Pat & Sheila Smith.
VBC's Urban Ministry currently takes place in Oakland and is led by our own Pat & Sheila Smith, longtime members of our VBC family. After God redeemed their own lives of brokenness, He turned Pat & Sheila's hearts to help those in crisis, addiction and homelessness. The Urban Ministry provides not only daily necessities (such as food and toiletries), but the volunteers enter into a relationship with the ones they serve and share the Good News of Christ.
The mission of VBCs Urban Ministry is to reveal the way of salvation to all who hear the gospel and to make the most of all opportunities so that people may become part of the kingdom and may join us in spreading the gospel, all enabled by the Holy Spirit, of course.
The Women’s Day
Update on Women's Day @ CityTeam
CityTeam Oakland is in the process of renovating the shelter side of Washington Street building. This will take place during the day and so effects our mission of The Women's Day. We need to halt this ministry until the construction is complete. As we wait for the use of the space, we will look to see how we may serve the women of Oakland on the Fridays we normally do Women's Day. If you would would like to help plan something, please contact Sheila Smith, Women's Day Coordinator (my3izenuf@gamil.com, 615-681-7520).
There are also other opportunities available for you to serve CityTeam Oakland.
Their website provides all their requests and volunteer opportunities, and you may contact them for for further updates.
Contact Sheila Smith: my3izenuf@gmail.com 615-681-7520
This mission’s outreach is to women who are in crisis/homeless. This is an opportunity for women to shower and rest while also receiving feet/hand washing with massage, haircuts, food, clothing and essential items that help them in their various living situations. Prayer, a listening ear, a heart of empathy and the assurance of His grace and mercy is offered to each one.
The heart of the mission is for each woman to find her worth in Jesus. In meeting their needs our vision is that one day they would become a part of the body of Christ, grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, and help spread the gospel. We partner with other local churches who also desire to be the hands, feet and voice of Christ.
Feeding & Chapel Service
3rd Saturday of the month - Cityteam Oakland 5pm-7:30
Contact:Patrick Smith, Shamelhan@yahoo.com, 925-999-6991
Meet at the church at 4:00pm. Arrive back at VBC about 8pm
Helping to feed the local community at dinner time. Having a chapel service of worship songs and a short time of sharing from the Bible, Scripture recitation, testimonies, or reflection on the songs that we sing. After the worship time we talk and/or pray with any of the men who desire it.
Tent Cities
West Oakland - Every Monday from 2pm-4pm
Contact: Patrick Smith, Shamelhan@yahoo.com, 925-999-6991
Meet at VBC 1pm (let us know if you will need a ride and note the start time adjusts with daylight) arrive back at VBC shortly after dark.
We partner with a church in Oakland reaching out to the homeless. The goal of this ministry is to develop relationships with these communities and provide information about local ministries and community services. We offer a paper bag meal, toiletries and other items of specific need such as reading glasses and mini-sewing kits.
Men’s Bible Study
Wednesday Morning - Cityteam Oakland 10:30am-11:30am
Contact Patrick Smith, Shamelhan@yahoo.com, 925-999-6991
Meet at church 9:15am (or meet at the shelter at 10:20). Arrive back at VBC about 12:30. Bible study is with men in the recovery program. Men that have been in the program from 1 week to 5 months participate in a study - This can be either a book or the bible.