The Power of Story

Stories have always held a unique place in human communication. They have the remarkable ability to transport us to different times and places, engaging our emotions and deeply influencing our perspectives. Unlike raw data or isolated information, a well-told story touches our hearts and souls, making it a powerful tool for shaping attitudes and behaviors.

Neurologically, stories engage multiple parts of the brain simultaneously, enhancing our connection to the narrative and narrator. Interestingly, the brain activity of both the storyteller and the listener often aligns, creating a shared experience that fosters understanding and empathy. This phenomenon highlights the deep connection humans have with storytelling.

When we connect with a character or narrative, we are more likely to internalize the message and reflect it in our behavior. This response is something that statistics or logical arguments alone struggle to achieve. The emotional resonance of stories creates lasting impressions, making them more effective in guiding choices and inspiring change.

The Bible is much more than a compilation of historical accounts or doctrinal teachings; it is a story—a divine narrative that connects God with His creation. For Christians, this narrative transcends mere information or moral guidelines. It offers a profound experience with the living God who created, sustains, and redeems all things.

This fall, we invite you to join us for a transformative 10-week Bible study series during our Weeknight Worship service. We will dive deep into the central stories of the Old Testament that every Christian should know.

While the Old Testament consists of 39 books, 929 chapters, and over 24,000 verses, it is understandable that memorizing or fully grasping each one can feel overwhelming. Yet, as Paul reminded Timothy, “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Tim 3:16), and certain stories hold a unique significance in laying the foundation of our faith.

Starting Wednesday, September 11, at 6:30 pm, we will explore a key Bible verse each week from some of the most important Old Testament stories that set the stage for the life and ministry of Jesus as revealed in the New Testament. Through this series, we’ll return to the beginning, building a stronger understanding, faith, and trust in God’s grand story of redemption that culminates in Jesus.

In the spring, we’ll turn our attention to the Gospels and the life of Jesus. But for now, let’s journey together and explore some of the foundational stories of the Old Testament. These biblical stories (which formed the only Bible first-century Christians had) are central to shaping Christian faith and practice by grounding us in God’s overarching plan for creation. As was true then, these stories continue to connect us not just to abstract principles but to a living narrative that continues today through the work of the Holy Spirit. In this way, these biblical stories do not merely inform; they transform, inviting us to live out the ongoing story of God’s reconciliation and restoration in the world today. I hope you will join us as we worship, learn, and grow together on Wednesday nights this fall!

-- Travis

This Sunday @ VBC

Join us this first Sunday of September for Sunday School at 9:15 AM. If you have not yet found the right fit in a Sunday School class, please click here for our current brochure to peruse your options.

After Sunday School, we'll have morning worship beginning at 10:30 AM. This week Travis concludes his sermon series on the apostles with "Apostles are Persecuted," and the scripture is Acts 5:27-42. We will also observe communion. If you can't join us in person, livestream is available through our app (search Vinton Baptist Church VA through your app store), at www.vintonbaptistchurch.org, and through our Facebook page.

There are no other activities scheduled this Sunday so that you can enjoy your Labor Day weekend.

JOY Seniors Schedule

The November 2nd day trip on the Virginia Scenic Railroad is now full. However, we would love for you to join us for a lunch/theater trip to Wohlfahrt Haus for the viewing of "Christmas in the Park" on Saturday, November 9th. The cost of this trip is $70/person and includes dinner, the play, and a tip. The deadline to sign up and pay is Sunday, October 6th. When signing up, please indicate whether you are riding the bus or driving.

Seniors on the Move

Seniors on the Move is a low impact, weekly exercise class for senior adults. It takes place in the church gym at 1:00 PM every Thursday, beginning September 5th. Each class lasts approximately 35 minutes. Please see Ski Shelton with questions.

Youth Choir Fundraiser: Take Out Now Available!

