GROW GROUP FAIR
THIS SUNDAY | AUGUST 22
After the worship service on Sunday, August 22, we'll celebrate the kickoff of our Fall Grow Group registration by highlighting all of our fall groups in the lobby. If you're new to the idea of Grow Groups, you'll have a chance to check out all the different groups and find out what they're all about. If you're already in a group, you'll get to reconnect and catch up with the other members of your group and get registered for the fall. See you there!

WHAT'S A GROW GROUP?
Grow Groups are groups of 10 to 20 people who meet together each week to grow to be more like Jesus. Joining a group is the BEST way to get connected at VRBC! For more info, check out our FAQs or email Pastor John here. The fall session will run from September 12 through December 16. Childcare is available for groups meeting on Sunday morning and Wednesday evening.
NEWCOMERS RECEPTION
SUNDAY | AUGUST 22
 


If you are new to VRBC, you are invited to a Newcomers Reception in your honor! On Sunday, August 22, join us in the lobby after worship for a chance to meet Pastor Larry and other staff pastors and learn more about VRBC and how you can get connected. There is no need to register - just look for the red tent and welcome sign and meet us there! After the Newcomers Reception, you are invited to stay for the Grow Group fair. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Amy at awilkins@vrbc.net.
STAFFING UPDATE
RECEPTION | AUGUST 22 | 11:00 AM
 
The VRBC staff is undergoing three transitions this month. Join us on Sunday, August 22, at a reception to extend a warm welcome to our newest employees and a special farewell to one of our long-time staff members
 
MAIN OFFICE
We are sad to announce that after serving on staff for 13 years, Julie McCord is transitioning to a new job closer to home with the Frisco ISD. During her time on staff, Julie served primarily in our Student Ministry. She has worked tirelessly behind the scenes for countless Student Ministry activities to ensure that events run smoothly and well. While we will definitely miss having Julie on staff, we are glad to say that Julie and her family will continue to worship and serve as members at VRBC! Thank you, Julie, for all you've done! 
 
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
Catherine Lacey is joining our Children's Ministry as our new Children's Ministry Associate. Catherine grew up in Austin, Texas, and accepted Jesus as her Savior at the age of 12. She completed her pediatric residency to become a pediatrician in 2013 and was training to be a pediatric gastroenterologist when her first son was born. At that time, she felt called to step away from her career in medicine. She spent the next 6 years at home with her 2 sons, Grant and Drew, who have brought her immense joy. During this time, she recognized her passion for children's ministry and finding ways to teach Biblical truths to children. Her husband, Brent Lacey, grew up at VRBC, and when the family moved to Coppell in the summer of 2020, the church already felt like home. The Lacey family joined as members last October. Welcome, Catherine!
 
STUDENT MINISTRY
Kassidy Turner is a senior at Dallas Baptist University, and joins our Student Ministry as our Student Ministry Associate. Originally from Rockwall, Texas, Kassidy has a passion for leading others to Christ by teaching, telling stories, and leading by example. She is majoring in Christian Studies at Dallas Baptist University and will graduate in May. She loves to learn new things and seek beauty in every trial. One of her favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:13, where the Lord promises "you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." In every trial, in every storm, when we seek the Lord with fervent grace, he is faithful to work through us. When we seek him wholeheartedly, he promises that we will find him. What a promise! Welcome, Kassidy!
EXPLORE MEMBERSHIP 
AUGUST 29 | 11:00 AM | SEMINAR ROOM

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, August 29, at 11:00 am. It is THE BEST way to find out what VRBC is all about! We'll gather in the Seminar Room after church 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.

Click here to sign up. Once you submit your registration, you will also be asked to complete a brief "Getting to Know You" form (one per adult). This allows us to tailor the content more specifically to registered participants.

If you have any questions, please email Amy Wilkins at awilkins@vrbc.net.
ESL TEACHER TRAINING
SATURDAY | SEPTEMBER 11 | 8:00 AM TO 3:30 PM

Our VRBC ESL program is gearing up for the fall semester. This year, in partnership with Literacy Connexus, VRBC will be offering training to anyone interested in teaching in or learning about the ESL ministry. During the class, students will learn principles of language education and teaching ESL. The cost is $40 per person ($35 for VRBC members/attenders), which includes the instruction manual and lunch. 

Reservations for this event are required by Monday, September 6, 2021. Space is limited, so registration may close BEFORE that date. Click here to save your spot. If you have questions, email Arthur Mendes at amendes@vrbc.net.
CHRISTMAS STORE AUCTION: MARKETPLACE
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A VENDOR?

The Marketplace will be back at the Christmas Store Auction on October 7! We are currently looking for "vendors" who make specialty foods and boutique-type art and crafts to sell during the auction evening. All proceeds will benefit the Christmas Store. In the past, we have sold beautifully packaged toffee, salsa, pickled jalapeƱos, cake balls, handmade soaps, adorable aprons, jewelry, potted flowers, and paintings, to name just a few. This area provides an opportunity for everyone to buy something fun. If you think you would like to be a vendor, please contact Cherie Walker at cherieswalker@gmail.com or 972-400-2721 for further information and parameters.
MEALS WITH A MISSION
SATURDAY | SEPTEMBER 11 | VRBC

Serving our community is part of VRBC's DNA, and one of our favorite ways to do that is through cooking! With that in mind, we are excited to invite you to join us for "Meals with a Mission."

Every quarter, VRBC volunteers prepare and distribute several hundred meals right here in the VRBC kitchen to distribute to families in need in our community. There are a variety of serve opportunities available. Take a look here and find the one that suits you best. We would love to have you serving right along with us!

At this time, we'll be serving the meals at VRBC. We want to provide and bless these families with a "restaurant experience." Additionally, our volunteers will have the opportunity to get to know our guests and pray for them personally. 

If you would like to give financially to support this ministry, please visit our giving page and select "Meals with a Mission" from the drop-down menu. For more information, email Arthur Mendes at amendes@vrbc.net.
PARENT CHILD DEDICATION
SUNDAY | SEPTEMBER 12 | 9:30 AM

At VRBC, we believe children are a gift from God, and Parent Child Dedication provides an opportunity to express publicly the desire to lead and spiritually nurture our children, in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, so that our children will develop a desire to love God and love others.

Our next Parent Child Dedication will take place during the worship service on Sunday, September 26 at 9:30 am. The deadline to register to participate in this dedication is September 12. Click here to sign up. Please register mother, father, child being dedicated, and siblings (if applicable). To learn more, please contact Priscila Mendes at pmendes@vrbc.net.
WE'RE PLANNING A FALL CELEBRATION!
OCTOBER 24 | 5:00 TO 7:00 PM

Mark your fall calendars now for a great church-wide celebration! On October 24, VRBC will be transformed into a giant carnival, complete with a trunk-or-treat, inflatables, delicious food, and games and activities for the entire family. Stay tuned for more details!
 
If you are interested in helping out at this event, please contact Amy Wilkins at awilkins@vrbc.net.