January 22, 2017
"A Life Founded on Grace"
Dr. Larry Parsley, Senior Pastor
GROW GROUPS BEGIN THIS SUNDAY!
HAVE YOU SIGNED UP YET?
 
Grow Group registration continues through this Sunday. There are three easy ways to join a Grow Group (pick one):
  • Fill out a Connection Card during the Sunday worship service, indicating which group you'd like to join, and drop it in the offering bucket.  
  • Visit the Grow Group table in the lobby before or after the worship service this Sunday. 
I'M NEW TO VRBC . . . WHAT EXACTLY IS A GROW GROUP?
A Grow Group is a group of 10 to 20 people who meet together each week to grow to be more like Jesus. To do this, groups  dig into God's Word,  build true friendships, and  train for our mission. For more information, click here for FAQs.

WHEN AND WHERE DO GROW GROUPS MEET?
The spring Grow Group session will begin January 22 and end May 4. Some groups meet on Sundays, and others meet during the week. Some groups meet at VRBC, and others meet in homes. A complete listing and description of our Grow Groups can be found at  vrbc.net/grow.

I WAS IN A GROW GROUP LAST FALL. DO I NEED TO SIGN UP IF I PLAN TO STAY IN THE SAME GROW GROUP?
Yes!  Everyone who wants to participate in a Grow Group this spring must register, even if you want to stay in the same Grow Group.
re|engage
MONDAYS BEGINNING JANUARY 23

Join us this spring for a marriage enrichment program which examines God's design for marriage and applies biblical principles to guide couples towards growth in their relationship with each other. 

This new Grow Group will meet Monday evenings from 7:00 pm to 8:45 pm beginning January 23 and will conclude May 22. Childcare is available each week.  Cost is $50 per couple, but scholarships are available. You can also be a part of a regular Grow Group while participating in re|engage.

Marriages in any condition can benefit from re|engage. So whether you want to grow closer together as a couple, are struggling to get along with your spouse, or your marriage is broken, come with us and re|engage!

Sign up for re|engage at vrbc.net/grow, by choosing Grow Group "RE."  For more information or to reserve childcare, contact us directly at marriage@vrbc.net.
CHURCH LEADERSHIP RATIFICATION VOTE
THIS SUNDAY
 
A specially called church meeting will be held this Sunday during the worship service for the purpose of asking church members to affirm and ratify the nominations made by Church Council and the Ministry Placement Committee for church leadership positions.  In addition to those continuing to serve, the following new nominees are presented: 

Church Council - Chris Cato and Sally Sturm
Deacons -  Andi Feille, Dion Graybeal, Sandy Williamson, Dan Rodriguez, and Biff Bivens
Finance/Human Resource Committee - Kathryn Goldsmith and Jason Wilcox
Ministry Placement Committee - John Elliott and Natalie Simigian
 
DEDICATION SERVICE | FEBRUARY 12
A Dedication Service for all incoming church leaders will be held Sunday, February 12, at 6:30 pm in the Worship Center. Everyone is invited to attend.
MORE BLESSED SPECIAL OFFERING
LAST CHANCE TO GIVE! | OFFERING ENDS THIS SUNDAY

It's not too late to give! Don't miss your last opportunity to help us to further fund these five important ministry initiatives, as well as other vision items in our unified budget:
  •   Planting and supporting new churches
  •   Resourcing our missionaries to make the most impact
  •   Serving the poor
  •   Expanding next generation ministries and equipping our leaders
  •   Enhancing our worship environment and our guest worship experience
GIVE HERE  to make an online gift now. 

CLICK HERE  to learn more about More Blessed.   Thank you for your prayers and support! 
KAREN SIMMANG ANNIVERSARY RECEPTION
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29

We are delighted to announce and celebrate the ten-year staff anniversary of Karen Simmang, Minister to Children.
 
During Karen's ten years of dedicated service at VRBC, we have been abundantly blessed by her unwavering faithfulness in teaching, leading, and spiritually nurturing our children so they grow to love God and others.
 
Everyone is invited to attend a reception in Karen's honor on Sunday, January 29, immediately following the worship service.  Notes of appreciation and gift cards, if desired, may be placed in baskets at the Welcome Center in the church lobby and at the check-in desk in the Children's Ministry area beginning this Sunday. 
LONESOME PULPIT UPDATE
BLOG SUBSCRIPTION NOW AVAILABLE!

Be the first to receive Pastor Larry's latest blog post! By subscribing to  Lonesome Pulpit , you will automatically receive every post, so you won't miss any of his short, but inspirational (and often amusing!), stories and teaching.

Here are some of Larry's recent postings:
PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION COMING SOON!
BEGINS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6

Don't miss registering for the 2017-2018 Valley Ranch Baptist Preschool year!  
 
At VRBP, children ages two to five learn through a Bible-based, custom curriculum that emphasizes essential skills for kindergarten readiness. Above all else, we desire for children to develop a life-long love of the Bible and to seek after Jesus all the days of their lives.
 
Registration will take place during the following sessions on a first-come, first-served basis:
  • February 6, beginning at 9:00 am - Currently enrolled preschool families
  • February 7, beginning at 9:00 am - VRBC church members
  • February 8, beginning at 10:00 am - Open to the public
For more information, please contact the Preschool Office at 972-304-8444.
TRAVEL-SIZE TOILETRIES COLLECTION
NOW THROUGH JANUARY 25

VRBC's Cool Choir Club will be assembling toiletry kits for Cornerstone Baptist Church at their Spring Musical Kick-Off Party. The following travel-size toiletries are needed:
Body wash or small bar soap Shampoo
 Deodorant
Washcloth (used OK) Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Collection bins for toiletries will be located inside the north and south entrances of the church through Wednesday, January 25. Thank you!

MISSIONARY UPDATE: THE IBAÑEZ FAMILY

Javier and Patricia  Ibañez are the founding pastors of a church serving the Lord and sharing the gospel with middle and upper class people in a very Catholic area of Lima, Peru. 

The Ibañezes want our church family to know that they and their church pray regularly for VRBC. They are grateful for our prayers and support as well. Click here to see a new video update from the Ibañez family.