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.
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)
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!
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.
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.
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)
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bunco in the Morning with SAM
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!
Churchwide Prayer Breakfast
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!
SAM Sip & Chat
Sip & Chat Fridays, beginning August 30th from 10 am - Noon.
All are welcome to this time of snacks, drinks, & good conversation!
Come fellowship with us and put together a puzzle or two!
Fall Book Study
Join Anna Claire Bailey for the next few weeks as she walks through Savannah Guthrie’s Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love
Fall Book Study
Join Anna Claire Bailey for the next few weeks as she walks through Savannah Guthrie’s Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love
Kickoff Sunday
Let’s kick off this new year church year with fellowship, worship,
and ways to connect
to ministry and mission at VHBC!
We will arrive on our regular schedule for Sunday morning, including Bible study for all ages and Sunday morning worship in the Sanctuary. HOWEVER…stay after for a ***FREE*** churchwide lunch in the Fellowship Hall and ministry tables, so you can find out more about VHBC this fall! Invite friends AND bring a dessert to share!
Quarterly Business Meeting
Get here early for our first supper back for the fall and then stick around for our Quarterly Business Meeting at 6 pm.
During dinner, check out the summer highlights from our children, youth, and choir and hear reports afterwards during our meeting from our moderator, Ryan Hankins and all of our ministry staff. We hope to see you there!
Blood Drive at VHBC
Schedule a blood, platelet, or plasma donation at our next Red Cross Blood Drive at VHBC on Tuesday, August 6th!
Summer Smalls with VHBC Youth
Last Summer Smalls of the season for our VHBC Youth - we’re talking about Wall-E at two different locations for our guys and girls!
Join us after at the McFarlands’ house for some pool time from 4-6 pm!
Backpack Blessing
Children & Youth are asked to wear/bring their empty backpacks at the end of worship while the church offers a blessing upon them for their new school year.
Back to School Party for VHBC Children
1st through 6th graders are invited to the Children’s Activity Room for a Back to School party with Ms. Nancy!
Youth Lake Day
VHBC Youth is heading to the lake in August! The last day to register is Sunday, July 28th - HERE!
This year we are introducing sibling discounts- if you have two or three students joining us for Lake Day, discounted prices are outlined in the registration form. We have scholarships available for families who need it; if money is the thing keeping you from signing up, please email me so we can work something out. Sixers are invited & encouraged to come to Lake Day, as it is a perfect time to jump into youth ministry before Kickoff Sunday on the 11th. Registration price includes transportation, lunch, and snacks, so just be sure to bring a towel, sunscreen, and a water bottle with you.
Summer Produce Market
This Summer, join VHBC for our first Summer Produce Market! Tuesdays from 10 am until 2 pm, catch Ann Franklin in the back parking lot (by Smyer Circle) for fruits and veggies, coffee and other drinks, hot dogs, and some delicious premade dishes and samples!
Spread the word and invite your friends!
Accepted forms of payment - cash, check, or credit
Proceeds from sales will be directed to the Kitchen Ministry and Church Mission Fund.
Pre-order dishes here!
SAM at the Museum
Comprised of 70 costumes spanning nearly half a century, this captivating show takes visitors on a journey into the enchanting worlds of Disney, highlighting the innovative ways some of the iconic characters are brought to life through the artistry and imagination of their costumes.
Premiering February 17, 2024, and running through August 18, 2024, the exhibition features a stunning collection of original works of art, including Captain Jack Sparrow’s pirate garb, Cruella De Vil’s fashionable frock, Cinderella’s glass slipper, and the Sanderson Sisters’ wicked wardrobe. Visitors will discover the craftsmanship behind exquisite ball gowns, majestic capes, intricate uniforms, dazzling tiaras, and more. These remarkable pieces provide a captivating glimpse into the creative process behind some of Disney’s most beloved characters.
The Youth from the Aughts
We’ve got a longing for nostalgia for the early 2000s and the VHBC Youth group from that time and we want to invite them, their kids, and any volunteers from that time to come, hang out, eat dinner, and reminisce about the “old” days. Have any photos from that time that you want to share? Send them to this link and some of our friends from that time are putting together a slideshow of memories.
VHBC Youth at Splash Adventure
VHBC Youth are headed to Splash Adventure! We will meet outside the student building at 9:00 am and pickup will be at 4:30 pm. The cost to signup is $50, which includes admission and transportation costs. Bring some money for lunch/snacks. Register below if you will be attending!
Things to remember for Splash Adventure:
FREE! FREE! FREE!
There are self-serve fountain drink stations throughout the park that you can walk up to at any time during the day and get yourself any ice-cold Pepsi beverage, lemonade, Gatorade, or water—absolutely FREE! What? Yes.
While I’m on the topic of FREE, I must also point out that the park has various FREE sunscreen (SPF 30) stations (one less thing to lug around)—how fantastic is that? They have FREE life jackets available in all sizes as well. And . . . drum roll . . . that is not all! The park also offers FREE Wi-Fi.
A Few Tips/Ideas:
Bring a towel.
Bring pool shoes because the summer sun, hot cement, and bare feet don’t mix.
Bring a shirt, shorts, and shoes if you intend to go to the amusement park section. You will not be allowed into the amusement park simply wearing your swimsuit and bare feet from the water park section. We wore swimsuit cover-ups and flip flops.
As mentioned above, no need to pack sunscreen, ice, cups, or drinks–all are provided FREE in the park. You can bring a water bottle if you like!
Summer Produce Market
This Summer, join VHBC for our first Summer Produce Market! Tuesdays from 10 am until 2 pm, catch Ann Franklin in the back parking lot (by Smyer Circle) for fruits and veggies, coffee and other drinks, hot dogs, and some delicious premade dishes and samples!
Spread the word and invite your friends!
Accepted forms of payment - cash, check, or credit
Proceeds from sales will be directed to the Kitchen Ministry and Church Mission Fund.
Pre-order dishes here!