Category: News

Here’s your Rock news for the week:

1. THIS SUNDAY.  Join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for the beginning of a monumental new series!  We’ll be looking at some famous monuments in the United States and the monumental moments in our journey from baptism to heaven.  What’s the week 1 monument?   Invite a friend and come relax with us and find out.
2. AIR CONDITIONING/PARKING LOT.   Back in April, the voters approved spending an additional $80,000 (over and above the prior construction budget) to pay for fire marshal items, purchase the parking lot, finish paving the parking lot, and install phase 3 electric to run the air conditioning for the worship area.  The voters also approved borrowing up to $125,000 to fund these items while pledges are collected and we finalize the permanent long-term loan for the building.  Since that time, we have completed the parking lot purchase and have paid for all but $9,114 of the fire marshal items.  We have not yet been able to finish the last areas of paving in the parking lot or install phase 3 electric to run the air conditioning for the worship area.  The reason those items have not been completed is that there has been some delay in getting loan approval from Lutheran Church Extension Fund for the short-term borrowing.  A new loan officer has taken over our account (new to us and new to the Nebraska office of LCEF) and it has taken more time than we anticipated to work through the details of the loan.  We anticipate that the process can be completed in the near future.  Based on funds received and some potential cost savings, it appears we will only borrow $75,000 of the $125,000 approved by the congregation.  As a result of the delay, we have had to make alternative arrangements for air conditioning in the worship area.  The fellowship area on the 3rd floor has air conditioning units that run on phase 1 electricity so that area is cooled.  Last Sunday, we were pretty successful in moving air from the fellowship area into the worship area to keep things comfortable.  Going forward, we are going to add some portable air conditioners in the worship area to help out.  We’re hopeful this will get us through nicely until the phase 3 electric project is completed.  Thanks for your patience as we figure out how best to keep things cool.
3. COMFORT DOG:  The comfort dogs from various churches around the country have been in the news this week as they bring comfort to the families dealing with the tragic shootings in Orlando.  The Rock will be part of that outreach on a national and a local basis soon.  The time is now for us to ramp up with volunteers to be ready to do lots of things.  Some of the areas identified so far are listed below. If you would like to know more about how you can help, contact our Top Dog, Randy Newsome, at 402-643-6595 or e-mail [email protected].  Here are the service positions:
   1. Caregiver: Houses and cares for the dog
   2. Back up Caregiver: to give Caregiver time away or in case of illness.
   3. Handler: trained to control and direct the Comfort Dog
   4. Ministry Assistant: goes out with the Handler and dog to aid by handing out the Comfort Dog’s cards and talking with people
   5. Social Media: Posting to the Dog’s face book page, Picture or Video taker
   6. Scheduler:  Arrange time blocks for each handler
   7. Thank-you Coordinator
   8. Fund Raiser
   9. Prayer Warrior
   10. Cookie Maker and/or Shut-in goodie bags
4. ANNUAL MEETING.  On Sunday, July 31 (I had the date wrong in last week’s email), we will have our annual meeting to elect leaders and to adopt a budget for the upcoming year.  We are in need of people willing to serve in leadership roles as directors or ambassadors.  If you would like to know more, please respond to this email or contact Pastor Mike.  Also, please plan to stay after church on July 31.  We’ll have a potluck to celebrate another year of God’s blessings and then follow with our meeting.
5. MORNING AMIGOS.  This ladies group meets at the Rock on Thursday mornings at 10:15 am for bible study.  All ladies are welcome to come every week or just once in a while.  If you have any questions, please respond to this email or contact Sara Moll.  Please note that the group will NOT be meeting on June 30.
6. BLOCK PARTY ON JULY 3:  Plan to join us outside at the Rock on Sunday, July 3, from 6pm to 8pm.  We’ll be inviting everyone from the Rock and all the people from our neighborhood at 3rd and Main to start the Independence Day celebration a little early with some food and fun.  Watch for an email with all the details in the next few days.
7. BLUE VALLEY PANTRY:  June is the month for pancake mix for the pantry.
8. FINANCES:  June 30 is the end of the Rock’s fiscal year.  We’d like to finish the year strong and avoid the slowdown in giving that often happens during the summer.  Please prayerfully consider regular gifts out of the blessings God has given you.   Also, we would like to finish up the first phase of the fundraising for A FIRM PLACE TO STAND by June 30.  One goal was to raise $150,000 in major gifts (pledged to come in over 3-5 years).  This will be used to pay down our construction loan and help with other final repairs and improvements. We have received major gifts/pledges of $143,375 so far!  That means we are only $6,624 away from our goal.  A second goal was to raise $5,000 from room sponsors to help spruce up the classrooms on the 2nd floor of the Rock.  We have received $4,451.99 so far!  Only $548.01 to go!  Please consider making a pledge yet this month to help us reach these goals!

