Spotlight on Upcoming Small Groups:

Wednesday Women

On September 20th we will begin several small groups: Wednesday Women (in the morning, led by Susan Jones) and groups on faith formation in the home (in the evening, led by Travis) and coping with grief (in the evening, led by Cathy Abraham). Starting this week, we will spotlight each group so that you can decide what works best for you.

Wednesday Women will meet from 10 AM until 12 PM in the Disciple Center and will run a total of 7 weeks, September 20th - November 1st. This fall's Bible study book is When You Pray: A Study of Six Prayers in the Bible, a collaborative effort by Kelly Minter, Jackie Hill Perry, Jen Wilkin, Jennifer Rothschild, Jada Edwards, and Kristi McLelland.

Do you have trouble thinking of words to say to God when you pray? Are you afraid some emotions are too intense to express to God? Do you reach the end of a day only to realize you haven’t prayed at all? You’re not alone. Prayer is the way we relate to God, but sometimes it’s a struggle. Throughout God’s Word, we encounter many voices who teach us how to pray.

In this 7-session study, join with six beloved Bible teachers who will help you study prayers in the Bible that can inspire your own. You’ll learn that God welcomes your praise and lament, your thanksgiving and intercession. You’ll see examples of how to pray when you’re alone and when you’re gathered with others. Above all, you’ll notice there’s no one right way to pray. As you draw near to God through prayer, you’ll find your faith strengthened and your heart united to Christ.

Please sign up in the church office (so that we will know how many ladies to expect) and plan to purchase your own book. If you cannot obtain your own book, please let us know when you sign up and we will purchase it for you. Each book is $25, and payment is due when you sign up or on the first day of our study.

This Sunday @ VBC: Sunday School Promotion

Come join us in Sunday School this week as we kick off a new year! Sunday School begins at 9:50 AM, and we have classes for EVERYONE! There will be a brochure available at the Welcome Center for anyone who wants more information on class options.

We'll also have worship at 8:45 and 11:00 AM. Travis will continue his new sermon series with "First Teaching: Repentance." The scripture is Acts 3:17-21. If you can't make it in person, you can find our livestream at www.vintonbaptistchurch.org or on our Facebook group page.

Children's Check-in this Sunday

Beginning this Sunday, we are going to experiment with children's check-in for Sunday School and Children's Worship. The downstairs (1st floor children's hallway) children's check-in will operate normally, with someone to check you in. The upstairs (2nd floor children's hallway) check-in will be configurated for self check-in. There are instructions available at the 2nd floor computer on how to check in. If there are any problems, simply go to the 1st floor. Going forward, we'd love to have your feedback on whether self check-in is helpful or if we need to find other options. Thanks in advance for being willing to experiment with us!

Supper Club

Come to our Back to School PJ Party this Saturday, August 12th at 6 PM in the gym! Please bring your favorite breakfast item to share. Milk and juice will be provided. Please bring a cup with a lid for each person in your household. Questions? Contact Erin Berry.

Budget Committee Meeting

The Budget Committee meeting that was originally scheduled for last night has been rescheduled for this Sunday, August 13th at 6:00 PM in the small dining room. Any church member is welcome to attend and be part of the budget discussion.

Preteens Back-to-School Kickoff

Preteens (new 3rd - 5th graders) should meet at Lancerlot at 3:00 PM this Sunday for their back-to-school event. We will have an afternoon of swimming and fun. If you are a Lancerlot member, please bring your ID tag. Pick-up is at 5:00 PM.

JOY Seniors

An overnight trip to the Bible Museum or the Smithsonian has been planned by Bonsack Baptist for August 30th - 31st. Vinton Baptist has been invited to join this trip. Find all the details at the JOY Senior table or on the JOY Seniors Facebook group page.

Are you a history buff? Join the JOY Seniors for a trip to Lynchburg on August 24th. We will have a guided tour related to Civil War history and the Civil War Medical Museum. Following the tour, we will enjoy lunch at Liberty Station in Bedford. The cost of this trip is $8 plus lunch. We will depart VBC at 8:30 AM.

Good food, friends, and fellowship will be found at the August 29th JOY Senior Luncheon. We will be entertained by Kyle Edgell, caricature artist and humor therapist. Lunch will be provided by Three Lil' Pigs, to include a BBQ sandwich, baked beans, coleslaw, and dessert. The cost is $10. Make your way to the JOY Senior table to sign up and pay for the luncheon, which will begin at noon. Come early to enjoy the fellowship!

Looking Ahead to September

Much of our regular school year programming is scheduled to begin in September, and there are also new opportunities for engagement. Following are some dates to keep in mind:

• Wednesday, September 6th: Weekly Praise Team (6:30 PM) and Chancel Choir (7:30 PM) rehearsals resume.
• Sunday, September 10th: Sunday night activities (like Youth Choir and Extreme) begin.
• Tuesday, September 12th: Weeknight Worship begins at 7:00 PM and will be offered every Tuesday evening through mid-November.
• Wednesday, September 13th: Children's Choirs begin (6:15 - 7:15 PM), and we will have a Ministry Matters meeting at 6:15 PM. (Reminder: there will be no Wednesday night dinners.)
• Wednesday, September 20th: Wednesday Women begins (see above). Travis' small group study on faith formation in the home begins at 6:15 PM. A small group on grief, led by Cathy Abraham, also begins at 6:15 PM.
• Saturday, September 23rd: Deacon training at First Baptist Martinsville.
• Fridays & Saturdays, September 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th, as well as October 13th and 14th: Pictures will be taken for a new pictorial directory.

