News

Rock News: October 16, 2024

Happening at The Rock Concordia is hosting a Wellness Walk/Run on Thursday, October 17 at 7:00 a.m. at the Plum Creek Sports Complex by the sand volleyball and soccer fields. The first 75 people get a free t-shirt. The Morning of Wellness is sponsored by Concordia Health & Counseling and Student Life Office. Join the next Guatemala Mission Team! Are you passionate about serving others and sharing God’s love? This is a unique opportunity to grow in faith, build relationships, and make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve. Activities include: VBS, music and crafts, teen and women’s ministry. Consider joining the next trip scheduled for June 19-26, 2025. If you want to go, the first deposit of $400 is due October 27th. The team is limited to first 12 people who pay the deposit. Contact Jen Janousek at [email protected] or Emma Dannehl at [email protected] for more information. We hold up in prayer…

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Rock News: October 2, 2024

Happening at The Rock The Guatemala Mission team will be having a Pumpkin Fundraiser in the church parking lot after worship THIS Sunday, October 6! Bring some money and get a pumpkin in exchange for a freewill offering. All proceeds support The Rock’s Guatemala Mission Trip! High School girls are invited to attend the upcoming Pure Freedom Retreat on October 11-12 at The Rock. The retreat kicks off with a movie Friday night, followed by a day of fellowship, food, faith, and fun on Saturday. Register at this link. High School boys are invited to attend the upcoming Bravehearts Retreat on October 12 sponsored by St. John Lutheran Church. This event will include fun activities, speakers, food, and fellowship. High school boys who are interested can get more information here and can register at this link. Join the next Guatemala Mission Team! Are you passionate about serving others and sharing God’s love? This is a unique opportunity to grow in…

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Rock News: September 25, 2011

Happening at the Rock High School girls are invited to attend the upcoming Pure Freedom Retreat on October 11-12 at The Rock. The retreat kicks off with a movie Friday night, followed by a day of fellowship, food, faith, and fun on Saturday. Register at this link. High School boys are invited to attend the upcoming Bravehearts Retreat on October 12 sponsored by St. John Lutheran Church. This event will include fun activities, speakers, food, and fellowship. High school boys who are interested can get more information here and can register at this link. Join the next Guatemala Mission Team! Are you passionate about serving others and sharing God’s love? This is a unique opportunity to grow in faith, build relationships, and make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve. Activities include: VBS, music and crafts, teen and women’s ministry. Consider joining the next trip scheduled for June 19-26, 2025. Contact Jen Janousek at [email protected]

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New Women’s Bible Study

All women high school age and up are invited to join a 7 week evening study, beginning in October based on “The Gospel on the Ground: The Grit and Glory of the Early Church in Acts” by Kristi McLelland. (Learn more about this book here.) Come gather to build relationships with each other, and more importantly, with Jesus. There will be two different groups—one meeting on Mondays, and the other on Wednesdays. To help our groups bond, you will need to choose your night and stick with it. When you sign up, please indicate whether you will attend on Mondays or Wednesdays. OPTION #1 OPTION #2 We will be making a bulk book order from Christianbook.com. The estimated cost is $21.24-24.99 (the price is listed as $24.99 but we will be purchasing them at reduced bulk book cost, which might bring the cost as low as $21.24).  Please contact Sara or…

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Rock News: September 11, 2024

Happening at The RockSeptember 21, 2024, Rock the Block from 4:00-8:00October 11-12, 2024, Pure Freedom Retreat (high school girls)October 15, 2024, Communion Class, 6 p.m.June 19-26, 2025, Guatemala Mission TripJuly 19-23, 2025, LCMS Youth Gathering Join us for Rock the Block on Saturday, September 21 from 4-8. Music, snow cones, bounce house, face paint, and BBQ! Bring your friends. Teen girls are invited to attend the upcoming Pure Freedom Retreat on October 11-12 at The Rock. The retreat kicks off with a movie Friday night, followed by a day of fellowship, food, faith, and fun on Saturday. Register at this link. Do you have an announcement you’d like to have made in the Rock newsletter, on our social media pages, or on the screen on Sunday? Please use this new Announcement Submission Form. The Rock and St. John partner to offer Godparent Groups for high school students. Currently, more leaders are needed for freshmen! If you are interested in leading…

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Rock News, August 22, 2024

Happening at The RockSeptember 4, 2024, Stepping Stones and FaithInk Potluck at 6:30September 21, 2024, Rock the Block from 4:00-8:00 Important: All members with keys to the building, please check to see if you have a key that says “Control” on it and let Danna know that you have it. Join us for Rock the Block on Saturday, September 21 from 4-8. Music, snow cones, bounce house, face paint, and BBQ! Bring your friends. Thanks for your donations to improve the second floor classrooms! Thanks to your generosity last year, Stepping Stones has enough supplies for their activities this year. Now that our windows are repaired, they’re ready to use the second floor classrooms again and it’s time to spruce up those classrooms. You can make a donation to that project by donating online or in the offering basket and designating it for Stepping Stones. Thanks for your continued partnership in this ministry. Still time to sign…

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Rock News, August 1, 2024

Happening at The RockSeptember 4, 2024, Stepping Stones and FaithInk Potluck Important: All members with keys to the building, please check to see if you have a key that says “Control” on it and let Danna know that you have it. Help us improve the second floor classrooms! Thanks to your generosity last year, Stepping Stones has enough supplies for their activities this year. Now that our windows are repaired, they’re ready to use the second floor classrooms again and it’s time to spruce up those classrooms. You can make a donation to that project by donating online or in the offering basket and designating it for Stepping Stones. Thanks for your continued partnership in this ministry. It’s time to sign up for children’s and youth ministry!Stepping Stones, for ages 3-4th grade, and FaithInk for grades 5-8 meet on Wednesday nights from 6:30-7:30 p.m. during the school year. We will kick off another year…

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Rock News, July 19, 2024

Happening at The RockJuly 21, 2024, Annual Voters’ Meeting, after the service Our annual voters’ meeting will be held on July 21 after the service. If you would like to confirm that you are a voting member of The Rock, please see one of our Ambassadors. Visit our website leadership page to see who is serving and how to contact them.Access the Meeting Agenda and the Ministry Plan before the meeting. The Rock is hiring a part-time Administrative Assistant to support the Pastor, Ambassadors, and Directors. This position will enhance the ability for all ministries within the church to grow God’s Kingdom. Full details and information about how to apply can be found here on Indeed. Pick up a name tag on your way into church for the next few weeks. We’ll help the Bartels—and each other—learn everyone’s names.Help welcome the Bartels family to the Rock and the Seward community by participating in our Meal Train! Sign up for a Monday,…

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2024 Annual Meeting Materials

Stay after the service on Sunday, July 21 for our annual voters’ meeting. If you aren’t sure whether you are a voting member, please check with an Ambassador. Meeting Agenda Ministry Plan

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Rock News

Happening at The Rock July 7, 2024, Potluck lunch after the serviceJuly 14, 2024, 2:00, Installation and ordination of Jonathan Bartels as pastor, followed by a reception (more details soon)July 21, 2024, Annual Voters’ Meeting, after the service Stay after the service this Sunday, July 7, for a potluck lunch! We want to spend some time in fellowship with the Loeschens to thank them for serving us so faithfully during our vacancy. Please bring both a main dish and a side/dessert to share. Our current series is “Bible Verses to Highlight” so bring along your Bible and some highlighters, pens, or pencils to follow along. The Rock Facility Improvement ProjectThank you to all who participated in our clean-up weekends!While we are blessed to have such a magnificent facility, its size brings unique challenges when it comes to cleaning and upkeep. Many of you have asked, “How can I help?”—and now, we have a…

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Rock News, June 18, 2024

Happening at The RockJune 22-23, 2024, Clean-Up Weekend (10 a.m. Saturday, after service on Sunday)July 14, 2024, 2:00, Installation and ordination of Jonathan Bartels as pastor, followed by a reception (more details soon) Our current series is “Bible Verses to Highlight” so bring along your Bible and some highlighters, pens, or pencils to follow along. Rev. Loeschen just celebrated 40 years in ministry! If you didn’t get the chance to congratulate him on Sunday, make sure you do the next time you see him. This Weekend is The Rock Clean-Up Weekend!WORK DAYS: June 22-23Let’s come together, roll up our sleeves, and prepare The Rock for Pastor Bartels’ arrival and Installation Service on July 14!   Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 22 at 10 a.m., and Sunday, June 23 after the service, and join us for Phase 1 of our Building Improvement Project. That weekend, we will remove unwanted items from all…

