Dear Church Family,

Before I share about some of the wonderful things happening next week at CityRise, I wanted to share some joyful, personal news with you. Julee and I are thrilled to welcome our first granddaughter, Margaret Adair, who was born on Friday, May 29! We had the joy of meeting her this past Sunday evening, and as you can imagine, we are already completely smitten! There are few gifts in life as sweet as welcoming a new baby into the family—and that joy is a beautiful reminder of the next generation God has entrusted to us.

Now, from one joy to another, one of the greatest joys of summer at CityRise is seeing our campuses come alive with children and students learning about Jesus, building friendships, worshiping together, and taking important steps in their trust and faith in our Savior.
 
And that all begins next week!
 
At our West U Baptist campus, hundreds of kids will gather for VBS. With this year’s theme titled “Illumination Station,” it’ll be a bright, joy-filled week of worship, crafts, Bible lessons, and games as children shine a light on who Jesus really is.
 
Not far over at our Bellaire campus, our Student Ministry Team will host VBX for middle school students. VBX is one of the best and craziest ways for students to kick off the summer with fun and heartfelt worship, small group Bible study, friendships, fun games, and outdoor recreation.
 
Would you join me in praying for VBS and VBX? Both are perfect opportunities for children and students to hear the gospel, grow in God’s Word, connect with friends, and experience the love of Christ. Pray that children and students would come with open hearts; pray for our staff, volunteers, and leaders as they prepare and lead; pray for families who may be visiting CityRise for the first time; and pray that the Lord would use these weeks to plant seeds of faith that continue to grow after summer is over.
 
If you have children, grandchildren, neighbors, or friends who you know would have a fantastic time, invite them—or even help them register! Registration information can be found at cityrise.org/summer. (While there, you’ll see that we have another VBS as well as a Spanish-language VBS later this month, too. What a great month for all our young people!)
 
Let us pray together for all that our Father in heaven will do in the lives of these kids and students across our campuses this summer.
 
We’ll see you on Sunday, Church Family!
 
 
Expecting Greater,
Pastor Roger