Category: News

Rock News

1/5/21

Stepping Stones and FaithInk will NOT meet this week. We’ll resume on Wednesday, January 13. 

Tom and Sue Briggs will be leading a Bible study at The Rock for parents based on the book and video series “Parenting from the Tree of Life” by Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo, starting on Sunday, January 17, from 5-6:30. (Childcare will not be available)

Keep up with news from missionary Ashley Johnson in Cambodia with her newsletter (click here to read) and the Hutton family in Costa Rica (click here to read). 

Our January item for the Blue Valley food pantry is soap and shampoo. The collection box is in the Rock Cafe. Thanks for being a blessing to the community in this way!

View The Rock’s service each week from home!

We will continue to provide viewing options on Facebook and YouTube for those who need to or prefer to worship from home at this time.

We’re so glad  you join us for worship in whatever way you do, and we look forward to being together again as a Forever Family!

YogaFaith is offering both in person classes and online classes.  Class offerings are as follows:  All Level YogaFaith – Tuesday and Thursday nights at 5:30 pm and Restorative Candlelight YogaFaith is every Sunday night at 7:00 pm.  To stay 6 feet apart, we are limiting the number of people in the room to 6 (including Sara and Erika) so you will have to register in advance for an in-person class. Please click on this link to sign up for a class. If you would like to take the class online please email Sara at [email protected] and she will give you instructions!  As always please check our Facebook page for more information.   https://www.facebook.com/YogaFaith-Seward-256010628294784/

If you have any questions about The Rock, need information about our events, or anything else, please contact us at [email protected].  Also, if you have a prayer request to submit during the week (or anytime) send it to [email protected]. Our prayer warriors will receive these, as well as Pastor Mike Meyer. 

Rock News

December 20, 2020

Join us at 5:30 on Christmas Eve for our worship service of carols, prayers, and a message. We won’t gather for a Christmas Day service.

 

The Directors and Ambassadors at the Rock are grateful for your willingness to adapt to our frequently-changing COVID-19 worship precautions.  Last week, the City of Seward passed an ordinance requiring face coverings in public indoor spaces when groups of 10 or more people gather, including in churches. Aligning our worship practices with this ordinance, face coverings will be required for anyone aged 5 years or older, with exceptions for those with some health conditions. Our face covering practice will apply to in-person worship and all other activities at The Rock until the ordinance is amended or no longer in effect. Please keep in mind that we will continue offering an online worship alternative.

 

Thanks for cooperating with our local health and policy-making officials who are endeavoring to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community.  As we all walk through this time together, let us continue to walk in the Lord.

The Rock’s Advent Challenge with Heifer International: Help us meet our goal of raising enough funds to provide 10 sheep for families in developing countries.  10 sheep X $120/sheep = $1200.  To learn more, go to heifer.org.

Attending in-person and want to give? Include a note with your cash or check telling us it’s for our Advent Challenge.

Attending online and want to give? 

  1. You can write a check to “The Rock Church” with a note that says it’s for the Heifer Project, then mail it to the church: The Rock Church, PO Box 199, Seward, NE 68434
  2. Or make a donation online through our InFaith portal at this link.  When you’ve completed the donation in that portal, send an email to [email protected] telling us that you gave online for the Heifer Project, including your name, the date you gave, and the amount. This will allow our treasurer to make sure it gets designated correctly. 

Would you be interested in volunteering to serve lunch or dinner at the Peoples’ City Mission in Lincoln? They have a lot of open dates over the next few weeks. Contact Jen Janousek at [email protected] OR 402-499-3512 if you would like to join a group from The Rock volunteering.

Tom and Sue Briggs will be leading a Bible study at The Rock for parents based on the book and video series “Parenting from the Tree of Life” by Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo, starting on Sunday, January 17, from 5-6:30. (Childcare will not be available)

Our December item for the Blue Valley food pantry is tuna. The collection box is in the Rock Cafe. Thanks for being a blessing to the community in this way!

View The Rock’s service each week from home!

We will continue to provide viewing options on Facebook and YouTube for those who need to or prefer to worship from home at this time.

We’re so glad  you join us for worship in whatever way you do, and we look forward to being together again as a Forever Family!