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Join us for “The Rock Clean-Up Weekend”

WORK DAYS: June 22-23Let’s come together, roll up our sleeves, and prepare The Rock for Pastor Bartels’ arrival and Installation Service on July 14!  Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 22 at 10 a.m., and Sunday, June 23 after the service, and join us for Phase 1 of our Building Improvement Project. That weekend, we will remove unwanted items from all spaces, move them to the gym for sale, and haul trash to a dumpster. Please bring your own cleaning supplies, work gloves, and tools to complete the jobs! YEAR-LONG FACILITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTWhile we are blessed to have such a magnificent facility, its size brings unique challenges when it comes to cleaning and upkeep. Many of you have asked, “How can I help?”—and now, we have a plan for The Rock Family to come together and take action! We’ve divided the entire building into 48 distinct areas, each with its own To-Do list, To make it easier…

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Rock News, May 23, 2024

Happening at The Rock June 10-13, 2024, GLOW Vacation Bible School (age 3 through 4th grade) July 14, 2024, 2:00, installation of John Bartels as pastor, followed by a reception (more details soon) We are getting ready to welcome Jonathan Bartels to serve as our next pastor. Soon-to-be Pastor Bartels,d his wife, Emily, and their newborn son, Shepherd, will be moving to Seward this summer. Praise God for his wonderful blessings! While we wait for his ordination and installation day (scheduled for the afternoon of July 14), let’s prepare to shower them with local gift cards. Between now and their arrival in July, put any gift cards or Chamber Bucks you’d like to gift them into the offering basket. We’ll collect them and gift them to the Bartels at their welcome reception. (We will share more details about that day soon.) Registration is now open for GLOW: Go Light Our…

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Rock News

Upcoming at The Rock June 10-13, 2024, GLOW Vacation Bible School (age 3 through 4th grade) We have a new pastor! We are thrilled to announce that Jonathan Bartels has been placed at The Rock to serve as our next pastor. The announcement was made at Concordia Seminary’s Call Day service this week. Soon-to-be Pastor Bartels will graduate from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis this May. He and his wife, Emily, and their newborn son will be moving to Seward this summer. Praise God for his wonderful blessings! Thank you for joining us for our second rib cookoff. We raised $813 for our upcoming Vacation Bible School. Congratulations to Tim Preuss, who was crowned our winner. We have several others who want to enter the competition next year and win the apron! Registration is now open for GLOW: Go Light Our World, our Vacation Bible School meeting this summer from…

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Rock News

3/25/24 Happening at The Rock Friday, March 29, 6:30, Good Friday service Sunday, March 31, 9:00, Easter breakfast Let’s help send our youth to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans next July! Join us before the service this Sunday, March 31 for our annual Easter breakfast. Starting at 9:00, our youth will be serving a breakfast of eggs, bacon, cinnamon rolls, and fruit. No tickets are required, but your generous donations are appreciated as they raise funds for their trip to the National Youth Gathering. Let the youth egg your house! On the evening of March 30, 2024, our stealthy youth will come to your home (or the home of a friend/family/neighbor) and hide 12 Easter Eggs in the yard. There will be 11 candy-filled eggs and 1 empty egg as a reminder of the empty tomb! $15 per dozen hidden eggs; $10 for each additional dozen. Go to…

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Rock News

Happening at The Rock, March 8, 2024   Lincoln Lutheran has earned their way to the state championship game tomorrow at 4:15 against Amherst. Help them pack the Pinnacle Bank Arena and cheer on the Warriors to victory! At 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, the workers installing the new roof at The Rock noticed smoke and called 911. The Seward fire department responded immediately, locating and extinguishing the source of the smoke. The building did not sustain any smoke or water damage, and has been approved for regular use. The roofing company resumed their work with no interruption. We are thankful for the fast response from the Seward police and fire departments. We are excited that work is being done on our roof. During the week, please enter the building through the north entrance. The south entrance will still be open on Sundays. There may be limited space…

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Building Update: Thanks be to God!

At 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, the workers installing the new roof at The Rock noticed smoke and called 911. The Seward fire department responded immediately, locating and extinguishing the source of the smoke. The building did not sustain any smoke or water damage, and has been approved for regular use. The roofing company will resume their work tomorrow with no interruption. We are thankful for the fast response from the Seward police and fire departments. If we have any further information to share, we will send another update on Friday.

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Rock News

Happening at The Rock, 3/6/24 We are excited that work is being done on our roof. During the week, please enter the building through the north entrance. The south entrance will still be open on Sundays. There may be limited space in the main parking lot until the work is complete. Plan your meals now for March 11. Dine in or carry out lunch or dinner (or both!) at La Carreta and help support The Rock’s Guatemala Mission Team. The women’s Bible study group is starting a new, short Sunday morning study. The group will meet at The Rock from 8:30-9:45 a.m. on March 17, March 24 and finish the book on April 7. They will read The Case for Easter (a 3 chapter book) which is an excerpt from Lee Strobel’s The Case for Christ. Be encouraged to invite friends! This is for all females, high school age and…

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Rock News

Happening at The Rock, 2/28/24 It is now time to determine our next steps in the search for our next pastor. Please plan to attend a special voter’s meeting that will be held at 7:00 p.m. TOMORROW (Thursday, February 29), in the worship center at the Rock. The call committee has met to review our options and prepare information and recommendations to present at the meeting. One possibility is to ask that a pastor graduating from the seminary be placed at the Rock. The deadline to make that application is March 1, 2024, which is why it is important to have a voter’s meeting soon. Between now and the meeting, please pray for the work of the call committee and for God’s clear guidance for the Rock.  If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Call Committee: Ross Briggs, Emma Dannehl, Jake Eckles, Marcus Gubanyi, Tim Moll,…

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Notice of Voters’ Meeting

Sunday, February 18, 2024 We were notified on Friday (2/16) by Pastor Doug Slavens that he is declining our call to serve as the next Pastor of the Rock. Please pray for Pastor Slavens and our brothers and sisters at Memorial Lutheran in Sioux Falls that God would bless his continued ministry there. It is now time to determine our next steps in the search for our next pastor. Please plan to attend a special voter’s meeting that will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 29, 2024, in the worship center at the Rock. The call committee will be meeting this week to review our options and prepare information and recommendations to present at the meeting. One possibility is to ask that a pastor graduating from the seminary be placed at the Rock. The deadline to make that application is March 1, 2024, which is why it is…

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Rock News

Happening at The Rock, 2/14/24   Pastor Loeschen’s birthday is Saturday, February 24. Remember to pray for him and wish him a happy birthday! Are you curious about the new Christian high school that began this fall as an institute of Concordia University?  Do you like pizza?  If you answered yes to both of these questions, join Trinity Academy Headmaster Dr. Gabe Haley after worship this Sunday, February 18. The information session will be held in The Rock Café and pizza will be available for attendees. Free Resource for Families: Conversation Starters for Mealtimes Who’s your best friend? What is your favorite Bible verse? What do you think it means to have courage? These questions and more, written especially for families to use as conversation starters at mealtimes. Download a free pack of conversation cards for your family to use at the breakfast, lunch or dinner table to add some…

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Rock News

Happening at The Rock, 2/9/24 Join us this Wednesday, February 14, for our Ash Wednesday dinner and service. We’ll start at 5:30 with a taco dinner in support of the Guatemala mission team. Join us between 5:30-6:30 and drop your freewill offering for this meal in the baskets in the cafe. Then at 6:30 we will have our Ash Wednesday service. We will have communion and the imposition of ashes for those who want it.  Please note: there will be no Stepping Stones or FaithInk this week. Continue to pray for the call process. We have issued a call to Rev. Doug Slavens, and he and his family are prayerfully considering the call. Rev. Slavens wrote the following in his acknowledgment of the call: I am truly honored and humbled to receive this call. In the days ahead I will be in contact with the leaders of your congregation as…

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Rock News

Happening at The Rock, 1/18/24 NOTICE OF CALL MEETING: A meeting of the voting members of the Rock will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2024, in the worship center at the Rock. The purpose of the meeting is to issue a call for a pastor. All are welcome to attend the meeting, but only voting members will be permitted to vote. If you are not a voting member and would like to be, please contact Pastor Loeschen or one of the Ambassadors right away. The call meeting will include the following:   Pastor David Palomaki, the Circuit Visitor for the Seward Circuit of the Nebraska District of the LCMS, will be present with us and will provide an explanation of the call process and other information. A member of the call committee will review the process leading up to the call meeting. The call committee will provide…

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Rock News: Weather Update

1/13/24 We WILL be holding our regular 10 a.m. worship tomorrow for those who are able to safely attend and will livestream the service for those unable to attend. Stay safe and warm and remember to pray for all those who have to be out in the cold these coming days.

