The Witness
Volume 39, Issue 39
September 29, 2021
"See You at the Pole"
Last week, I was so thrilled to join our students at “See You at the Pole” at William Byrd High School and Middle School. Each school had over 50 students show up bright and early before school in the pouring rain to pray together. Students prayed for one another, their families, and for safety. They prayed for healing and wellness for their friends, their classmates, and their community. They prayed for help with stress, for help focusing on God, and to be a light for God wherever they are. They were bold, thoughtful, loving, and kind.

Several students who are also church members were present each morning. I was especially proud of Emilie McCaskill and Taylor Davis, who led our high schoolers in prayers and organization for the event. In all of the busyness and different directions in which our students are pulled, it speaks volumes that these students choose to make their faith and their faith community a priority and focus in their lives.

In the same week in which we are warned about terrible Tik Tok antics on the news by some teenagers and negativity surrounds us, it was an incredibly bright morning - even with the rain - to see the hope, love and encouragement exuding from students willing to share their faith and start their day with God together. The future of our church and our world are in good hands with the young people in our midst who are willing to walk with our God each day, share their faith, and shine their light brightly in gloomy and dark places. “For they were the light of the world, and they let their light shine before others.” (pp. Matthew 5:14-15)
-- Whitney
Worship this Sunday, October 3rd
This Sunday's sermon is "What is Evil?"; the scripture reference is James 3:1-12. We hope to see you at 8:45 or 11:00 AM. If you choose to worship virtually, please access our livestream through our website or FB live. Sunday School is at 9:50 AM, and we have classes for everyone.
A Higher Note
The Youth Choir is having a “Meal to Go” fundraiser. Each meal will have Chicken, Twice Baked Potato, Green Beans and Dessert. The cost is $10 per meal, and each youth choir member has been given 10 tickets to sell for the event. Meals will be ready for pickup on Sunday, October 24 between 10:45 am and 12:30 pm from the church kitchen. Someone will have tickets and be stationed at the welcome center outside the sanctuary beginning this Sunday. This is a wonderful way to support the choir and their future mission projects in 2022.

“Pandemonium,” our adult steel drum band, has room for 4 more members. We would love to have a full band this year. Church membership is not required. However, some basic music reading skills are needed. If you would be interested in playing with the band, please let Chris know.
-- Chris
Bible in a Year Reading
Read this week:
The Old Testament: 2 Samuel 22-24; 1 Kings 1-5
The New Testament: 2 Corinthians 14-13; Ephesians 1-2
Old Testament Prophecy: Ezekiel 29-35
Psalms: Psalms 76-85
 
Meditate: 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:7
 
Prayer: “The creation is quite like a spacious and splendid house, provided and filled with the most exquisite and the most abundant furnishings. Everything in it tells us of God.” -John Calvin

Lord, wherever we look today, allow us to catch a glimpse of you. And whenever others look at us today, allow them to catch a glimpse of you. Amen. 
Children's Ministry Events
October 10th:
Art from the Heart will take place in the gym from 4:00 until 5:00 PM. We will have a pizza dinner 5:00 - 5:30 PM in the Small Dining Room. CIA (Children in Action) will take place from 5:30 until 6:30 PM.
October 24th:
Preteen Event TBA.
Thrive Student Ministry
Sunday, October 20th - Permission slips and payment due for Fall Retreat- cost is $70. Click here for the release form.

Sunday, October 24th – Fields of Faith at Northside High (5:00pm-8:30pm)
-Meet at the church at 5:00pm to take the church bus to Fields of Faith featuring Emilie McCaskill as one of the speakers!

FALL RETREAT - November 5-7th at Camp Bethel
Our theme is Called2Follow: Examining who Jesus is and why we should follow. The trip is $70 which is due by October 20th. Sign up in the youth room or see Whitney!

