Ash Wednesday
The sacred season of Lent begins with the observance of Ash Wednesday. The forty days (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter allow us time to reflect and prepare for a glorious resurrection celebration. Ashes in the shape of a cross mark worshipers and remind us our own mortality and symbolize our penitence.
VHBC invites you to stop by the church on Wednesday morning, March 5th between 7-8:30 am for our Drive-Thru Ashes. Signs will guide you along Shades Crest Rd. and Beaumont Dr. up to the front entrance of the building where our ministers will lead in the imposition of ashes on each participant.
Join us at 6 pm in the sanctuary for a worship service of Confession and Ashes.
Connections Class
New to VHBC? Join Our Connections Class!
Are you new to Vestavia Hills Baptist Church and looking to get to know our church better? We invite you to attend our first Connections Class, a two-week experience designed to help individuals and families feel at home in our church community.
When:
Sundays, March 9 & 16
Time:
8:45: Light breakfast and coffee
9:00: Class begins
Location:
VHBC Seminar Room
Leaders:
Laura Tadlock, Minster of Discipleship and Senior Adults
Eric Spivey, Senior Pastor
This engaging class will explore what makes VHBC unique—who we are, what we believe, and what we hope. You'll learn about our worship, governance, discipleship, Baptist identity, mission, generosity, and more, all while building meaningful relationships. Each class day will offer unique information and provide the opportunity to meet different staff members. Those new to the church are encouraged to attend at least one class as their schedule allows.
SAM Bunco Game Day
Join SAM in the Fellowship Hall for a few rounds of BUNCO! We need lots of teams!
Bunco is played in 6 rounds and each round corresponds with the number 1 through 6 on a standard die. For round 1, players roll the three dice aiming to get as many “1s” as possible. Every time they roll a “1”, they earn a point. Players continue around the table, each taking a turn to roll the 3 dice. The round ends when a player at the table accumulates 21 points or more in “1s”. When this happens, they shout BUNCO! To signal the end of the round. Rounds 2-6 continue in the same manner with different target numbers. For example, in Round 2, players roll for “2s”; in Round 3, players roll for “3s” and so on until players finish all 6 Rounds.
After all six rounds are played, players tally up their total points from all rounds on their scorecards. The player with the most points wins!
Connections Class
New to VHBC? Join Our Connections Class!
Are you new to Vestavia Hills Baptist Church and looking to get to know our church better? We invite you to attend our first Connections Class, a two-week experience designed to help individuals and families feel at home in our church community.
When:
Sundays, March 9 & 16
Time:
8:45: Light breakfast and coffee
9:00: Class begins
Location:
VHBC Seminar Room
Leaders:
Laura Tadlock, Minster of Discipleship and Senior Adults
Eric Spivey, Senior Pastor
This engaging class will explore what makes VHBC unique—who we are, what we believe, and what we hope. You'll learn about our worship, governance, discipleship, Baptist identity, mission, generosity, and more, all while building meaningful relationships. Each class day will offer unique information and provide the opportunity to meet different staff members. Those new to the church are encouraged to attend at least one class as their schedule allows.
Let's Deal with Stress
Practical and Spiritual Strategies for Dealing with Stress
Led by Kristie Chandler
Wednesday nights, April 2 & 9
We all face stress in different forms, but we don’t have to face it alone. Our two-part series on Stress Prevention and Coping Strategies will offer practical tools and spiritual guidance to help you manage stress effectively. In the first session, we’ll focus on preventive measures—how to reduce stress before it takes over. In the second session, we’ll dive into strategies for handling stress when it arises, including biblical wisdom, mindfulness techniques, and practical coping methods. Whether you’re dealing with daily pressures or seeking to better understand how to manage stress, this series will equip you with the knowledge and support you need. We will explore the topic of stress and its impact across all age groups. Come join us as we help each other find peace in the midst of life’s challenges!
SAMwich Sessions
SAMwich Sessions: boxed lunch and program
$10/person
Fellowship Hall
Red Mountain Theatre’s Seasoned Performers celebrate the contributions of older adults by producing both original and well-known material, providing performance opportunities for seniors, and bringing live theatre to special and underserved audiences. Our presentations may be populated by seasoned actors, but our performances appeal to people of all ages!