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Rock News

Happening at The Rock, 1/11/24   NOTICE OF CALL MEETING: A meeting of the voting members of the Rock will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2024, in the worship center at the Rock. The purpose of the meeting is to issue a call for a pastor. All are welcome to attend the meeting, but only voting members will be permitted to vote. If you are not a voting member and would like to be, please contact Pastor Loeschen or one of the Ambassadors right away. The call meeting will include the following:    Pastor David Palomaki, the Circuit Visitor for the Seward Circuit of the Nebraska District of the LCMS, will be present with us and will provide an explanation of the call process and other information. A member of the call committee will review the process leading up to the call meeting. The call committee will…

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Rock News

Happening at The Rock, 1/5/24   A men’s Bible study will start up on Saturday mornings, starting January 6 at 7 a.m. in the cafe, focused on The Story by Randy Frazee. Please see Randy Newsome after church to sign up so he can order the books. The price of the books is $10. Coffee and treats will be provided. You can text Randy at 402-641-0138 with questions. This Sunday after worship, helpers are needed for three important projects: moving office furniture in preparation for the administrative assistant’s first day, moving classroom tables and chairs into a freshly-carpeted classroom, and moving the nativity scene back into storage.  With a good sized crew, we should be able to make short work of the projects.  We’ll have some pizza for all willing helpers! Join us for a special time of prayer this Sunday, January 7, praying for the call process, our future…

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Worship Services on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve

Holiday Services: December 24: 10 a.m. morning worship with communion, and evening worship at 5 p.m. No Christmas Day services December 31: 10 a.m. morning worship

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Rock News, 12/14/23

Happening at The Rock, 12/14/23 Holiday Services: December 24: 10 a.m. morning worship with communion, and evening worship at 5 p.m. December 31: 10 a.m. morning worship This Sunday, December 17, is the last day we are collecting toys for Christmas donations. Donate new, unwrapped toys for all ages–remember middle & high school kids need gifts, too! We’re also collecting gift wrap/bags and tape.  Collection bins will be in the cafe area and second floor. Benefits local families (Foster Friends). Please pray for healing for Nebraska District LCMS President Rev. Richard Snow and his wife Valorie as they both recover from surgery after injuries. President Snow had surgery on his collarbone and Valorie on her hip. If you are able to provide a meal during this time of healing you can sign up through Meal Train at https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/41ydq7 We have hired a part-time administrative assistant. Connie Butler, a member of…

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Rock News: Christmas Open House with the Loeschens

All of The Rock family are invited to a Christmas open house at the Loeschens’ home this Sunday, December 10. Stop by between 2-5 p.m. for cookies, cider, and fellowship at 10710 Crescent Moon Drive, Lincoln. Remember that we’ll kick off this festive Sunday with a potluck lunch after the service. Bring both a main dish and either a dessert or side to share.

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Rock News

Happening at The Rock   Join us for a potluck lunch after the service this Sunday, December 10. Please bring both a main dish AND a side or dessert to share. We’ll provide the plates, cups, etc. Holiday Services: December 24: 10 a.m. morning worship and 5 p.m. evening worship December 31: 10 a.m. morning worship Bell Ringers Needed! Salvation Army bell ringers are needed at WalMart between now and Christmas. Each shift is one hour, and you can ring as a family, as a group of friends, or as an individual. Sign up for a slot through THIS LINK. We are still collecting toys for Christmas donations. Donate new, unwrapped toys for all ages–remember middle & high school kids need gifts, too! We’re also collecting gift wrap/bags and tape.  Collection bins will be in the cafe area and second floor. Please bring all donations by December 17. Benefits local…

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Rock News

Happening at The Rock   Join us for a potluck lunch after the service on Sunday, December 10. Please bring both a main dish AND a side or dessert to share. We’ll provide the plates, cups, etc. Bell Ringers Needed! Salvation Army bell ringers are needed at WalMart. On Friday, December 1 there are slots for one bell ringer from 6-7pm and 8-9pm, and then a number of other slots between now and Christmas. Each shift is one hour, and you can ring as a family, as a group of friends, or as an individual. Sign up for a slot through THIS LINK. Support the Concordia Guatemala Health and Medical Mission Team by eating at La Carreta on Monday, December 4th from 11:00AM-10:00PM. A portion of the sales for the day will be donated to the mission team. Easy way to support the team…eat yummy food and skip doing the…

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Rock News

Happening at The Rock   Bell Ringers Needed! Salvation Army bell ringers are needed at WalMart, Friday, December 1, from 4:00pm—9:00pm… Sign up for an hour shift and ring as a family, as a group of friends, or as an individual. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C49ABAE2BA2F85-46203450-seward#/ Support the Concordia Guatemala Health and Medical Mission Team by eating at La Carreta on Monday, December 4th from 11:00AM-10:00PM. A portion of the sales for the day will be donated to the mission team. Easy way to support the team…eat yummy food and skip doing the dishes! We are collecting toys for Christmas donations. Donate new, unwrapped toys for all ages–remember middle & high school kids need gifts, too! We’re also collecting gift wrap/bags and tape.  Collection bins will be in the cafe area and second floor. Please bring all donations by December 17. Benefits local families (Foster Friends). The Pure Freedom retreat took…

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Rock News: Help us build our directory!

We are excited to announce that the Rock Directory is now open. We are asking you to do two very easy things: 1. Follow THIS LINK and check if you are in the directory, and if not, e-mail us and we’ll send you a form to fill out so that we can add you. The password currently is “ForeverFamily” but will change from time to time to protect our information. 2. If you are already in it, go to THIS LINK for instructions on how to setup your login (which we won’t change on you) so that you can update your information and add a photo of your family. (link to Bill’s instructions) The quality of the directory depends on you updating your information. We’ve gotten several requests for a directory from the Rock Family, and now that it’s available, we hope you will get in, update it and use…

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Rock News

Happening at The Rock   DELAYED! Our special time of prayer on Sunday, November 19, praying for the call process, our future pastor, and The Rock during the vacancy period has been postponed. We’ll reschedule when we have more information from the call committee. We are looking for some people to stick around for a few minutes after the service to move some chairs and light objects to give us access to make some radiator repairs. We are hiring a part-time administrative assistant. The administrative assistant for the church supports the Pastor, Ambassadors, and Directors of the The Rock Lutheran Church. This position will enhance the ability for all ministries within the church to grow God’s Kingdom. The Administrative Assistant allows The Rock to focus “…attention to prayer and ministry of the Word…” (Acts 6:4) while providing additional and much needed support and stewardship in the day-to-day operations of the…

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We are currently hiring a part-time administrative assistant!

What will our administrative assistant do? The Administrative Assistant for the church supports the Pastor, Ambassadors, and Directors of the The Rock Lutheran Church. This position will enhance the ability for all ministries within the church to grow God’s Kingdom. The Administrative Assistant allows The Rock to focus “…attention to prayer and ministry of the Word…” (Acts 6:4) while providing additional and much needed support and stewardship in the day-to-day operations of the church. This position brings a level of ministry excellence that allows our staff/elected leadership more freedom to concentrate on the needs of people over paper. To learn more and to apply, visit THIS LINK.

