HOLY WEEK DAILY PRAYER SERVICES
MONDAY - FRIDAY, MARCH 30 - APRIL 3 AT 12:30 PM

In an effort to better prepare our hearts and minds for the upcoming Easter celebration, we will host a brief prayer service each weekday of Holy Week from 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm in the student auditorium. 

 

These simple services will consist of Scripture reading, prayer, reflection, and a brief devotional thought. Please consider taking some time to join us for one or all of these services.

TABLE TO THE CROSS SERVICE
THURSDAY, APRIL 2 AT 7:00 PM

On the evening of Maundy Thursday, April 2, 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 will be held from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm in the sanctuary.

 

Maundy Thursday 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 can join us.

 

Children's ministry will be provided for preschool children.

EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES
APRIL 5 AT 9:00 AM AND 11:00 AM

Join us in celebrating the resurrection of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, April 5.  We will have worship services at 9:00 am and 11:00 am, with a children's Easter Egg Hunt at 10:20 am. 

Please be in prayer about whom you might invite to attend Easter Sunday service with you this year.  We look forward to sharing this joyous occasion with you!

Note: Children's Ministry will be available for birth through 5 years old on Easter Sunday, however there will be no ABF, SBF, CBF or Trailblazers for school-age children due to the holiday schedule.
EASTER EGG HUNT
SUNDAY, APRIL 5 AT 10:20 AM

Grab your basket and join us for VRBC's annual Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday at 10:20 am between the 9:00 am and 11:00 am worship services! The hunt will take place on the church's north lawn.

Children in fifth grade and under are invited to participate. There will be lots of treats and opportunities to share the Gospel with children in our community. Make sure to stop by for a complimentary family photo in the Prayer Garden. Be sure to come and bring a friend! 

There is no need to pre-register.  If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Karen Simmang at [email protected].

Please note: In case of rain, event will be held indoors.

FAST. GIVE. PRAY.

FIFTH SUNDAY BENEVOLENCE OFFERING

THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 29

  

VRBC has historically helped meet the financial requests of those in need through a designated benevolence fund collected on fifth Sundays throughout the year.

 

We suggest that you FAST from one meal that day and use that time to consider those in need, GIVE at least the cost of the meal to the benevolence fund, and PRAY for those in need and for wisdom for VRBC as we minister to our members and community. 

 

Please drop whatever cash, coins, or check you feel is appropriate in the basket as you exit the sanctuary after the morning service. Baskets will also be available at the Welcome Center for your convenience.

EXECUTIVE PASTOR SEARCH UPDATE

The Executive Pastor Search Committee (EPSC) is happy to report that the search process for VRBC's new Executive Pastor position is well underway, and great progress has been made to date.  The EPSC engaged the ministry search firm Vanderbloemen to lead the candidate identification and qualification components of the search process.  The EPSC expects to be interviewing and considering in earnest a final list of possible candidates by the first of May.  If you know of anyone that might have an interest in the Executive Pastor role at VRBC, please contact Mark Rountree, chairman of the EPSC, at [email protected].
CHRISTMAS STORE AUCTION: 
"AUCTION HUNTERS"

SATURDAY, APRIL 18 AT 7:00 PM

 

The 2015 Christmas Store Auction will be held Saturday, April 18, from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm.  Hosted by our very own "Auction Hunters" Rick Rodman and Jim Zoda, this year's event is sure be a high-enery, fun-filled evening!  With live and silent auctions, raffle, and Marketplace, you'll be sure to find items you MUST have! Complimentary finger foods and beverage will also be provided for the evening.

CLICK HERE to purchase your auction and raffle tickets online. Ticket price is $20 per person, and raffle ticket prices are $5 for one ticket and $10 for three. Raffle tickets will also be sold in the church lobby on Sunday, April 12, before and after the worship service.  

Your support of the Christmas Store and its mission to further God's Kingdom by providing Christmas for children less fortunate in a way that gives dignity and respect is greatly appreciated!  If you are unable to attend the Auction, please consider making a tax-deductible cash donation to the Christmas Store by clicking here.

CHRISTMAS STORE AUCTION DONATIONS STILL NEEDED!
Your help is still needed to gather donated items and services for our Christmas Store Auction on April 18.  Click here for some great donation ideas. Donations should be dropped off with the receptionist at the church office during business hours, along with a completed Auction Drop-Off Form which is available at the Reception Desk.

 

For more information about donations, please contact Cynthia Bras at [email protected], Rachel Wilcox at      [email protected], or Carol George at [email protected].

NEXT STEP LUNCH
SUNDAY, MAY 3 AT NOON

 

At VRBC, one of our goals is to be helpful to you as you take the next step in your journey with Jesus. One of the ways we do this is to invite you to attend a Next Step Lunch on May 3 after the worship service. 

 

During this lunch in the seminar room, you'll meet our staff, get to know us as a church, and hear about lots of ways you can connect at VRBC to take steps forward with Christ. The lunch is free, and children's ministry is provided for birth through fifth grade.  

