Buckets o' care are being loaded up for the grand clean up across water-ravaged parts of our country! That's one highlight from this week's announcements....
Sept. 24: Bucket Brigade Assembles Today
We want to do our part to help families and communities clean up after the devastation and mess left by hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Today immediately after worship we are creating an assembly line in Fellowship Hall to complete 50 Church World Service clean-up buckets. These aid items are a meaningful way for people of all ages to participate in the recovery. You can pitch in by making a donation to our Bucket Brigade (suggested donation: $75 per family or as you are able) and/or by being part of our assembly process.
Welcome to the Table
Save Oct. 1 on your calendar! That’s when Vine Street Christian Church will join Christians around the world to celebrate World Communion Sunday. Diversity and inclusivity around the table of Christ are central to our faith, and on this day we place special emphasis on this grace. Celebrate what Christ is doing to overcome division in the world today! Make plans to join us on World Communion Sunday!
Who You Gonna Call?
Vine Street at the Movies will gather on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. to view 2016’s reboot of the classic horror-comedy, Ghostbusters (rated PG-13.) In it, a foursome of highly capable women take on the worst of New York's ghosts and spirits. With brief cameos from the 1984 original adding to the fun, comedy stars Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones provide both big laughs and subtle but positive role models for young women everywhere.
In the News
• Volunteers are needed Monday, Sept. 25 as we serve with Luke 14: 12. We will serve lunch with this ministry from 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m. To sign up, contact Jeff Miller (jeff.miller@img.com; 615/268-5195). We’ll meet on the Room in the Inn campus, 705 Drexel Street, 37203.
• The Official Board will have it’s next meeting Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.
• Women’s Night Out will meet on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. at Blue Moon Waterfront Grill located at 525 Basswood Avenue. Questions? Contact Jan Volk (janvolk.agla@gmail.com).
• Beer, food and conversation (though in no particular order) highlight the monthly Monday Men gathering. Next up: Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. at M.L. Rose Craft Beer & Burgers, 4408 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209. Contact Thomas Kleinertto be on the email reminder list.
Men’s Bible Study Explores ‘Mark’
Charlie Biter invites the men of Vine Street to share in a Gospel of Mark weekly Bible study. The group will use N.T. Wright’s Mark: 20 Studies for Individuals and Groups, along with a companion title, Wright’s Mark for Everyone. Rev. Thomas Kleinert will facilitate the conversation, which meets on Wednesday mornings at 7:30 a.m. in the conference room at Charlie’s office at 40 Burton Hills Blvd., Suite 420. Coffee and tea are provided. The study will end at 8:30 a.m. Please R.S.V.P. to Charlie (cbiter@rentsup.com).
What’s Happening with Disciples Regionally?
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Tennessee has scheduled a series of town hall meetings with Rev. Dr. Christal Williams, our regional minister and president. All members and friends of Disciples congregations are invited: “Come hear about the vision, direction, and partnerships of your regional church! Get an update on Bethany Hills and more….” The Nashville event will be on Thursday, Oct. 12, 6-8 p.m. at Alameda Christian Church, 4006 Ashland City Highway. For planning purposes, please register your attendance at http://tndisciples.org/eventregistration/ or call the church office at 615/269-5614 and our staff will submit your name.
Children’s Ministry Ignites With New Curriculum
Wondering where all the children have gone? If it’s 9 a.m. on a Sunday morning, they’re probably in Sunday school. The Children’s Ministry Committee of Vine Street is off to a strong start this season with classes for all ages!
Our new Genesis class for younger children is taught by Johanna Keith in Room 2 of the Children’s Wing. In Room 5, Helen Trabue and Malinda Moseley are leading the Seekers class for older elementary students. Both classes are learning through use of Spark Classroom, published by Sparkhouse. Spark Classroom is a two-year curriculum. Our children explore Old Testament stories each fall and New Testament stories in winter and spring. A few of our lessons this fall include: Creation, Isaac’s Blessing, the Red Sea, Ten Commandments, and Ruth & Naomi. Each week, kids and their leaders gather to explore their Bible, enjoy fun activities, pray and grow in faith.
Our Middle School Class, under the care of Jeff Miller, is experimenting with a recently available Sparkhouse curriculum titled Colaborate. No, it’s not a misspelling. It’s an interactive, comprehensive Bible study encouraging compelling conversation about God and what it means to follow Jesus as students dig into the Bible. By encouraging questions and taking an honest look at the holy mystery and complexity of Scripture, Colaborate moves learners onto a path of growth and discovery to help them build a faith that stays with them long after they leave Mr. Jeff’s class. You can find these collaborators in Room 3 of the Children’s Wing.
The High School Class is diligently working through Echo the Story, a curriculum inviting students to experience the biblical narrative through storytelling, creative reflection and dialogue. The class is currently studying the Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Bible. If you want to join them, look in the columbarium where you’ll find the group actively engaged in the scriptures. Their curriculum is also a product of Sparkhouse. For more information about these materials check out www.wearesparkhouse.org.
Children’s ministry is a dynamic part of the Vine Street community and new classmates are always welcome! Adults interested in seeing what all the hype is about can schedule a date to attend the class of their choice. Let’s grow together in our faith!