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Rock News

Happening at The Rock We had 450 people visit our Trunk or Treat event, led by our young adults group on Tuesday! We are so grateful for the energy and preparation they put into welcoming our community to The Rock. The young adults group meets on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. at Brevin and Michaela Sloup’s house! (1616 Eastridge Ave) Contact them for more information. A four week men’s Bible study “Working for the Man Upstairs” is being held on Saturdays through November 18 at 7:00 a.m. in the Rock cafe. Contact Randy Newsome with any questions. Help with the November Food Shelf Challenge!  On Friday, November 10 from 11am-2pm Concordia students will be out and about in the Seward community collecting nonperishable food shelf donations. This service project is one of many happening that day as part of the annual Beautiful Feet Mission Conference taking place at Concordia University,…

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Rock News: Volunteers needed to help with renovation work

Happening at The Rock   Volunteers are needed this Saturday and Sunday for some renovation work at The Rock, on Saturday, October 28 from 10-12, and Sunday, October 29 from noon-2. If you any of the following, please bring them along: hammer/small sledgehammer; shovels; 5 gallon buckets; wonder/pry bar; face mask/gloves; metal dust pans. RSVP to Danna Seevers at 402-643-5058. Our young adults group is leading Trunk or Treat on Tuesday, October 31 from 6:30-8:30. Bring your kids and grandkids, invite your neighbors, or host a trunk yourself! Contact Brevin and Michaela Sloup if you want to host a trunk. You can also bring donations of wrapped candy and leave them in the cafe to help us be generous with the community. Help us get the word out to the community about Trunk or Treat. Click here for a folder of images about the event you can share with your…

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Rock News

Happening at The Rock   Stay after the service this Sunday for a potluck lunch. Please bring both a main dish and either a side dish or dessert to share. (If you can’t bring something this time, we still want you to stay!) We will provide table service and drinks. Our young adults group is leading Trunk or Treat on Tuesday, October 31 from 6:30-8:30. Bring your kids and grandkids, invite your neighbors, or host a trunk yourself! Contact Brevin and Michaela Sloup if you want to host a trunk. You can also bring donations of wrapped candy and leave them in the cafe to help us be generous with the community. Help us get the word out to the community about Trunk or Treat. Click here for a folder of images about the event you can share with your own Facebook or Instagram friends.  A young adults group is…

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Rock News

Minutes for the last Directors’ meeting can be found AT THIS LINK. Remedy Drive is having a concert in Omaha on Friday, Oct. 13.  Cost is $10/ticket. Details available on their website.  Faith Partners Comprehensive Training: The Rock has the opportunity to bring in Faith Partners to host a FREE 2-day training to help our congregation develop a team ministry for alcohol/drug and mental health issues by building a system based on our congregation’s strengths and theology. This training is for everyone who wants their congregation to play its own important role in these issues. Check out their website https://www.faith-partners.org/  At this point, we are just gauging interest on whether to host the training. If you would be interested in attending this training, please email [email protected]. Plan now to join us after the service for our potluck Crocktoberfest lunch on Sunday, October 15 in the cafe. Bring a main dish…

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Rock News

Happening at The Rock   Join us for a special time of prayer on Sunday, October 8, praying for the call process, our future pastor, and The Rock during the vacancy period. We’ll gather in room 211 (near the stairs) from 9:15-9:50. All are welcome!  If you have questions about the call process, you can ask Ross Briggs, Lori Bruns, Emma Dannehl, Jake Eckles, Marcus Gubanyi, Tim Moll, Matt Myers, Brenda Rief, Andrea Sloup, and our circuit visitor, Rev. David Palomaki. Please pray for them and for our vacancy pastor, Rev. David Loeschen. Nicodemus Comfort Dog has been invited by Pastor Mike Meyer to present the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Rogers, Arkansas, on October 8, 2023. Nico, Randy and Marcia Newsome will be driving to Arkansas on the 7th. The message that Sunday at Holy Trinity is going to be given by Pastor…

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Rock News

Happening at The Rock – September 19, 2023   Join us for a special time of prayer on Sunday, October 8, praying for the call process, our future pastor, and The Rock during the vacancy period. We’ll gather in room 211 (near the stairs) from 9:15-9:50. All are welcome!  If you have questions about the call process, you can ask Ross Briggs, Lori Bruns, Emma Dannehl, Jake Eckles, Marcus Gubanyi, Tim Moll, Matt Myers, Brenda Rief, Andrea Sloup, and our circuit visitor, Rev. David Palomaki. Please pray for them and for our vacancy pastor, Rev. David Loeschen. Great news! The Rock will now be hosting diaper drives for expecting families! Jackson and Shelbi Hackbart will be our first recipients. Baby Hackbart is due to arrive Oct 1 and we will be collecting diapers until Oct 8. Their preferred diaper brands are Pampers, Huggies, or Millie Moon. Newborn-size 3 would be…

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Rock News

Still Time to Sign Up for the New Womens’ Bible Study Opportunity! The Monday night women’s Bible Study group (led by Andrea Sloup and Sara Moll) will be starting a new 10-week study on Monday, September 11, and you are invited!  The group will meet Monday evenings from 7:00pm to 8:30 pm in Room 217 at the Rock to go through the following study: “Restless: Because you were made for more” by Jennie Allen. Women of all ages are welcome! After we know the total number of women joining us, we will purchase the books.  The Study Guide is required and costs $11.00.  The book is optional and costs $15.00.  If you have questions or want to sign up, contact Sara or Andrea. They will be in The Rock Café area after worship.  You can also text them with questions or to sign up (Sara at 402-641-4200; or Andrea at 402-641-7221)….

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Rock News

New Womens’ Bible Study Opportunity! The Monday night women’s Bible Study group (led by Andrea Sloup and Sara Moll) will be starting a new 10-week study on Monday, September 11, and you are invited!  The group will meet Monday evenings from 7:00pm to 8:30 pm in Room 217 at the Rock to go through the following study: “Restless: Because you were made for more” by Jennie Allen.  Women of all ages are welcome! After we know the total number of women joining us, we will purchase the books.  The Study Guide is required and costs $11.00.  The book is optional and costs $15.00.  If you have questions or want to sign up, contact Sara or Andrea. They will be in The Rock Café area after worship.  You can also text them with questions or to sign up (Sara at 402-641-4200; or Andrea at 402-641-7221).  Minutes from the last Directors’ meeting…

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Rock News

New Women’s Bible Study Opportunity! The Monday night women’s Bible Study group (led by Andrea Sloup and Sara Moll) will be starting a new 10-week study on Monday, September 11, and you are invited!  The group will meet Monday evenings from 7:00pm to 8:30 pm in Room 217 at the Rock to go through the following study: “Restless: Because you were made for more” by Jennie Allen.  Women of all ages are welcome! After we know the total number of women joining us, we will purchase the books.  The Study Guide is required and costs $11.00.  The book is optional and costs $15.00.  If you have questions or want to sign up, contact Sara or Andrea. They will be in The Rock Café area after worship.  You can also text them with questions or to sign up (Sara at 402-641-4200; or Andrea at 402-641-7221).  A young adults group is meeting…

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Pastor Call Meeting

On Thursday, July 21, Nebraska District LCMS President Rev. Richard Snow and circuit visitor Rev. Palomaki met with the members of The Rock to discuss our congregation self study, the work of the call committee, and our next steps. The following links may be helpful for you if you were unable to attend the meeting: A recording  of the meeting A copy of President Snow’s slides An outline of the call process Join us for a special time of prayer Sunday, August 27, praying for the call process, our future pastor, and The Rock during the vacancy period. We’ll gather in room 211 (near the stairs) from 9:15-9:50. All are welcome! Please keep the call committee members in your prayers: Ross Briggs, Lori Bruns, Emma Dannehl, Jake Eckles, Marcus Gubanyi, Tim Moll, Matt Myers, Brenda Rief, Andrea Sloup, and our circuit visitor, Rev. David Palomaki. Please also pray for our…

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Rock News

Join us for a Pre-Call Meeting with President Snow tonight, July 20, at 7pm at the Rock. We will meet in the worship center. President Snow will have a presentation to provide us more information about the call process and his assessments of our needs and will entertain questions. The meeting is open to everyone in the congregation. Minutes from Sunday’s annual congregation meeting are available HERE. Join us for a special time of prayer Sunday, August 27, praying for the call process, our future pastor, and The Rock during the vacancy period. We’ll gather in room 211 (near the stairs) from 9:15-9:50. All are welcome!  Please keep the call committee members in your prayers: Ross Briggs, Lori Bruns, Emma Dannehl, Jake Eckles, Marcus Gubanyi, Tim Moll, Matt Myers, Brenda Rief, Andrea Sloup, and our circuit visitor, Rev. David Palomaki. Please also pray for our vacancy pastor, Rev. David Loeschen….

