09/02/2026
Dear Vanguard Church Family and Friends,
Sometimes, it’s the most commonly quoted Scripture that speaks loudest (maybe that’s why it’s so often quoted!). One prevalent on my mind of late is Ecclesiastes 3:1: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. We are all in some state of change; it is, after all, a constant in our lives. What change are you undergoing? How is God re-shaping you through your life’s seasons? Wherever you are – whether in uncomfortable stretching or long-awaited calm - may Jesus be the center, and may the mighty hands of God be weaving His design into your life!
Here at Vanguard, while our temps may still be reaching well into the “hot” mark, fall happenings are in full swing. School is back in session, the mornings are turning cooler, and the aspens changing are just around the corner: and you know what that means! Midweek is back!
From 5:45-7:45 pm every Wednesday, Vanguard opens its doors to offer something for everyone.
· Adults can attend our fall seminar “Thirsty Prayer” which will focus on encountering our Heavenly Father through prayer in greater, deeper ways than ever before. Tonight’s speaker is one of our elders, David Corbitt. Accompanying books are available at the door. We look forward to welcoming you there!
· Want to know more about becoming a part of our church-wide prayer initiative by joining a prayer lab? We’ve got all the information you need at https://govanguard.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3844678 to find just the right fit for you!
· Are you a young adult (age 18-35)? We meet at our central location on Wednesday nights. For more information and to sign up for the childcare co-op (as needed), contact Pastor Joshua at [email protected].
· What about Students? We are glad you asked! Students and leaders gather for worship together every Wednesday night at 5:45 and then have teaching, discussion, prayer, and fellowship until 7:45 pm. No signup is necessary; just come as you are and join us at our central location for grades 6th-12th! Want to know more about Students ministry? Head on over to https://www.vanguardchurch.org/students or contact Pastor Candice at [email protected]
Women’s Ministry is also offering rich opportunities to press into the Lord with each other. This from Pastor Jenni:
Beginning September 10th from 9-11 am every other Thursday in the conference room, I will be leading through the book, The Sacred Romance. I've wanted to take a group of women through this book for years because it changed my life by leading me to a greater understanding of the love God has for me.
Also beginning September 10th: From 6-8 pm every Thursday evening in the multipurpose room, I will be leading through my book, And the Piccolo Plays On. We will discuss the road to becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ through personal stories and much scripture. Let’s wrestle together through the challenging truths and hard lessons we all face as we grow to maturity in the faith!
And beginning October 1st from 6-8 pm at Perkins, Amber G will be teaching a in-depth Bible study through the Book of Ruth. Come gain greater wisdom and insight into God’s Word and how to apply it to our lives!
Last but never least, be sure to mark your calendars and get registered for our Women’s Retreat 2026. “The Rugged Road to Peace” will be held October 16-18 at Bear Trap Ranch. It is often a rugged road to find the peace Jesus offers, but the Lord charts our path and shows us The Way. It is also a rugged road to Bear Trap Ranch, one of the most beautiful and peaceful places on Earth. Both journeys are worth the effort! Come dig into God’s word, rest, connect, and have fun with your sisters in Christ as we commune with the Lord up in the mountains. Registration is now open at https://govanguard.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3849179
Please find a way to connect this fall, and if you have questions, please contact me (Pastor Jenni) at [email protected].
September is Stewardship Month at Vanguard! Each year, we focus on God’s directions on giving and how to be faithful stewards of His financial provision to us. Our spotlighted principle this week is GOD OWNS EVERYTHING. Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, 2 for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.” Can we trust in God to give back to Him what He already owns?
September also means we present our body with two bold opportunities in the area of stewardship:
1. If you are a tither or a giver at Vanguard, consider doubling your tithe or gift above and beyond your regular giving to help us end the fiscal year strong and begin our next in robust health!
2. If you have never given to God before, why not start now? You can always give in person during our services. To become an online giver, head either to our Planning Center app and select Give from the landing page or visit our website at (https://www.vanguardchurch.org/give).
Our staff at Vanguard value your giving immensely: it provides our salaries, ministry resources, and allows us to offer so many opportunities to grow with God (many of which are listed right in this message!). One of the greatest ways you can pour into your local church’s staff and pastors is to follow God’s directive to give generously with committed hearts of obedience to the Lord! Amen!
With Pastor Kelly away this month conducting research for his doctorate, we’re taking the opportunity to connect you more with our incredible Elder Board! If you have questions on your mind or weight on your heart and would like to touch base with our elder-of-the-week, you can find him greeting at our front doors. This week, look for Kris Gieske and say hello!
At this point, you may be thinking, “I can’t believe I made it to the end!” But you know what? It’s long because Vanguard is on the move – so much is happening in our season of summer to fall, and we want you to be a part of it all with God!
We continue in our Core Expressions series this week with Worship as our focus. Please catch our notes here http://bible.com/events/49658554
Blessings be upon you and yours – we’ll see you Wednesdays and Sundays!
In Him,
Pastor Candice