Let's Deal with Stress
Practical and Spiritual Strategies for Dealing with Stress
Led by Kristie Chandler
Wednesday nights, April 2 & 9
We all face stress in different forms, but we don’t have to face it alone. Our two-part series on Stress Prevention and Coping Strategies will offer practical tools and spiritual guidance to help you manage stress effectively. In the first session, we’ll focus on preventive measures—how to reduce stress before it takes over. In the second session, we’ll dive into strategies for handling stress when it arises, including biblical wisdom, mindfulness techniques, and practical coping methods. Whether you’re dealing with daily pressures or seeking to better understand how to manage stress, this series will equip you with the knowledge and support you need. We will explore the topic of stress and its impact across all age groups. Come join us as we help each other find peace in the midst of life’s challenges!
Mountainside Clean Up Project
Two years ago, we undertook an effort to promote the natural restoration of the mountainside portion of our property. You may remember those conversations and our decision to take advantage of a grant from the Birmingham Historical Society to reduce the kudzu and privet growth so that natural species could retake swaths of the mountainside. After the initial spraying of the invasive species and the return of many native plants, we are now ready to do some cleanup in the affected area.
A fair amount of trash has accumulated, and the presence of the trash invites more to be thrown down the mountain (like mattresses and easy chairs). Given the terrain, this will not be a job for all of us, but we are seeking a team of sure-footed individuals who can join other community volunteers on the morning of Saturday, March 1st. In this late winter window, we can access the trash, cut back some dead kudzu mounds, and give native plants an upper hand on the mountainside.
Guest Teaching from Erin Hicks Moon
“Writer and podcaster Erin Moon has questions, and this book is her open letter for anyone who feels iffy, conflicted, or just downright devastated by this disconnect. With empathy, insight, and the therapy of memes and a good laugh, Erin maps out not a rigid prescription but an open-hearted pathway for you to reclaim what you once loved about your faith home and light a match to the rest.”
Join us for dinner AND a show, as we welcome Erin Hicks Moon to speak about her new book, I’ve Got Questions: The Spiritual Practice of Having it Out With God.
Questions to consider:
1. In the book, Erin addresses the commodification and rebranding of faith. What’s a specific moment or experience that led her to write about the challenges of recovering the “good” in Christianity?
2. How does Erin believe the approach of asking questions and wrestling with God contrasts with more traditional views on faith and certainty?
3. Erin’s book encourages readers to “reclaim what you once loved about your faith home and light a match to the rest.” How does the book guide people in distinguishing between aspects of faith worth keeping and those that might need to be let go?
Moms Retreat
5:00 pm, Friday, February 21 - 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 22
We will meet in the student lounge at church and enjoy dinner and Saturday lunch in the Fellowship Hall. Breakfast on Saturday morning in the youth lounge. Please plan to bring a 'Favorite Thing' wrapped gift to share. Wear comfortable clothing. Bring a cup and your favorite drink.
Readers Workshop for Children
Sunday, February 9, 11:15am-12:30pm, lunch included
We will begin in the Activity Room and end in the Sanctuary. Join our Readers Workshop to develop skills for worship leadership. Whether you are new to reading scripture in worship or have read several times in worship, this workshop will prepare you to confidently and meaningfully share God's Word in Sunday morning worship.
What You’ll Learn:
Worship Leadership: Explore the importance of presence, preparation, and appearance in leading worship.
Reading with confidence and expression: Learn techniques for reading aloud with clarity, meaning, and emphasis.
Connecting with the text: Discuss the meaning of scripture and practice marking passages with breath and emphasis cues.
Microphone Practice: Practicing at the pulpit microphone.
Preparing for Worship: Discover practical tips to prepare for leading on Sunday mornings.
Churchwide Retreat
The church-wide retreat at Shocco Springs, January 25th and 26th, 2025, will focus on "reaching new heights" in faith, relationship with Christ, and discipleship. The phrase "to reach new heights" in British English means achieving a higher level of success or improvement than ever before. The retreat will encourage participants to look outside themselves towards God's creation and to step forward on their faith journey. The retreat leader, Jamie Mackey, of FBCH, will inspire participants to reach new heights in their faith. Registration begins on October 30th, and the retreat promises a picturesque setting, fellowship among all ages, insightful teaching, and laughter-filled memories with our church family.
Christmas Eve at VHBC
‘Tis the Season for Peace
Our Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion service, this year at 5 pm, is a beautiful tradition at our church. With the glow of candles and the ringing of handbells, we celebrate the birth of Christ.
