January 5 , 2020
The Power of Words:
"Words that Build"
"THE POWER OF WORDS"
A NEW TEACHING SERIES STARTS THIS SUNDAY
  
It's been said that "the pen is mightier than the sword." If you're talking about pure physical power, this statement is ludicrous. But if you're talking about impact, each of us has experienced this to be true in our lives. Hurtful words spoken by a parent or a friend can stick with us for years, or even decades. Encouraging words can inspire us to achieve things we never thought possible. Words are powerful! And in this new teaching series that begins this Sunday, January 5, we'll explore what the Bible has to say about "The Power of Words," and how God can use our words as a force for good in our families, our neighborhoods, and the world.
SPRING GROW GROUPS
REGISTRATION OPENS THIS SUNDAY

Would you like to grow in your faith, build new friendships, and strengthen old ones? How about taking the Sunday sermons further, discovering the mission God has for you, and being a part of the great things God is doing at VRBC? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, you need to join 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. This spring, we'll be offering tons of great groups at different times throughout the week, so there's sure to be a group that fits your schedule. On January 5, you'll be able to find a complete listing of our spring Grow Group offerings and register for a Grow Group at
vrbc.net/grow , or even easier, on the VRBC app!
WINTER WEEKEND | JANUARY 17-19
STUDENT REGISTRATION UNDERWAY

Perhaps the most talked-about event of Valley Ranch Student Ministries (VRSM) each year, Winter Weekend (WW) is a growth experience with disciple-making as our focus. Whether you've been a Christian for two months or twelve years or are perhaps just beginning to check out what following Christ is all about, WW is guaranteed to be a spiritual pillar that God can use to help you meet Him and be changed. WW is always a blast, so invite a friend (or two!) to join you. To register and to find out more information, please visit www.vrbc.net/students. Registration is open through January 8; the cost is $100.
GROWTH INTENSIVES
JANUARY 12, 13, & 19
 
We're in between Grow Group semesters, but that doesn't mean you have to put your spiritual growth on hold! Over the next several weeks, we're hosting four different Growth Intensives at VRBC. These sessions are all great opportunities to dive deeper into a particular topic that impacts our spiritual growth. Whether you're interested in preparing for our study of Romans by doing a deep dive, working on your marriage, increasing your cultural intelligence, or learning to see God in the movies, we have an intensive for you! Click  here or go to the VRBC app for more information and to register.
  • Sunday, January 12, 11:00 am to 1:30 pm: "An Introduction to Romans," led by Senior Pastor Larry Parsley 
  • Monday, January 13, 7:00 to 8:30 pm: "What's Love Got to Do With It?" led by Kim Bowen, Founder and CEO of The Marriage Place
  • Sunday, January 19, 11:00 am to 12:15 pm: "Cultural Intelligence," led by Carolyn Porterfield 
  • Sunday, January 19, 5:00 to 7:00 pm: "God in Movies," led by Don Harton
NEWCOMERS RECEPTION
JANUARY 19 | 12:15 PM

If you are new to VRBC, you are invited to a Newcomers Reception in your honor on Sunday, January 19! At this informal 30-minute gathering after the worship service, you'll have the opportunity to get to know some of our church staff, as well as meet others who are new to the church. We promise you will receive great hospitality and food, PLUS you'll have a chance to win some cool prizes. 
 
No RSVP is required to attend--just come! Children of all ages are also welcome, so please pick up your children after the worship service and bring them with you to the reception held on the east side of the church lobby.  If you have any questions about the Newcomers Reception, please contact Amy Wilkins, Pastor of Serve & Invite, at  awilkins@vrbc.net .
2020 MISSION TRIPS: IS GOD CALLING YOU?
ALL APPLICATIONS DUE JANUARY 15

We have three exciting mission trips planned for 2020, and we'd love for you to come along to help support our missions partners and to spread God's love throughout the world. Where is God calling you to go?

On this trip, VRBC is partnering with UBC Houston and Buckner's Family Hope Center to host business development seminars and to build a home for a family. We will also be partnering with our new church planters, Felipe and Perla DeLeon, for worship and outreach, as well as ministering to refugees and immigrants. Skills sets that would be helpful include creating business plans, working with employees, and leadership development. We also need people with experience in construction, electrical, plumbing, and other homebuilding skills, as well as those who are just willing to work! Spanish speakers are also needed to either translate or train.  Click   here   for a trip flyer.

The cost for this trip is as follows (does not include transportation):
  • $400 for adults
  • $250 per child 13 to 18 years old
  • $200 per child 5 to 12 years old
  • Under 5 years old -- FREE
Click here to apply. F or a financial assistance application and a sample fundraising letter, click here.

VRBC is sending a team to work in a red-light district to rescue women who have been trafficked and enslaved. The team will also minister to women who have been rescued.  Please email  Amy Wilkins  at awilkins@vrbc.net for more details; we cannot specify the location online.
 
VRBC partners with a family who serve as Global Field Personnel with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. On this trip we  will be supporting their team of 20 Field Personnel from across Asia as they gather for their team meeting. We will do children's ministry with their children in our host city, as well as with small churches on a primitive island. The group will also spend a few days doing ministry and tourism on a beautiful island known for its beaches. 

The cost for this trip is  $2,450.   Click
here  for a financial assistance application and a sample fundraising letter.  Once you are approved for the trip, we will create a fundraising page for you to share online and on social media. Please do not post the trip's location or the Field Personnel's names online.  Please contact  Amy Wilkins at
awilkins@vrbc.net  for  a trip flyer, as it cannot be posted online. 

APPLICATIONS FOR ALL TRIPS ARE DUE JANUARY 15, 2020
To find the application form and details about costs, tra vel, and financial assistance availability, click on the trip links above or visit  vrbc.net/serve . 

Spring Grow Group signup begins
January 5
Winter Weekend
January 17-19
Growth Intensives
January 12,13,19
Newcomers Reception
 
January 19
 
Mission trip applications due
January 15
Spring Grow Groups begin
January 26