September 6, 2020
David: The Making of a Servant
"God's Providence"
FALL GROW GROUP REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
ONLINE | IN PERSON | HYBRID

We are happy to announce that registration for our Fall 2020 Grow Groups is now open. Being a part of a Grow Group is a huge part of what it means to be a part of the VRBC family, and they are the best way to get connected to all the great things God is doing here. If you've never been in a group before, this is the perfect time to give it a try! And if you've been in one in the past, you already know the tremendous impact it can have on your life, so sign up today!

We're excited to offer a wide variety of Grow Group experiences this fall (Sep 13 - Dec 17) that we hope will provide an option for everyone, regardless of their comfort level with in-person gatherings. Click here for all the details and to get signed up.
LET'S GET TOGETHER!
SEPTEMBER 13 | OUTDOOR WORSHIP SERVICE

Join us on Sunday morning, September 13, for an outdoor worship celebration! We'll have chairs set up for you and your family in the south parking lot (socially distanced, of course) and plenty of water, so all you need to bring is yourself! Plan to arrive at 9:00 to find a seat and enjoy visiting with those around you!

Here are the details:
  • Parking will be available on the north side of the church or at the shopping center next door.
  • We'll have socially distanced spots marked out for you -- come early and grab your spot! (Pretend you're tailgating for a football game!
  • Feel free to bring your own snacks - we'll have bottled water available.
  • The service will be live-streamed (vrbc.net/live) for those who aren't able to join us in person.
Looking forward to seeing you!
FALL FORWARD 
PLANS FOR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER

Over the last month, we've been spending significant time praying about and discussing possibilities for our ministry plans this fall. It is a unique and challenging season to be sure, but we believe God has great plans for us in the midst of it and we're excited to share our plans for the months of September and October. Click here to find out more!
FOLLOW JESUS IN BAPTISM
SUNDAY | SEPTEMBER 13 | 9:30 AM

On Sunday, September 13, we will celebrate baptism in our outdoor (in-person) morning worship service at 9:30 am, and we would love for you to be a part of it! If you are a follower of Jesus but have never been baptized, this is a great opportunity to take that step. If God has been nudging you to be baptized, we'd love to visit with you about it! For more information, contact Amy Wilkins at awilkins@vrbc.net. 
CLOTHING DRIVE 2020
WE'RE GOING VIRTUAL!
 
Every year, VRBC partners with 1310 The Ticket to participate in the annual "Drop Your Pants" clothing drive benefitting the Cornerstone Clothes Closet, which serves hundreds of homeless men every month. Because it takes more than 100 volunteers working outside to make "Drop Your Pants" (DYP) happen each year, our very own Bob Sturm and Pastor Chris Simmons from Cornerstone Baptist Church are trying something new for DYP 2020.
 
Since many of you are already on your computer working from home, DYP has set up a simple online option for you to participate. Instead of dropping off clothing donations in person, this year you can just click a button and make a financial contribution from the comfort of your home! The money collected will be used to purchase clothing items such as blue jeans, underwear, t-shirts, golf shirts, winter jackets, and so much more from wholesale vendors.

The need for clothes at the Cornerstone Clothes Closet has not diminished so this fundraiser is more important than ever! If you would like to donate, please click here.
ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

As many families are facing hard times during this pandemic, there are several resources available for assistance. 
  • For those who are actively involved in worship or Grow Groups at VRBC for at least the past two months, our deacons have a benevolence ministry to provide financial assistance. For more information or to request assistance, email Amy Wilkins at  awilkins@vrbc.net.  
  • For additional help, or for those who are not active at VRBC, we partner with Metrocrest Services, Christian Community Action, and Irving Cares. These partners provide many resources such as financial assistance, job search and networking help, food pantries, and other resources from trained case managers. Several of these partners are currently offering back-to-school assistance for clothing, school supplies, and more. 
  • Additionally, several internet providers like Comcast and Spectrum are offering free or low-cost internet to qualifying families as students return to school or virtual learning. 
  • Our VRBC pastors and deacons would also love to be praying for you. You can email any prayer requests or care needs to care@vrbc.net.
SERVING CORNERSTONE
HOW YOU CAN HELP 

Our church has enjoyed a close friendship and partnership for two decades now with Cornerstone Baptist Church, a predominantly Black church in south Dallas. Their community has been hit particularly hard by COVID-19, with devastating effects on health, finances, and children's education. We reached out to Pastor Chris Simmons to see how we can stand with them during this challenging time. 
 
Here are some opportunities to serve:
FEED THE HOMELESS
Click here to help prepare and serve a meal on the first Thursday of the month.
 
WRITE NOTES
Click here to send an encouraging note to four seniors from Cornerstone Baptist Church.
ACCESS LIFE
SEPTEMBER 12 | 10 AM TO 2 PM | GRAPEVINE
Only one in ten people affected by disability attend church, so Access Life has designed a free, four-hour community outreach Expo event to provide a time of Christ-centered encouragement, support, and fun for individuals and families living with disabilities.

This year's North Texas Expo will be held September 12, 2020, at Meadowmere Park in Grapevine from 10 am to 2 pm. As always, the Expos are FREE events that feature boat rides, bank fishing, archery, kayaking, animals, adaptive sports, art, crafts, games, food, and more!

New safety guidelines including COVID screening and LIMITED RESERVATION ONLY times slots. Click  for more information about the Expo. To volunteer or participate, click here, visit access-life.org, or call (352) 455-9926.
LET'S FINISH THE FISCAL YEAR STRONG!

Thank you so much for your faithful giving to Valley Ranch Baptist Church. The fiscal year end for VRBC is quickly approaching on September 30 and we have met $2,579,637 of the $2,950,000 budget. To meet the fiscal year budget, we need contributions in the amount of $370,363 for September 2020. Your generosity has allowed VRBC ministries to remain strong and to continue in furthering the kingdom of God during these uncertain times. Please join us in finishing this year strong and beginning an exciting new year fully equipped to accomplish what God is calling us to do. We are grateful for you!
You can give online here or on the VRBC app. You can also use "Text to Give" by simply texting the word "Give" to 972-430-7733 and following the instructions. If you wish to mail your contribution, the address is Valley Ranch Baptist Church, 1501 E. Belt Line Road, Coppell, TX 75019. Please contact the office at 972-304-8722 or dblankenship@vrbc.net, if you need assistance or to request giving envelopes.
MISSIONARY SPOTLIGHT
CLAUDIA ADAME

Since 1997 Claudia has led multiple church planting expeditions to several countries through e3 Partners. Claudia now serves as the e3 EVP of Mission Support, which enables the ministry to steward God's people by helping them find their place in God's unfolding story and maximize their impact.
Her direct field ministry includes serving in Greece and Germany focusing on church planting among nationals and outreach to immigrants and refugees. Claudia leads short-term mission teams and virtual mission trips in partnership with local churches, which are reaching people with the gospel of Christ and connecting them with long-term discipleship opportunities.
Claudia says, "From day one, when God called me to serve full-time through e3 Partners, it has been an amazing journey fueled by the partnership of our home church, Valley Ranch Baptist. It is a privilege to represent Christ and all of you as we expand the Kingdom of God throughout the nations." Claudia asks that her VRBC family pray that God would give her wisdom and spiritual discernment to accomplish His will.

Click here to hear more of her story!
LABOR DAY HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
MONDAY | SEPTEMBER 7

VRBC church offices will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.