April 5 , 2020
Palm Sunday
"Not What We Were Expecting"
TABLE TO THE CROSS SERVICE
THURSDAY | APRIL 9 | 7:00 PM |  GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES
 
Each year on Maundy Thursday, we spend time together at our Table to the Cross service following Jesus through the last 24 hours before his death. Given the unique season we're in, we are doing it a little differently this time! We will livestream a service (at vrbc.net/live) that leads you through the last 24 hours of Jesus' life, with lots of participatory activities you can do from home. The service is intentionally timed near sunset because it symbolizes the growing darkness of the final hours of Jesus' life. So if you have little ones at home, feel free to have them join in their pajamas!
 
The service will include  several opportunities for participation at home, so you may want to gather some supplies in advance. 
  • Note cards (index cards or plain paper is fine) and pens/pencils
  • Communion supplies: We usually use bread or crackers and grape juice, but if you don't have grape juice available, feel free to use water instead (see John 19:34).
  • Six candles (of any shape and size), and matches or a lighter
This reflective service is a meaningful time to focus on the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on our behalf and is a wonderful way to prepare your heart for the joy of Easter morning. We hope you will prepare now to worship with us at the Table to the Cross service!
EASTER SUNDAY: INVITE A FRIEND!
APRIL 12 | 9:30 AND 11:00 AM | AT  VRBC.NET/LIVE
 
Make plans now to celebrate the joy of Easter morning online with us on Sunday, April 12 at 9:30 or 11:00 am. 
 
For many, Easter provides the first opportunity to hear the gospel, and this year they can join us from the comfort and safety of their own home. This is a great chance to invite friends and family to worship online with you.  In fact, this may be the BEST opportunity we've ever had to invite an unchurched friend because they can watch without actually coming to the church!
 
INVITE: 
  • The best and most effective invitation is by word of mouth. Call or text a friend and invite them to join you for online Easter worship at vrbc.net/live.
  • To invite others using social media, click here for a cool graphic with all the details they'll need.
  • To email a personalized Easter invitation to any friends or neighbors you'd like to share this Easter celebration with, click here. Then click on the "SHARE" image, type in the requested information, and send. It's that easy! 
  • Involve your creativity and/or your kids by using sidewalk chalk and creating a colorful invite on the sidewalk, driveway or parking lot of your home or apartment!
COLLEGE KIDS: HOME FOR A WHILE?
GET PLUGGED IN AND STAY CONNECTED!

If you're a college student (or you know of one!), you've likely had your world turned a little upside down recently. Maybe you've had to suddenly move from your dorm to living with your parents again, or maybe you're just having to learn to study completely online. Whatever "social distancing" looks like for you, it's easy to feel unsettled or out of touch.  At VRBC, we're busy putting together creative ways for college students to stay connected. As an added bonus, Tom Stickney, a long-time VRBC missionary partner and former VRBC Student Ministries Pastor, is leading this process. If you're interested or know someone who might be, fill out this form and we'll get back to you when we have more details.
COVID-19: HOW WE'RE RESPONDING

Our staff and Church Council continue to closely monitor the Coronavirus pandemic and prayerfully consider the best way for our church to respond. We continue to ask God's guidance on how we can combine faithfulness to God in our ministries while also protecting our people, community, and world. Click the image to the right for a complete status. 

WORSHIP SERVICES AND ALL OTHER EVENTS 

Our worship services and all other events have been cancelled or been moved online for the foreseeable future.  While we are sad we will not be gathering together in person, we do have lots of great opportunities for you to continue to Worship, Grow, Serve and Invite, and to stay connected to the church family! Stay up to date by clicking the image to the right.

LIVESTREAMING INFORMATION

Even though we can't be together, we will still have the opportunity to worship on Sunday mornings! At 9:30 and 11:00 am every Sunday, we will stream a worship experience that you can share online at home. Click here on Sunday morning for the livestream.

SERVE: HOW CAN I HELP?

There are lots of ways you can help those around you. We have compiled and are maintaining a list of opportunities where you can serve. Please click here for more details. 
VRBC ONLINE GIVING AND BENEVOLENCE
"TEXT TO GIVE" NOW AVAILABLE

Even though we aren't physically meeting together, we encourage you to continue your generous giving that allows us to make an impact in our community. You can give online here or on the VRBC app. You can also mail your contribution to Valley Ranch Baptist Church, 1501 E. Belt Line Road, Coppell, TX 75019.  As a new option, we've added "Text to Give": simply text the word "Give" to 972-430-7733 and follow the instructions.  If you need assistance, please contact the finance office at  dblankenship@vrbc.net .  
 
We also know that in this time of uncertainty, some may be struggling financially. If that is the case for you or someone you know in the church, please let us know. We can connect you with our community ministry partners that provide great assistance, and our deacons administer a benevolence program that serves regular attenders of VRBC. For more information, please email Amy Wilkins at awilkins@vrbc.net. 
SUPPORT FOR THOSE WITH 
JOB OR INCOME LOSS
THURSDAY | APRIL 2 | 12:30 PM 

We invite you to connect with a team of VRBC experts (a financial coach, a job recruiter, and a job trainer) for a Zoom call on Thursday, April 2, from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. On this call, you will be able to connect with other VRBCers in a similar situation, receive great training and resources, as well as support, encouragement, and prayer.  To join the Zoom meeting, please click here a few minutes before the meeting.
Meeting ID: 787 535 812
Password: 733980

Additionally, check out this list of resources and helpful information on our  Serve page .
A RECOMMENDATION FROM PASTOR LARRY
DWELL  APP | SCRIPTURE READINGS

VRBC friends, I wanted to let you know about an IOS app that has been adding value to my walk with God recently. It's called the Dwell App. It is essentially a variety of Scripture reading plans, where the Bible is read in a few different translations by skilled narrators, all with the backdrop of music. There is also the option to listen to Scripture followed by anywhere from a few seconds to three minutes of prayerful reflection. Recently, the Dwell App decided to give churches free access through the end of May (it is regularly a subscription app). I signed us up as a church for it. By the way, I am not in any way affiliated with the Dwell people; I just really enjoy their product. Here's the link to sign up.