Blessings on your weekend.

Here’s a bunch of Rock news for the week:

1. THIS SUNDAY!  This Sunday is the final week of CTRL-ALT-DEL.  We’ll conclude the series with a look at JOY.  How can you rejoice in the Lord no matter the circumstance? Join us at 10:00 am to find out.  We still have some air conditioning issues on the 3^rd floor so dress cool and we’ll find joy in the warmth!
2. WE WON!  Thanks to everyone who sent in pictures for the LCEF Photo Scavenger Hunt.  We were notified this week that the Rock won a $500 prize!
3. AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM RANDY NEWSOME – OUR TOP DOG:  Greetings from Top Dog Randy here, to tell you a little about the Comfort Dog Ministry. The mission statement of the Lutheran Church Charities is: “To show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need.” Want to be a part of a ministry where one gets to work WITH Jesus to offer what we as believers already know first-hand and to help connect people to the grace, mercy and the ever presence of His Spirit?  Comfort dog ministry may be for you.  The dog is so well trained and behaved, he or she will break down the barriers so the human can offer to pray for that person to connect them to our awesome God. You don’t have to go out with the dog to be part of the ministry. Lots of workers are needed behind the scenes.  Some of the areas identified so far are listed below. You want to be part of the shaping of this ministry? Come to one of the informational gatherings: This Sunday, June 12, right after church in front of Pastor’s Office on the 2nd floor OR Wednesday, June 15 at 7 pm at the Rock Café on the 3^rd floor. If neither works for your schedule, just contact Randy at 402-643-6595 or e-mail [email protected].  Pray and ask the Lord if He wants you to join with Him in this ministry.  Here are the service positions:
   1. Caregiver: Houses and cares for the dog
   2. Back up Caregiver: to give Caregiver time away or in case of illness.
   3. Handler: trained to control and direct the Comfort Dog
   4. Ministry Assistant: goes out with the Handler and dog to aid by handing out the Comfort Dog’s cards and talking with people
   5. Social Media: Posting to the Dog’s face book page, Picture or Video taker
   6. Scheduler:  Arrange time blocks for each handler
   7. Thank-you Coordinator
   8. Fund Raiser
   9. Prayer Warrior
   10. Cookie Maker and/or Shut-in goodie bags
4. A GREAT BIG FURRY THANK YOU!  The Rock has been blessed with a gift of over $2,600 for the comfort dog ministry.  The students of St. John Lutheran School donated chapel offerings and concession proceeds from the past year to the Rock.  We are so thankful!  If you see a student or staff member from St. John, please tell them thanks.
5. ANNUAL MEETING.  On July 30, we will have our annual meeting to elect leaders and to adopt a budget for the upcoming year.  We are in need of people willing to serve in leadership roles as directors or ambassadors.  If you would like to know more, please respond to this email or contact Pastor Mike.  Also, please plan to stay after church on July 30.  We’ll have a potluck to celebrate another year of God’s blessings and then follow with our meeting.
6. BLOCK PARTY ON JULY 3:  Mark your calendars to join us for a block party in the evening on July 3.  We’ll invite everyone in our Rock neighborhood to join all of us at the Rock to celebrate Independence Day and to get know the people in our community.  Watch for more details.
7. STEPPING STONES:  Stepping Stones is on break for the summer, but it’s not too early to start planning for next year.  We are looking for all kinds of help.  Would you be interested in teaching or coordinating or helping in some other way?  Please respond to this email to see Holly Parry or Tim or Lori Moravec.
   1. Pray for God’s blessing on the final preparations for the trip and for all the youth and leaders who will be attending.
   2. Consider purchasing some Life Extension vitamins and supplements before June 30.  See any of the youth to look at a catalog, see Danna Seevers with questions, and click here for more info about the products:  www.lifeextension.com.
   3. Honor Dad (or anyone else who likes a good donut) with some Krispy Kreme donuts.  Order some between now and June 12 and then they will be delivered hot and fresh on June 18.   Look for info at the Rock or contact any of the NYG Youth.NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING:  The LCMS National Youth Gathering in New Orleans is just a few weeks away.  You can help provide a faith-shaping, life-changing experience to the group from the Rock who be attending.  Here’s how you can help:
8. WEEKLY GIVING:  June 30 is the end of the Rock’s fiscal year.  We’d like to finish the year strong and avoid the slowdown in giving that often happens during the summer.  Please prayerfully consider regular gifts out of the blessings God has given you.
9. BLUE VALLEY PANTRY:  June is the month for pancake mix for the pantry.

