FOLLOW

"Follow Jesus into Simplicity"

April 3, 2022

Luke 12:22-34

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL "MONUMENTAL" | JUNE 13-16 | 9:00 AM–NOON

This year at VBS, kids will discover the vastness of God’s love. Studies show that many kids today struggle with feelings of inadequacy, walking through deep valleys and canyons of loneliness. At "Monumental," we’ll point kids’ eyes up, to a loving, powerful God who is bigger than . . . well, anything! As they embark on action-packed, faith-filled adventures, they’ll explore what it means to be loved by a mighty God.

For kids currently in kindergarten through 5th grade, VBS will take place June 13 through 16, from 9:00 am to noon. Learn more and register here! Interested in volunteering at VBS? Click here and click the "register" button to find your spot!

VRBC "SAVE A LIFE" SUNDAY

SUNDAY | APRIL 3 | 8:00 AM TO 1:00 PM

Are you ready to make a difference and help to save a life? On Sunday, April 3, VRBC is hosting a blood drive with Carter BloodCare from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm in the church parking lot. Donating is conducted onsite at their mobile collection vehicle in the church parking lot and usually takes about twenty minutes.

Everyone ages 16 and older can donate blood; however, if you are 16, you must bring this Consent Form signed by your parents. You can also click here to schedule your appointment in advance. If you have any questions, contact Steve Massey at scmassey@verizon.net or 469-371-4512 or click here for more information. Watch this video to learn more about it.

EXPLORE MEMBERSHIP

SUNDAY | APRIL 3 | 11:00 AM

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 for an Explore Membership gathering on Sunday, April 3, at 11:00 am. It is THE BEST way to find out what VRBC is all about! We'll enjoy some refreshments 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. For more details and to get registered, click here. If you have any questions, please email Amy Wilkins at awilkins@vrbc.net.

FIRST WEDNESDAY (1W)

NEXT WEDNESDAY | APRIL 6 | 6:00 TO 7:00 PM

In recent months, Pastor Larry and our pastoral staff have increasingly felt led by the Holy Spirit to equip VRBC to strengthen our prayer – as individuals and as a church. As part of this conviction, we will be gathering in the Seminar Room on the first Wednesday of each month this spring to pray together.

At First Wednesday (1W), we will aspire to tune our hearts to the Holy Spirit through worship, to offer specific training on the many-splendored facets of prayer, and then to unleash you to pray about a broad variety of topics in a broad variety of ways (including praise, thanksgiving, confession, and requests for guidance and spiritual growth). We hope you'll join us next Wednesday at 6:00 pm!

SENIOR SUNDAY | MAY 15

ONLINE JOURNAL SUBMISSIONS DUE 4/15

Join us as we celebrate our 2022 Seniors at Senior Sunday! As in years past, we will be honoring them within the service, praying over their future, and celebrating their success with their senior journals. Make sure to send our seniors off well by writing to them in their journals! All submissions are due by April 15. Click here to get started!

HOLY WEEK

APRIL 10 THROUGH APRIL 17

PALM SUNDAY | APRIL 10 | 9:30 AM | OUTDOORS

Join us on Sunday, April 10, at 9:30 am as we celebrate Palm Sunday outdoors on the south parking lot! Elementary school students will attend the service with their families, while preschool ministry will be offered inside. All Grow Groups (kids, students, and adults) will follow their normal, indoor schedule.

TABLE TO THE CROSS | THURSDAY | APRIL 14 | 7:00 PM

On the evening of Maundy Thursday, we will follow Jesus through the last twenty-four hours of His life . . . from the Last Supper table all the way to the cross. 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 join us at 7:00 pm in the Worship Center. Children's ministry will be provided for preschool children.

EASTER SUNDAY | APRIL 17 | 9:30 AM

Make plans now to celebrate the joy of Easter with us on Sunday, April 17, at 9:30 am. Our worship service will have special hospitality for you and your invited guests, plus fun activities for kids!

SPECIAL NOTE: No Grow Groups will meet individually from Monday, April 11 through Sunday, April 17. Instead, all groups will meet together for the Table to the Cross service on Thursday, April 14.

SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

Please join us in praying for the people of Ukraine and for those who are serving on the ground during this time of crisis. Please pray that God would continue to fight their battle and protect them. Pray for the people of Russia, especially as many have family on both sides of the border. Pray that God would bring Putin and his war generals to repentance and swift justice.

If you would also like to give financial support, we are sending funds through these ministry partners: Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Texas Baptist Men, and Grace Faith ministry.

For more information, please click here. To give, click here, and select “Missions – Ukraine relief” in the dropdown menu.

SERVE DAY

SATURDAY | APRIL 23

As part of our Serve Initiative 2022, we're excited to hold a much-loved annual event, VRBC Serve Day, on April 23. VRBC Serve Day is a church-wide opportunity for us to be together and make a difference by serving at VRBC and through our local partners.

In just one day, volunteers will get to experience the joy of serving together inside and outside the walls of VRBC. Serving is truly a privilege, and as a church, we count it an absolute honor to be able to serve our community. To find out about the opportunities available on that day and to get signed up, just click here. This event is perfect for Grow Groups, families, or individuals who are looking to make a difference.

FOLLOW JESUS IN BAPTISM

SUNDAY | APRIL 24 | 9:30 AM

On Sunday, April 24, 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. 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.

WISDOM WARRIORS

THURSDAY | APRIL 28 | 11:30 AM TO 1:00 PM

Wisdom Warriors is a ministry for senior adults to build community and fellowship together. Join us on Thursday, April 28, in the VRBC Seminar Room to share a delicious meal and sing hymns together. All ages are welcome and there is no cost to attend. Please click here no later than April 25 to register. If you have any questions or would like to request transportation to the event, please contact Ann Kelly at anntkelly@verizon.net.

KENYA MISSION TRIP

SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 3, 2022

This fall, VRBC will be partnering with African Christian Outreach (ACO) on a mission trip to Kenya, led by VRBC-supported missionary Tom Stickney. On this trip, we will minister to the entire ACO staff team at their annual conference through worship, training, and kids ministry. We will also be able to see the beauty of Kenya by going on a three-day safari together! The trip cost is estimated to be $3,200 plus airfare (estimated to be around $900). Elementary school age and older are eligible to apply; children younger than 9th grade will need to have a parent on the trip. Click here for more details and to apply.

SOUTHEAST ASIA MISSION TRIP

MARCH 10-26, 2023 | KIDS ARE WELCOME!

VRBC partners with a family who serves 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. This trip is open to anyone and kids are welcome.

The cost for this trip is estimated to be about $3,000. Click here for a financial assistance application and a sample fundraising letter. For more information on the trip and our partners, we have printed flyers available in the VRBC church office. Please do not post the trip's location or the Field Personnel's names online. 

MISSION TRIP INTEREST MEETING: MAY 1 | 12:15 PM

Questions? Please join us on May 1 at 12:15 pm in the Seminar Room for an interest meeting about both of these trips. For any additional information, please contact Amy Wilkins at awilkins@vrbc.net.