Come See the Baby
‘Tis the Season for Wonder
On Sunday, December 22, at 9 am in the Fellowship Hall, we invite everyone, but especially children and their families, to Come See the Baby, an experiential nativity event. Little ones will have the chance to touch, see, and hear the story of Jesus’ birth in an engaging, hands-on way.
Holiday Spectacular with SAM
Join our Senior Adult Ministry for another visit to Red Mountain Theatre and a fabulous Christmas musical - HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR.
Tickets are $40/person and can be purchased at the link HERE.
Together for Christmas
Join us on Wednesday, December 18 for Together for Christmas! Fun for all ages! Carols and boomwhackers, stories and Christmas cards, breakfast for dinner, and celebration of the Advent season!
Holiday Y'all Come Choir
‘Tis the Season for Singing
Sunday, December 15, we invite everyone to join our Y’all Come Choir during morning worship. No robes or prior experience needed - simply come to the Choir Room at 9:30 am for a brief rehearsal, and then join us in leading the congregation in song. You will be able to leave the choir loft before the sermon to sit with your family and friends. This is a wonderful opportunity for all who love to sing - no long-term commitment is required!
A Space for Consolation
For many, the holiday season can also be a time of grief or hardship. On Sunday, December 15, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, our Chapel will be open for those seeking a moment of quiet reflection or consolation. This time is set aside for anyone carrying the weight of loss, loneliness, or other struggles. The Chapel will offer a peaceful space to pray and find solace in the presence of God. Before Sunday, watch and listen to a conversation about consolation and grief between Pastor Eric Spivey and our Minister of Music, Marty Watts.
December Sessions at VHBC
Arts & Music in Advent with Scott & Beth McGinnis
Christmas Crafts with Allison Youngblood - $20 (for 4th & 11th)
Mahjong Game Night - $20 (for 4th & 11th)
Musical Performance, The Rose of Bethlehem
‘Tis the Season for Worship
On Sunday, December 8, at 10 am the Sanctuary Choir, accompanied by brass and percussion will present The Rose of Bethlehem. Through the beauty of music, we will journey to Bethlehem, reflecting on the miracle of Christ’s birth.
This worshipful offering promises to be a highlight of the season, lifting our spirits and drawing us closer to the story of Emmanuel - God with us.
Bethlehem Morning
Bethlehem Morning offers a shared experience for families to participate together.
What to Expect:
Interactive Activities for the whole family, including making your own Advent Wreath!
A special fun Photo Booth to dress up at the manger.
Live animals to visit outside.
NOTE: Babies and kindergarteners can join their SS classes after visiting the animals and having their pictures taken at the Photo Booth. Twos and kindergarteners are encouraged to join their families to make an Advent Wreath.
SAM Christmas Luncheon
Come and enjoy the season of Christmas at SAM’s annual Christmas Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall at 11:30 am. Enjoy a delicious lunch, listen to music, and behold the various nativities of our fellow church members.
Cost is $10 at the door. Please add your name to the list below. Thank you!
December Sessions at VHBC
Arts & Music in Advent with Scott & Beth McGinnis
Christmas Crafts with Allison Youngblood - $20 (for 4th & 11th)
Mahjong Game Night - $20 (for 4th & 11th)
Hanging of the Green
‘Tis the Season for Preparation
The first Sunday of Advent, December 1, brings the Hanging of the Green during our morning worship service. As we decorate the sanctuary with poinsettias, place ornaments on the Chrismon tree, and light the Advent candle, we prepare not just our church, but also our hearts for the coming of Christ. This cherished tradition reminds us that Advent is a time to center ourselves on hope, peace, joy, and love.
Kids Night Out
Our children (Babies-Sixth Graders) are invited to join us for Kids Night Out, Friday, November 8th from 6-8 pm! Pizza, snacks, and more! We hope parents will enjoy some time shopping or eating out at a favorite restaurant. Parents, please reserve your child’s spot by Tuesday, November 5th on the form below.
Small Group Opportunity in October
The Good and Beautiful God: A Special 5 week Small Group Engagement
facilitated by Suzanne Reece
Wednesdays in October 5:45-6:45 in the Wild Goose classroom
Have you ever asked yourself, "What do I know about God?" Do I know facts about God? Characteristics of God?