Please support the 2024-25 Youth Choir Mission Tour by joining us for lunch Sunday, September 8th! Our menu: hamburgers, baked beans, & macaroni salad. The cost of each meal is $10/person, and we will begin serving immediately following morning worship. Join us in the gym for your meal and fellowship, OR sign up for takeout, which has been added to our options. A signup sheet is available at the Welcome Center and in the church office. The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, September 4th so that we will know how much food to prepare.

Walk with Jesus

This fall's Walk with Jesus class will begin September 15th and run through October 20th. It will take place during the Sunday School hour (beginning at 9:15 AM) in the library and is open to all 3rd - 5th graders who are interested in learning more about baptism and what it means to follow Jesus. Please see Jessie Burgess to sign up.

Ice Cream Social & Ministry Matters

Mark your calendars for September 15th, when we will kick off most of our Sunday afternoon/evening activities (see the list below). We will also have a church-wide Ice Cream Social at 4:15 PM and a Ministry Matters (business) meeting at 5:00 PM.

Art from the Heart & Mission Kids

Mark your calendars for September 15th, 5:00 - 6:30 PM in the small dining room for the 2024-25 return of Art from the Heart & Mission Kids! All K - 5th graders are welcome.

Fall Start Dates

Please note the following start dates for our regular school year activities and kickoff events:

• September 5th - Seniors on the Move exercise class (1:00 PM Thursdays)
• September 8th - Handbells Rehearsal (5:00 PM Sundays)
• September 10th - Steel Drums Rehearsal (6:00 PM Tuesdays)
• September 11th - Children's Choirs and Youth Missions Group (6:15 PM Wednesdays), Weeknight Worship (6:30 PM Wednesdays), and Chancel Choir Rehearsal (7:30 PM Wednesdays)
• September 12th - Travis' Thursday Morning Small Group (10:00 AM)
• September 15th - Walk with Jesus Class (9:15 AM every Sunday through October 20th), Youth Choir (11:45 AM Sundays), Church-wide Ice Cream Social (4:15 PM), Ministry Matters (5:00 PM), Art from the Heart & Mission Kids (5:00 PM), Parent/Student Youth Kickoff (6:00 PM)

Please call the church office at 540-343-7685 if you have any questions.

Proposed Budget

Click here to view the proposed budget for our next fiscal year. It will be officially presented and discussed at our September 15th Ministry Matters meeting.

September Preteens Event

The Preteens will have Dinner & Devo Sunday, September 22nd in the preteen room, 4:00 - 6:00 PM. All 3rd - 5th graders are welcome!

Wednesday Women Bible Study

We are so happy to report that Susan Jones and Wednesday Women are back!! Ladies, mark your calendars for 10 AM - noon each Wednesday from September 25th through November 13th. We will meet in the Disciple Center to study The Chosen 3: The Way of the Chosen. A sign-up sheet is available in the church office. Study guides can be purchased on Amazon or Christianbook. Call Susan at 540-580-8559 with questions.

Sunday, September 29th: Adult Choir Concert

We will be joining with Melrose Baptist for a combined concert of choral favorites on September 29th at 6:30 PM. The program contains some favorite selections of the conductors, such as “Wonderful Grace of Jesus,” “When I Survey,” “Down to the River to Pray,” and "Because He Lives.” Mark the date on your calendar or, better yet, come sing with us. Chancel Choir rehearsals begin September 11th (7:30 PM). There will also be 2 rehearsals dedicated to this specific program: 1) Thursday evening, September 26th at 7:00 PM and 2) Sunday, September 29th at 4:00 PM.

Marietta Meador

5434 Mayfield Street

Roanoke VA 24019-6412

Christian sympathy is extended to Bob Overstreet, Lisa & Travis Lang, and Sara and Rylan in the passing of wife, mother, and grandmother Kay Overstreet August 23rd.

Sunday, August 25, 2024

Sunday School: 219

10:30 AM Worship

• 384 in person
• 209 online

Thank you to the Alma Hunt Circle for their donations to the Maintenance & Improvement Fund and to the Community Assistance Fund.