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Rock News

Plan to stay after the service this Sunday, July 16 for our annual voters’ meeting. We will elect leaders, adopt a ministry plan, and adopt a budget. Everyone is welcome to stay, but only members can vote. Want to be a member? Not sure if you’re a member or a voting member? See Pastor Loeschen, Jake Eckles, or any Ambassador. Later this year, voting members will vote to call our next pastor. The meeting agenda is available HERE The 2023-24 ministry plan is available HERE Minutes from the June Directors’ meeting and an archive of leadership meeting notes are available HERE Join us for a Pre-Call Meeting with President Snow next Thursday, July 20, at 7pm at the Rock. We will meet in the worship center. President Snow will have a presentation to provide us more information about the call process and his assessments of our needs and will entertain…

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Rock News

This Sunday, July 9, missionary Drew Boggs will be speaking about his mission work in Costa Rica with the LightHouse ministry during our worship gathering. For his newsletter updates, sign up here:  http://eepurl.com/ieK2tL Join us for a special time of prayer this Sunday, July 9 and August 27, praying for the call process, our future pastor, and The Rock during the vacancy period. We’ll gather in room 211 (near the stairs) from 9:15-9:50. All are welcome!  Please keep the call committee members in your prayers: Ross Briggs, Lori Bruns, Emma Dannehl, Jake Eckles, Marcus Gubanyi, Tim Moll, Matt Myers, Brenda Rief, Andrea Sloup, and our circuit visitor, Rev. David Palomaki. Please also pray for our vacancy pastor, Rev. David Loeschen. Join us for a Pre-Call Meeting with President Snow on Thursday, July 20, at 7pm at the Rock. We will meet in the worship center. President Snow will have a…

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Rock News

6/23/23 The Guatemala Mission Team is in the middle of their mission trip right now. Keep them in your prayers! CLICK HERE for a list of daily prayer requests for the team. Join us for a special time of prayer July 9 and August 27, praying for the call process, our future pastor, and The Rock during the vacancy period. We’ll gather in room 211 (near the stairs) from 9:15-9:50. All are welcome!  Please keep the call committee members in your prayers: Ross Briggs, Lori Bruns, Emma Dannehl, Jake Eckles, Marcus Gubanyi, Tim Moll, Matt Myers, Brenda Rief, Andrea Sloup, and our circuit visitor, Rev. David Palomaki. Please also pray for our vacancy pastor, Rev. David Loeschen. Blue Valley Community Action Our June item for the Blue Valley food pantry is just-add-water pancake mix, which we collect in a tub in the Rock cafe. In July we’ll collect canned meat…

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Rock News

The Guatemala Mission Team is heading out at the end of the month. Keep them in your prayers! CLICK HERE for a list of daily prayer requests for the team. We have an opportunity to help support Jonah Lange, who graduated from Concordia University Nebraska in 2021 and frequently attended the Rock and helped with Stepping Stones. Jonah will be doing a campus ministry internship this next year with Campus Crusade at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln witnessing to students, leading Bible studies, etc. To learn more about his ministry, read his brochure HERE and you can support him through his giving website HERE. Our June item for the Blue Valley food pantry is just-add-water pancake mix, which we collect in a tub in the Rock cafe. Thanks for being a blessing to the community in this way! You can see our Blue Valley Pantry item schedule on our…

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Rock News

Please pray for the call process for our new pastor. A call committee has been set up and has started the process. A projected timeline of the call process is available HERE. (Please note that this is a “best case scenario” timeline and the process can take longer to complete. We expect an 8-12 month process.) Pastor David Loeschen, who currently serves part time at Messiah, Lincoln, has begun serving The Rock as vacancy pastor.  Pastor Loeschen will assist with worship approximately twice per month, especially on Sundays when we have communion.  We’ll fill in with others on the Sundays when he cannot be here. As part of the call process, we would like all congregation members to fill in the survey linked here: https://forms.gle/sFSK5kRxznXZ8ct7A  If you would like to fill in and print out the survey as a Word document, use this link to access the survey. We need…

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Rock News

Our VBS and Rock Youth events, held June 12-15, are fast approaching! We need your help to make these events happen! We could use a few extra hands for VBS (9 -11 a.m.) and Rock Youth (6:30.-8:30 p.m.).  We will be doing servant events with the Rock Youth kids, and one is supporting the children of Guatemala with school supplies. Notebooks, folders, pencils, and colored pencils are needed for 34 kids. There will be a donation bin in the cafe. (Any extra will be donated to BVCA.) We would also love to borrow several items from you, including outside games, alpine trees, and camping chairs. There are 2 poster boards in the cafe with requested snack items such as s’more ingredients, fruit, pop, and popcorn. This is a great way to support this ministry if you are unable to volunteer.  We will be decorating the church on June 11th after…

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Rock News: Survey about calling new pastor

Please pray for the call process for our new pastor. A call committee has been set up and has started the process. A projected timeline of the call process is available HERE. (Please note that this is a “best case scenario” timeline and the process can take longer to complete. We expect an 8-12 month process.) Pastor David Loeschen, who currently serves part time at Messiah, Lincoln, will be serving The Rock as vacancy pastor beginning June 1.  Pastor Loeschen will assist with worship approximately twice per month, especially on Sundays when we have communion.  We’ll fill in with others on the Sundays when he cannot be here. As part of the call process, we would like all congregation members to fill in the survey linked here: https://forms.gle/sFSK5kRxznXZ8ct7A We need your responses by June 11. Thank you! You can read a farewell letter from Pastor Mike at THIS LINK.  There’s…

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Rock News

Please pray for Pastor Mike and his family as they prepare to move for him to serve Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Rogers, Arkansas, as their Associate Pastor for Family and Youth. We will have a sending reception after the service on May 21. Bring an appetizer to share and plan to stick around for a time of fellowship and thankfulness. Read Rev. Meyer’s farewell letter to The Rock at THIS LINK. The third floor bathrooms are still unavailable for use due to water damage. Please use the bathrooms on the second level in the “locker” areas. We have filed a claim with insurance and are moving forward with mitigation and repairs. It’s time to get ready for Camp Kingdom, our summer events for kids and teens, held June 12-15. Kids ages 3 years to 4th grade will gather from 9-11 a.m. for VBS activities and snacks. The youth will…

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Rock News: A Note from Pastor Mike Meyer

Dear Elected Leaders, Ambassadors, and Congregants of The Rock Lutheran Church, Over these past 13 years, I have been honored and humbled to be a servant of the Word among you!  We’ve experienced many “first” things in our time together…things to celebrate, mourn, learn, suffer, and grow.  With God’s help, we’ve grown into a large congregation that is GRACE DRIVEN, CONNECTING PEOPLE, ON MISSION.   God has worked through The Rock in an extraordinary way — in shaping and molding me into the person, husband, father and pastor that I am today.  For all of this, I AM ETERNALLY GRATEFUL TO YOU!!!   Now, God has made it clear that it’s time for me to GO to a different mission field….serving Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Rogers, AR.  While our mission fields may be different, we each have a role to fill and a game plan to execute in connecting people to…

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Rock News

It’s time to get ready for Camp Kingdom, our summer events for kids and teens, held June 12-15. Kids ages 3 years to 4th grade will gather from 9-11 a.m. for VBS activities and snacks. The youth will gather in the evenings from 6:30-8:30 for an event similar to the National Youth Gatherings. We need your help, and there are many ways to get involved! You can be a craft leader or helper, lead or help with outside games, help coordinate a group of kids throughout the day’s events, provide a snack, help hand out and clean up from snacks, help decorate the church after the service on June 11, or just help wherever and whenever you’re needed. Sign up through the form below or find Heather Eckles on Sunday mornings with questions. Remember: even if you work during the day, there are still ways you can help with this…

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Rock News: It’s almost VBS time!