 

To sign up, email us at  [email protected] or call the church office and speak to Teresa at 972-304-8722. 

 

WOMEN'S MINISTRY SPRING BIBLE STUDY:
"SEASONS" 
APRIL 22 AND MAY 6, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

 "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, encourage--with great patience and careful instruction."  ~2 Timothy 4:2, NIV


All VRBC women and their friends are invited to join us this spring for two stand-alone studies on women of the Bible:

 

Wednesday, April 22 - "A Season of Dedication"

"Dorcas: A Woman Who Dedicated Her Gift to God" - Acts 9:36       
             What is God's view of my gift(s)?
           
Wednesday, May 6 - "A Season of Hospitality"
 "Lydia: A Woman Who Opened Her Home for God" - Acts 16:11-15, 40
            How can I be hospitable for Jesus?


Studies will be held in the VRBC Student Auditorium from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm.  Click here to register.

PARENT CHILD DEDICATION
SUNDAY, APRIL 26

 

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, April 26.  To participate, please click here to register your child. Deadline to register is April 15.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Karen Simmang at [email protected].


EMILY BELL SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT

APRIL 26, 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM

 

The annual Emily Bell Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held Sunday afternoon, April 26, from 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Riverchase Golf Club in Coppell. This fun event raises funds for college scholarships to be awarded to some of VRBC's 2015 graduating high school seniors.

 

Start forming your foursome for this shot-gun start scramble tournament now!
  
Click here to register.  Deadline to register is Wednesday, April 22.
PARK FRIDAY
MARCH 27 AT 9:30 AM

It's time to play!  Come join other VRBC parents of preschoolers this Friday from 9:30 am - 10:30 am at MacArthur Park, located at 400 S. MacArthur Boulevard, in Coppell.  This is a great little playground for our preschoolers and has a paved sidewalk surrounding the playground that is perfect for scooters or other wheeled toys you have. 

Directions to MacArthur Park:  Turn east on Starleaf Street from MacArthur Boulevard and turn right into the parking lot.  The playground will be located at the end of the parking lot.  Click here for the park website.

For any other questions or suggestions on places to play, please email Johanna Hewlett at [email protected].

WOMEN'S WEDNESDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY:
"BREATHE: MAKING ROOM FOR THE SABBATH" 
MARCH 18 - APRIL 15 AT 6:45 PM OFF-SITE

"Breathe" is a 5-week, DVD-driven study by Priscilla Shirer that will help you discover Sabbath margin. Study starts this Wednesday evening at 6:45 pm at the home of Evangeline Ward in the St. Marin Apartments located at 1721 East Belt Line Road, Coppell, just east of VRBC, and will run through April 15.  Cost for an optional study workbook is $9.95 and can be ordered by contacting Teresa Brundige at [email protected].  

 

For more information, please contact Evangeline  at 615-439-7451 or [email protected]
 

re|engage - NEW CLASSES BEGIN EACH WEEK!

MONDAYS 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM

 

re|engage is a marriage enrichment program which examines God's design for marriage and applies principles from the Bible to guide couples towards growth in their relationship with each other. Marriages in any condition can benefit. 

 

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START! A newcomers' class begins each week, and more new small groups will be starting this spring. So whether you are struggling to get along with your spouse, your marriage is broken, or you simply want to grow closer together as a couple, come and re|engage.  

  

For more information about re|engage, visit marriagehelp.org or contact us directly at [email protected].




VRBC CARE NETWORK

 

Do you have a prayer request or care ministry need (e.g., illness, death in the family, marital struggle, etc.) you'd like the staff to know about?  Email the pastor on call confidentially at [email protected]. 




VRBC GARDEN: IT'S TIME FOR SPRING PLANTING!
SMALL PLOTS ALSO AVAILABLE

Since 2011, the VRBC Garden, located at 1701 E. Belt Line Road just east of the church, has provided fresh produce weekly to Metrocrest Services' Food Pantry and Cornerstone Baptist Church in an effort to support healthy eating in our local community.  

We are currently planting onions, potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, and strawberries, and we would love your help! There are also a limited number of small, personal plots available to grow fruits and vegetables for your own family.

To learn more about the VRBC Garden, please contact Jeff Lamb at [email protected].
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO STAFF 2015 CBF GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JUNE 17-19, 2015 

The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF), one of VRBC's primary denominational and mission partners, will hold its annual General Assembly at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Dallas this summer.  In addition to attending, VRBC has been asked to help with various staffing opportunities.

 

The most critical needs are in the areas of registration and hospitality. Ushers and communion servers are also needed.  Volunteers work various shifts during the following times:

  • 12 noon - 7:00 pm on Wednesday, June 17*
  • 8:00 am - 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 18
  • 8:00 am - 7:00 pm on Friday, June 19 

*There will be a mandatory training session at 10:30 am on Wednesday, June 17, for those helping with registration.  

