a biweekly publication of Vestavia Hills Baptist Church 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 www.vhbc.com Volume 22, Number 1 January 6, 2015 2015 Wednesday Sessions Begin Faith Alive: January 7th As individuals and as a church, our faith is evidenced in our actions. Among the most vibrant expressions of our church life is the work we do and the relationships we have through our primary mission engagements. On January 7th we will have hear from our members who serve in these various settings. They will share about their experience and how others can join them in living out faith with our mission partners. FELLOWSHIP HALL Bible Study: January 14th & 21st We welcome Dr. James Strange, Associate Professor in Religion at Samford and Director of Excavations at Shikhin in Israel, to share from his expertise in the field of archaeology and Biblical scholarship. Our session topics of Epiphany and Jesus’ Childhood Nazareth are both timely, given our place in the church year, and are well suited for someone with Dr. Strange’s background. FELLOWSHIP HALL Practicing Prayer: January 14th - February 11th In this four-week session we will spend most of our time praying. Week one will involve several prayer stations through which participants will make their way. For our second week we will explore Praying in Color, a visual form of intercessory prayer. On week three Rev. Jack Hinnen, chaplain at Birmingham Southern College, will bring some encouragement for the practice of our prayer disciplines. For our final session we will use the practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer known as Lectio Divina. Room assignment to be determined The Shepherd’s e-Ncourager — Dr. Gary A. Furr other. But it is Jesus Himself where we find the greatest richness of that life. Few Christians fail to resolve regularly that “I want to be closer to Jesus.” 2015 Spiritual Emphases Another new year. Another batch of resolutions. We resolve to fix, renew, rejuvenate. This year will be a better one than last, we promise ourselves. Sometimes it comes to pass. The year unfolds with undreamed-of success and achievement. Sometimes we find that the path of promise becomes a steep valley full of falling rocks and unexpected disasters. So, how to go at it? We walk together, for one thing. So many of the things Jesus taught us were about community—staying in it, opening it up, engaging each Phone 979-5920 Email [email protected] As we begin 2015, let’s work out together. On the last Sunday of January, the 25th, Sunday School teachers will be provided material and asked to lead class members in a 5- to 15-minute special time of prayer for one another and our life together as God’s church (leaving the remaining time for the regularly scheduled lesson material). If you do not have a class now, I will be offering a gathering for you during that time. The worship that morning will be a special spiritual renewal emphasis for us. Mark that day and plan to be here! You won’t want to miss it. Broadcast live, Sundays at 10 a.m. on WVSU, 91.1 FM www.vhbc.com Pastor’s article, continued from page 1 Lent this year will bring us some special experiences, too. On Sunday, February 22, Dr. Mark Biddle, Professor of Old Testament at Baptist Theological Seminary of Richmond, Virginia will be leading us in a Lenten Bible study on “Missing the Mark: The Biblical Doctrine of Sin and Its Remedy.” This will follow the format of the winter Bible study we normally have. Dr. Biddle was with us for “time at the table” a few years ago and was well-received. How do we find healing for the brokenness of sin in our faith? Dr. Fisher Humphreys will be leading us in a weekly Tuesday luncheon series on Jesus during Lent, a new offering. How do we find healing for the brokenness of sin in our faith? As we kick all this off, I will bring a series of messages on “Being in Jesus: The I AM sayings of the gospel of John.” This could be a wonderful year together. All that is required is showing up. I promise, I will. Join me? John 6:35 John 8:12 John 10:7 John 10:11 John 11:25 John 14:6 John 15:1 “I Am the Bread of Life” “I Am the Light of the World” “I Am the Door of the Sheep” “I Am the Good Shepherd” “I Am