September 4, 2016
"A New Mission"
Dr. Larry Parsley, Senior Pastor

WE GROW BETTER TOGETHER . . .  SIGN UP  FOR 
A GROW GROUP THAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU!
NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 11

More than 300 people have already signed up for a Grow Group! Groups begin meeting the week of September 11, so be sure to get signed up soon if you haven't done so already.

I'M IN! HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A GROW GROUP?
There are three easy ways (pick one):
  • CLICK HERE, then scroll down to sign up online.
  • Fill out a Connection Card during a Sunday worship service, indicating which group you'd like to join, and drop it in the offering bucket.
  • Visit the Grow Groups table in the lobby before or after Sunday worship services through September 11.
I'M NEW TO VRBC (OR I'VE BEEN ASLEEP THE LAST TWO WEEKS) . . . WHAT IS A GROW GROUP?
Grow Groups are groups of 10-20 people who meet together each week to grow to be more like Jesus. Groups do that by digging into God's Word, building true friendships, and training for our mission. There are groups that meet at VRBC and groups that meet in homes. Some meet on Sunday mornings, and others meet during the week. Each group will meet 13 times this fall, beginning in mid-September. For lots more information about Grow Groups,  CLICK HERE to check out our Grow Group FAQs.
 
I WANT TO JOIN A GROW GROUP, BUT WHICH GROUP SHOULD I SIGN UP FOR?
The short answer is . . . whichever one works the best for you! CLICK HERE for a catalog that lists all 22 of our Grow Groups, and you can pick the one that best fits your schedule or life situation. One thing to keep in mind: even though the catalog lists descriptions for each group based on age/family situation, you can choose whichever group looks best to you, regardless of whether or not you fit the description.  

LABOR DAY HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday, September 4, we will observe a holiday worship schedule. There will be no classes at the 9:00 am hour. During the 10:30 am worship service, Children's Ministry, including Kids Worship!, will be available for all children from birth through fifth grade.
 
In addition, VRBC offices will be closed on Monday, September 5, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

DAVE RAMSEY'S FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY
FIRST CLASS IS FREE | SEPTEMBER 25 AT 5:00 PM

We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University  (FPU) teaches God's ways of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions, and interactive small group activities over nine weeks, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you've dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more!

You are invited to preview the first class for free and then decide if you could benefit from FPU. The first class is Sunday, September 25, at 5:00 pm at the church.

FPU will meet each Sunday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 pm beginning September 25 through November 20. Cost to attend the nine-week FPU seminar is $100 for the first ten registrants (individuals or couples), then $114 thereafter. CLICK HERE to register to attend. 
WORSHIP MINISTRY SERVE OPPORTUNITIES

Do you like to sing?  Do you play an instrument? Do you like working with lights, sound, or video?  If so, we'd love to talk with you!  

From playing electric guitars to learning to ring with the Handbell Choir, from singing in the Worship Choir to serving in the production booth, there are many opportunities now available to serve in our Worship Ministry. 

For more information, visit vrbc.net/worshipministry, or check the Worship Ministry box on the back of this Sunday's Connection Card (found inside your worship folder). We will contact you right away to learn how you would like to serve.
JOBS FOR LIFE: MENTORS & STUDENTS NEEDED
STUDENT APPLICATIONS DUE THIS THURSDAY

Jobs for Life believes the church is uniquely equipped to help those who are unemployed or underemployed find meaningful employment t hrough honest relationships, biblically-based training, and an ongoing community of support. The Jobs for Life program uses  class curriculum and discussions to build skills essential for success in any work place, while individual mentors provide coaching and support. 
 
VRBC will host the eight-week Jobs for Life program this fall. Classes will meet Sunday and Wednesday evenings beginning the week of September 18 and will conclude November 9. 

MENTORS NEEDED:  We invite you to share in the Jobs for Life mission to restore dignity, to offer help and support, and to empower and equip people to provide for themselves and their families by becoming a mentor. Please contact Landa Parker and Cherie Walker at jobsforlife@vrbc.net to volunteer.

STUDENTS NEEDED: Interested students should submit an Application to the church office or by email to jobsforlife@vrbc.net  no later than September 1. CLICK HERE for the Application.

SPREAD THE WORD! The Jobs for Life ministry is a great opportunity to live out our church's mission.  Please talk to your friends and neighbors who maybe interested in this great program and encourage them to participate!

To learn more about Jobs for Life, email Landa Parker and Cherie Walker at  jobsforlife@vrbc.net .
ESL: TEACHERS & SUBSTITUTES NEEDED
FALL CLASSES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 12
 
During the school year, VRBC offers English classes for speakers of other languages on Monday and Thursday mornings. Teacher and substitute teacher volunteers are needed to work with these adult students, and we would love you to help!
 
Before you think you are unqualified or unable to serve, here are a few facts about teaching ESL you may not know:
  • Speaking a foreign language or prior teaching experience is not required--you just need a desire to serve others in our community.  
  • All training, curriculum, and teaching aids are provided. New teacher training is available at several alternative times and locations for your convenience.  
  • Teaching is only a 1 to 1.5-hour commitment each week on Monday 9:30-11:00 am or Thursday 9:30-10:30 am.
  • ESL follows the school district schedule. When school is on break, there is no ESL class.
  • Childcare is provided for all children ages pre-kindergarten and younger.
  • Teaching ESL is very rewarding! ESL students are gracious and motivated, and teachers and students often develop close friendships.
For more information about ESL or to volunteer to teach, please contact VRBC ESL Coordinator, Jay Bischoff, at esl@vrbc.net or 859-489-1082.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: MELANIE HOUCHIN

Congratulations to VRBC member Melanie Houchin for receiving the Tom Landry Big Hope Mentor of the Year Award! Melanie has been a faithful mentor to the same boy since the Big Hope mentoring program began over three years ago. She has patiently and wisely helped him through daily academic and behavioral challenges while seeing all the best in him and encouraging him each week. She always has a big smile on her face, goes above and beyond the call of duty, and can throw a football with the best of them! We are grateful to Melanie for her joyful service.

To learn more about becoming a Big Hope mentor at Tom Landry Elementary School, contact Sharon Bartley at bartley5@verizon.net.

Pictured: Melanie (on right) with Mike O'Teter,  Big Brothers Big Sisters Chief Program Officer.