Joyce Keaton

1536 Gordon Avenue

Roanoke VA 24014

Christian sympathy is extended to Melinda & Wally Mayo in the death of her brother, Jerry Butler of Springfield, Missouri; to family and friends of Mattie Forbes, who passed away August 2nd; and to Dottie Boone Hedge and family in the death of her husband, Gene Hedge, August 5th.

Children's Worship Volunteers Needed

Every Sunday we need one teacher and one helper at each morning worship service to lead Children's Worship for Pre-K - 1st graders. This does NOT involve doing the children's sermon in the sanctuary; this opportunity involves teaching or assisting in Children's Worship on the second floor once children are dismissed from the sanctuary. Please click here to sign up, or contact Whitney if you have questions. Thank you!

Church Directory

This Sunday volunteers will be available in the Welcome Center to make pictorial appointments for those who have not yet done so. Our appointment dates are September 22nd, 23rd, 29th, and 30th, as well as October 13th and 14th. Every family photographed will receive a free copy of the directory, as well as a free 8x10 portrait. You will have the opportunity to purchase additional pictures, but are certainly not obligated to do so. You do not have to be a member of Vinton Baptist to participate; we'd like to include everyone who calls VBC "home," whether you are formally a member or not. If you would like to set up an appointment before Sunday, call the church office at 540-343-7685.

Boys & Girls Club Request

The Boys & Girls Club has requested that we collect newspapers and magazines over the next several weeks for upcoming projects. Donations can be dropped in the appropriate bin at the Missions Tables. Thank you!

Vinton Baptist Church is seeking a part-time (approx. 25 hours per week) Minister of Children and Families who will lead our children’s ministry, overseeing the spiritual formation of children between the ages of PreK and 5th grade. This position is responsible for coordinating the activities and programs for this ministry, organizing annual events, and providing children and families with opportunities to grow in their faith, engage with the church, and participate in Christ’s mission in the world.



We are looking for a team player who is organized, professional, enjoys working with people, and is committed to helping children and families develop a deep love for God, others, themselves, the church, and the world. Email resumes to kim@vintonbaptistchurch.org.

Bible Reading Plan

We've finished 2 Kings, where Judah has been defeated by Babylon. Here are some things to expect from 1 Chronicles (per Fee & Stuart's How to Read the Bible Book by Book):

• Just like 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles was originally one large book, and it completed the Hebrew Bible.
• The Chronicler is writing during the period when the Israelites had returned to Jerusalem after the exile; he is looking back and sharing a history that begins with Adam and continues until King Cyrus of Persia directs the return of the Israelites and the rebuilding of a temple at Jerusalem.
• The first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles are devoted to a genealogy which begins with Adam and gives special attention to the nation of Judah and the tribe of Levi. Don't get bogged down in those genealogies because that's not all that Chronicles is about.
• 1 Chronicles 10 - 2 Chronicles 9 focus on the reigns of David and Solomon, highlighting the positives while overlooking much of the negative. "The Chronicler knows that his readers are well aware of the faults of these kings (see Neh 13:26). His interest is in how their positive accomplishments can inspire hope for a new day."
• 2 Chronicles 10-36 focus on the southern kingdom, its exile, and its return. A main theme is explained: "Success in battle and material prosperity are related directly to obedience to Yahweh, while failure is due to unfaithfulness or lack of trust."
• An important overall message is conveyed. While the Israelites' return and rebuilding of Jerusalem is a difficult and discouraging process (and is conveyed through the books of Haggai, Zechariah, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Isaiah), "[i]nto [this] overall context also steps the Chronicler, with a brilliant retelling of the story of Judah intended to give the present generation a sense of continuity with its great past and to focus on the temple and its worship as the place where that continuity could now be maintained."

Click here for a copy of our reading schedule if you'd like to jump in where we are at the beginning of Chronicles.

Blessing Box Needs

Following is an updated list of items needed for the Blessing Box: cereal of any kind/size; pancake mix; boxes of saltine crackers; sloppy joe sauce; cans of Chef Boyardee (any kind/size). Donations can be dropped in the appropriate bin at the Missions Tables.

Update from the

Zubtsov Family in Ukraine

Last week we received an update from Bogdan and Zhenia Zubtsov, who visited us from Ukraine last summer. Click here to read their latest email.

Dear Pastor Travis, Pastor Whitney, and Vinton Baptist Family,

Greetings from Coffeewood! We recently learned about a generous gift to GraceInside, and I wanted to send this just to thank you for your encouragement and support of this ministry. It was special for me to share about my work, and to know that we are still being remembered is such a blessing. May God smile on you and your ministry in the neighborhood and wherever God calls you. Grace and peace to you,

Chaplain Nick Meyer