September 1, 2026
| Featured Story
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot loose, – Jim Elliot.
Praise God for the work he did through our mission team in Henryeta, OK earlier this summer! You may have heard that the bus broke down just miles outside of Amarillo (it’s true), and that some issues arose with the host church for the journey home (also true), but did you hear that God was working, even through these setbacks to bless our students and those they went to serve?
Because the bus broke down, Brandon and Scott were able to share the Gospel with a tow truck driver who had no true understanding of God’s love. Amarillo was not a scheduled stop, but God provided a free place for everyone to stay, and while the group patiently waited for transportation at a Chipotle, they were able to share the joy of the Lord there as well. Every unexpected challenge on the journey allowed opportunity to share the love of Christ and see how God was providing for our students.
The group led VBS, held worship services at local nursing homes, and sorted through heaps of clothes for a church ministry. The love they shared with the children who have tough home situations made a huge impact! One member of the nursing home shared that before our students showed up, she felt unloved and forgotten. The team shared multiple stories of opportunities they had to share the Gospel with people everywhere they went.
Preaching: This summer we learned about the the significance of the resurrection and Christ-like love for one another.
End of Summer BBQ: Thank you to all in attendance! It was great getting to know new families and connect with familiar faces. Email me if you need any resources given out during the parent meeting.
Youth Group: We are now back to our school-year schedule, so Youth Group will meet from 6:00pm-8:30pm, and small groups have now resumed.
| Youth Group
Wednesday nights are always a blast, but summer takes it up a notch with a laid-back atmosphere, game time outside, and meaningful time digging into God’s Word together. While Brandon was out, Dugan dove into God’s plan for us to love Him through obedience and love for one another through his teaching of 1 John. He emphasized the importance of confessing sin and loving siblings well, as they are image-bearers of Christ as well. How convicting! Brandon continued to preach on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus before introducing 1 Peter just a few weeks ago. So far we’ve discussed who Peter is, who he is writing to, and how God is working in the midst of our suffering. I encourage you to engage with your students after each Wednesday night using the follow up questions Brandon posts on the GroupMe.
Parents, God is moving in the hearts of the students here at VSN, and his work is clearly displayed in the questions they ask and their eagerness to face hard topics head on.
Of course it helps that students are fueled up and ready to go after hitting Holy Grounds for a refreshing sugary beverage. Dirty sodas were available all summer and quickly become a crowd favorite!
Warm weather and longer days are great for enjoying outdoor games together. Spike Ball is always a favorite for some, but taking it outside makes it even more fun. And nothing says “summer” like taking off shoes and jumping into the volleyball pit for a round or two of Nuke ‘Em (a variation of volleyball). The Zaggie concert offered a nice change of pace as well, and their unconventional songs had us laughing and feeling lightheaerted.
| Youth Group
“See God, See Others, See the Need, See the Lost”
Brandon has been working hard to improve communication with both parents and students. Moving forward, parents and students will still receive a weekly email with details on upcoming events, ways to serve, and housekeeping information. In addition, we have created a GroupMe chat for parents where we will post weekly questions to discuss with your children from Wednesday night sermons. The chat will also contain forms, updates, newsletters, etc.. If you have not joined the group, please do so now by clicking the link below or the hashtag icon to the left.
“VSN has impacted our family in many ways! It has given my kids opportunities to attend camps, serve, and enjoy fun activities that have enhanced our family’s quality of life.”
-Says one seasoned VSN mom
I’d love to hear what you think of our Student Ministry! If you’d like to share your experience, offer constructive feedback, or ask questions, please reach out to Heather Mundt at heather.mundt@vgbc.org