Blessings on your weekend.

Here’s your Rock news for Memorial Day weekend:

1. THIS SUNDAY! Join us this Sunday for Week 4 of CTRL-ALT-DEL. The Devil takes our desires and twists them (because he’s a liar) to lead us away from God’s plan. He’s been doing it from the very beginning (think Eve, a snake and some fruit). We’ll gather at 10:00 am to look at how we can reboot our desires
   with God’s help.
2. WE NEED YOU: In July, we will have our annual meeting to elect leaders and to adopt a budget for the upcoming year. We are in need of people willing to serve in leadership roles as directors or ambassadors. If you would like to know more, please respond to this email or contact Pastor Mike.
3. STEPPING STONES: Stepping Stones is on break for the summer, but it’s not too early to start planning for next year. We are looking for all kinds of help. Would you be interested in teaching or coordinating or helping in some other way? Please respond to this email to see Holly Parry or Tim or Lori Moravec.
4. NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING: The LCMS National Youth Gathering in New Orleans is just a few weeks away. You can help provide a faith-shaping, life-changing experience to the group from the Rock who be attending. Here’s how you can help:
   1. Pray for God’s blessing on the final preparations for the trip and for all the youth and leaders who will be attending.
   2. Consider purchasing some Life Extension vitamins and supplements before June 30. See any of the youth to look at a catalog, see Danna Seevers with questions, and click here for more info about the products.
   3. Honor Dad (or anyone else who likes a good donut) with some Krispy Kreme donuts. Order some between now and June 12 and then they will be delivered hot and fresh on June 18. Look for info at the Rock or contact any of the NYG Youth.
5. BLUE VALLEY PANTRY: This is the last Sunday for Kleenex for the pantry.

Blessings on your weekend. If you see a veteran or the family of a veteran, take a minute to say thanks.

Here’s your Rock news for the week:

1. THIS SUNDAY!  When you’re having a bad day and things seem out of control, don’t you wish you could press CTRL-ALT-DEL and reboot your day (or your life)?  Join us this Sunday for the beginning of a new series called (appropriately enough) CTRL-ALT-DEL to examine how to reboot your life.  We’ll gather at 10:00 a.m. at the Rock for great music and time together in God’s Word.
2. HEY GRADUATES!  Are you graduating from high school or college in the next days or weeks?  We’d love to recognize all the Rock graduates on May 15.  We know you are out there so please respond to this email with a picture and a brief description of your future plans by Tuesday, May 10.  Thanks!
3. STUFF TO BARK ABOUT:  The beginning of a comfort dog ministry at the Rock is getting closer all the time!  Training continues for the current class of Golden Retriever pups that will become comfort dogs.  God willing, one of them will be assigned to the Rock soon.  Also, this week, Randy Newsome (our Top Dog) and his wife Marcia, will travel to Illinois for a few days of training at Lutheran Church Charities. Please pray for God’s blessings on their travel and on their time of training.  Finally, we praise God for all the support the Rock has received.  In particular, we give thanks for the students at St. John Lutheran School in Seward who have designated their chapel offerings to go to the support of the comfort dog ministry at the Rock.
4. UPDATE – A FIRM PLACE TO STAND:  Since last November, we have been in the first phase of plans to help the Rock connect people to Jesus over the coming months and years.  We’ve focused on how God gives us “a firm place to stand” (see Psalm 40), asked people to review the mission and vision and plans for the Rock and to commit to how they might be involved.  Over 25 families have made a commitment to pray for the Rock and to be involved in what God is doing at the Rock through gifts of time and financial gifts.  Thank you to all the families that have participated so far.  We praise God for how He has blessed the Rock through you.  As we conclude this first phase of A Firm Place to Stand, we would love for more people to indicate how they would like to be involved and participate in the blessings God is showering on the Rock.  All the details and a commitment sheet are attached.  Here’s a quick summary of how God has blessed the financial results so far and how close we are to our initial goals:

