Don’t forget our send off party for the Shipes this Saturday
On Saturday, July 30, we will be celebrating the Shipes. The program begins at 6:30 sharp, ending by 8:00. You won’t want to be late to hear Rich and Christy sharing about their time (whole life) here at BRBC, and about their new adventure.

We are collecting notes of encouragement for the whole Shipe family so that they can take “us” with them. Please arrive by 6:15 if you want to use the cards we are providing, or you can bring your notes with you.

This is for the whole family and will include cake and ice cream at the end of the party. Click here  to RSVP on The City and please include how many in your family will attend.

Chillin & Grillin – August 7
Sunday is the LAST DAY to sign up for our annual Chillin & Grillin at Franklin Park from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. It’s for the whole family and includes food and lots of fellowship through Ultimate Frisbee and other fun activities or just “chillin” with the church family. Access to the pool from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. is included in the $5.00 per person cost. So that enough food is provided, you must sign up and pay on Sunday at the auditorium table. Note that if you haven’t paid, then you are not fully registered.

Membership Introduction Class – August 7
Interested in becoming a member of Blue Ridge or just want to learn more? Come to an introduction class on August 7, 9:30 a.m. in the library. After this one in-person class, the remaining is a self-paced portion online. Email Debbie Stevenson () to sign up. Childcare will be provided if you sign up by July 31.

Cross Training – August 21 OR August 28
What is “Cross Training”, you ask? It’s a different way to host the training of our valuable volunteers. This is for all ministry leaders, helpers, greeters, etc. offered on two mirrored nights. It includes free dinner for the whole family, and childcare will be available during the sessions. Please, please, please make every effort to come for this training on just one of the nights that fits your schedule. See the bulletin flyer for details on how to sign up or go to the auditorium table.

Prayer & Praise
Our three weeks of 5-Day Backyard Bible Clubs has ended. Many thanks to the host families and our talented teen leaders! In the 10 clubs, over 70 kids and some parents heard the gospel. One child is known to have prayed to receive Christ, but there could be more still thinking about it. Pray for the hosts to be able to follow up with these families.

On July 24, we were privileged to hear Pastor Rich share his last sermon as a pastor at BRBC. He appropriately shared from Acts 13:1-3 on the first church plants and their significance in God’s plan. Click here for this sermon on “Sending Servants.” 

GIVING REPORT
Weekly giving needed for revised FY2016 budget – $17,665.23
Total giving for offering of 7/24/16 – $10,826.73
YTD giving needed for budget – $759,604.98
Actual YTD giving to budget – $809,922.66
Giving over budget – $50,317.68

THIS WEEK
July 31 – Communion (crackers are gluten free)
July 31-August 5 – Joni & Friends Camp (pray for the team)
August 2, 6:30 pm – Congregational prayer with the elders

THIS MONTH
August 7, 9:30am – Membership Information Class
August 7, 3:00-8:00pm – Chillin & Grillin @ Franklin Park
August 14, 12:30-2:00pm – Romania Team Report & Potluck
August 21 OR 28, 5:30-6:45 pm– Cross-Training & Dinner Event (see bulletin insert for details)

LOOKING AHEAD
September 4, 9:30am – Gospel Project resumes for all ages
September 4, 9:30am – Membership Information Class
Week of September 11 – LIFE group fall session begins
September 24 – Annual Congregational Meeting