YogaFaith is offering both in person classes and online classes.  Class offerings are as follows:  All Level YogaFaith – Tuesday and Thursday nights at 5:30 pm and Restorative Candlelight YogaFaith is every Sunday night at 7:00 pm.  To stay 6 feet apart, we are limiting the number of people in the room to 6 (including Sara and Erika) so you will have to register in advance for an in-person class. Please click on this link to sign up for a class. If you would like to take the class online please email Sara at [email protected] and she will give you instructions!  As always please check our Facebook page for more information.   https://www.facebook.com/YogaFaith-Seward-256010628294784/ 

If you have any questions about The Rock, need information about our events, or anything else, please contact us at [email protected].  Also, if you have a prayer request to submit during the week (or anytime) send it to [email protected]. Our prayer warriors will receive these, as well as Pastor Mike Meyer. 

Rock News

12/10/2020

The Directors and Ambassadors at the Rock are grateful for your willingness to adapt to our frequently-changing COVID-19 worship precautions.  Last week, the City of Seward passed an ordinance requiring face coverings in public indoor spaces when groups of 10 or more people gather, including in churches. Aligning our worship practices with this ordinance, face coverings will be required for anyone aged 5 years or older, with exceptions for those with some health conditions. Our face covering practice will apply to in-person worship and all other activities at The Rock until the ordinance is amended or no longer in effect. Please keep in mind that we will continue offering an online worship alternative.

Thanks for cooperating with our local health and policy-making officials who are endeavoring to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community.  As we all walk through this time together, let us continue to walk in the Lord.

The Rock’s Advent Challenge with Heifer International: Help us meet our goal of raising enough funds to provide 10 sheep for families in developing countries.  10 sheep X $120/sheep = $1200.  To learn more, go to heifer.org.

Would you be interested in volunteering to serve lunch or dinner at the Peoples’ City Mission in Lincoln? They have a lot of open dates over the next few weeks. Contact Jen Janousek at [email protected] OR 402-499-3512 if you would like to join a group from The Rock volunteering.

Also, PCM has some urgent needs. If you would like to donate any of the following, please take directly to PCM OR bring to church this Sunday.

Items:

  • Sanitizing wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Face masks
  • Latex gloves
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Wash cloths
  • Men’s deodorant 
  • Bottled water

Bell ringing for the Salvation Army red kettles will be at the Seward Wal-Mart.  All sign-up is done on-line at https://www.registertoring.com/Default.aspx  If you’re willing to represent The Rock and sign up to ring bells for the Salvation Army, here’s what you need to know: 

  1. Click on the link above
  2. Click “I’m ringing with a group”
  3. Click “find a group”
  4. Type “Seward, NE”
  5. Type “Seward” in the next “Find My Group” screen
  6. Click on “The Rock-Seward 68434” that will pop up on that screen
  7. Set your date range to dates that work for you, and then
  8. Choose a time that is available

It sounds like a lot of steps, but it means a lot to the community. Remember, that 90% of the funds collected stay in Seward County to do the most good right here. The Salvation Army funds are dispersed in Seward County by the Seward Ministerial Association, which Pastor Mike is a part of.

Our December item for the Blue Valley food pantry is tuna. The collection box is in the Rock Cafe. Thanks for being a blessing to the community in this way!

The Rock has been blessed throughout 2020 with continued strength in monthly giving that has allowed us to meet our budget, even amidst difficult economic conditions. Praise God for this!

This fall, however, components of a large roof air conditioning unit failed and the Directors have authorized repairs for Spring 2021 at a cost of about $20,000.  We will use available cash and the church’s line of credit to cover this work.

If your family is in a position to make an extra gift at the end of 2020, it would be a blessing to The Rock and reduce the amount we place on our line of credit.  If you choose to do so, indicate the extra gift is for the “A/C Repair Project.”

Finally, consult your tax advisor about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act legislation.  It allows 2020 tax deductions for charitable donations of up to $300, even if your family does not itemize deductions.

View The Rock’s service each week from home!

We will continue to provide viewing options on Facebook and YouTube for those who need to or prefer to worship from home at this time.

We’re so glad  you join us for worship in whatever way you do, and we look forward to being together again as a Forever Family!

