FOLLOW

"Follow Jesus into Friendship"

March 20, 2022

Luke 5:1-11

PARENTING THROUGH PRAYER

MARCH 23 | 6:00 TO 7:00 PM

One of the most important tools in your parenting toolbox is prayer! But many times we pray only for the needs of the moment. Join us for this Growth Intensive to learn how to pray FOR and WITH your children and students. Click here to get signed up!

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.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL "MONUMENTAL" | JUNE 13-15 | 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 15, 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.

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!

KENYA MISSION TRIP

SEPTEMBER 26 – OCTOBER 4, 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. Questions? Please contact Amy Wilkins at awilkins@vrbc.net. 

MISSIONARY SPOTLIGHT

FELIPE DELEON

For more than a decade, VRBC has been sending mission teams to a colonia outside of McAllen, Texas, called Peñitas. Through our partnership with Iglesia Viño Nuevo in Donna, Texas, and Buckner's Family Hope Center, we have been able to meet the needs of the community through ministries like vacation Bible schools, building homes, and helping train and launch small business owners. As we served this community of primarily Spanish-speaking immigrants over the years, we discovered a great need for a church in that area. After much prayer and in partnership with other like-minded churches and ministries, we planted a church in Peñitas called Ciudadanos del Reino, or Citizens of the Kingdom. 

Pastor Felipe DeLeon and other church leaders have been faithful to meet needs and minister to people in their community throughout the pandemic. They have battled and overcome COVID within their own family, and have ministered to many who have been ill or have lost loved ones due to the virus. While many partners like Buckner have remained closed, Pastor Felipe has been on the move, delivering food, water, and supplies to residents in need in their community having the great support of Iglesia Viño Nuevo in Donna, Texas (New Wine Church). Please be in prayer as they serve in such challenging conditions! To watch a short video update from Pastor Felipe, click here.