January 14, 2018
" A New Agenda "
VRBC SPRING GROWTH SEMINAR
THREE HABITS TO ACCELERATE YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH
JANUARY 21 | 12:15 TO 2:15 PM | FREE TO ATTEND

Would you like to turbocharge your relationship with Christ  in 2018? Then j oin us at our first VRBC Growth Seminar: Three Habits to Accelerate Your Spiritual Growth. On Sunday, January 21, from 12:15 to 2:15 pm, we will visit together about three powerful habits that will make a significant difference in your day-to-day life in the new year. 

This interactive and engaging seminar will not only talk about the biblical case for these three habits, but we'll also get really practical about how to incorporate them into your life and schedule. And don't worry . . . these habits don't require a Ph.D. or any special training. You just need a desire to follow Jesus more passionately than ever before.   

The seminar is FREE and includes lunch, childcare, and loads of practical resources  to help you get started with these habits. To register, CLICK HERE or just check the box on the back of your Connection Card this Sunday during worship. Guests are very  welcome, and everyone can benefit from this seminar, so be sure to invite someone you know to come along with you! 
MORE BLESSED SPECIAL OFFERING UPDATE
ONLY FOUR DAYS LEFT TO GIVE!

Thank you to the many who have given over and above to the More Blessed Special Offering. We are positioned to not only meet, but even exceed our goal of $300,000.

IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY GIVEN, YOU CAN DO SO THIS SUNDAY OR BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW.

 
   
More details about the  MORE BLESSED  initiatives and answers to many FAQs can be found at   vrbc.net/moreblessed . 
GROW GROUP REGISTRATION CONTINUES
SIGN-UPS CONTINUE THIS WEEK!
 
Grow Groups begin meeting on January 28 for the spring semester. Be sure to register if you haven't done so already! Register online at  vrbc.net/grow.

I'M STILL NOT SURE . . . WHY SHOULD I JOIN A GROW GROUP?
We can tell you lots of great reasons to join a Grow Group, but don't just take our word for it!  Click here to watch a short video and hear why EVERYONE should be a part of a Grow Group.

HOW DO I PICK A GROUP THAT'S RIGHT FOR ME?
Most of our groups cover topics related to the message from that week's worship service, but we also have several topical groups, such as Starting Point (a conversation about faith for those new to Christianity or returning), re|engage (a marriage enrichment group), and Financial Peace University (a group focused on bringing peace to your financial life)

re|engage
and Financial Peace University
This spring, both re|engage (our marriage enrichment program) and Financial Peace University (FPU) are a part of the Grow Group class offerings. If you would like to participate in re|engage or FPU and one of our sermon-based groups, feel free to sign up for both!
CHURCH LEADERSHIP VOTE
NEW COMMITTEE MEMBER CELEBRATION JANUARY 28

After last week's church leadership vote, we are happy to announce that our candidates were approved by an overwhelming majority. On Sunday, January 28, we will have a chance to recognize, celebrate, and commission our newest committee members in both the 9:30 am and 11:00 am services. Please be sure to say a kind word of recognition and thanks to our newest committee members.

CHURCH COUNCIL: Kim Morris and Kevin Ashby

DEACONS: Calvin Clark, Lynn Acosta, and Evangeline Ward

MINISTRY PLACEMENT COMMITTEE: Dan Rodriguez and Mandy Anderson

FINANCE/HR COMMITTEE: Judy Barbo and Mark Borchgardt
NEWCOMERS RECEPTION
THIS SUNDAY | 12:15 TO 12:45 PM

If you are new to VRBC, you are invited to a Newcomers Reception in your  honor! At this informal 30-minute gathering after the worship service next Sunday,  January 14, you'll have the opportunity to get to know some of our church staff,  as well as to meet others who are new to the church. We promise you will  receive great hospitality and food, PLUS a chance to win some cool prizes. No  RSVP is required to attend--just come!

The reception will be held in the Seminar Room (located at the east end of the  church lobby). If you need help finding it, just ask one of our friendly Welcome  Team members in a red shirt for assistance. 

Children of all ages are welcome to  attend, so please pick up your children after the worship service and bring them  with you to the reception.  If you have any questions about the Newcomers Reception, please contact Amy Wilkins, Pastor of Serve & Invite, at [email protected].
FUN & FRIENDS: GAME NIGHT
JANUARY 18 | 7:00 TO 8:30 PM

Ladies, let's get all of our girlfriends together on Thursday, January 18, for a fun night playing a very easy-to-learn game, Bunco, while enjoying friendly conversation and yummy snacks, including a hot chocolate bar! Play begins at 7:00 pm in the Seminar Room (located at the east end of the church lobby) and will run until about 8:30 pm. Prizes will be given for high and low scores. Cost to attend is only $5.00.

CLICK HERE to register to attend. Please note: this is a ladies-only, adult (teenagers and older) event. Please leave little ones at home.

INVITE OPPORTUNITY!
Fun & Friends will be a great night of connecting with other women in our church and our community, so invite your friends and neighbors to join us! If you have any questions about Fun & Friends, please contact Karen Simmang at  [email protected].
MISSIONARY SPOTLIGHT: CHARLOTTE WOOTTON
CLICK HERE FOR A SHORT VIDEO FROM CHARLOTTE

As a church planting coordinator with e3 Partners Ministry, Charlotte has the awesome privilege of taking North Americans on short-term missions trips and seeing their lives transformed as God uses their testimonies to tell a lost world about His love. 

In her role as coordinator for children's ministry, she is helping to develop materials and training for nationals to effectively minister to children and establish a children's ministry as each new church is planted. This often involves being a part of an e3 expedition in a country where children's ministry has not been introduced and modeling for the team, as well as the nationals, how children's ministry can be implemented and the rich benefits to be reaped when children are led to accept Christ at an early age.

Charlotte continues to co-lead teams on expeditions as a church planting coordinator to incorporate children's ministry as part of the new church plant. If you are interested in learning more about Charlotte's ministry and how you can be a part of it, please contact her att  [email protected]  or 214-803-0463.
MISSION TRIP APPLICATIONS DUE NEXT WEEK
MONDAY, JANUARY 15

Four exciting mission trips are planned for 2018. Why don't you come along and help support our missions partners as we spread God's love throughout the world?Click the links below for mission trip applications and details about each trip including costs, travel plans, and scholarship availability:
  • PERU | July 14-20, 2018
Applications for all 2018 trips are due January 15. If you have questions or need more information about going on a mission trip or the application process, please email Arthur at  [email protected] .
TRAVEL-SIZE TOILETRIES COLLECTION
NOW THROUGH JANUARY 24

VRBC's Cool Choir Club will be assembling toiletry kits for Cornerstone Baptist Church at their Spring Musical Kick-Off Party. The following travel-size toiletries are needed:

Body wash or small bar soap Shampoo
 Deodorant
Washcloth (used OK) Toothpaste

Toothbrush


Collection bins for toiletries will be located inside the north and south entrances of the church through Wednesday, January 24. Thank you!