Communications - Students, be sure to join our GroupMe group “VBC Thrive” for updates and announcements! Parents, download the VBC App (Vinton Baptist Church VA). If you have not received an invitation or your channel is not working, please contact Whitney or Kim! You should be receiving regular menu and schedule updates at this point.
Wednesday Night Dinners & Activities
We hope you'll join us for Adult & Youth Bible studies, as well as Children's Choirs and adult music rehearsals after dinner tonight.

Following are the upcoming dinner menus for October:
October 6th - Corn Dogs, Tater Tots, Fruit Salad, & Dessert.
October 13th - Baked Chicken Breast, Mac & Cheese, Green Beans, & Dessert.
October 20th - Pepperoni & Cheese Pizza, Side Salad, & Dessert.
October 27th - Battered Fish Portions, Seasoned Wedges, Superfoods Slaw, & Dessert.
Ice tea, lemonade, & water are available every Wednesday. $6/adult, $5/child (ages 4-12), children < 4 are free, max per household is $18. Sign up by calling the church office at 540-343-7685 no later than 5 PM the day prior to dinner. We cannot take late registrations.
Boys & Girls Club Begins
Reminder: Boys & Girls Club will begin next Monday, October 4th. Staff will be in the building from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM every weekday. The first and second floors of the New Ministries Building, including the gym, will be closed to church members during this time each day. Wednesday night dinners and activities will continue as usual; Boys & Girls Club is making arrangements for us to have access to the second floor on Wednesday evenings. If you have an afternoon/evening event requiring the small dining room, gym, or kitchen, please contact the church office so that we can clear your event with Boys & Girls Club or make other arrangements for it.

If you are interested in a part-time job in childcare, Boys & Girls Club is currently hiring Youth Development Staff who will work directly with children to provide a safe, supportive learning experience evening weekday afternoon. Email your resume to [email protected] or call 540-904-7401.
JOY Seniors Events
Tomorrow's day trip: If you signed up for tomorrow's trip, we plan to leave the VBC parking lot at 8:30 AM and will tour the Water Treatment Plant (9 - 11 AM) and have lunch at Jersey Lily's (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM). See you then!

October 12th: Happy Hearts will make fidget/sensory blankets beginning at 1:30 PM in the small dining room. All supplies are provided. All we need are willing hands to make happy hearts in our community. Bring a friend!

October 21st: Does Luray in the fall sound like fun? If so, join JOY Seniors on a day trip to Luray Caverns for a 1-hour guided tour, a visit to the Carriage Caravan Museum, Luray Museum and Toy Junction, with a stop on the way home at the Harrisonburg Farmers Market. This Abbott tour is $75, which also includes a tour start breakfast and lunch. Departure will be at 7:00 AM from the VBC parking lot. Sign up in the Welcome Center by October 8th.
Walk with Jesus
Walk with Jesus classes begin this Sunday, October 3rd for 3rd - 5th graders; classes will take place in the library during the Sunday School hour every Sunday through November 21st (except 10/31). Please let Sarah know ASAP if you are interested.
Geneva Dillon
Carrington Cottage Memory Care
270 Commons Parkway #304
Daleville VA 24083-1707
NOTE: Carolyn McDaniel Taylor is now living in assisted living near her son. If you'd like to send her a card or a note, her address is 235 Dunlop Farms, Room 128, Colonial Heights VA 23834.
September 26, 2021:
8:45 AM
In person - 173
Online - 88
11:00 AM
In person - 134
Online - 96
Sunday School - 217
Thanks to the Dorcas Class for their donation to College Care Packages.
Children's Volunteers Needed
The Children's Ministry is in need of Children's Worship volunteers. Thanks to all those who regularly help out! If you're interested in helping, but don't know what is required, please contact Sarah. Otherwise, please sign up here (dates available for October and November).
Fifth Quarter Canceled
Unfortunately, due to continued heightened COVID numbers in our community, we are unable to offer 5th Quarter for our students per requirements to keep our kids safe by the school system. We thank everyone who was willing to volunteer to help attempt to provide this space for our High Schoolers. We pray that next year we will be able to eat cookies, play volleyball and celebrate more Byrd football victories at VBC 5th Quarter.

