May 21, 2017
" A Life of Investment"
Dr. Larry Parsley, Senior Pastor
GROW GROUP SUMMER SESSION 
GROUPS BEGIN JUNE 4 | 3 EASY WAYS TO REGISTER
 
It's time to sign up for the Grow Group summer session! There are several new Grow Groups kicking off this summer, including groups focused on leadership, finances, the basics of Christianity, and more!  

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, and it's definitely THE BEST way to get connected at VRBC. We have groups that meet at various times and locations throughout the week, so sign up for one today!  You can find out more information about Grow Groups and summer topics at vrbc.net/grow.

HOW DO I REGISTER?
You can register for a Grow Group anytime at vrbc.net/grow. You can also visit the Grow Group booth in the church lobby this Sunday morning or use the Connection Card found in your Sunday worship folder to sign up. It's that easy!

REMINDER: Even if you are planning on staying in the same Grow Group, you must register for the summer session.
SENIOR SUNDAY 
THIS SUNDAY AT 10:30 AM
 
The Class of 2017 graduating high school seniors will be honored this Sunday, May 21, during the worship service. Invite your family and friends to come celebrate and show support for these great students!
 
SENIOR JOURNALS | ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT TO SIGN!
Senior journals are on display in the church lobby (west side) and are available for signing. Please take a moment to write a prayer or express your congratulations to any or all of our graduating high school seniors. Students will take home their journals immediately following the worship service, so please sign before then!

LEADERS GATHERING
MAY 31 AT 6:30 PM
 
As a follow-up to our April gathering, you are invited to a Leaders Gathering on Wednesday, May 31, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the Seminar Room. 

During our time together we will discuss in more detail some of the specific implications of our updated worship philosophy.  We'll also share a delicious meal, hear stories of God's faithfulness, and pray together. 

Childcare will be provided, and no RSVP is necessary. Any VRBC attender is welcome to attend this meeting, even if you don't currently hold an official leadership role. We look forward to seeing you there!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
JUNE 12-16 | 9:00 AM TO 12:00 NOON |  AGE 4 TO GRADE 5

At "Maker Fun Factory" VBS, kids learn they were created by God and built for a purpose!  J oin us every day 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
 
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.
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.
PRESCHOOL DAY CAMP: "FUN IN THE SUN"
JUNE 26-28 | 9:00 AM TO 12:00 NOON | AGES 3 TO 5
 
Kids are sure to have lots of fun in the sun while learning more about God and how to live out His unshakeable truth. We will have LOTS of fun in the water, eat yummy snacks, and make cool stuff. We will even have a big water slide one of the days! 

Preschool Day Camp is for kids ages 3 (by January 1, 2017) through 5 years old (not currently in kindergarten).   All campers must be potty-trained.
 
GROW OPPORTUNITY!
Click here to register. Cost to attend is $35. Deadline to register is June 12 . 
For more information, please contact Karen Simmang at  ksimmang@vrbc.net .

INVITE OPPORTUNITY!
There's plenty of water and fun for everyone, so invite a friend to come along with your preschooler!
STUDENT LIFE FOR KIDS CAMP
JULY 30-AUGUST 2 | GRADES 3 TO 5 (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!