December 6, 2020
Souvenirs:
"The Gift of Joy"
VRBC CHRISTMAS STORE 2020
IT'S THIS SATURDAY!

The VRBC Christmas Store is right around the corner! Through the busy hands of hundreds of volunteers, our annual Christmas Store will take place THIS Saturday. Although it may look a little different this year, we are blessed that we are still able to serve both our local community as well as our brothers and sisters from Cornerstone. We are looking forward to a great event!

In the mood for a little holiday baking? There are still several serve opportunities in hospitality and desserts. Questions? Please contact Arthur Mendes at amendes@vrbc.net.
EXPLORE MEMBERSHIP: VIRTUAL GATHERING
THIS SUNDAY | DECEMBER 6 | 5:00 PM
There are many benefits to becoming a VRBC church member! If you or someone you know would like to explore church membership, make plans now to join us online for an Explore Membership gathering THIS Sunday, December 6, at 5:00 pm. It is THE BEST way to find out what VRBC is all about! We'll gather together via Zoom and get to know each other a bit better. We can then interact with church leaders about what it means to be a VRBC member. To RSVP or find out more, email Amy Wilkins at awilkins@vrbc.net.
FOLLOW JESUS IN BAPTISM
SUNDAY | DECEMBER 13 | 9:30 AM
If God has been nudging you to be baptized, we'd love to visit with you about it! We have reviewed our safety protocols and believe that we can now safely do baptisms at our in-person worship services. On Sunday, December 13, we will celebrate baptism in our 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. For more information, contact Amy Wilkins at awilkins@vrbc.net. 
LIVE NATIVITY: FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
DECEMBER 11 | 6:00 TO 8:00 PM 

On December 11, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, we are hosting a very special drive-through Christmas event. There will be hot chocolate and a live nativity for you to enjoy! Simply drive around to the circle drive at the south entrance and follow the signs.

Everyone is invited so make sure to join us for this church-wide event! 
JINGLE JAM: SIMPLY CHRISTMAS
DECEMBER 12 | 7:00 PM | ONLINE EVENT

As a special treat this year, we would like to invite you and your entire family to join us for a live Facebook event, "Jingle Jam: Simply Christmas," on December 12 at 7:00 pm. This event is designed for all ages and will include games and music and drawings for prizes during the live chat! You can pick up your Jingle Jam supplies during the drive-through Christmas event on December 11, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

If you can't join us for the live event, it will be available online afterward to watch at your convenience.
COCOA, CAROLS, AND CANDLES
THURSDAY | DECEMBER 24 | 5:15 PM

Bundle up, bring your blanket or lawn chairs, and join us on in the south parking lot on Christmas Eve for a special time of celebrating Christ's birth! We'll have time for hot chocolate and visiting with friends, followed by a brief service of Christmas carols, Scripture reading, a message, and, of course, the lighting of candles as we sing together! The service is scheduled so that we'll be arriving just before sunset and the candle lighting will take place just after dark. We hope to see you there!
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS EVE AT HOME
 
For those who aren't able to join us in person for Cocoa, Carols, and Candles, we're excited to bring you a "Make Your Own Christmas Eve Service!" In mid-December, we'll post all the resources you need to have a Christmas Eve service with your family at home. It will include on-demand video content (Christmas carols, a special presentation by VR Kids, and a short message from Pastor Larry), along with activities you can do together, including Scripture readings, prayers, and candle lighting. Watch the website and eNews for more info soon!



VRBC PRESCHOOL REOPENS IN JANUARY
REGISTRATION IS OPEN
 
After much prayer, research, and consultation with health and safety experts, VRBC Weekday Preschool is excited to announce that we are planning to offer two preschool options starting January 25, 2021. Our options are:
  • Option 1: In-person
  • Option 2: Hybrid (virtual + a social opportunity)
We want to assure you that the safety of your children is of utmost importance to us. This summer, in coordination with the other preschools in Coppell, we developed a comprehensive COVID-19 Safety and Response Plan as required by the State of Texas. Details on in-person and hybrid preschool options as well as the Safety and Response Plan are available on our website. We feel that this plan addresses the majority of concerns that parents may have regarding our response to COVID-19.
  
Registration for preschool is currently in progress. To register, visit the preschool website. If you have additional questions, please call Sarah Waters or Anna Hazelrigg at 972-304-8444.
IN-PERSON WORSHIP SERVICE
SUNDAY | DECEMBER 6 | 9:30 AM
 
We have added weekly in-person worship services to our Sunday morning schedule and we'd love to have you join us! Here's how it works:
  • We will hold an in-person service each week at 9:30 am.
  • No reservations are required.
  • Seating will be socially-distanced and masks will be required.
  • No in-person children's ministry will be provided, but kids are welcome to join us in the services!
  • If you've been exposed to COVID or experienced any symptoms in the past 14 days, we invite you to join us online.
Also, please plan to join us after the service for an outdoor coffee reception immediately following the service on the south lawn.

If you're not ready to return, that's ok! We'll continue to stream our services each week at 9:30 am and on demand throughout the week. Just visit vrbc.net and click the "Worship Online" button!

Questions? Email Amy at awilkins@vrbc.net for more information. We look forward to seeing you soon! 
"SOUVENIRS" CONTINUES THIS SUNDAY

Do you remember a time when your parents would go on a business trip or vacation? One of their most important tasks was to remember to go by a market in whatever town they were visiting and pick out souvenirs. This Advent season, we'll dive into Isaiah 40, the great turning point in this powerful prophetic book. Israel has felt God's absence for so long. But now Isaiah predicts that God is on His way, and He's bringing "souvenirs" - gifts of comfort and joy and majesty and strength. Join us as we continue our "Souvenirs" series this week in person and online at 9:30 a.m. and on-demand throughout the week at vrbc.net/live.