Book Study & Small Group
The new study is "The Good and Beautiful LIFE". It's the second book in the series but can also stand alone. So, if you know of folks who might be interested in joining us, please invite them. We will meet at 5:45 on Wednesday nights in the Wild Goose classroom. Starting at 5:45 gives us a little more time for conversation and sharing before folks need to leave to get to choir rehearsal.
If you don't already have the book, I've found a few copies at 2nd and Charles, or you can certainly order online. This book has 12 chapters, so it's a little longer than the first. With Easter and a few other odds and ends on the calendar, we may need to be a bit creative about our meeting times, but I'm hopeful we can work it out with very few kinks. If you're able to get the book before next week, go ahead and read the Intro and Chapter 1. If not, come anyway, and we will work through them together.
Blood Drive at VHBC
Give the gift of life on April 29th from 1-6 pm in the VHBC Fellowship Hall by donating blood to the Red Cross. There is a critical need for donors, and all donors will receive a $15 Amazon gift card* (*by email). Make sure you’re eligible to give by checking this list.
Book Study & Small Group
The new study is "The Good and Beautiful LIFE". It's the second book in the series but can also stand alone. So, if you know of folks who might be interested in joining us, please invite them. We will meet at 5:45 on Wednesday nights in the Wild Goose classroom. Starting at 5:45 gives us a little more time for conversation and sharing before folks need to leave to get to choir rehearsal.
If you don't already have the book, I've found a few copies at 2nd and Charles, or you can certainly order online. This book has 12 chapters, so it's a little longer than the first. With Easter and a few other odds and ends on the calendar, we may need to be a bit creative about our meeting times, but I'm hopeful we can work it out with very few kinks. If you're able to get the book before next week, go ahead and read the Intro and Chapter 1. If not, come anyway, and we will work through them together.
Grief Support
Grief is a subject that we don’t like to talk about. But because we love so deeply, we all grieve when one of our loved ones dies, whether it be a spouse, a child, another family member, or a long-time cherished friend. None of us is immune from grief; it has happened or will happen sooner or later to all of us. Each of our journeys will be different, but it always helps to have friends walk beside you, to have others to listen to you when your life seems shattered and a hole is ripped into your heart, and all your tomorrows seem hopeless.
Beginning Tuesday, April 22, our church will begin a grief support group for our members and residents of our community. It will be a sacred time each month for those of us who are grieving either a current or long-ago death to come together to learn more about facing a loss and seeking to find hope once again in our lives. Each meeting will be held at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church from 3:30-5:00 pm. Eric Spivey and Laura Tadlock, with the help of George Elliott, will facilitate the group using a series of videos, book discussions, outside speakers, and, most importantly, a time of personal sharing by group participants.
If you feel that participation in the grief support group can help you as you walk your personal journey of grief, please call Brittni Scott (205-979-5920) or register online by April 16 to reserve a place in the group. We certainly hope you will join us.
VBS at VHBC
Vacation Bible School at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church is open to completed Kindergarteners through completed Fifth Graders. We meet Monday- Thursday, June 9-12, 9 am to noon, with lunch for children, parents, and teachers at noon.
It's time to hit the trail for adventure! Each morning will be packed with meaningful Bible stories, hands-on science experiments, creative crafts, fun games, uplifting music, and so much more!
"Trust in God with all your heart!" Philippians 3:5-6
Grief Support
Grief is a subject that we don’t like to talk about. But because we love so deeply, we all grieve when one of our loved ones dies, whether it be a spouse, a child, another family member, or a long-time cherished friend. None of us is immune from grief; it has happened or will happen sooner or later to all of us. Each of our journeys will be different, but it always helps to have friends walk beside you, to have others to listen to you when your life seems shattered and a hole is ripped into your heart, and all your tomorrows seem hopeless.