YogaFaith is offering both in person classes and online classes.  Class offerings are as follows:  All Level YogaFaith – Tuesday and Thursday nights at 5:30 pm and Restorative Candlelight YogaFaith is every Sunday night at 7:00 pm.  To stay 6 feet apart, we are limiting the number of people in the room to 6 (including Sara and Erika) so you will have to register in advance for an in-person class. Please click on this link to sign up for a class. If you would like to take the class online please email Sara at [email protected] and she will give you instructions!  As always please check our Facebook page for more information.   https://www.facebook.com/YogaFaith-Seward-256010628294784/

If you have any questions about The Rock, need information about our events, or anything else, please contact us at [email protected].  Also, if you have a prayer request to submit during the week (or anytime) send it to [email protected]. Our prayer warriors will receive these, as well as Pastor Mike Meyer. 

Rock News & Seward Mask Mandate

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The Directors and Ambassadors at the Rock are grateful for your willingness to adapt to our frequently-changing COVID-19 worship precautions.  This week, the City of Seward passed an ordinance requiring face coverings in public indoor spaces when groups of 10 or more people gather, including in churches. Aligning our worship practices with this ordinance, face coverings will be required for anyone aged 5 years or older, with exceptions for those with some health conditions. Our face covering practice will apply to in-person worship and all other activities at The Rock until the ordinance is amended or no longer in effect. Please keep in mind that we will continue offering an online worship alternative.

Thanks for cooperating with our local health and policy-making officials who are endeavoring to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community.  As we all walk through this time together, let us continue to walk in the Lord.

The Rock’s Advent Challenge with Heifer International: Help us meet our goal of raising enough funds to provide 10 sheep for families in developing countries.  10 sheep X $120/sheep = $1200.  To learn more, go to heifer.org.

 

Bell ringing for the Salvation Army red kettles will be at the Seward Wal-Mart.  All sign-up is done on-line at https://www.registertoring.com/Default.aspx  Simply find Seward, NE and sign up for a time to ring.  Remember, that 90% of the funds collected stay in Seward County to do the most good right here. The Salvation Army funds are dispersed in Seward County by the Seward Ministerial Association.

 

Our December item for the Blue Valley food pantry is tuna. The collection box is in the Rock Cafe. Thanks for being a blessing to the community in this way!

 

The Rock has been blessed throughout 2020 with continued strength in monthly giving that has allowed us to meet our budget, even amidst difficult economic conditions. Praise God for this!

This fall, however, components of a large roof air conditioning unit failed and the Directors have authorized repairs for Spring 2021 at a cost of about $20,000.  We will use available cash and the church’s line of credit to cover this work.

If your family is in a position to make an extra gift at the end of 2020, it would be a blessing to The Rock and reduce the amount we place on our line of credit.  If you choose to do so, indicate the extra gift is for the “A/C Repair Project.”

Finally, consult your tax advisor about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act legislation.  It allows 2020 tax deductions for charitable donations of up to $300, even if your family does not itemize deductions.

View The Rock’s service each week from home!

We will continue to provide viewing options on Facebook and YouTube for those who need to or prefer to worship from home at this time.

We’re so glad  you join us for worship in whatever way you do, and we look forward to being together again as a Forever Family!

YogaFaith is offering both in person classes and online classes.  Class offerings are as follows:  All Level YogaFaith – Tuesday and Thursday nights at 5:30 pm and Restorative Candlelight YogaFaith is every Sunday night at 7:00 pm.  To stay 6 feet apart, we are limiting the number of people in the room to 6 (including Sara and Erika) so you will have to register in advance for an in-person class. Please click on this link to sign up for a class. If you would like to take the class online please email Sara at [email protected] and she will give you instructions!  As always please check our Facebook page for more information.   https://www.facebook.com/YogaFaith-Seward-256010628294784/

Thank you for being so faithful in your giving. As a reminder, we have 4 giving options other than the offering basket:

