COMING AUGUST 23: FALL MINISTRY PLANS! 
 
Over the last month, we've been spending significant time praying about and discussing possibilities for our ministry plans this fall. It is a unique and challenging season to be sure, but we believe God has great plans for us in the midst of it! We're excited to let you know that in our worship services on Sunday, August 23, we'll be announcing our ministry plans for the months of September and October. Make sure to tune in that morning for all the exciting opportunities (both in-person and online) that we'll be unveiling that day. Until then, keep praying and get excited about all God has in store!
GROWTH INTENSIVE: 
PARENTING ONLINE LEARNERS
AUGUST 23 | 3:00 PM | ONLINE
 
Many of our VRBC families are kicking off the school year with virtual learning, and parents and caregivers are stepping into new roles--many while navigating the additional challenge of working from home. We know this is a challenge, and VRBC's Family Ministry wants to support you and help equip you for success. Our church body has some fantastic educators with experience and training in online education who can help resource you as parents. Join our online Growth Intensive to get great information and also an opportunity to ask questions of your own.

Visit vrbc.net/intensives to register and to submit any questions in advance.
LOOKING FOR A SERVING OPPORTUNITY?
VRBC'S BACKPACK DRIVE WRAPS UP TOMORROW

Each year during VRBC's Backpack Drive, we deliver backpacks filled with school supplies to some of our neighboring children at Tom Landry Elementary School and the surrounding area who need assistance. This year our goal is to fill 160 backpacks, which will be given to students at Landry Elementary (whether learning in person or remotely) and the families we have been serving through Sack Summer Hunger. The church will provide the backpacks, and the congregation is asked to provide the needed school supplies.

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO PARTICIPATE! We still have several backpacks available for pick up. If you would like to donate school supplies, here's what you'll do:
 
The last day to pick up and drop off backpacks is TOMORROW, August 13, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (extended hours):
  • Pick up an empty backpack at the church's circle drive (south parking lot). Feel free to pick up and fill as many backpacks as you would like!
  • Fill the backpacks with the school supplies (a school supplies list is included inside each backpack).
  • Drop off the filled backpack(s) TOMORROW, August 13, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
BACKPACK DISTRIBUTION: If you would like to serve during backpack distribution tomorrow, please click here

BACKPACK DELIVERY: On Saturday, August 15, we will be delivering backpacks with school supplies, and praying for the children as they prepare to start the school year, whether learning in person or remotely. Click here to sign up to serve!

For more information, contact Arthur Mendes at amendes@vrbc.net.
VR KIDS DRIVE-BY SNOW CONES
BACK-TO-SCHOOL CELEBRATION | AUGUST 21 | 5 - 7 PM
 
To celebrate the kick-off to a brand new school year, we'd like you to join us for FREE snow cones! On Friday, August 21, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, we'll have a Kona Ice truck set up right here in our church parking lot, just filled with all kinds of tasty snow cone flavors. All you have to do is drive through and get your favorite!

This is a FREE event for kids and their families. Invite a friend!


VIOLA'S HOUSE 
A SPECIAL SERVE OPPORTUNITY

One of the wonderful ministries at Cornerstone Baptist Church is Viola's House. This special ministry offers emergency placement shelter for teen mothers who are faced with an unplanned pregnancy, and who may also be at risk for homelessness. The girls at Viola's House are under quarantine and are in need of meals. For those whose love language is cooking for others, this provides a really special serve opportunity!

The process is simple. Volunteers cook a complete meal for 6 girls, deliver it to Viola's House (just behind Cornerstone Church at 1828 South Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75215), and place it on the front porch. Then, just ring the bell and wait for someone to come out and take it in. 

To volunteer, click here
SERVE AS A BIG HOPE MENTOR
2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR
 
WHAT IS A BIG HOPE MENTOR?
Big Hope mentors spend one hour per week mentoring and providing educational assistance to students at Tom Landry Elementary School in a relationship that could change the future for both the student and the mentor! Each mentor also has a VRBC Prayer Partner who prays for the mentor and student regularly.
 
WHEN WOULD I MENTOR?
Big Hope follows the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD schedule, so mentoring takes place only during the school year and excludes school holidays. You may mentor on whichever weekday works best with your schedule. Because mentoring takes place during the student's lunch and recess time, the exact time will be determined by the student's school schedule, which varies by grade.

DURING THE PANDEMIC
The Big Hope program has always mentored children in person; however, during the pandemic we will mentor under the school's guidelines and requirements. We've been in contact with our partners and have been reviewing several options from online mentoring to old-school pen-pals. 
 
HOW DO I SIGN UP TO SERVE AS A MENTOR?
To learn more or to volunteer, please contact Big Hope Director Priscila Mendes at pmendes@vrbc.net.
ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

As many families are facing hard times during this pandemic, there are several resources available for assistance. 
  • For those who are actively involved in worship or Grow Groups at VRBC for at least the past two months, our deacons have a benevolence ministry to provide financial assistance. For more information or to request assistance, email Amy Wilkins at  awilkins@vrbc.net.  
  • For additional help, or for those who are not active at VRBC, we partner with Metrocrest ServicesChristian Community Action, and Irving Cares. These partners provide many resources such as financial assistance, job search and networking help, food pantries, and other resources from trained case managers. Several of these partners are currently offering back-to-school assistance for clothing, school supplies, and more. 
  • Additionally, several internet providers like Comcast and Spectrum are offering free or low-cost internet to qualifying families as students return to school or virtual learning. 
  • Our VRBC pastors and deacons would also love to be praying for you. You can email any prayer requests or care needs to care@vrbc.net.
VRBC CONTRIBUTIONS

Thank you for your generous giving that allows us to continue to make an impact through the ministries of VRBC. You can give online here or on the VRBC app. You can also use "Text to Give" by simply texting the word "Give" to 972-430-7733 and following the instructions. If you wish to mail your contribution, the address is Valley Ranch Baptist Church, 1501 E. Belt Line Road, Coppell, TX 75019. Please contact the office at 972-304-8722 or dblankenship@vrbc.net, if you need assistance or to request giving envelopes.

Follow this link for additional contribution and financial information. The VRBC Fiscal Year runs October 1 through September 30. The budget for the 2019/2020 Fiscal Year is $2,950,000. Actual contributions through the first two weeks of August 2020 are $2,492,405, which is 84.5% of total budgeted contributions. 
"DAVID: THE MAKING OF A SERVANT"
SERIES CONTINUES THIS SUNDAY

When we think of David, the first thing that comes to mind might be his defeat of Goliath, his beautiful Psalms, or maybe his reign as Israel's great King. And while all these things are true, they don't tell the whole story. He also walked through lots of tough times, many as a result of his own brokenness! But through it all, God was faithful to use David as his servant. For the next few weeks, we'll study "David: The Making of a Servant." In this series, as we study the life of David, we'll discover that regardless of our weaknesses, God can use us too.