May 14, 2017
" Life Lessons"
Dr. Larry Parsley, Senior Pastor

MOTHER'S DAY CELEBRATION
THIS SUNDAY | 10:30 AM WORSHIP SERVICE

Join us for a wonderful time of celebration this Sunday, May 14, as  we honor the special women in our lives!   We will share a meaningful time of  worship and appreciation together, and there will be extra hospitality and a gift for each lady.

INVITE OPPORTUNITY!
Mother's Day is an awesome opportunity to invite  someone to come along with you to worship and to enjoy  all the festivities!

GROW GROUP SUMMER SESSION 
REGISTRATION BEGINS THIS SUNDAY
 
This Sunday, May 14, registration begins for the Grow Group summer session. We have several new Grow Groups kicking off this summer, including groups focused on leadership, finances, the basics of Christianity, and more! Be on the lookout this Sunday in your worship folder for more information about groups and how to sign up. The Grow Group summer session begins June 4, so sign up soon!

GROW OPPORTUNITY!
What is a Grow Group? A Grow Group is a group of 10 to 20 people who meet together each week to grow to be more like Jesus. Groups dig into God's Word, build true friendships, and train for our mission. Some groups meet at VRBC and others meet in homes; some meet on Sunday mornings and others meet during the week. For answers to some FAQs about Grow Groups, click here.
SERVE AS A BIG HOPE MENTOR!
2017-18 SCHOOL YEAR | DEADLINE TO APPLY: MAY 31

WHAT IS A BIG HOPE MENTOR?
Big Hope mentors spend one hour per week mentoring and providing educational assistance to a student at Tom Landry Elementary School in a relationship that could change the future for both the student and the mentor! Each mentor also has a VRBC Prayer Partner who prays for the mentor and student regularly.

WHEN WOULD I MENTOR?
Big Hope follows the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD schedule, so mentoring takes place only during the school year and excludes school holidays. You may mentor on whichever weekday works best with your schedule. Because mentoring takes place during the student's lunch and recess time, the exact time will be determined by the student's school schedule, which varies by grade. 

HOW DO I SIGN UP TO SERVE AS A MENTOR?
If you would like to be a Big Hope mentor for the upcoming school year, click here to fill out the required application. Please turn in your completed application to the church office or via email to Sharon Bartley at bartley5@verizon.net by May 31. You can also email Sharon with any questions you may have.
GO ON A MISSION TRIP TO KENYA!
OCTOBER 5-15 | DEADLINE TO APPLY: JUNE 1

Join VRBC-supported missionaries Tom and Kerry Stickney of African Christian Outreach as they engage, equip, and empower the next generations of young East Africans across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan. 

On this mission trip, you will help train student leaders at their national student conference, serve on the predominantly Muslim coast, and care for and support the Stickney family as they serve in East Africa. Everyone will participate in community ministry, and if you have a  nursing, agricultural, or construction background, that would be helpful too. An optional two-day safari is also available.

Click here  to view the mission trip informational flyer and to sign up to go! For more information, please contact Amy Wilkins at  awilkins@vrbc.net  or 972-304-8722.
STUDENT LIFE FOR KIDS CAMP
JULY 30-AUGUST 2 | 3RD-5TH GRADERS (COMPLETED)
 
Hey kids, join in the fun at Student Life for Kids Camp at Lakeview Retreat Center in Waxahachie, Texas! It will be an exciting four-day/three-night adventure where we will learn about the greatest treasure of all . . . Jesus! We will experience engaging worship, hilarious drama, wacky recreation, family group Bible study, and great memories. Best of all, we will learn how to turn away from temporary earthly treasures and turn toward the abundant life in Jesus, our treasured Savior!

GROW OPPORTUNITY!
To register for camp:  GIRLS - Click here;  BOYS - Click here. Total cost for camp is $240, which includes bus transportation, t-shirt, and bag. 

INVITE OPPORTUNITY!
Friends are ALWAYS welcome, so invite someone to join you, and we'll see you at Kids Camp! 
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2017
"MAKER FUN FACTORY" | JUNE 12-16
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

At "Maker Fun Factory" VBS, kids learn they were created by God and built for a purpose!  J oin us every day, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, to learn: God made you; God is for you; God is always with you; God will always love you; and God made you for a reason. VBS is for children ages 4 years old (by 9/1/16) through 5th grade (completed).

GROW OPPORTUNITY!
Click here to register for VBS. There is NO cost to attend VBS.

INVITE OPPORTUNITY!
VBS is the perfect invite opportunity, so extend an invitation to families with children you know in your neighborhood and our community. Kids, invite your friends to  join in the fun!  
 
SERVE OPPORTUNITY!
Adults and students, this is also a great serve opportunity for you. Whether you're interested in stage design and set construction, teaching, hospitality, or something else, get involved with VBS! Contact Karen Simmang at ksimmang@vrbc.net for information. 
EMILY BELL SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT
SUNDAY, JUNE 4  |  REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
 
Each year VRBC hosts the Emily Bell Scholarship Golf Tournament to raise funds to award college scholarships to deserving VRBC high school seniors. Scholarship awards are based on financial need, academics, and leadership inside and outside the church. Thanks to the participation of many church members and guests, $14,000 in scholarships have been awarded the last two years.
 
This year's tournament will be held June 4 at Riverchase Golf Club in Coppell with a 2:00 pm shotgun start. A grilled burger buffet will immediately follow the tournament. Prizes will be awarded for low gross and low net, and raffle tickets will be available for purchase on site at registration. Cost is $90 per player and includes golf, range balls, and dinner.
 
INVITE OPPORTUNITY!
Click here to register your foursome now for a great day of golf and fellowship! Make your own team by inviting some friends, or if you don't have a team, don't worry--we will be glad to pair you with some other awesome golfers! If you have any questions about the tournament, please contact Buzz Lupton at blupton@vrbc.net.