   One goal was to raise $150,000 in major gifts (pledged to come in over 3-5 years).  This will be used to pay down our construction loan and help with other final repairs and improvements. We have received major gifts/pledges of $143,375 so far!  That means we are only $6,624 away from our goal.

   A second goal was to raise $5,000 from room sponsors to help spruce up the classrooms on the 2nd floor of the Rock.  We have received $4,451.99 so far!  Only $548.01 to go!

   A final goal for the initial phase was to raise $15,000 for the initial funding of the comfort dog ministry.  As we have announced previously, we have already reached our goal for initial comfort dog funding!

5. LEADERSHIP AT THE ROCK:  In July, we will have our annual meeting to elect leaders and to adopt a budget for the upcoming year.  We are in need of people willing to serve in leadership roles as directors or ambassadors.  If you would like to know more, please respond to this email or contact me or Pastor Mike.
6. BLUE VALLEY PANTRY:  April showers bring May flowers.  What do May flowers bring?  Hay fever.  Grab a few boxes of facial tissues for the pantry and bring them to the Rock any time this month.
7. SEWARD WOMEN’S CONNECTION:  In May, Seward Women’s Connection will be hosting Malinda Oeding.  As a nurse, she will share about her addition to drugs and her journey through three divorces.  Her personal faith message will encourage you.  No matter how difficult your life has been, God has a place for you.  The event is Monday, May 16.  Call 402-641-5311 for more information or to reserve your spot.
8. CONCORDIA BASKETBALL CAMPS:  Concordia University in Seward offers basketball camps (and all kinds of sports camps) for 3rd through 12th graders.  In addition to improving athletic skills, campers hear the Gospel every day.  It’s a great combination.  A flyer for women’s basketball camps is attached.  More information on all the camps is available here: http://www.cune.edu/athletics/ camps.

Happy Mother’s Day and blessing on your weekend.

Here’s your Rock news for the week:

1. THIS SUNDAY!  This Sunday is the final Sunday of Gladitude.  Join us at 10:00 a.m. for a concluding  look at life with God’s waterfall of blessings flowing powerfully through you to others.  Bring your big kids and all the little squirts and come relax and worship with us.
2. CAN YOU PICTURE SOME CASH FOR THE ROCK?  Do you have some pictures of the Rock (new or old Rock activities, Rock building pictures, really anything)?  If so, please take a few minutes to submit them to the Lutheran Church Extension Fund Photo Scavenger Hunt.  If we submit enough photos the Rock could win $500 or $1,500!  The deadline is May 1 so act now!  Click here for the details:  www.lcefphotos.com.
3. HEY GRADUATES!  Are you graduating from high school or college this spring?  We’d love to recognize all the Rock graduates on May 15.  Please respond to this email with a picture and a brief description of your future plans.  Thanks!
4. TRIP TO MISSION CENTRAL:  Holy Savior Lutheran in Lincoln is organizing a bus trip to Mission Central in Mapleton, Iowa on Saturday, June 11.  Cost is $10.00 per person. The group will depart Lincoln at 7:00 am on an Arrow Stage Lines bus from Holy Savior, stop for a light breakfast at McDonalds (everyone pays for their own meal) and arrive at Mission Central around 10:30 am.  Gary Thies will give the group a tour and he will speak to us about his work.  Mission Central will furnish lunch at no cost.  The group will depart around 2:30 and should return to Lincoln around 5:00 pm.  If interested please sign up online by clicking here:  https://www. mybridgeelementgiving.com/f/? k=C5MWD84AUXB7W773. Only 10 seats still available so don’t wait to sign up. If you have any questions you can contact Gerry Schultz at 438-5812. Thank you.
5. BLUE VALLEY PANTRY:  Thanks to everyone who brought paper towels in April.  We did great and the pantry is very appreciative.  Our assignment for May is facial tissue.