It’s time to get ready for Camp Kingdom, our summer events for kids and teens, held June 12-15. Kids ages 3 years to 4th grade will gather from 9-11 a.m. for VBS activities and snacks. The youth will gather in the evenings from 6:30-8:30 for an event similar to the National Youth Gatherings. We need your help, and there are many ways to get involved! You can be a craft leader or helper, lead or help with outside games, help coordinate a group of kids throughout the day’s events, provide a snack, help hand out and clean up from snacks, help decorate the church after the service on June 11, or just help wherever and whenever you’re needed. Sign up through the form below or find Heather Eckles on Sunday mornings with questions. Remember: even if you work during the day, there are still ways you can help with this…

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Rock News

Pray for the Meyer Family! Please pray for Pastor Mike and his family as they prepare to move and serve Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Rogers, Arkansas. Pastor Mike will serve as their Associate Pastor for Family and Youth.  Honoring Mothers Sunday, April 30th, is the last day to sign up any mother, living or deceased, for the Seward County Pro-life Council ad which will be in the Seward County Independent newspaper shortly before Mother’s Day. Mary Kropf will be collecting names in the cafe before and after the service. The cost is just $1 per name. Child Abuse Prevention Month Southeast Nebraska CASA is working to raise awareness during the month of April for Child Abuse Prevention Month.  Part of that awareness is partnering with churches on April 30th for Blue Sunday, a national event where faith communities come together and take time during their weekly service to acknowledge…

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Rock News

Remember to join us this Sunday! Join us this Sunday, April 16 for Nico’s 7th birthday party & a BBQ Cookoff fundraiser lunch after the service. Nicodemus Comfort Dog is almost 7 years old! Praise God for this ministry and all the opportunities it has brought over the last 6 years. Due to the length of time required to apply for and receive a new comfort dog, we need to start considering Nico’s retirement now. The application process takes between 2 and 3 years to complete. When Nico eventually retires, Randy and Marcia Newsome will retire as top dogs as well. Our main concern when considering the continuation of the Comfort Dog ministry with a second dog is the need for volunteers. If you feel called to volunteer for the Comfort Dog ministry in the future after Nico’s retirement, please let a member of the Directors, Ambassadors, or Comfort Dog…

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Rock News

Upcoming Activities at The Rock April 2—Palm Sunday Service (with confirmation) April 5—Stepping Stones Family Easter Devotional and Craft, 6:30-7:30 April 7—Good Friday Service with Holy Communion, 6:30 p.m. April 9—Easter Service & Breakfast, breakfast starting at 9:00 and service at 10 April 16—Nico’s 7th birthday party & BBQ Cookoff fundraiser lunch after the service Please pray for Pastor Mike and his family as they consider a Divine Call for him to serve Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Rogers, Arkansas, as their Associate Pastor for Family and Youth. They are visiting that congregation this weekend. Please pray for them as they contemplate this opportunity, and share any words of encouragement and support you might have for them. He anticipates announcing his decision by April 14.  All are invited to join the Stepping Stones kids and their families for an Easter devotional and craft time on Wednesday, April 5 at 6:30….

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Rock News

Palm Sunday Service (with confirmation), April 2 Good Friday Service with Holy Communion, April 7, 6:30 p.m. Easter Service & Breakfast, breakfast starting at 9:00 and service at 10 Please pray for Pastor Mike and his family as they consider a Divine Call for him to serve Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Rogers, Arkansas, as their Associate Pastor for Family and Youth. They are visiting that congregation this weekend. Please pray for them as they contemplate this opportunity, and share any words of encouragement and support you might have for them. He anticipates announcing his decision by April 14.  No men’s breakfast this week! Men’s breakfasts have resumed on Saturday mornings at 7:00 a.m. in the Rock cafe, but they will not gather this weekend while Pastor Mike is away. Let the Guatemala Mission Team egg your house! On the evening of April 8th, 2023, the Guatemala Missions Team will…

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Rock News

Remember to join us for our Ash Wednesday service this week at 6:30. Imposition of ashes will be available for those who wish. Parents, this will take the place of Stepping Stones and FaithInk. Please plan to attend with your whole family. Join us before the service for a taco/nacho meal. See below for details. Another way to support the building fund If you’re looking for another way to support the Rock, Emmi Moll currently has artwork for sale with all proceeds going to the fundraiser for building repairs. The art is on display at Neutral Grounds coffee shop in Seward through the end of February. The “Solid through the Storm” building initiative will prepare The Rock to address facility repairs arising from last summer’s hail storm.  As shared previously, The Rock’s insurance deductible is $45,000 and total costs are still not fully known. Any funds raised beyond the storm…

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Rock News

Souper Sunday 2023 is almost here! You provide the soup and desserts, we’ll provide the bowls! (And spoons, and cups, and extension cords for your slow cookers…) Please bring a soup and dessert to share for our potluck lunch after the service this Sunday, February 12. If you’re not able to bring something this year, please still come for food and fellowship with us! Lawn Care Service Needed The Nebraska District Office is looking for a new lawn care provider starting this spring. This job will require a spring cleanup in landscaped areas and bushes, as well as mowing and fertilizer as needed throughout the year for the property located at 152 S. Columbia Avenue. If you’re interested and have the equipment necessary to complete the work, please contact Elijah Luebbe at [email protected] or 402-643-2961 Ext 1005. Men’s breakfasts have started again Men’s breakfasts have resumed on Saturday mornings at…

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Rock News

Souper Sunday 2023 is almost here! You provide the soup and desserts, we’ll provide the bowls! (And spoons, and cups, and extension cords for your slow cookers…) Please bring a soup and dessert to share for our potluck lunch after the service on February 12. If you’re not able to bring something this year, please still come for food and fellowship with us! Men’s breakfasts to start again Men’s breakfasts will resume on Saturday mornings at 7:00 a.m. in the Rock cafe, starting this Saturday, February 4. New women’s Bible study opportunity The Monday night women’s Bible Study group (led by Andrea Sloup and Sara Moll) will be starting a new 6-week study on Monday, February 27, and you are invited!  The group will meet Monday evenings from 7:00pm to 9:00 pm in Room 217 at the Rock to go through the following study: “Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving others…

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Rock News

Foster Friends sock and underwear collection In partnership with Concordia University, we’ll be collecting new socks and underwear to donate to Foster Friends from now until January 29. Collecting  all sizes (infant to adult), for boys and girls. Look for the collection spot in the Rock cafe area.  Those who would like to donate items (pancake syrup, noodles, hamburger helper, canned fruit, instant potatoes, new socks and underwear – all sizes – for boys/girls/teens) in support of the David City area can bring them to Weller Hall at CUNE, where there is a collection area right inside of the main front doors facing the circle. Blue Valley Community Action Our January item for the Blue Valley food pantry is soap and shampoo, which we collect in a tub in the Rock cafe. Thanks for being a blessing to the community in this way! You can see our Blue Valley Pantry…

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Rock News

See you this Wednesday! Stepping Stones and FaithInk Wednesday evening activities will resume this week, January 11. Foster Friends sock and underwear collection In partnership with Concordia University, we’ll be collecting new socks and underwear to donate to Foster Friends from now until January 29. Collecting  all sizes (infant to adult), for boys and girls. Look for the collection spot in the Rock cafe area. Blue Valley Community Action Our January item for the Blue Valley food pantry is soap and shampoo, which we collect in a tub in the Rock cafe. Thanks for being a blessing to the community in this way! You can see our Blue Valley Pantry item schedule on our website. Year-round they also collect the following: pasta, pasta meal mixes, instant potato side dishes, and mashed potatoes. They’ve had quite a few more families making use of the pantry this winter, so your help is…

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Rock News: No Wednesday Activities!

No Wednesday Evening Activities! Due to the weather advisories, we will not be having Stepping Stones and FaithInk this week. Please stay home and stay warm! Wednesday evening activities will resume January 11. Join us for our holiday services Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5:30 Christmas Day Worship at 10:00 New Year’s Day Worship at 10:00 Our current series is Big Christmas We hope you’re enjoying our new series, Big Christmas! CLICK HERE for each week’s handout of opportunities that you can use to share God’s Big Love during the Christmas season. Did you miss this week’s service? You can always catch up by watching the archived videos of our weekly services at THIS LINK.  Building Fund initiative launching “Solid through the Storm” will prepare The Rock to address facility repairs arising from this summer’s hail storm.  As shared previously, The Rock’s insurance deductible is $45,000 and total costs are…

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Rock News: Bell Ringers Needed!