Thank you to the Chancel Choir for their donation to the Music Ministry for the purchase of music.

Please extend a warm welcome to Brylan and Bentley Shupe, who joined Vinton Baptist this past Sunday, August 25th by profession of faith. They are the sons of Joy Thomas at 3315 Chestnut Mountain Circle, Vinton VA 24179. A baptismal service will be planned soon. Welcome, Brylan and Bentley!

Boys & Girls Club Received Their Grant!!

Thank you for praying for the Vinton Baptist Boys & Girls Club to receive their grant funding to open this location for the 2024-25 school year. We just received word this morning that the grant has been approved! Boys & Girls Club plans to open September 9th. Please continue to be in prayer for their staff and students this year.

Bible Reading Plan

BibleProject has an extensive (very informative, but also concise) article on Romans that also includes a video link for the first part of Romans (chapters 1-4) and another video link to finish out Romans (chapters 5-16). If you don't have time to read the entire article, please at least take a look at the videos. Happy reading!

-- Kim

Pandemonium Steel Drum Band

There is an opening in our steel drum band this fall. We will meet on Tuesday evenings, starting September 10th, from 6:00 until 6:45 PM. If you are a music reader and have a bit of rhythm, we need you. Consider being a part of Vinton’s very first steel drum band!

College Care Packages

It's that time of year again! We are collecting the following for college care packages for our undergraduate students: Slim Jims, small packs of jerky, gummies, hard candy, gum, hot chocolate packets, Fruit Rollups/Gushers, small packs of Pringles and popcorn, individual packs of Cheez-Its, and sharpies/pens. NO peanut products, please. You can drop items in the appropriate bin at the Missions Tables by Sunday, September 15th. Monetary donations can assist with the cost of mailing care packages; please mark your gift to VBC with the memo "college care packages."

Note to parents of undergrad students: please call Patsy in the church office (540-343-7685) or email Joanna Harman with your student's name and current address. We want to make sure that we include everyone, and we want to fully update our list of students.

Operation Christmas Child

Our Operation Christmas Child volunteers are gearing up for the 2024 shoebox season! We will begin wrapping shoeboxes Wednesday, September 4th and Friday, September 6th, 10:00 AM - noon in room 109 of the New Ministries Building. Anyone is welcome to drop in and help on these dates; we may adjust our schedule going forward to accommodate the most volunteers. If you have empty shoeboxes to donate please drop them at the Missions Tables at the church, or contact Darlene McCaskill (540-890-6748) so that she can arrange to pick them up. We will begin collecting items to go in the shoeboxes (small toys, combs, washcloths, toothbrushes, school supplies, socks, sunglasses, etc.) at the Missions Tables starting this Sunday, September 1st. Questions? Contact Darlene.

Operation Reach Out is Back!

Operation Reach Out is ON for 2024!! We will gather the morning of October 19th from 9 AM until noon to minister to our community through a number of projects. Please click here for the registration form, which includes a list of our projects. We will offer both breakfast (8:30 AM) and lunch (12:30 PM). And you have the option of purchasing a t-shirt. Please note that children as young as 3 years old are invited to participate. Please print and complete the registration form (copies will also be available at the church) and return it to Whitney as soon as possible (no later than September 25th). Questions? Contact Whitney.

Check Requests

Just a reminder that checks are signed by the church treasurers weekly on Wednesdays. If you need a reimbursement check (or a check having to do with your ministry) more quickly or on a specific date, please put that note on your check request form. I want to make sure you receive your request by the time you need it.

Thank you, Carrie Tolley

"Check out" these new books in the library!

• Where Butterflies Wander by Suzanne Redfearn
• The Elevator by Angela Hunt
• His Most Tender Touch by Tanya Stowe
• The Carroll County Courthouse Tragedy by Ronald Hall