Contemporary Service

Our Contemporary Service is a bit less formal and is located in our casual worship space, Tyson Hall. It usually includes a live band, stage lighting, and visual media.

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Mar 23

We don’t have life under control. We need God’s help. And the good news is that he’s always ready to forgive us and start the relationship when we take that simple step towards him.

#lent #easter #vestaviamethodist #vhmc #vestaviahills #birmingham #church #jesus #sermonseries #sermon #worship

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Mar 16

We all have a cross to bear. Even though none of us can control what crosses may come, we do have control over how we respond. Rather than resorting to complaining or bitterness or making excuses, we can carry our burdens for the sake of another just like how Simon did for Christ, and how Jesus does for us.

#vestaviamethodist #vhmc #vestaviahills #birmingham #church #jesus #sermonseries #preach #worship

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Jan 20

An Encouraging Word From Kipp ____________________________

Greetings in Christ’s Name!

If a person becomes a parent, there emerges a terrible realization that children are quite distractible and keeping them aimed toward the task at hand - any task - can be very challenging. I still have one child in school, and it is quite the relief when he walks out the door to school with everything on our “Do not forget list” on his person.

In truth, we humans are all very distractible. Part of becoming an adult is learning how to internally overcome the temptations and distractions so that we can accomplish what matters most. We learn tricks, make lists, set alarms, create routine - all to keep our eye on the bigger prize.

At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, Mathew, Mark, and Luke all record that Satan tried to derail Jesus before he even got started. Matthew and Luke report the same three attempts: 1) turn rocks into bread so that people know they will materially be blessed if they follow you and that you will eliminate the social ills of the day; 2) jump off the top of the temple as angels catch you so people know you have super powers; 3) get into politics and run the world as a great leader. Fortunately, Jesus refused to cave. He quoted scripture to give theological reasons for his choices. Satan also used Scripture, or should it be said he misused scripture. Most temptations don’t sound evil, they usually are close to the truth, but not quite true.

After 40 days, Jesus left the wilderness, preached the Gospel, and made disciples. He lived out what he would later instruct the disciples to do in the Great Commission - “Go into all the world and make disciples…” Jesus was able to not be distracted by good things, but kept his eye on the greatest thing.

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Jan 12

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Jan 4

An encouraging word from Kipp
___________________________

Greetings in Christ’s Name!

January is always a month of new beginnings, new ideas, and new hope. That is especially true for our church. We start the new year as an autonomous Methodist church, something we have never done before. Yet, we begin defined by the same values that have defined us since 1952.

There will be a myriad of details to be considered or re-invented this year as we are legally a different entity, but these are details with endless, hopeful possibilities. Yet in all that we look forward to re-inventing, our core values remain the same. We are defined by our baptism, our Methodist roots, and our commission to make disciples for Jesus Christ. By being grounded in these, it is exciting to see where God can take us. Our January sermon series will celebrate these roots.

Our theme for this year is “The Year to Shine.” Preceding years have included the year of prayer, the year to serve, and this year is all about sharing and shining the love of God as the Great Commission compels us. It can be a bit daunting - sharing faith. Most of us don’t want to smother our friends and contacts in unwanted “preachiness.” But, if we are truly living out our Christ-centered life of purpose, shining our faith should be a natural side-effect.

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Dec 14

An Encouraging Word From Kipp
__________________________

Greetings in Christ’s Name!

A few weeks ago, my wife, Stephanie, had knee replacement surgery (and is recovering well!). We did not spread the word far, because we did not anticipate complications and felt we could handle things. But along the way, people chose to help, to be the hands and feet of Christ. We were surprised how much these gestures meant - meals from her small group and Sunday school class, a prayer shawl, special instructions from a parishioner who knew secrets on how to restock ice in the machine we went home with, texts from folks checking, and flowers from the altar guild. Small things, but they meant a lot. People had taken the time to show God’s love.

This Sunday we conclude our series on “One of Us” and we’ll be looking at how we are the Body of Christ. We incarnate God’s love through our actions, words, and spirit. Often we think that has to be something grandiose, but it is the small things that can also add up. The shepherds are ever a reminder that God pays attention to the small things. The shepherds were likely children with no power in society, but God invited them to see the baby just as it was born. God chose to include those who were at the least powerful place.

Our Advent Devotional Guide is filled with stories of people who have found ways to serve God. All of them are excellent, but one of my favorite is from John David Reamey, aged 10, whose devotion is for December 16 and is entitled “Ministry of Small Things." In it he says the following:

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Jun 10

New Sermon Series in Contemporary! See you this Sunday!

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Apr 17

Christ the Lord is risen today!

Happy Easter everybody!

#easter #vestaviamethodist #vhumc #vestavia #vestaviahills #birmingham #holyweek #heisrisen #jesus #church #worship

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