What might it look like to discover and deeply know the God Jesus revealed?
If knowing God more personally and intimately is something you are longing for, you are invited to join the journey through "The Good and Beautiful God" by James Bryan Smith. We'll spend five weeks (Wednesdays in October) engaging with God through scripture, prayer, soul practices, personal reflection, and conversation in community with others. Each week will include a focus on specific chapters in the book, as well as personal spiritual practices that lead to a greater intimacy with God. When asked about the intended audience for this book, Smith said, "Anyone who longs for change--young or old, new Christian or mature Christian, male or female, it doesn't matter." If a spiritual journey of this nature sounds intriguing to you, order the book, and sign up to be a part of the experience.
Please sign up for this small group offering. If you have questions, or would like more information, reach out to Laura@vhbc.com or contact Suzanne Reece at sreece71@gmail.com.
Small Group Opportunity in October
The Good and Beautiful God: A Special 5 week Small Group Engagement
facilitated by Suzanne Reece
Wednesdays in October 5:45-6:45 in the Wild Goose classroom
Have you ever asked yourself, "What do I know about God?" Do I know facts about God? Characteristics of God?
What might it look like to discover and deeply know the God Jesus revealed?
If knowing God more personally and intimately is something you are longing for, you are invited to join the journey through "The Good and Beautiful God" by James Bryan Smith. We'll spend five weeks (Wednesdays in October) engaging with God through scripture, prayer, soul practices, personal reflection, and conversation in community with others. Each week will include a focus on specific chapters in the book, as well as personal spiritual practices that lead to a greater intimacy with God. When asked about the intended audience for this book, Smith said, "Anyone who longs for change--young or old, new Christian or mature Christian, male or female, it doesn't matter." If a spiritual journey of this nature sounds intriguing to you, order the book, and sign up to be a part of the experience.
Please sign up for this small group offering. If you have questions, or would like more information, reach out to Laura@vhbc.com or contact Suzanne Reece at sreece71@gmail.com.
Fall Serve
Save the date on your calendars for Saturday, October 19th from 8:30-11:30 am at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church! Grab your favorite VHBC t-shirt, work clothes and shoes and get ready to serve your community!
Service areas:
RISE Against Hunger Food Packing in the Fellowship Hall
Packing Gift Bags for Dolly Ridge Elementary Teachers
Gardening and Groundskeeping around the church
Urban Ministries
Lovelady Center
and more to come!
Small Group Opportunity in October
The Good and Beautiful God: A Special 5 week Small Group Engagement
facilitated by Suzanne Reece
Wednesdays in October 5:45-6:45 in the Wild Goose classroom
Have you ever asked yourself, "What do I know about God?" Do I know facts about God? Characteristics of God?
What might it look like to discover and deeply know the God Jesus revealed?
If knowing God more personally and intimately is something you are longing for, you are invited to join the journey through "The Good and Beautiful God" by James Bryan Smith. We'll spend five weeks (Wednesdays in October) engaging with God through scripture, prayer, soul practices, personal reflection, and conversation in community with others. Each week will include a focus on specific chapters in the book, as well as personal spiritual practices that lead to a greater intimacy with God. When asked about the intended audience for this book, Smith said, "Anyone who longs for change--young or old, new Christian or mature Christian, male or female, it doesn't matter." If a spiritual journey of this nature sounds intriguing to you, order the book, and sign up to be a part of the experience.
Please sign up for this small group offering. If you have questions, or would like more information, reach out to Laura@vhbc.com or contact Suzanne Reece at sreece71@gmail.com.
Small Group Opportunity in October
The Good and Beautiful God: A Special 5 week Small Group Engagement
facilitated by Suzanne Reece
Wednesdays in October 5:45-6:45 in the Wild Goose classroom
Have you ever asked yourself, "What do I know about God?" Do I know facts about God? Characteristics of God?
What might it look like to discover and deeply know the God Jesus revealed?
If knowing God more personally and intimately is something you are longing for, you are invited to join the journey through "The Good and Beautiful God" by James Bryan Smith. We'll spend five weeks (Wednesdays in October) engaging with God through scripture, prayer, soul practices, personal reflection, and conversation in community with others. Each week will include a focus on specific chapters in the book, as well as personal spiritual practices that lead to a greater intimacy with God. When asked about the intended audience for this book, Smith said, "Anyone who longs for change--young or old, new Christian or mature Christian, male or female, it doesn't matter." If a spiritual journey of this nature sounds intriguing to you, order the book, and sign up to be a part of the experience.
