YMCA of Greater Birmingham - Downtown

The mall is full of decorations. Santa Claus is surrounded by children who cannot wait their turn to tell him what they want for Christmas. Storefronts are decorated with trees, lights and ornaments. Choral groups sing carols while the Salvation Army bells are ringing. The air is full of spirit, but once in the parking lot, much of that is lost. Christmas must be more than just a commercial holiday. And I believe it is.

We know the story. Mary and Joseph traveled a great distance to Bethlehem to participate in a census ordered by Caesar Augustus so everyone could be accounted for and pay taxes. Mary was pregnant with Jesus and near the end of her term. She rode on a donkey with Joseph walking. When they arrived, Mary and Joseph discovered no rooms in the inn. Perhaps, there was no room for people like “them.” After all, it is hard to imagine a family of means and a level of prestige having to resort to sleeping in a stable full of livestock.

Life was the same for most Jewish peasants, yet Jesus was different. Jesus came into this world and showed us another way of life where love has no bounds. He commanded us to feed the hungry, find shelter for the poor, clothe the naked and cold, and care for our children. His life revealed the true essence of our creator.

Christmas people know that radical love is not an event but a way of living. Jesus showed us the true way and called us to love, live and serve―not just once a year, but every day we breathe. This Christmas, let's be generous with our compassion for others. There are many ways to do that. We can lift others up in our prayers, take some gifts to the nursing home, check in on our neighbors, drop off some food and toys to the Salvation Army, or give away your gently used coats and shoes to your local shelter. Even if you do not give spare change to the poor soul at the corner, you can recognize her as one of God’s children. May the spirit of Christmas fill your hearts and souls!

Dan Pile
President/CEO

We loved seeing over 120 members from all our branches working out together on our NEW Schwinn Z Bikes at our Cycle Mania event with Schwinn Master Trainer Doris Thews. Thank you to our sponsor, CORE Health and Fitness!

Run to benefit the children of the Downtown Youth Center. Represent YOUR branch. Sign up today for the 35th annual Noojin & White Race to the Courthouse!

https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Birmingham/TheNoojinWhiteRacetotheCourthouse5K

SAVE THE DATE! Come celebrate the arrival of our new Schwinn Z Indoor Cycle Bikes! Join us on December 3rd at the Mtn Brook branch for CYCLE MANIA. We've increased registration to 140 for this member-only class. Enjoy an energetic 75 minute ride led by Schwinn Master Trainers. Registration is open on the APP!

JOIN OUR TEAM. Working at the Y is more than a job, it’s a cause. Our focus is to strengthen our community. Come serve with us. Learn more and apply ➡️ http://ow.ly/2HyW50KEIZx

WE’RE HIRING FRONTLINE POSITIONS
🌟Member Engagement: Front Desk, Health Coach
🌟Childcare: Learn & Play, Afterschool
🌟Aquatics: Lifeguards, Swim Instructors
🌟Wellness: Group X Instructors, Personal Trainers

JOIN OUR TEAM. Working at the Y is more than a job, it’s a cause. Our focus is to strengthen our community. Come serve with us. Apply Now ➡️ http://ow.ly/F4Y350KBysl

YMCA STAFF MEMBERS ENJOY
🌟 Complimentary Y Membership
🌟Extensive Program Discounts
🌟Team Atmosphere
🌟Flexible Schedules
🌟Serving Others

Become unsinkable! Registration for Swim Lessons is now open! New sessions start next month.

Register here!
https://www.ymcabham.org/swim/

🌟HIRING EVENT🌟
Join us TODAY at the Hoover YMCA from 1pm-3pm for on the spot interviews for Afterschool Childcare Counselors.
Learn more ➡️ http://ow.ly/TxUK50K7TbS

🌟HIRING EVENT🌟
Join us TOMORROW at the Hoover YMCA from 1pm-3pm for on the spot interviews for Afterschool Childcare Counselors.
Learn more ➡️ http://ow.ly/tpIc50K7Tc0

Thank you to Red Mountain Entertainment for donating tickets to Encanto Live at Oak Mtn Amphitheater! It's this Wednesday, Aug 3rd and we are giving these tickets to our members and program participants! Visit the branch for details.