the Resurrection and the Life” “I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” “I Am the True Vine” Terre Johnson Celebrates Ten-Year Anniversary This month, we celebrate Terre Johnson’s ten-year anniversary as our Minister of Music. In the ten years Terre has been with us, our music ministry has grown in numbers and in talent. Each week, our church members experience meaningful worship guided by Terre’s thoughtful and prayerful approach. Every season brings us another marvelous musical event. Even visitors and casual observers can witness, and often comment about the growth our church has experienced in all areas of the church music organization. He also impacts our larger community through his leadership and participation in city, state, and national organizations and events. He has partnered our church with other musical organizations which have exposed us to quality and variety beyond our daily walk. Terre’s unique gifts and skills have contributed to improvements, innovations, and enrichment in every area of our church. He is a gifted musician, a committed minister, and a creative composer of sacred music. We are truly blessed to have him on our ministerial team. At the Sunday morning worship service, January 18, we will recognize Terre for his faithful service and this career milestone. Take time this week to express your appreciation to him. Women’s Winter Bible Study: The Family of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury 6-week study begins in late January & concludes the week of March 1. Sign up in the Fellowship Hall foyer starting in January. Choose one of 3 sessions: Sundays at 4 p.m., Mondays at 9:30 a.m. (child care available by reservation); Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. Quarterly Business Meeting Wednesday, January 28, 6:00 PM Fellowship Hall Agenda will include: 2014 Year-end Financial Report Reports from other committees, Pastor and staff Election of the 2015 Nominating Committee: Jennifer Binet, chair Brandon Bates Dan Caldwell Clark Cameron Nancy Scruggs Laura Tadlock Kim Virciglio Our Church Family Members in the Hospital *Milton Fullman, Brookwood, CCU 238 *Ardath Grizzell, St. Vincent’s Members at Home Jan Buckner Anderson Grace Barnes Vicki Briggs Zelle Buckner Milligan Burroughs Irene Burton Von Caufield Sybil Cox *Barbara Davis Virginia Deaton *Don Ehrett *LaWayne Fleming Agnes Fuchs *Janice Fulks Ouida Hamilton Emily Jones Charlotte Kyser Tommie Liles Elizabeth Lindsey Al Lowery Johnnie McCracken Fred McCrory Wes Nastiuk (at Golden Living—rehab) Lee & Nora Ousley Madie Phillips Jo Powell Bob Sanders Smitty Smith Tootsie Strozier *Iva Jewel Tucker June Turner Lynn Walker Margaret Walker Maxine Womble What’s Happening? Christian Sympathy to: Family of Dot Cook Grove in her death on January 3. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 7, at 1:00 p.m. with service to follow at 2:00 p.m., at Elmwood. Family and friends of former member Carolyn Weatherford Crumpler in her death on January 2. Gary Furr and family in the death of his aunt, Katherine Kilpatrick. Thank You Thank you for the prayers, cards, and kindnesses offered upon the death of my mother, Bama Lee Wilson. We particularly appreciate the Fellowship Sunday School class for their ministry to us at this time. -Michael and Del Wilson New 8:15AM Boot Camp Class for 2015 Classes will be located in the park or gym at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church, depending on the weather. Cost: $150 for 6 weeks/3 days(MWF). Contact Melody Folmar [email protected] to register or get more details. ALL LEVELS WELCOME. 