  • You can mail your offering checks to us at: The Rock Church, PO Box 199, Seward, NE 68434
  • Download the GivePlus app and give to The Rock using your smartphone. Enjoy the convenience of making credit or debit card donations as a guest user, or create an account to set up recurring donations and view your giving history.
  • Give online through InFaith and your donation can be made via credit/debit card or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) through your checking/savings account. Through a collaboration with the InFaith Community Foundation and Thrivent Financial, The Rock will not be assessed any fees if you give through this online portal.
  • Joyful Response is a way for individuals to make their stewardship commitment to God through The Rock on a regular basis. They can determine the start and stop date of the giving as well as the intervals of payment. This is a simple way for each of us to support the ministry through The Rock. People can designate their gifts to be split out towards the general fund or maybe they want some money to go into a building fund or outreach fund.
  • Click here for an electronic offering form. Forms need to be turned in to Rock treasurer Dave Kumm for processing, or mailed to The Rock.

 

If you have any questions about The Rock, need information about our events, or anything else, please contact us at [email protected].  Also, if you have a prayer request to submit during the week (or anytime) send it to [email protected]. Our prayer warriors will receive these, as well as Pastor Mike Meyer. 

COVID Safety Update

Among the Directed Health Measures from the office of Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts is one that applies directly to churches, including The Rock.  From November 11 through at least November 30, all those attending worship will be required to maintain six feet of physical distance between family groups.  To aid those in attendance, every other row of chairs in the worship area will be removed.  For those seated in the same row with others, please leave 6 feet of distance (3 chairs) open. Governor Ricketts and Nebraska public health officials are asking but not requiring Nebraskans to wear face coverings for added public safety. The Rock encourages those who attend public worship to keep everyone’s safety in mind.

Each worshiper must make a personal decision about the levels of safety and normalcy they require while also protecting others in the Forever Family.  The safest worship alternative remains online worship; the most “normal” worship remains in-person.  Both are available and important for our personal and congregational spiritual vitality, so you are encouraged to join us!

 

Rock News

The Rock Financial Health Update from the Rock Directors

The Rock has been blessed throughout 2020 with continued strength in monthly giving that has allowed us to meet our budget, even amidst difficult economic conditions. Praise God for this!

This fall, however, components of a large roof air conditioning unit failed and the Directors have authorized repairs for Spring 2021 at a cost of about $20,000.  We will use available cash and the church’s line of credit to cover this work.  

If your family is in a position to make an extra gift at the end of 2020, it would be a blessing to The Rock and reduce the amount we place on our line of credit.  If you choose to do so, indicate the extra gift is for the “A/C Repair Project.”  

Finally, consult your tax advisor about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act legislation.  It allows 2020 tax deductions for charitable donations of up to $300, even if your family does not itemize deductions.

A Pickleball group will be starting up in the gymnasium at The Rock on Thursdays from 6:30-9:00 p.m. First meeting is this week, November 12. Contact Don Bloebaum with questions at [email protected].

Our November item for the Blue Valley food pantry is toothpaste. The collection box is in the Rock Cafe. Thanks for being a blessing to the community in this way!

We continue to provide viewing options on Facebook and YouTube for those who need to or prefer to worship from home at this time.

We’re so glad  you join us for worship in whatever way you do, and we look forward to being together again as a Forever Family!

YogaFaith is offering both in person classes and online classes.  Class offerings are as follows:  All Level YogaFaith – Tuesday and Thursday nights at 5:30 pm and Restorative Candlelight YogaFaith is every Sunday night at 7:00 pm.  To stay 6 feet apart, we are limiting the number of people in the room to 6 (including Sara and Erika) so you will have to register in advance for an in-person class. Please click on this link to sign up for a class. If you would like to take the class online please email Sara at [email protected] and she will give you instructions!  As always please check our Facebook page for more information.   https://www.facebook.com/YogaFaith-Seward-256010628294784/

If you have any questions about The Rock, need information about our events, or anything else, please contact us at [email protected].  Also, if you have a prayer request to submit during the week (or anytime) send it to [email protected]. Our prayer warriors will receive these, as well as Pastor Mike Meyer. 

Rock News

View The Rock’s service each week from home!

We will continue to provide viewing options on Facebook and YouTube for those who need to or prefer to worship from home at this time.

We are currently having difficulties streaming to YouTube. Please join us for livestreamed services at 10 on Facebook each Sunday, as usual. A recording will be posted on YouTube no later than Monday each week until such time as we are able to resume livestreaming on our YouTube channel.