Please sign up for this small group offering. If you have questions, or would like more information, reach out to Laura@vhbc.com or contact Suzanne Reece at sreece71@gmail.com.
Faith & Film - In Due Season
Faith and Film
October 2nd Beginning promptly at 6pm in seminar room,
Together for Hope presents a screening of In Due Season.
In Due Season shares the stories of our neighbors struggling with health care needs and challenges in our own backyard. We will review the film and Chuck Poole, Katie Fletcher and Ryan Hankins will facilitate discussion.
Small Group Opportunity in October
The Good and Beautiful God: A Special 5 week Small Group Engagement
facilitated by Suzanne Reece
Wednesdays in October 5:45-6:45 in the Wild Goose classroom
Have you ever asked yourself, "What do I know about God?" Do I know facts about God? Characteristics of God?
What might it look like to discover and deeply know the God Jesus revealed?
If knowing God more personally and intimately is something you are longing for, you are invited to join the journey through "The Good and Beautiful God" by James Bryan Smith. We'll spend five weeks (Wednesdays in October) engaging with God through scripture, prayer, soul practices, personal reflection, and conversation in community with others. Each week will include a focus on specific chapters in the book, as well as personal spiritual practices that lead to a greater intimacy with God. When asked about the intended audience for this book, Smith said, "Anyone who longs for change--young or old, new Christian or mature Christian, male or female, it doesn't matter." If a spiritual journey of this nature sounds intriguing to you, order the book, and sign up to be a part of the experience. There are a few books in the office available for purchase for $10/each.
Please sign up for this small group offering. If you have questions, or would like more information, reach out to Laura@vhbc.com or contact Suzanne Reece at sreece71@gmail.com.
A note from Suzanne:
In preparation for next Wednesday evening (October 2nd), please go ahead and read the opening portion of the book through Chapter One. This will include the following:
Introduction
How to Use This Book
Chapter One
Soul Training Exercise for Chapter One
We will begin our time next week focusing on our hopes and desires for this experience. I will bring a reading plan for the remainder of the book to share with you next Wednesday. As you prepare for our gathering, I would invite you to sit with and ponder Jesus' words to the disciples -- "Come and See". Please note -- we will begin each week at 5:45 pm. This will give us a full hour before folks need to begin leaving for choir. If you know someone planning to participate that I have not included, please let me know so I may share this information with them.
Dahlia Show
Dahlia Show presented by the Alabama Dahlia Society with exhibitors coming from AL,TN,GA,NC!
Judging will take place on Saturday morning from 9-12. Exhibit will be open to the public from 12:00- 4:00 free of charge.
Sip & Chat in the Library
Friday, September 27, 10-noon
Sip & Chat in the Library
George Pare’ will be sharing stories from his time with the FBI.
Disability & REACH
Come hear about how the historical, Biblical, and cultural views on disability provide us with opportunities to reach families with disabilities in our Vestavia community.
Melissa Pouncey will lead this offering in the fellowship hall. Come and see how we can extend our reach!
Melissa earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Alabama. Prior to joining PRC in 2023, Melissa worked as an SLP for United Ability in Birmingham, AL for 13 years. She served initially in the Early Intervention program, where she worked in both urban and rural settings, providing beginning AAC support for families. She also worked in the outpatient and inclusive preschool programs, where she completed AAC evaluations, consulted with school-based SLPs on device implementation, and provided ongoing therapy for children with a diverse array of speech and language disorders. Melissa served on a team that took AAC solutions, along with general therapeutic knowledge, to caregivers in orphanages in China with a program called (un)adopted. She taught in her community for many years, including giving a TEDx Talk at Samford University, before becoming a LAMP Trainer for the Center for AAC and Autism in 2021. She was named Alabama’s AAC Provider of the Year in 2020 by the State Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama (SHAA).
Melissa holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), a state license in Speech-Language Pathology from the State of Alabama.
Connections Luncheon
We’re inviting ALL visitors and new members to join us at a Connections Luncheon on Sunday, September 15th after worship in the Fellowship Hall.
Please sign up at the form below if you are interested in attending and learning more about Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. This luncheon is FREE and includes childcare. Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 11 at noon.