5 p.m. Youth Winter Summit, Jan. 16-18 Special prayer emphasis in morning Bible study and worship, Jan. 25 Quarterly Business Meeting, Jan. 28, 6 p.m. Mom’s Retreat, Jan. 30-31 Margaret Walker in the death of her brother, Charles Jenkins, on December 25 in Florida and her brother-in-law, Bill Napier, on December 30. *added this Variations New Year’s resolution to get in shape or stay in shape? Deacons Meeting, Jan. 11, In February 1988, several adult Bible study classes ate lunch with the college department after church. The classes were called Winsome, Fern Russell, Pauline Rose, ______ and Squires. What class name goes in the blank? A. Temple B. Mustard Seed C. Lighthouse If reading in print, email your answer to [email protected]. If reading online, click your answer to submit it. UMO Goal Met Total gifts to the Unified Missions Offering (UMO) for the year just ended have met the $38,000 goal. Thank you for your generous support of this important fund. Ministry Budget Offering Budget Needs This Year $32,330 Budget Given This Year $12,650 Unified Missions Offering $38,000 2014 Goal $41,858 Given To Date January 14 Beef tips, egg noodles, English peas, carrot cake Volunteers Marilyn Tinnermon, Bob Eskew, Judy Schlegel, Mindy Bodenhamer January 21 Barbecued pork or chicken, baked beans, slaw, potato chips, brownies Volunteers Bob Eskew, Christina Elliott ON THE CHURCH CALENDAR Week of January 8-14 Thursday, January 8 5:40 Weekly Communion 7:00 Young Adult Bible Study (Cox) Sunday, January 11 8:45 Bible Study 10:00 Worship Service/Communion 5:00 Deacons Meeting 5:00 YOSE—Youth Monday, January 12 10:30 Bible Study at Lovelady Center Tuesday, January 13 9:30 International Friends Wednesday, January 14 6:30 Prayer Breakfast 10:30 Pastor’s Bible Study 4:30 Supper line & Library open 5:00 Handbells TBA Budget Planning Committee 5:30 Music for PS3-Kindergarten 6:00 4th—6th Grade RAs to Firehouse Shelter 6:00 Adult Sessions 6:00 Wednesday Retreat—Youth 6:15 Mission Friends, RAs, GA 7:00 Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal Week of January 15-21 Thursday, January 15 5:40 Weekly Communion 7:00 Young Adult Bible Study (Cox) Friday, January 16 Youth Winter Summit begins Sunday, January 18 8:45 Bible Study 10:00 Worship Service, Recognition of anniversary of Terre Johnson Youth Winter Summit concludes Monday, January 19 CDC closed—teacher workday 8:00 Church of the Reconciler 10:30 Bible Study at Lovelady Center Tuesday, January 20 9:30 International Friends Wednesday, January 21 6:30 Prayer Breakfast 10:30 Pastor’s Bible Study 4:30 Supper line & Library open 5:00 Handbells 5:30 Music for PS3-Kindergarten 6:00 Adult Sessions 6:00 Wednesday Retreat—Youth 6:15 Mission Friends, RAs, GA 7:00 Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal The next issue of Variations will be dated January 20. Please email [email protected] by 1/16 to request space. Volunteers in Service for the Week of January 11 Deacons of the Week: Kevin Jaquess SUN., Todd Jordan WED. Counting Team: Taylor Burton, Steve White Flower Committee: Mindy Bodenhamer and Becky White Library: Ann Steppe (11), Melanie Medley (14) Shuttle Service: Mike Oatts, John Wood, Sharon Hartzog Sound Technology: Youth Girls Worship Care Babies Creepers Toddlers Preschool 2 Preschool 3-4 Kindergarten Desk Sharon Hartzog, Jane Helms Jan Dulin, Nancy Scruggs Pat Cooper, Kevin Jaquess Todd & Rachel Jordan Ann Bush, Prissy Sumners Bob & Mavis Hardy Don Baker Volunteers in Service for the Week of January 18 Deacons of the Week: Alynn LeBerte SUN., Marty Mullins WED. Counting Team: David McPherson, Steve Thackerson Flower Committee: Ashley Bates and Jennifer Jaquess Library: Rosemary Bamberg (18), Liz Wells (21) Shuttle Service: Jeff Baker, Kevin Studinka, Milton Fullman Sound Technology: Dan McMurray, Pete LeBerte Worship Care Babies Creepers Toddlers Preschool 2 Preschool 3-4 Kindergarten Desk Robin Cameron, Melissa McMurray Dan & Gay Caldwell Alexa Brooks, Emily Key Jeff & Monica Graveline Kim Brindley, Sharon Maddox Hannah Bowers, Louise Burton Variations is published biweekly by VESTAVIA HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH 2600 Vestavia Drive, Birmingham, AL 35216 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1894 Birmingham, AL ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED YOUR MINISTRY STAFF Andy Farmer, Minister to Students Gary A. Furr, Pastor Terre Johnson, Minister of Music K. Dennis Anderson, Administrator Mike McBrayer, Minister of Missions and Discipleship Nancy E. Akins, Minister to Preschool/Children Beth McGinnis, Organist Inside this issue √ Women’s Bible Study: “The Family of Jesus” √ Quarterly Business Meeting Jan. 28 √ Terre Johnson Celebrates Tenth Anniversary √ Exercise class offered
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