Blessings on your weekend.

Dear Friends:

I hope your Christmas and New Year’s celebrations were blessed and joyful. After a few missed weeks of news (because of the holidays and my general delinquency), there is a quite a bit of news to share:

1. THIS SUNDAY: The year is new. We have new life because Jesus became human to save us from our sin. What do we do now? We live the way God planned for us to live because He knows best. Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am at the Rock for Week 2 of “Life Under Construction.” We’ll be looking at the Second Commandment. Grab your stone tablets and the whole family and come learn with us.

2. POTLUCK NEXT SUNDAY!! Plan to stay for lunch next Sunday, January 17. We’re planning a potluck lunch to begin right after worship. We’ve never really done a full potluck at the Rock so it is kind of a fun experiment. Here are the instructions:
* If your last name begins with A through M, please bring a main dish to share. We’ll have lots of power strips available if you want to plug in a crock pot or something to keep things warm during church.
* If your last name begins with N through Z, please bring a salad or side dish and a dessert to share.
* The Rock will provide drinks and plates/cups/napkins/utensils.
* Please bring along an appropriate serving spoon, ladle, tongs, forks, spatula, etc. to serve your dish as the Rock hasn’t accumulated any of those items yet.
* Bring whatever you would like. Dishes with cream of mushroom soup, green jello salads and deviled eggs are welcomed and encouraged.
* If your last name begins with A through Z and for any reason it isn’t possible or convenient for you to bring food, stay for lunch anyway and celebrate with us. I’m sure there will be enough to go around and we’d love to have you.

3. COMMITMENT CELEBRATION ON SUNDAY ON JANUARY 17: Since the end of November, we’ve been asking everyone at the Rock to review the vision and plans and prayerfully consider how to be involved in helping us move forward. It’s all about having and sharing a “Firm Place to Stand.” On the Sunday after this one, we’ll be celebrating and praying over all the commitments we have received. We’d love for everyone to celebrate their commitments with us on the 17th. As noted above, we’ll top off the celebration with food!

4. YOU COULD BE THE TOP DOG: We have raised enough funds for the initial application fee for a comfort dog and we have a caregiver and handlers lined up for the dog (praise God!). The one thing we still need is a Top Dog. The Top Dog is the person who handles scheduling and administrative things for the Comfort Dog. You don’t have to take the dog to events or take care of the dog.

5. ACCESS THE ROCK: What’s the Rock all about? What’s a Lutheran? How can I get involved at the Rock? Why does the Rock do the things it does? Get answers to these questions and more on Sunday, January 24 from 11:30 to 1:30 or so. You can visit with Pastor Mike and some of the leaders at the Rock to learn more about being part of the Rock. I think there will be pizza. Interested? Contact Pastor Mike at [email protected].

6. PARKING LOT: The parking lot south of the Rock is mostly done, but we’ll have to wait until spring for the driveway to be finished and for all the gaps and rough spots around the edges to be cleaned up. Please feel free to park there, but be careful of the snow/ice and the gaps and curb drop-offs around the outside.

7. ROCKER ROOM HELP: We need some volunteers to help supervise the Rocker Room during Sunday gatherings. Could you help for a Sunday or two? There is a sign-up sheet in the Rocker Room.

8. BLUE VALLEY PANTRY: The January item for the pantry is soap and shampoo. Drop some bottles and bars in the box in the fellowship area any time this month.

Blessings on your weekend.

Here’s your Rock news for the week:

THIS SUNDAY:  The decorations and trees are going up.  Christmas music is on the radio and the stores are full of shoppers.  It’s time to get ready for Christmas.  Join us this week at 10:00 a.m. at the Rock for  Week 1 of “We Need a Little Christmas.”  We’ll look at the some of the things we really need this Christmas.  Want to get warmed up for Sunday?  Click here:   https://www.facebook.com/therockseward/videos/10153659148776343.