Beginning Tuesday, April 22, our church will begin a grief support group for our members and residents of our community. It will be a sacred time each month for those of us who are grieving either a current or long-ago death to come together to learn more about facing a loss and seeking to find hope once again in our lives. Each meeting will be held at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church from 3:30-5:00 pm. Eric Spivey and Laura Tadlock, with the help of George Elliott, will facilitate the group using a series of videos, book discussions, outside speakers, and, most importantly, a time of personal sharing by group participants.
If you feel that participation in the grief support group can help you as you walk your personal journey of grief, please call Brittni Scott (205-979-5920) or register online by April 16 to reserve a place in the group. We certainly hope you will join us.
Lenten Retreat
Lenten Retreat: Story – Memory - Ritual
Your life is a great story, and it is part of an even greater Story, made up of all that has been and all that will be. As we remember our story, we bring the past into the present and realize its enduring power and meaning for our lives. Join us on Friday evening/Saturday morning (April 11-12) for an in-town Lenten Retreat where Chuck Poole will lead us as we consider our stories, engage our memories, and the meaningful rituals that support them.
The retreat is presented and funded as a component of Mike’s upcoming sabbatical plan awarded by the Lilly Endowment’s National Clergy Renewal Program, which supports efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen the pastoral leadership of Christian communities. Dinner (Friday), breakfast (Saturday), and childcare are provided.
Register here.
Schedule (all sessions are in the Fellowship Hall)
Friday
5:30 pm Dinner
6:15 pm Session 1
7:00 pm Adjourn
Saturday
8:30 am Breakfast
9:00 am Session 2
9:40 am Snack Break
10:00 am Session 3
10:45 am Adjourn
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!
Book Study & Small Group
The new study is "The Good and Beautiful LIFE". It's the second book in the series but can also stand alone. So, if you know of folks who might be interested in joining us, please invite them. We will meet at 5:45 on Wednesday nights in the Wild Goose classroom. Starting at 5:45 gives us a little more time for conversation and sharing before folks need to leave to get to choir rehearsal.
If you don't already have the book, I've found a few copies at 2nd and Charles, or you can certainly order online. This book has 12 chapters, so it's a little longer than the first. With Easter and a few other odds and ends on the calendar, we may need to be a bit creative about our meeting times, but I'm hopeful we can work it out with very few kinks. If you're able to get the book before next week, go ahead and read the Intro and Chapter 1. If not, come anyway, and we will work through them together.
The Women of Easter Lenten Study
The Women of Easter
Encounter the Savior with Mary of Bethany,
Mary of Nazareth, and Mary Magdalene
Mid-week Lenten Bible study
10 am Wednesdays in seminar room
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!
The Women of Easter Lenten Study
The Women of Easter
Encounter the Savior with Mary of Bethany,
Mary of Nazareth, and Mary Magdalene
Mid-week Lenten Bible study
10 am Wednesdays in seminar room
App Seminar II
Confused on where to start with our new VHBC app or church database?
Join Brittni Scott in the seminar room on Wednesday, March 26th at 10 am for another opportunity to learn all about our new VHBC app and our church database (ChurchStaq/PushPay). Let Brittni know you’ll be there and submit some questions before the seminar below!
Sunset Vespers
Celebrating the spring season and great weather with another round of Sunset Vespers services on the lawn at VHBC! Bring a friend, a chair and/or blanket, and prepare for a time of worship outdoors!
The Women of Easter Lenten Study
The Women of Easter
Encounter the Savior with Mary of Bethany,
Mary of Nazareth, and Mary Magdalene
Mid-week Lenten Bible study
10 am Wednesdays in seminar room
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!
The Women of Easter Lenten Study
The Women of Easter
Encounter the Savior with Mary of Bethany,
Mary of Nazareth, and Mary Magdalene
Mid-week Lenten Bible study
10 am Wednesdays in seminar room beginning March 12th
Grab a copy and read chapter 1&2 in preparation of our time together. We will use the study guide questions in our discussion time.
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.
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.
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.