If you donated money to the 5th Quarter ministry this year, the funds will now be used to provide William Byrd Dog Pound bandanas/rally towels for the Homecoming Game and Military Appreciation Night to all students in the Dog Pound as a gift from Vinton Baptist Church. A huge thanks to Chailane's for producing these in a rush!
Please extend a warm welcome to Sandra Rickerson, who joined VBC by statement of faith September 28th. Sandra's address is 983 Shelbourne Avenue, Vinton VA 24179.
Christian sympathy is extended to Susan & Larry Carter and family in the death of her mother, Margie Brown, on September 23rd; to Ken & Jen Williamson and family in the death of his uncle, Earl Moorefield, on September 21st; to Helen & Wayne Foster and family in the death of her uncle, Earl Atkins; to Peggy Dawkins & Catherine Ross and families in the death of their mother, Joyce Ross (Mrs. Charles) on September 18th; and to Michael and David & Debra Semones and families in the death of Mabel Semones this morning.
Donations Needed for Various Ministries:
(All items can be dropped off at the Missions Tables; just look for the appropriate sign for your donation.)
  • Individually wrapped snacks are needed for Boys & Girls Club. We need non-perishable, single serve items that do NOT include nuts of any kind, please.
  • Trunk-or-Treat is scheduled for October 27th, and we need your help collecting goodies: wrapped candies (must be in labeled wrappers); snack-size packages of pretzels, cheese balls, goldfish, gummy snacks, and other assorted snacks are welcome! If you are interested in decorating a trunk and passing out candy at Trunk-or-Treat, please sign up in the church office OR by clicking here. Trunks will need to be set up and ready to hand out goodies 6:15 - 7:15 PM Wednesday, October 27th. Candy will be provided. Additional event information will be provided to those who sign up. Questions? Contact Sarah.
  • It's Operation Christmas Child time again! So, save your shoeboxes to fill with items for children overseas. You may donate any extra boxes to the church, donate items to go in shoeboxes, donate money to help pay for shipping costs, and even build an online shoebox (click here). Wrapping of shoeboxes takes place every Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 AM - 12 PM in rooms 102 & 103. Everyone is welcome to come help. There are wrapped boxes now available at the Missions Tables for you to pick up and fill with goodies for children in need worldwide; please also pick up a brochure with your box for the boy/girl labels. Items to include in shoeboxes (or donate for us to pack): school supplies, toothbrushes, bar soap, wash cloths, combs, balls, crayons, yo-yos, jump ropes, trucks, cars, dolls, stuffed animals, etc. (remember - it has to be small enough to fit in a shoebox). Older children like deflated soccer balls with a pump included. Flashlights with extra batteries are also great! We CANNOT include candy or food of any kind, toothpaste, lotions, vitamins, or any type of liquid. The deadline to return filled boxes is November 7th. Questions? Contact Darlene McCaskill.
September Book Club
I hope you are enjoying The Library Book by Susan Orlean. Use these questions as a guide as you continue reading:

1. The Library Book chronicles the history of the Los Angeles Public Library from its origins to the present day. How were the library’s ups and downs reflective of the city’s ups and down? Are libraries a fair barometer to judge the mood of a city or town?
2. Chapter 30 discusses a range of initiatives undertaken by international libraries and librarians. Do you have a favorite example that you would like to see replicated at your local library?
 
Happy Reading!
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Website/App/Realm
If you haven't yet downloaded the Vinton Baptist Church app to your cell phone or other mobile device, we encourage you to do so TODAY! Just go to your app store, search for "Vinton Baptist Church VA," look for our logo, and download! If you want to stay on top of VBC events and info, the app is the best way to do that. Last Wednesday's power outage was a prime example of how quickly things can change and information needs to be dispersed. Those who have our app were the first to know that the church office was closed, Wednesday night activities were canceled, and other activities were modified.
Please note that the church parking lot will be closed this Saturday to accommodate vendors for the Vinton Fall Festival.