February 11, 2018
"The Barrier of Pride"  
SERVE ON THE WELCOME TEAM! 

Would you consider serving one week per month on the VRBC Welcome Team? This team of volunteers ensures that every person who comes to VRBC on a Sunday morning has a great experience, beginning with the moment they drive into the parking lot.  The first word of our mission statement is inviting, and this team helps us create a warm and inviting atmosphere for everyone who attends VRBC. 

We are expanding the Welcome Team and have many new openings for people to serve. We have opportunities for volunteers in the parking lot, at both church entrances, in the lobby, at the Welcome Center, in our Hospitality (breakfast) Ministry, and in the Worship Center. 

If you enjoy smiling, meeting people, and sharing the love of Christ through a warm welcome, whether you've been worshiping at VRBC for thirty years or one week, we'd love to have you on the team! For more information, email Arthur Mendes at [email protected].
EXPLORE MEMBERSHIP LUNCH
FEBRUARY 18 | MEAL AND CHILDCARE PROVIDED

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about membership at VRBC, the Explore Membership Lunch on Sunday, February 18, at 12:15 pm in the Seminar Room, is THE BEST way to find out what VRBC is all about! After sharing a delicious meal and getting to know each other, church leaders will talk about what it means to be a VRBC member. Lunch is FREE, and childcare is available, if reserved in advance.

What are some of the benefits of becoming an official church member? 
Click here to find out!  

To RSVP to attend the Explore Membership Lunch or to get answers to any questions you may have, simply mark the back of your Connection Card during Sunday worship, or email John Hewlett at  [email protected] .
JESUS, FRIEND OF ALL
NEW TEACHING SERIES BEGINS FEBRUARY 18

Friendship. From our earliest years, it's one of the most important goals in our lives. Everything in us longs to truly be known and accepted by others. We don't just want acquaintances . . . we want true friends.

But friendship isn't easy. All too often, we end up getting hurt (or hurting others!) in our efforts to reach this elusive goal. So where do we go to find a true friend? And how do we know what true friendship looks like?

In this new teaching series, we'll look to Jesus--the best friend any of us could ever have. And as we marvel at the friendship He shows us, we'll learn how we can be a friend to those in our lives as well. Join us Sunday mornings beginning February 18 to learn about Jesus, a friend of all.
MISSIONARY SPOTLIGHT: JIM MUSTAIN

After more than three decades of successful ministry, nine of those years at VRBC, Jim and Sharon Mustain founded Loving Community,  a church without walls, in 2014. Through Loving Community, the Mustains seek to faithfully live out the mission of being good neighbors by connecting people into relationships and serving the needs of the community. Based in their townhome neighborhood in Lewisville, Jim and Sharon are practitioners of a holistic, Jesus model of life and ministry: "The Word [Jesus] became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood" (John 1:14, The Message).

The Mustains' daily rhythms are rooted in their community. They build relationships by hosting missional community groups, discipleship huddles, and seeker discussions. They lead teams of neighborhood, business, and church volunteers to serve in schools, senior adult homes, and other ministry venues. Jim provides community pastoral counseling and officiates at weddings and funerals, typically for those not members of any church. He also consults with churches, helping them imagine a missional posture.

The Mustains' prayer is that of the missionary Paul: "So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well" (Philippians 1:9).  To watch a short video and find out how you can support Jim Mustain and Loving Community,  click here .
CORNERSTONE BOOK DRIVE
NOW THROUGH APRIL 30

Cornerstone, our sister church in South Dallas, would like to add more books to its mini-library. Books on a variety of topics are needed to lend in the cafeteria serving its homeless ministry: Bibles (English and Spanish), art, photography, biographies, history, computer technology, literature, medicine, sports, and travel, as well as how-to, inspirational, sudoku, puzzle, and sketch books with pencils.

If you would like to donate gently used or new books, please drop off books on the front porch of the home of Amy and Jeff Suttle, where a container will be provided. Please email Amy Suttle at  [email protected]  for the address. Collection will continue through April 30.

PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION THIS WEEK
INVITE A PRESCHOOL FAMILY TO CHECK US OUT!

At Valley Ranch Baptist Preschool, children ages two to four learn through a Bible-based, custom curriculum that emphasizes essential skills for kindergarten readiness. Above all else, we desire for children to develop a life-long love of the Bible and to seek after Jesus all the days of their lives.

Don't wait to register for the 2018-2019 Valley Ranch Baptist Preschool year! Classes are filling quickly, and registration is now open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

Click here to learn more about VRBP and to obtain registration information. If you have any additional questions, please contact the Preschool Office at 972-304-8444.