year’s Advent offering recipient will be Rise Against Hunger. As we continue to hope and pray that the pandemic will be behind us in the Spring, we will move forward to help support our efforts to end hunger in our lifetime. Our efforts this year will be more impactful than ever before. This offering will pay for the ingredients for our community meal packing event that will provide hot, nutritious meals to children in need through early childhood development centers. Those first few years are so important in the life of a child, so let’s make a difference.

Advent Offering envelopes will be located outside the Sanctuary in the Narthex and in the hall outside of Tyson Hall. Please use the envelope to donate or write “Advent offering” in the memo line on your check. If you prefer to give on line, then please click the Advent offering link below or on the VHUMC app to make your donation.

Thrive Student Ministry Breakfast

The Thrive Student Ministry Christmas breakfast is this Saturday, December 12 from 10:00 am until noon. We are so excited to continue this tradition with families from our community. This year we will have a drive through visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and give toys, crafts, and snacks to the children. If you have not already, please return all donations unwrapped to the youth floor ASAP. Please know how much your gifts are appreciated during this special time of year. What a blessing this will be for so many sweet children and their families! If you have any questions, please contact Anna Watts (wattsbrantanna@bellsouth.net / 903-6759).

Sounds of the Season

Our annual Sounds of the Season event will be aired this Sunday, December 13 at 5:00 pm on the VHUMC Facebook (Livestream) and VHUMC website. This wonderful holiday online experience will feature Jim Frazier & Friends, as well as the Chancel Chamber Ensemble made up of our Music Residents and Interns as well as skilled volunteers. In addition to this group, audience members will get to hear the Chancel Choir, the Renowned “4 Docs," and the "Von Watson Family," with special appearances from our keyboard staff and contemporary music staff. Special online giving will be available to help support our Music Resident Ministry and the Bob Morgan Music Fund. You can donate by clicking the following link. This donation link will be accepting donations from this Thursday, December 10 through next Thursday, December 17. We hope you join us for the virtual Sounds of the Season event!

Day School Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa was a little different this year, but we still managed to bring big smiles to lots of children with our Drive Through Breakfast with Santa on December 7. VDS students and their siblings were greeted by Santa in their cars. Santa was very fun and jolly and managed to light up many children's morning as they sat in their cars and told Santa what they wanted for Christmas. Before driving away, they not only got a jolly laugh from Santa, but also a prepackaged breakfast to enjoy! Big thanks to John Sweeney who played Santa.

Welcome New Members to VHUMC

Please welcome Jolletta & Andy Dean to the VHUMC church family. They are transferring from Mountain Brook Community Church, but spent 40 years at McMinnville FUMC (TN). They have visited Harvest SS and are looking to get more involved at VHUMC. Welcome!

Register for Children’s Sunday School

Because of COVID-19, we still need to know if your children will be attending Sunday School in our nursery, pre-school, or elementary school classes. Please review the Sunday School protocol page on our website for instructions, what to bring, etc.

Missed Remembrances

COVID-19 has changed our lives in so many ways since March. We have not yet resumed our annual floral remembrances, but have listed our usual November memorials:

• In memory of Dick Kelly by Billie Kelly. 
• In memory of Mitchell Bernheim by Mary Bernheim.

We plan to resume our floral remembrances in January of 2021 if COVID-19 permits. To schedule remembrance flowers in the Sanctuary, contact Nancy Remke (769-0107 / nremke@vhumc.org). 

Rejoicing Over Baptisms

We rejoice in the wonderful baptism of this precious child:

• John (Jack) Chambers Ginter on Saturday, November 21. Parents are Abbey and Robert Ginter.

Christmas Decorations
Each year it takes a small army to get the church looking like Christmas. Please take a moment to thank our crew: Becky Crum, Una Ray Barnett, Glenda Jones, Peggy Patton, Leslie Echols, Carol Sims, Janice Watson, Tricia Banks, Harriett Woodring, Dennis and Margaret Flowers, Ron Rabun, Lisa Talley, Cindy Robicheaux, and the Scott and Lee Mathews Family, for installing all the beautiful decorations. Outdoor Creche installers were Jim White, Rick Honeycutt, Don Hire, John Moss, Jim Miller, and Mike Harris. We could not make it happen without these wonderful volunteers. Thank you!

Service of Healing and Light
The holly-jolly Christmas atmosphere can be difficult if we are experiencing the recent loss of a loved one or a significant life-changing event. We need the space to acknowledge our grief and hold it up to the light of the Christmas message: God is with us. Come be a part of this very special service on Monday, December 21, at 6:00 pm, in the Sanctuary!