SARAH KANOY:   Last Sunday we welcomed Sarah Kanoy to the Rock.  She is a nurse missionary working in Kenya and other parts of East Africa.  Please pray for God’s blessings on her work.  If you would like to learn more about what she does or would be interested in helping support her, here is where you can find more information:

Mission Central Adoption Agreement:  http://i.b5z.net/i/u/1461075/ f/KANOY_FINAL_AGRMT.pdf
Sarah’s Blog:  http://saltandlightinafrica.wix.com/home
Sarah’s Email:  [email protected]
Address for contributions:  Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 631166-6861.

COFFEE!  The coffee is here!  If you ordered from Sara Moll at church, you can pick up your order before or after church this Sunday!  For those of you that ordered from individual youth, the youth will be contacting you soon to deliver your coffee.

BELL RINGERS ON DECEMBER 11:  The Rock is providing bell ringers for the Salvation Army kettle at Walmart on December 11.  Please sign up to help provide for those in need this Christmas.  Almost all the money raised stays right here in Seward County.  To see the available times and sign up, click here: http://www.signupgenius.com/ go/10c0d4daea92ca2ff2-christmas

NO CHILD CARE SUNDAY AFTERNOON:  There wasn’t enough need for child care so the youth event offering to provide child care Sunday afternoon has been cancelled.  Thanks for all your support of the youth attending the National Youth Gathering.  Watch for more opportunities to help soon.

BLUE VALLEY PANTRY:  We need a little Christmas this year and we need a little Tuna this month.  Grab a can or a pouch or two of tuna and drop it off at the Rock any Sunday during December.

Blessings on your weekend.

Here’s your Rock news for the week:

THIS SUNDAY:  Last week we concluded “A Firm Place to Stand.” The M&M’s (Miracles & Marvels) we have from God are a natural thing to share with those around us.  This week, we’ll have a chance to see how we can share beyond our borders.  We’ll be joined by Sarah Kanoy, a career missionary and nurse who is planning medical mission work in Kenya.  Click here for a little more information (http://i.b5z.net/i/u/1461075/ f/KANOY_FINAL_AGRMT.pdf) and join us a 10:00 a.m. on Sunday for a lot more information.

A FIRM PLACE TO STAND.  Thanks to everyone who was able to stay and celebrate and give thanks with us last week.  Remember to be in prayer this week for the plans for the Rock and how God is leading you to participate.  If you weren’t able to attend and would like more information, please stay after church for a few minutes this Sunday.

COMFORT DOG:  Our application to get a comfort dog for the Rock has been approved.  The next step is to raise some funds to cover initial expenses and to identify a “Top Dog” – the person who schedules and coordinates the dog handlers.  Want to help?  Look for the dog food and drop your donation in the dog dish at the Rock.  If you would consider being the Top Dog, please respond to this email or talk to Pastor Mike or Tom Rief.

COFFEE!  The coffee is here!  If you ordered from Sara Moll at church, you can pick up your order before or after church this Sunday!  For those of you that ordered from individual youth, the youth will be contacting you soon to deliver your coffee.

LADIES’ BIBLE STUDY:  Want to take some time for bible study to get ready for Christmas?  All ladies are welcome to attend a bible study time on Thursdays at 10:15 am on the 3rd level of the Rock.  The topic for the current study is “The Purpose of Christmas” by Rick Warren.  Respond to this email or contact Sara Moll if you would like to join.

CHRISTMAS CHILD CARE:  Need a little help with the kids while you shop or do some other things to get ready for Christmas?  The youth and parents traveling to the National Youth Gathering this summer will be providing child care at the Rock from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday, December 6.  Bring your child and a snack (water will be available).  Suggested donation is $5 per hour per child.  To register your kiddos, sign up at the Rock on Sunday or email [email protected].

CONSTRUCTION NEWS:  The Fire Marshall has signed off on the final items we needed to address and we have final occupancy.  Praise God!  Also, the first pads of concrete were poured yesterday on the new parking lot.

BLUE VALLEY PANTRY:  Smile, Jesus loves you!  Give someone else a bright smile and a little of Jesus love.  This Sunday is the last Sunday for TOOTHPASTE for the Pantry.