Beginning OCTOBER 4, 2020:
  • Registration / sign-in is NOT required prior to attending in-person worship
  • ROCK Café OPEN for access, but NO drinks or snacks offered
  • Appropriate physical distancing and wearing of masks will be at the discretion of each worshiping group
  • BOTH north and south doors may be used for entry and exit
Out of love and concern for our forever family, if you have tested positive for COVID19 and have not yet recovered, if you are experiencing any COVID-like symptoms, or if you have been recently exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID, we encourage you to participate with us using our livestream option rather than attending in person.
We are excited to offer the opportunity for more people to worship together in person. However, the fact that we are relaxing the restrictions does not mean you should feel obligated to attend in person. Each family needs to make the best decision based on all their individual facts and circumstances. If, in light of the reduced restrictions, you are not comfortable attending in person or believe doing so could put you or a loved one at risk, we would be delighted for you to participate using the livestream option.

We’re so glad  you join us for worship in whatever way you do, and we look forward to being together again as a Forever Family!

Yearly Life Chain events are a peaceful and prayerful public witness of pro-life individuals standing for 90 minutes praying for our nation and for an end to abortion.  It is a visual statement of solidarity by the Christian community that abortion kills children and that the Church supports the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception until natural death.

Due to COVID-19, the Life Chain 2020 event has two official dates: Sunday, October 4 and Sunday, November 1.  In Seward, the Life Chain will be Sunday, October 4, from 2:00 – 3:00.  Meet at the west side of the Courthouse square to pick up a sign and then line up 6 feet apart along highways 15 and 34.  For anyone not in Seward or wanting to help someone else find a Life Chain event, visit https://lifechain.org/events-groups/ and fill in your state and city.  You might also contact the pro-life group in your area or try a search for “life chain your city & state.”

Our October item for the Blue Valley food pantry is rice. The collection box is in the Rock Cafe. Thank you for your generosity to our community.

YogaFaith is offering both in person classes and online classes.  Class offerings are as follows:  All Level YogaFaith – Tuesday and Thursday nights at 5:30 pm and Restorative Candlelight YogaFaith is every Sunday night at 7:00 pm.  To stay 6 feet apart, we are limiting the number of people in the room to 6 (including Sara and Erika) so you will have to register in advance for an in-person class. Please click on this link to sign up for a class. If you would like to take the class online please email Sara at [email protected] and she will give you instructions!  As always please check our Facebook page for more information.   https://www.facebook.com/YogaFaith-Seward-256010628294784/

If you have any questions about The Rock, need information about our events, or anything else, please contact us at [email protected].  Also, if you have a prayer request to submit during the week (or anytime) send it to [email protected]. Our prayer warriors will receive these, as well as Pastor Mike Meyer. 

Rock News 9/18/20

View The Rock’s service each week from home!

We will continue to provide viewing options on Facebook and YouTube for those who need to or prefer to worship from home at this time.

We are currently having difficulties streaming to YouTube. Please join us for livestreamed services at 10 on Facebook each Sunday, as usual. A recording will be posted on YouTube no later than Monday each week until such time as we are able to resume livestreaming on our YouTube channel.

We’re so glad  you join us for worship in whatever way you do, and we look forward to being together again as a Forever Family!

Our regular Wednesday kids’ activities—Stepping Stones and FaithInk—have started for this school year.  We will follow the same protocols as Seward Public Schools for wearing masks and physical distancing. If you haven’t already, please register your child/children at:  https://www.therockseward.org/children/  Stepping Stones is for age 3 through grade 4, and FaithInk is for grades 5-8, which culminates in the Rite of Confirmation.  

Is God nudging you to serve His little children in this way?  We’d love for you to learn and grow with us too!  The curriculum we use is very user friendly.  You can email [email protected], call 402-643-6624, or message us on The Rock’s Facebook page with your intentions or any other questions.

Our September tem for the Blue Valley food pantry is boxed meals. The collection box is in the Rock Cafe.  

Yearly Life Chain events are a peaceful and prayerful public witness of pro-life individuals standing for 90 minutes praying for our nation and for an end to abortion.  It is a visual statement of solidarity by the Christian community that abortion kills children and that the Church supports the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception until natural death.