Volunteers needed Friday! Salvation Army bell ringers are needed at Wal-Mart this Friday, December 9, from 4:00pm—9:00pm…Sign up for an hour shift…ring as a family…as a group of friends…as an individual. Email Danna Seevers  if you are willing to help at [email protected]. Our current series is Big Christmas We hope you’re enjoying our new series, Big Christmas! CLICK HERE for each week’s handout of opportunities that you can use to share God’s Big Love during the Christmas season. Did you miss this week’s service? You can always catch up by watching the archived videos of our weekly services at THIS LINK.  Big Holiday Meal Join us after the service next Sunday, December 11, for our Big Holiday Meal! We’ll have turkeys and all of the traditional sides. We want you to bring the desserts to share! All of our Concordia students are encouraged to join us as guests, and let…

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Rock News

Prayer Service for Betty Menze Please pray for the family of Betty Menze, who passed away this week. The forever family of the Rock is invited to attend a prayer service on Monday, December 5 at 7:30 PM at Zabka Funeral Home, 410 Jackson, Seward. Pastor Mike Meyer will be officiating the service. You can read Betty’s obituary AT THIS LINK. Our current series is Big Christmas We hope you’re enjoying our new series, Big Christmas! Last week we were reminded that people all around us have Big Problems that can only be solved by a Big God. And he chooses to help them through us. CLICK HERE for our week 1 opportunities that you can use to share God’s Big Love during the Christmas season. Did you miss this week’s service? You can always catch up by watching the archived videos of our weekly services at THIS LINK.  Big…

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Rock News: Happy Thanksgiving!

This November we will be collecting 500 hygiene items for Blue Valley Community Action’s food pantry.  We are currently at 284 items and need to reach 500 by Wednesday, November 30. Thank you for your generosity! If we can successfully collect 500 hygiene items between November 1-30, then the collection will be supplemented with a Generosity Multiplier Gift, a grant of $500, courtesy of the Thrivent Member Network – Nebraska Region, gifted to Blue Valley Community Action.  We are collecting feminine products, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, baby wipes, and diapers. You can put all of this in the usual collection tote in the Rock Cafe area on Sundays or send them with your kids to Stepping Stones and FaithInk. Let’s Give Thanks and Give Back this November! Thanks for being a blessing to the community in this way! You can see our Blue Valley…

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Rock News

There will be no men’s prayer breakfast this Saturday! Join us the rest of the Saturdays between November 19 and December 10 for breakfast starting at 7 in the Rock cafe. This November we will be collecting 500 hygiene items for Blue Valley Community Action’s food pantry!  If we can successfully collect 500 hygiene items between November 1-30, then the collection will be supplemented with a Generosity Multiplier Gift, a grant of $500, courtesy of the Thrivent Member Network – Nebraska Region, gifted to Blue Valley Community Action.  We are collecting feminine products, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, baby wipes, and diapers. You can put all of this in the usual collection tote in the Rock Cafe area on Sundays or send them with your kids to Stepping Stones and FaithInk. Let’s Give Thanks and Give Back this November! Thanks for being a blessing to the…

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Rock News

This November we are collecting 500 hygiene items for Blue Valley Community Action’s food pantry!  If we can successfully collect 500 hygiene items between November 1-30, then the collection will be supplemented with a Generosity Multiplier Gift, a grant of $500, courtesy of the Thrivent Member Network – Nebraska Region, gifted to Blue Valley Community Action.  We are collecting feminine products, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, baby wipes, and diapers. You can put all of this in the usual collection tote in the Rock Cafe area on Sundays or send them with your kids to Stepping Stones and FaithInk. Let’s Give Thanks and Give Back this November! Thanks for being a blessing to the community in this way! You can see our Blue Valley Pantry item schedule on our website.  Wings! Nachos! Dips! Join us after the service on Sunday, November 20 for a Tailgate…

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Rock News

Our current sermon series (through Thanksgiving) will be focused on the TV series The Chosen. Try to watch episode 6 before Sunday, if you can. To watch it for free, you can either get “The Chosen” app or go to https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen/watch.  Are you interested in joining The Rock mission team that will be traveling to Guatemala June 24-July 1? We will be hosting a week long VBS at Santa Cruz Lutheran Church in Amatitlan, Guatemala. Depending on the gifts of the team, we might also be offering women and teen ministry opportunities or possibly art and music classes. As our group comes together we will see what is the best fit for our talents and the needs of the ministry at Santa Cruz. If you are interested or would like to learn more about this opportunity, please reach out to Pastor Mike or Jen Janousek ([email protected] or 402-499-3512). A $300…

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Rock News

Our current sermon series (through Thanksgiving) will be focused on the TV series The Chosen. Try to watch episode 5 before Sunday, if you can. To watch it for free, you can either get “The Chosen” app or go to https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen/watch. Discussion guides for each episode are available in print in the cafe after church, or HERE ON OUR WEBSITE. Are you interested in joining The Rock mission team that will be traveling to Guatemala June 24-July 1? We will be hosting a week long VBS at Santa Cruz Lutheran Church in Amatitlan, Guatemala. Depending on the gifts of the team, we might also be offering women and teen ministry opportunities or possibly art and music classes. As our group comes together we will see what is the best fit for our talents and the needs of the ministry at Santa Cruz. If you are interested or would like to…

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Rock News

Our current sermon series (through Thanksgiving) will be focused on the TV series The Chosen. Try to watch episode 3 before Sunday, if you can. To watch it for free, you can either get “The Chosen” app or go to https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen/watch.  We have some great opportunities for fellowship at The Rock: Saturday morning men’s breakfasts at 7 in the Rock Cafe, and Monday night football devotions at 7 at the Sparetime. See you there! Transfer of Wealth Impacts Ministries It is estimated that more than $68 trillion will be transferred to younger generations over the next 25 years in the U.S.—the greatest transfer of wealth ever. It’s enough to get your attention. Check out these close-to-home estate gifts written from September 2017 to June 2022 . . .  to churches and schools in the Nebraska District:  $13,728,707 to Concordia University, Nebraska:  $10,556,000 to other LCMS organizations (LWML, LHM, OGT, etc.): …

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Rock News

Our current sermon series (through Thanksgiving) will be focused on the TV series The Chosen. Try to watch episode 2 before Sunday, if you can. To watch it for free, you can either get “The Chosen” app or go to https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen/watch.  We have some great opportunities for fellowship at The Rock: Saturday morning men’s breakfasts at 7 in the Rock Cafe, and Monday night football devotions at 7 at the Sparetime. See you there! Transfer of Wealth Impacts Ministries It is estimated that more than $68 trillion will be transferred to younger generations over the next 25 years in the U.S.—the greatest transfer of wealth ever. It’s enough to get your attention. Check out these close-to-home estate gifts written from September 2017 to June 2022 . . .  to churches and schools in the Nebraska District:  $13,728,707 to Concordia University, Nebraska:  $10,556,000 to other LCMS organizations (LWML, LHM, OGT, etc.): …

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Rock News

Remember to join us in the parking lot tomorrow evening for our Taste & See event–an evening of food, games, and music. Bring a lawn chair, friends and family, and come enjoy the food trucks, bounce house, and the band. Everyone is welcome. We’ll start at 5 and go until 7:30. Our next sermon series (through Thanksgiving) will be focused on the TV series The Chosen. Try to watch episode 1 before Sunday, if you can. To watch it for free, you can either get “The Chosen” app or go to https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen/watch.  We have some great opportunities for fellowship at The Rock: Saturday morning men’s breakfasts at 7 in the Rock Cafe, and Monday night football devotions at 7 at the Sparetime. See you there! On Sunday, October 23 at 11:30 AM our congregation is hosting an educational workshop featuring Craig Stirtz.  Craig serves as the Nebraska District and Concordia…

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Rock News

We will kick off the new year of Stepping Stones and Faith Ink with a family potluck picnic at Plum Creek Park this Wednesday, September 7 at  6:30. (If it rains, we’ll gather in the cafe at The Rock.) Our weekly faith building programs for kids are held during the school year each Wednesday evening from 6:30-7:30. Stepping Stones is for children age 3 through grade 4. Learn more and register here. Faith Inkubators is for 5th-8th grade students. Learn more and register here.  Mark your calendars now for our Taste & See event. Join us in the parking lot of The Rock church for an evening of food, games, and music. Bring a lawn chair, friends and family, and come enjoy the food trucks, bounce house, and the band. Everyone is welcome. Monday Night Football Devotions start up on September 12 at 7 p.m. at the Sparetime. Join the…