Blessings on your weekend.

Dear Friends:

Here’s your Rock news for the week:

DEDICATION RESCHEDULED!  Remember that we have our normal gathering this Sunday at 10:00 a.m.  The Dedication Celebration that was going to occur in the afternoon has been postponed while work proceeds on the new parking lot (they started moving dirt today!). We’ll be scheduling an alternate date for the dedication soon.  Here’s the schedule for worship at the new Rock for the rest of November:

November 15, 2015:  Sunday gathering at 10:00 a.m. (No dedication at 2pm)
November 22, 2015:  Sunday gathering at 10:00 a.m. – Stay for LUNCH!
November 29, 2015:  Sunday gathering at 10:00 a.m.

THIS SUNDAY:  We think we’ve got it all under control, but then something goes wrong.  We thought we were on solid ground, but then the world starts to crumble under our feet.  What do we need?  We need a firm place to stand.  Join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for Week 1 of A Firm Place to Stand.  Know someone feeling a little beaten down?  Take a look at Psalm 40:1-3 and invite them to join you at the Rock this weekend.

STAY FOR LUNCH ON NOVEMBER 22!!  So many people have worked so hard to get everything ready at the new Rock.  Now it’s time to relax and give thanks and celebrate.  Join us next Sunday for a great lunch (it’s FREE and you don’t need to bring a thing).  We’ll celebrate and give thanks for all God’s blessings to the Rock, then take a little time to share how you can be part of how God uses the Rock to connect people to Jesus.  Bring the whole family and celebrate with us!

COMFORT DOG:  Our application to get a comfort dog for the Rock has been approved.  The next step is to raise some funds to cover initial expenses and to identify a “Top Dog” – the person who schedules and coordinates the dog handlers.  Want to help?  Look for the dog food and drop you donation in the dog dish at the Rock.  If you would consider being the Top Dog, please respond to this email.

LAST WEEK FOR COFFEE!  The Youth attending the National Youth Gathering are selling delicious Bean Smith coffee (ground or beans) to help raise funds to attend the Gathering.  Have a favorite youth attending the gathering?  Find them and place your order by November 15.  Don’t know anyone going but still want some great coffee?  Go to the table in the fellowship area and find Sara Moll before or after church this Sunday.  Orders will be turned in right after November 15 with the coffee to arrive by early December – just in time for Christmas gifts!

LADIES BIBLE STUDY:  The ladies of Morning Amigos are starting a new study for the Christmas season.  Beginning this Thursday, November 19 and continuing through December 17, the group will be working through “The Purpose of Christmas” by Rick Warren.  Cost of the study guide is $7 and there is little or no homework.  All ladies are welcome.  The group meets at the Civic Center from 10:15 am to 11:30 am on Thursdays.  Interested?  Respond to this email or contact Sara Moll or Andrea Sloup.  Study guides are still available.

CHRISTMAS CHILD CARE:  Need a little help with the kids while you shop or do some other things to get ready for Christmas?  The youth and parents traveling to the National Youth Gathering this summer will be providing child care at the Rock from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday, December 6.  Bring your child and a snack (water will be available).  Suggested donation is $5 per hour per child.  To register your kiddos, sign up at the Rock on Sunday or [email protected].

CLEANING HELP:  We are looking some families to volunteer to do some cleaning at the Rock on Tuesdays (to get things cleaned up for Wednesday nights) and on Saturdays (to get things cleaned up for Sundays).  Would you be willing to help out once in a while?  Please respond to this email.  Also, we’ll be looking soon for a person to do cleaning and/or some other maintenance things on a part-time paid basis.  Interested?  Please respond to this email.

BLUE VALLEY PANTRY:  The item for November is TOOTHPASTE.

Blessings on your weekend.

Dear Friends:

Here’s your Rock news for the week:

DEDICATION RESCHEDULED!  We have postponed the Dedication Celebration that was going to occur on November 15.  The reason is good news!  Work is scheduled to begin soon on the parking lot on the south side of the new Rock.  The paving work may make parking a little more difficult for a couple weeks and may affect access to the south entrance.  We didn’t think it wise to have the Dedication at a time when access is uncertain. We’ll be scheduling an alternate date soon.  So, here’s the revised schedule for worship at the new Rock the next few weeks:

November 8, 2015: Sunday gathering at 10:00 a.m.
November 15, 2015:  Sunday gathering at 10:00 a.m. (No dedication at 2pm)
November 22, 2015:  Sunday gathering at 10:00 a.m. – Stay for LUNCH!
November 29, 2015:  Sunday gathering at 10:00 a.m.