 

For more information about CBF General Assembly, click here. To volunteer or learn more, contact Amy Wilkins at [email protected].

CORNERSTONE CLOTHING DONATIONS

Clothing donations for the Cornerstone Clothes Closet are always needed and appreciated! 
  • MOST NEEDED: men's jeans/pants, ball caps, men's socks, men's boxers, travel-sized toiletries, towels
  • NOT NEEDED: children's clothes, shoes, furniture, home goods (For large items, please check with Pastor Chris Simmons directly at [email protected].)
Donations may be dropped off any time at the residences of Jana Bell (305 Falcon Court), Cherie Walker (400 Hawk Court), and Landa Parker (151 Kingston Circle) in Coppell.  Bagged items may be left on the front porch.  To help us with efficient delivery to Cornerstone, please do not drop off items at VRBC.

If you have any questions about Cornerstone Clothes Closet donations or service, please contact Landa Parker at  [email protected].
CORNERSTONE SERVING OPPORTUNITIES

We have several opportunities each month to serve alongside Cornerstone Baptist Church, our sister church in South Dallas:

SPOTLIGHT: JAVIER AND PATRICIA IBA�EZ

Javier and Patricia Iba�ez are the founding pastors of a church serving the Lord on a full-time basis, sharing the Gospel with middle/upper class people in a very Catholic area of Lima, Peru. They lead three services a week and numerous classes, and they focus on a personalized pastoral care through counseling and visitations. They work to make disciples that will go out to make more disciples. 

 

PRAYER REQUESTS:

  • A new location for their church to meet. They have been meeting at a park, but with summer ending soon (their seasons are opposite ours) and new park restrictions, they will need a new place to meet. 
  • Financial provision. In the past three months, they have been evicted from their church meeting space and from their own apartment. In order to make more funds available, they are trying to sell their car and asked that we pray for a buyer. UPDATE: Through your prayers and generosity, God has provided significant and unexpected financial resources for the Iba�ez family!  THANK YOU!
  • Church plant in Macusani, Peru. God has used this small church to have a substantial missions impact, and they have planted a church in the mountains of Peru. 
  • Spiritual Discernment. Pray that they might discern God's perfect will, not just His permissive will, so they can remain faithful to God and His work despite their church size and financial struggles.
Javier and Patricia want our church family to know that they and their church pray regularly for VRBC, as well as for the other missionaries we support, as they desire to see the whole body of Christ around the world thrive. They are grateful for our support and prayers as well.  At VRBC, the Iba�ez family is partnered with the Kelly ABF.
UPCOMING MISSION TRIPS

ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR ADVENTURE TO BEGIN?

 

Then travel on a mission trip with one of our VRBC-supported missionaries! Check out these upcoming opportunities:

 

MEDICAL AND SPIRITUAL MISSION TRIP

JUNE 12 - 22

Join Charlotte Wooten and minister to the physical and spiritual needs of children and adults in Africa. Doctors, nurses, and dentists--your skills are especially needed!  One team will be working with deaf, blind, crippled, and albinic children in a special needs orphanage. Another medical team will address the needs of the people with a mobile clinic, including dental and eyeglass clinics. This team will also work with local churches to establish new mission churches through door-to-door evangelism and follow-up discipleship, so non-medical team members are also encouraged.

 

Be a part of this opportunity to use the skills and gifts that God has given YOU to minister to people in need. You will be a blessing and receive blessings as you participate in this expedition as lives are changed forever! Click here for more information.

 

JUNE 27 - JULY 5

Join Claudia Adame and engage with immigrants from across North Africa, Asia, and the Middle East in Germany. Germany's social and political position makes it a magnet for immigrants.  This expedition is your chance to reach dozens of people groups currently residing in Germany.  There is a great need for children's ministry.

 

In just one week, you can spread the Gospel among unengaged people groups, establish new churches, and launch a Gospel movement that outlives your time on this Earth! Contact Claudia Adame at [email protected] for more information.

 

JULY 18 - 26

MEDICAL EXPEDITION

Join Claudia Adame and start "I Am Second" groups by partnering with local believers to reach their friends, neighbors and family members in Urubamba, Peru.  Urubamba is part of the Andes region near Cusco. It hosts multiple opportunities to plant churches which will be uniquely positioned to expand into the under-reached areas of the Andes mountains. We will also include medical and eye clinics, as well as community health talks. 

 

You will will return to the U.S. a changed person with wonderful lifetime memories and many stories to tell that glorify God. To learn more about this trip, click here.  You can also contact Claudia Adame at [email protected] for more information.


FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE 

Funding assistance is available for international mission trips! Click here for more information and the application to request financial assistance.  Please note the deadlines to apply. 




 
Register for children's events at vrbc.net/ministries/vrkids/
Stay up-to-date on all things "Refuge" at
Find an Adult Bible Fellowship class at http://vrbc.net/about/abf/

 

Through March 22, 2015
Worship Service