September 10, 2017
" Contentment in the Midst of Discouragement"

NEW WORSHIP TIMES BEGIN THIS SUNDAY
SEPTEMBER 10 | 9:30 AND 11:00 AM
 
Beginning this Sunday, there will be two, identical worship services every Sunday morning at VRBC! There will also be Grow Groups offered at both hours to best accommodate the continuing growth in our Grow Ministry.

INVITE OPPORTUNITY!
These new worship and Grow Group times offer greater flexibility and convenience for our guests and provide you THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY to invite a friend or neighbor to visit VRBC this Sunday. 

We're adding a service this Sunday. Have you invited a friend?

 
 
NEW TEACHING SERIES STARTS THIS SUNDAY
SEPTEMBER 10 | 9:30 AND 11:00 AM
 
In our world of modern medicine, we have many resources to address our physical sickness. But where do we go when it isn't our body that's sick, but our soul? What is the treatment when our illness is discouragement, or fear, or guilt?
 
Join us for this six-week series as we explore how Jesus is "The Cure" for the sicknesses that infect our souls. This Sunday: how to find contentment in the midst of discouragement.

GROW GROUPS BEGIN THIS SUNDAY
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN A GROUP!
 
Grow Groups begin meeting this Sunday morning for the fall 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?
Groups meet at various times and locations throughout the week, so look for a day and time that work best for you. Many groups are sermon content-based, but you may be interested in one of our topical studies, such as Christian Leadership or Exploring Christianity.  Click here and scroll down for more information about Grow Groups and to register.

INVITE OPPORTUNITY!
The start of a new Grow Group semester is always a great time to invite someone to come along with you to check out what our Grow Ministry is all about. Guests are always welcome to visit a Grow Group!
ESL FALL CLASSES BEGIN NEXT WEEK
REGISTER TOMORROW | 9:30 AM AT VRBC

During the school year, VRBC offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced English classes for adult speakers of other languages on Monday and Thursday mornings  at 9:30 am . Classes begin Monday, September 11. Classes are FREE;  textbook cost is about $20. Childcare (for children through age five) is also FREE.  

INVITE OPPORTUNITY!
ESL classes are a wonderful way to build bridges with those who are diverse and disconnected in our community. This is a great opportunity to invite your friends, neighbors, and others you have met who could benefit from English classes. Printed cards are available for pickup in the church office so that you can use them to invite people to attend.

For more information about ESL, click here.
HURRICANE HARVEY SERVE OPPORTUNITIES

There are many ways to help those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. We've created a webpage of specific ways you can serve and be the hands and feet of Christ to those in need in the Houston area.  

Serve opportunities  through our partners and other organizations  include  donating funds (highest need) and donating items , volunteering with a relief organization, and hosting evacuees and emergency workers. We are also planning a VRBC disaster recovery trip sometime in the next few months, and we'd love to know if you are interested in joining us.

Visit vrbc.net/hurricaneharvey to learn how you can help. The webpage will continue to be updated as new information becomes available.
"DROP YOUR PANTS" CLOTHING DRIVE
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10 AT VRBC

"Drop Your Pants," the annual clothing drive sponsored by The Ticket's BaD Radio to benefit Cornerstone Clothes Closet, will take place Tuesday, September 12, in front of the Victory Plaza broadcasting station (by American Airlines Center) from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Just drive up and drop off your donations of men's pants, jeans, shorts, golf and polo shirts, t-shirts, and long sleeve shirts (new or used). Also needed are new socks and underwear for men and women and travel-size toiletries. Cash contributions can also be made at the drive. Click here for more detailed information about the drive.

FREE STARS TICKETS!
Two  Dallas Stars tickets per person will be given in exchange for any donation of clothing, toiletries, or money made at Victory Plaza while supplies last (1,500 tickets total)! 

SERVE OPPORTUNITIES!
BEFORE THE EVENT: For your convenience, donations may be dropped off in the church lobby through September 10.

AT THE EVENT: Help intake, sort, and box clothing donations at the Victory Plaza broadcasting station from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm as listeners drive up and drop off clothing items. To volunteer,  click here.

AT CORNERSTONE CLOTHES CLOSET: To volunteer at the Clothes Closet (next VRBC serve dates are  September 23 and October 28 ),  click here . 

IN YOUR POCKET: To make a financial donation to the Clothes Closet in lieu of dropping off your pants, just  click here.
2017-2018 BUDGET VOTE
SEPTEMBER 24 DURING THE WORSHIP SERVICES
 
Pursuant to our church bylaws, after approval by Church Council and the Finance/Human Resources Committee, the proposed 2017-2018 Annual Budget must be presented to the members of VRBC for approval. 
 
During both worship services on Sunday, September 24, a ballot to vote to approve or not approve the proposed budget will be included in your worship folder. After completing your ballot, please place the ballot in the offering bucket during the offering time.
 
If you have not yet reviewed the proposed budget, please  click here to do so. If you have any questions, contact Donna Blankenship, Business Administrator, at  [email protected].