THIS SUNDAY:  We’re interrupting our normal programming to celebrate something that hasn’t happened for 30 years.  You guessed it!  We’ll see what we can learn about our great God by celebrating the Royals’ World Series victory.  Join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for a one-week series called “Crowned.”  Grab the baseball fans in your family and come to the new Rock.  It still has that new-church smell!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR – STAY FOR LUNCH ON NOVEMBER 22:  Plan to stay for lunch right after our gathering on Sunday, November 22.  Everything will be provided.  We’ll have a great meal to celebrate God’s blessings to the Rock, talk about plans for the Rock going forward and offer opportunities for everyone to help with fundraising and other projects.

ROCKER ROOM HELP:  Now that we have a new big Rocker Room for the kids, we are looking for some volunteers to help keep things organized and keep an eye on some kids during worship on Sunday mornings.  Would you be willing to help?  Respond to this email or sign up at church this Sunday.  Have questions?  See Holly Parry.

NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING MEETING THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8:  Parents and youth who have committed to attend the National Youth Gathering should plan to attend a meeting this Sunday at 1pm at the Rock.

COFFEE, COFFEE, COFFEE:  The Youth attending the National Youth Gathering are selling delicious Bean Smith coffee (ground or beans) to help raise funds to attend the Gathering.  Bean Smith Coffee Roasters is an Omaha company that makes great coffee.  Have a favorite youth attending the gathering?  Find them and place your order.  Don’t know anyone going but still want some great coffee?  Go to the table in the fellowship area and find Sara Moll before or after church.  Orders will be taken through November 15 with the coffee to arrive by early December – just in time for Christmas gifts!  Want to know how the coffee tastes?  Have some at the Rock.  The Rock Café will be serving Bean Smith coffee this Sunday.

LADIES BIBLE STUDY:  The ladies of Morning Amigos are starting a new study for the Christmas season.  Beginning Thursday, November 19 and continuing through December 17, the group will be working through “The Purpose of Christmas” by Rick Warren.  Cost of the study guide is $7 and there is little or no homework.  All ladies are welcome.  The group meets at the Civic Center from 10:15 am to 11:30 am on Thursdays.  Interested?  Respond to this email or contact Sara Moll or Andrea Sloup.

CHRISTMAS CHILD CARE:  Need a little help with the kids while you shop or do some other things to get ready for Christmas?  The youth and parents traveling to the National Youth Gathering this summer will be providing child care at the Rock from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday, December 6.  Bring your child and a snack (water will be available).  Suggested donation is $5 per hour per child.  To register your kiddos, sign up at the Rock on Sunday or email [email protected].

CLEANING HELP:  We are looking some families to volunteer to do some cleaning at the Rock on Tuesdays (to get things cleaned up for Wednesday nights) and on Saturdays (to get things cleaned up for Sundays).  Would you be willing to help out once in a while?  Please respond to this email.  Also, we’ll be looking soon for a person to do cleaning and/or some other maintenance things on a part-time paid basis.  Interested?  Please respond to this email.

BREAKFAST IN BETHLEHEM:  Looking for a cool Christmas activity to do with the kids?  Check out Breakfast in Bethlehem at St. John Lutheran in Seward on Saturday morning, December 12.

TRAIL LIFE USA:  A new Trail Life USA Troop for boys is being formed at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Goehner.  It’s a Christ-centered organization for boys interested in hiking, camping and the outdoors.  Learn more here:  www.traillifeusa.com.  Interested parents should attend a parent informational meeting at Holy Cross on Thursday, November 12 at 7pm.  Questions?  Contact Rick Backhus at 402-532-2143.

BLUE VALLEY PANTRY:  The item for November is TOOTHPASTE.  Grab a few tubes and drop them off at the Rock any Sunday this month.

Blessings on your weekend.