Due to COVID-19, the Life Chain 2020 event has two official dates: Sunday, October 4 and Sunday, November 1.  In Seward, the Life Chain will be Sunday, October 4, from 2:00 – 3:00.  Meet at the west side of the Courthouse square to pick up a sign and then line up 6 feet apart along
highways 15 and 34.  For anyone not in Seward or wanting to help someone else find a Life Chain event, visit https://lifechain.org/events-groups/ and fill in your state and city.  You might also contact the pro-life group in your area or try a search for “life chain your city & state.”

YogaFaith is offering both in person classes and online classes.  Class offerings are as follows:  All Level YogaFaith – Tuesday and Thursday nights at 5:30 pm and Restorative Candlelight YogaFaith is every Sunday night at 7:00 pm.  To stay 6 feet apart, we are limiting the number of people in the room to 6 (including Sara and Erika) so you will have to register in advance for an in-person class. Please click on this link to sign up for a class. If you would like to take the class online please email Sara at [email protected] and she will give you instructions!  As always please check our Facebook page for more information.   https://www.facebook.com/YogaFaith-Seward-256010628294784/

If you have any questions about The Rock, need information about our events, or anything else, please contact us at [email protected].  Also, if you have a prayer request to submit during the week (or anytime) send it to [email protected]. Our prayer warriors will receive these, as well as Pastor Mike Meyer. 

Rock News

View The Rock’s service each week from home!

We will continue to provide viewing options on Facebook and YouTube for those who need to or prefer to worship from home at this time.

We are currently having difficulties streaming to YouTube. Please join us for livestreamed services at 10 on Facebook each Sunday, as usual. A recording will be posted on YouTube no later than Monday each week until such time as we are able to resume livestreaming on our YouTube channel.

We’re so glad  you join us for worship in whatever way you do, and we look forward to being together again as a Forever Family!

Join us for our Stepping Stones / FaithInk kickoff event this Saturday! 

Like most of 2020 we of course have to do things a little differently, starting with our kick off picnic. Unfortunately we couldn’t find a way to have the picnic while abiding by guidelines and keeping everyone safe. Fortunately we came up with another plan, God always provides and he has been guiding us during this trying time. 

We have an outdoor movie planned for September 12th at 7:30PM in The Rock south parking lot. This event is for everyone, if you would like to bring a friend or invite a family please do! Please bring chairs or a blanket. It may start cooling down in the evening, maybe a sweatshirt will be wanted. If each family wouldn’t mind bringing a case of water or individual pre packaged snacks such as goldfish or pretzels instead of a dish to share, that would be wonderful! 

Sept 16 will be the starting date for regular Wednesday kids’ activities this year.  We will follow the same protocols as Seward Public Schools for wearing masks and physical distancing. If you haven’t already, please register your child/children. https://www.therockseward.org/children/  Stepping Stones is for age 3 through grade 4, and FaithInk is for grades 5-8, which culminates in the Rite of Confirmation.  

Is God nudging you to serve His little children in this way?  We’d love for you to learn and grow with us too!  The curriculum we use is very user friendly.  You can email [email protected], call 402-643-6624, or message us on The Rock’s Facebook page with your intentions or any other questions.

Our September item for the Blue Valley food pantry is boxed meals. The collection box is on the second floor near the registration table.  

YogaFaith is offering both in person classes and online classes.  Class offerings are as follows:  All Level YogaFaith – Tuesday and Thursday nights at 5:30 pm and Restorative Candlelight YogaFaith is every Sunday night at 7:00 pm.  To stay 6 feet apart, we are limiting the number of people in the room to 6 (including Sara and Erika) so you will have to register in advance for an in-person class. Please click on this link to sign up for a class. If you would like to take the class online please email Sara at [email protected] and she will give you instructions!  As always please check our Facebook page for more information.   https://www.facebook.com/YogaFaith-Seward-256010628294784/

If you have any questions about The Rock, need information about our events, or anything else, please contact us at [email protected].  Also, if you have a prayer request to submit during the week (or anytime) send it to [email protected]. Our prayer warriors will receive these, as well as Pastor Mike Meyer.