PPP Loan is Forgiven

If you have followed VHUMC’s finances during COVID-19, you will know that we applied for and received a Payroll Protection Program loan from the Small Business Administration. That loan allowed us to keep all of our staff on payroll even when many of our income producing areas were receiving no income (like Vestavia Dance and the Day School). Without the PPP loan, we would have had layoffs. With the PPP loan, the church was officially “in debt” if the loan was not forgiven. 

We are happy to let you know that we received full forgiveness of the loan amount on November 10. That came as a result of only using the funds in line with our application - for payroll and utilities. The great news is that removed a “debt” from our finances and helps with our cash position. If you have any questions about the loan or it’s forgiveness contact Gary Wyatt (gwyatt@vhumc / 769-0108).

Completing the NEXT Capital Campaign

Nearly 39 months ago we began a three-year pledge and giving campaign to replace almost all of our heating/air conditioning systems, completely overhaul Tyson Hall, and make a number of audio/visual and cosmetic improvements to our Sanctuary. You, as the congregation, responded wonderfully to our vision and need and pledged to give $4,580,239 to complete this work. 

All the work is long-ago completed and our goal now is to collect all the pledges and retire the end of our construction loan (which is currently $269,000) by December 31. If we reach that goal, VHUMC will once again be “debt free.” If you made a pledge toward this work and have not fulfilled it, we hope you will prayerfully consider a final payment. If you did not pledge or have fulfilled your pledge and still want to give for these improvements, we would welcome your help. Any funds received over and above the construction loan will be protected as seed money for our next major building improvement project.

Elementary Sunday School in December

This December in elementary Sunday School, we will go back to the basics and simply celebrate Christmas. The truth is Jesus is best gift God ever gave us. Jesus was proof that God loves us and we can trust God no matter what. Because of Jesus, it’s possible for us to have a relationship with God that will last forever. As we remember the Christmas story, we take time to celebrate the greatest gift the world has ever known and rediscover joy, hope, and peace as we rest in the unconditional love of God.

December Memory Verse

Our 1st - 5th graders have the opportunity to learn a different Bible verse each month. Children can either recite their verse in the elementary office before or after Sunday School, or send a video of themselves reciting the verse to Jamie Meeks (jmeeks@vhumc.org). Kids who recite their verse in the elementary office will get a sweet treat, and everyone who recites the verse will have a chance to win a grand prize at the end of the school year! December's memory verse is: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” ~Luke 2:11

Thrive Sunday School
Throughout the month of December, Thrive Student Ministries will continue our special Sunday School series focusing on the season of Advent. We are using the RightNow Media video study “Advent” by JD Greear as a guide to explore the importance of this time of year. Students do not need to pre-register to attend Sunday School with Thrive, but will need to come to the Thrive Hall and check-in before gathering by grades. Check-in will begin at 9:45 a.m. and classes will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Thrive Advent Experience 
This year our Thrive Student Ministries will be joining the church as we read through the Advent Prayer guide for 2020! Each day Thrive will post the daily prayer written by someone in our congregation as well as a picture from the White Christmas Advent Calendar. We hope you will join us for this time of preparation for the King!

Thrive Podcast   
Our Thrive Student Ministries has launched a podcast! Each Wednesday the Thrive Student Ministries Raw Podcast drops a new episode as Jeremiah and Kenzie cover a new topic. So far they have talked about anxiety, friendships, people of the Bible, and even Bible trivia! The episodes typically average from about 8 - 10 minutes! Be sure and check them out.

The Marriage Course
The Marriage Course is a series of seven sessions, designed to help couples learn to communicate more effectively, resolve differences well, and build strong foundations with one another and God. Celebrate the new year by joining course facilitators Sheila & Phil Sanders and Scottie & Steve Vickery as you invest in your relationship and build a stronger marriage. Childcare is available.

2022 Oberammergau Trips   
VHUMC will be taking two trips to the 2022 Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany. Jim Frazier will be taking a group to the play on June 11 followed by a tour of Switzerland. Rev. Bill Brunson will be taking a group to the play on July 28 followed by a River Cruise on the Danube. Both trips are almost full, so you need to register soon. The Passion Play is only performed once every 10 years. For more information please click on the links below or contact Jim Frazier (jfrazier@vhumc.org / 769-0126).

Alpha: The Basics of Christianity   
Are you seeking fact-based answers to faith-based questions? In Alpha, we will explore challenging questions about life, faith, and God. Alpha offers engaging videos to start conversations that ignite excitement and help us understand and grow in our faith. If you are interested in participating in this new series launching in January, please register indicating your desired time and day of the week. Please contact Kelly Bottcher (kbottcher@vhumc.org) for more details.

