‘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.

‘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.

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.

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!

‘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!

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.

• Arts & Music in Advent with Scott & Beth McGinnis

• Christmas Crafts with Allison Youngblood - $20 (for 4th & 11th)

• Mahjong Game Night - $20 (for 4th & 11th)

‘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 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.

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!

Arts & Music in Advent with Scott & Beth McGinnis

Christmas Crafts with Allison Youngblood - $20 (for 4th & 11th)

Mahjong Game Night - $20 (for 4th & 11th)

‘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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 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.

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 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.

Friday, September 27, 10-noon
Sip & Chat in the Library

George Pare’ will be sharing stories from his time with the FBI.

Join our Senior Adult Ministry (SAM) for a great morning of Bunco!

Fun, snacks, and prizes from 10-noon with the Bunco gamemaster, Gilda Coker in the Fellowship Hall!

You’re invited to a Churchwide Prayer Breakfast in the Fellowship Hall on Tuesday, September 10th at 7 am.

Cost is $5/person and will include a delicious hot breakfast of eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits, and more! Please sign up so we’ll count on you for breakfast!