Responding to God's call to join in the work God is doing in the world--it's always there, isn't it? Our response continues! Here's what's happening in the coming days at Vine Street Christian Church.
Coming Soon: Room in the Inn
Vine Street—you are amazing! In the last week we’ve offered hospitality to 28 of our neighbors across two Room in the Inn emergency shelters. Thank you! Let’s keep the momentum going to make a difference for more than 50 additional folk. We’re seeking volunteers for our second of two regularly-scheduled RITI sessions, Sunday, Feb.4 through Thursday morning, Feb. 8. Maybe you can provide a meal? Serve as a greeter, welcoming guests? Stay overnight? Sign up after worship today. Direct your questions to Outreach Committee Chair Randy Halstead (randyhalstead@gmail.com).
Celebrating David Johnson
For his more than 20 years of service to the Tennessee Region, Disciples are honoring David Johnson with a reception this afternoon from 3-5 p.m. at Bethany Hills Camp & Conference Center (1080 Bethany Hills Road). David, who grew up in this church and remains a dear friend to us, retired from his role as Bethany Hills camp manager late last year. If you can attend, please RSVP at the Regional website (www.tndisciples.org). Or, if you would like to send a card, write to: CC (DOC) TN Regional Office, Attn: David Johnson, 7980 Coley Davis Road, Suite 102, Nashville, TN 37221.
Prayer Group Gathering Wednesdays
This new year we’re expanding a ministry of our church. Wednesday Prayers meets at noon weekly in the Chapel (on Wednesdays, of course) and the entire congregation and its friends are invited. Julia Keith started this group a couple years ago as a way for Vine Street’s elders to pray in a particular pattern for our congregation and the world. Now the circle expands. Will you join us from time to time? We follow a printed liturgy for about 20-25 minutes. Contact Julia for more information (worldconvjulia@gmail.com).
In the News
• The Official Board will meet Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Remember, Board meetings are open to Vine Street participants.
• Women’s Night Out will meet at Coco’s Italian Market at 6:00 pm on Thursday, Jan. 25 (411 51st Avenue North). This group meets monthly, offering fun and fellowship for the women and friends of Vine Street. Contact Kathy Zamata for details (k.zamata@comcast.net).
• The dates of this year’s Regional Assembly of the Christian Church in Tennessee will be Oct. 12 & 13 at Lindenwood Christian Church in Memphis. Save the date!
Big Game, Bigger Cause
Our youth are leading the way on Feb. 4 as Vine Street Christian Church participates in the national Souper Bowl of Caring campaign. Can you make a donation? A dollar? The cost of a restaurant meal? A week’s food budget? Group members will be present with kitchen pots they aim to fill. All donations will benefit the Society of St. Andrew, a gleaning ministry feeding America’s hungry. Throw a penalty flag on empty plates! Let’s set the table for a big score that makes a difference in people’s lives.
Ministry Opportunity Monday
Our longtime partnership with Luke 14:12 kicks off a new year tomorrow at 11 a.m.! That’s when we’ll meet on the Room in the Inn campus to serve lunch to some of our city’s working poor and individuals who are experiencing homelessness (705 Drexel Street). Can you share in this ministry? Contact Jeff Miller to sign up (jeff.miller@img.com).
Buckets of Thanks
Dear friends, when it made landfall on the evening of Aug. 25, Hurricane Harvey brought torrential rains and heavy flooding to much of Texas and Louisiana. Through your generous contribution of 50 clean-up buckets plus monetary gifts, you are standing with neighbors who were hit by the storm. Thank you for equipping families with the tools they need to move forward and rebuild. May God bless you for your support.
—Rev. John L. McCullough, president and CEO, Church World Service
Trouble Within the Bible
Adult Christian education is studying Encountering God in Tyrannical Texts, by Frances Gench. Erica Hayden will present next week’s topic “Women and Worship Wars, Part 2” (1 Cor. 14: 33b-36). Make plans to join adult Christian education Sundays at 9 a.m. in Fellowship Hall!
Summer Camp Dates 2018
Church camp at nearby Bethany Hills remains a tremendous way for our children and youth to connect with God, the church and one another. Dates for next summer’s programs are as follows:
June 3-9: CYF (completed grades 9, 10, 11 or 12)
July 1-7: Eighters (completed grade 8)
July 8-11: Junior (completed grades 4 or 5)
July 15-21: Chi Rho (completed grades 6 or 7)
July 12-14: Discovery (completed grades 2 or 3)
Please contact a minister if you have questions about attending these summer programs.