Studying The Book of John   
Join pastors Kipp McClurg and Bill Brunson as they share “The Gospel of John!” in a fun and unique way. These 10-20 minute videos (with accompanying Bible study print-outs) can be used for individual or group studies. Bill and Kipp’s intent is to study John slowly and thoroughly, but to have fun in the process! Using everyday “object lessons,” they will seek to explain what John is up to in his Gospel accounts. View the trailer and join us in January for weekly meetings to learn more about the gospel of John.

January Study: The Chosen   
The Chosen is the first multi-season series about the life of Christ, as witnessed through the eyes of those He impacted the most. Get to know each of the people He walked with, the culture and challenges they faced, and the hope He brought to a world in desperate need. Join us as we discuss the impact Jesus had on the lives of His followers and explore how He continues to transform our lives today. See the trailer or contact Suzanne Scott-Trammell (sstrammell@vhumc.org) if you have questions.

COA Spring Registration is Open   
Claim your spot now for private music lessons or group classes in the arts! Our spring session begins January 4. Online and in-person formats are available. Kindergarten to adults are welcome. Don't see the class you're looking for? Let us know and we'll create it!

Gratitude from VHUMC Missions   
The last couple of weeks have been incredibly busy for missions at the church. Two of our mission ministries have set new records for people served. Our Food Pantry served close to 400 families the week before Thanksgiving and our Christmas Year-Round team served over 150 families in our schools. Two different schools held very successful canned food drives and filled our Food Pantry and the Student ministry hallway! As a result, many in our area will enjoy delicious meals during the holidays. A very special thank you to Barbara Porter and her team members that work so hard to make sure everyone is taken care of each time they are served. Thanks also to Sharon Lovell and her team who continually support needy families right here in Vestavia. Ladies, you and your teams are inspiring, and we are so thankful for both of you and all the volunteers on your teams.

Car Ministry Places Four Cars   
Our car ministry has placed four cars over the last couple of weeks and the recipients could not be happier. One car placement was one day from the recipient’s birthday. Another placement allowed a man to return to work – since he now had transportation. These stories are just two examples of how this ministry is working to help those in need of transportation. There are many more stories but most importantly is the story of how God’s love is shown through each and every vehicle that is given away. This ministry changes lives in so many ways. To God be the glory.

Fidget Mat Ministry - Help us Help Others   
We have a new supply of 36 wonderful Fidget Mats! Thank you to the members of our congregation for donating place mats and objects to go on our mats, for assembling and sewing our mats, and now for helping us find homes for our mats! If you know of individuals or groups who could benefit by receiving a Fidget Mat, please contact the Church Office. As always, we need more place mats and objects like faux fur, ties, key chains, game pieces, small cloth bags, and any other things you might discover as you are decorating for Christmas! Simply drop those off at the Church Office, as well. We are grateful!

Prayer 2020: This Week in Prayer   

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:1-4).

Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, we praise your holy name. You are the source of all light and life. Your light dispels all darkness. We celebrate with JOY the Word becoming flesh and actually living among us on the earth where we were utterly lost without you. Thank you for coming and rescuing us from sin and death. Let us fix our eyes on you, the author and perfecter of our faith. You endured the cross, scorning its shame all for us, the joy set before you (Hebrews 12:2). Help us to remember that you love us so much that you left heaven to save us. Thank you for all the ways we are reminded of the good news of the gospel at this time of year. The lights all around remind us that your light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not (and cannot) overcome it. To you be all glory, honor and praise. Amen.

What Does a Columbarium Niche Cost?   

Our current pricing is $3,000 for one or two entombments. When you purchase a niche, you “control” whose remains can be entombed in that niche. The price covers an urn and a plaque for each person who dies. Part of that cost covers the overall costs of the columbarium structure and maintenance of the area. A niche can hold up to four urns. The current price is $500 for the third and fourth “places” within a niche should you decide to use them. These prices do not include the cost of cremation, but we can provide a list of local vendors and their rates. If you would like to purchase a niche, please contact Gary Wyatt (769-0108 / gwyatt@vhumc.org) or Melinda Burnett (769-0115 / mburnett@vhumc.org).

Ongoing Outreach

Food Pantry

The Food Pantry received some wonderful donations and a nice check from the Leadership Vestavia organization. Thank you to everyone who participated. If you have not yet pulled up the Advent Calendar with the coloring page for your children or grandchildren, click the link below. We will have bins at the entrances the week after Christmas for your food items. Thank you so much.

Donations the past week

July & September 2020
Donations
Other Income
Total Income

Actual
$75,992

$1,088,360
$67,290
$1,155,650

Targeted
-$82,075

+$124,236
+$19,313
+$143,549

Care and Support
Congratulations, hospitalizations, and sympathies

Prayer Request

Please be in prayer for the following persons:

Memorials & Honorariums