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Rock News

“Tax Tips & Updates” is a workshop at St. John Lutheran on August 21, 12:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.  The Presenter will be Joel Endorf.  There is no charge.  The last day to register is Sunday, Aug. 14.  Click this link to register for the workshop.  Child care will be provided and it begins with a light lunch at 12:30 p.m. The new school year is here! Make sure your kids are registered for our weekly faith building programs, held during the school year each Wednesday evening from 6:30-7:30 starting on September 14. Stepping Stones is for children age 3 through grade 4. Learn more and register here. Faith Inkubators is for 5th-8th grade students. Learn more and register here. We will kick off the new year of Stepping Stones and Faith Ink with a family potluck picnic at Plum Creek Park on September 7 at  6:30. (If it…

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Rock News

“Tax Tips & Updates” is a workshop at St. John Lutheran on August 21, 12:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.  The Presenter will be Joel Endorf.  There is no charge.  The last day to register is Sunday, Aug. 14.  Click this link to register for the workshop.  Child care will be provided and it begins with a light lunch at 12:30 p.m. The new school year is here! Make sure your kids are registered for our weekly faith building programs, held during the school year each Wednesday evening from 6:30-7:30 starting on September 14. Stepping Stones is for children age 3 through grade 4. Learn more and register here. Faith Inkubators is for 5th-8th grade students. Learn more and register here. We will kick off the new year of Stepping Stones and Faith Ink with a family potluck picnic at Plum Creek Park on September 7 at  6:30. (If it…

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Rock News: Ministry Plan and Meeting Agenda

Immediately following worship on Sunday, August 7, The Rock will conduct our annual meeting. This is an opportunity for everyone in the forever family to learn about and engage with The Rock’s ministry plan. You are invited to review the Ministry Plan and the meeting agenda in advance. Link to the Ministry Plan  /   Link to the meeting agenda The new school year will be here before we know it! Get your kids registered for our weekly faith building programs, held during the school year each Wednesday evening from 6:30-7:30. Stepping Stones is for children age 3 through grade 4. Learn more and register here. Faith Inkubators is for 5th-8th grade students. Learn more and register here.  Our August item for the Blue Valley food pantry is canned fruit. The collection box is in the Rock Cafe. Thanks for being a blessing to the community in this way! You can…

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Rock News

It’s come to our attention that some o are getting emails that appear to be from Pastor Mike Meyer, but are not. Please be cautious and do not respond to these emails. How to protect yourself from scam emails and text messages (according to the FBI): Remember that companies generally don’t contact you to ask for your username or password. Don’t click on anything in an unsolicited email or text message. Look up the company’s phone number on your own (don’t use the one a potential scammer is providing), and call the company to ask if the request is legitimate. Carefully examine the email address, URL, and spelling used in any correspondence. Scammers use slight differences to trick your eye and gain your trust. Be careful what you download. Never open an email attachment from someone you don’t know and be wary of email attachments forwarded to you. Set up two-factor…

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Rock News: Don’t forget the potluck this Sunday!

Join us after the service for a potluck lunch this Sunday, July 24, to welcome our youth and leaders back from the national LCMS youth gathering. Please bring a main dish to share, and also a side dish or dessert. We’ll provide the table service and drinks. All of the women of The Rock are invited by the St. John Lutheran Women’s Missionary League to attend their annual Salad Supper, to be held Tuesday, August 2 at 6:30 p.m. The speaker will be Dr. Mark Meehl, a member of the CUNE theology department who will speak about his recent tour to the Holy Land and his architectural digs there. The salads will be provided by the LWML ladies.  As part of the dinner they will hold an ingathering of soup, cereal, and toilet paper to be given to Christ’s Cupboard, the Concordia pantry, and the Seward food pantry.  The new…

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Rock News

Everyone is welcome to the Blue Valley Community Action Open House on June 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Join the Seward Chamber ribbon cutting at 10:00. Tour the new office, food pantry, and thrift store; meet and greet their team; and enjoy refreshments.  Pray for those leading, volunteering at, and attending our Light of the World VBS next week! If you have a medium sized lighthouse figurine similar to the one in this picture and would be willing to loan it for the VBS program, please bring it to church  on Sunday. Please pray for the teens and leaders getting ready to attend the LCMS Youth Gathering in July. Thank you to all who have supported their fundraising efforts including the envelope wall, Egg-Your-House, Easter Breakfast, and meals this spring.   What’s the best “Bang for your Buck” food deal on July 4th?  Join the Mighty Fortress Ev. Lutheran…

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Rock News: Thanks and Caution!

Thanks to all who offered boxes to help with clean up of the storm damage. We have all we need.   Please stay far back from the building, as there is loose glass that could slip out and fall to the ground at any time. We do not want anyone to pick up glass off the ground until the third-floor shattered windows are removed.   We’ve had people graciously volunteer time and materials to help with clean up. If you would like to add your name to the list, you can respond here or text Danna at 402-643-5085.

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Rock News: Help Needed!

Forever family, we suffered some storm damage with a number of broken windows in our cafe area. We have an immediate need for small to medium sized boxes to collect the broken glass. If you have some you can share with us, please text Danna Seevers at 402-643-5085 or respond to this email. Thank you!

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We’re still looking for volunteers to help with different activities during our Light of the World Vacation Bible School, June 27-30, 9-11 a.m. Click this link to sign up to help. There’s also a list in The Rock Cafe of supplies that we’re collecting for this event. Everyone is welcome to the Blue Valley Community Action Open House on June 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Join the Seward Chamber ribbon cutting at 10:00. Tour the new office, food pantry, and thrift store; meet and greet their team; and enjoy refreshments.  Please pray for the teens and leaders getting ready to attend the LCMS Youth Gathering in July. Thank you to all who have supported their fundraising efforts including the envelope wall, Egg-Your-House, Easter Breakfast, and meals this spring.   We’re changing up our livestream options. We’re going to be using Vimeo as our main streaming account, hoping to connect…

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Rock News

Are you ready for our Light of the World vacation Bible school event, June 27-30, 9-11 a.m.? Kids ages 3 to 4th grade are welcome. It’s time to start registering your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors… All kids ages 3 to 4th grade!  Click this link to register children. We’re looking for volunteers to help with different activities during VBS. Click this link to sign up to help. From the teens and leaders getting ready to attend the LCMS Youth Gathering in July: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOREVER FAMILY! Thank you to all who have supported our fundraising efforts including our envelope wall, Egg-Your-House, Easter Breakfast, and GOP meals this spring.  WE ARE SO BLESSED by an amazing church family that has supported our journey to IN ALL THINGS in HOUSTON! We’re changing up our livestream options. We’re going to be using Vimeo as our main streaming account,…

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Rock News: Sign up for Vacation Bible School!

Plan now for our Light of the World vacation Bible school event, June 27-30, 9-11 a.m. Kids ages 3 to 4th grade are welcome.  It’s time to start registering your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors… All kids ages 3 to 4th grade!  Click this link to register children. We’re looking for volunteers to help with different activities during VBS. Click this link to sign up to help. We’re changing up our livestream options to give us more flexibility with our content. We’re going to be using Vimeo as our main streaming account, and connecting the livestream to Facebook each week. If you’re watching on a computer or tablet, you can find us at https://vimeo.com/therockseward. (The Vimeo app on Roku and Fire devices doesn’t seem to find us.) If you watch us on Facebook or YouTube, you should be able to go there and view it as normal, or through a…

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Rock News

We’ve postponed our Spring Clean Up day until a later date. More details on the tasks that need to be completed and the time/date will be available later. Plan now for our Light of the World vacation Bible school event, June 27-30, 9-11 a.m. Kids ages 3 to 4th grade are welcome. More details soon! Our April item for the Blue Valley food pantry is paper towels. The collection box is in the Rock Cafe. Thanks for being a blessing to the community in this way! You can see our Blue Valley Pantry item schedule on our website. We’ll be collecting Kleenex (any size box, any brand) in May. YogaFaith News:  Join Erika Rolf (RYT-200) or Sara Moll (RYT-200) for Christian YogaFaith classes at The Rock!   Class offerings are as follows:  All Level YogaFaith is on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 5:30 p.m.; Restorative YogaFaith every Sunday night at 7:00…

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Upcoming events: Good Friday, April 15—service at 6:30 Men’s Breakfast, April 16, 7:00 in the cafe Easter Sunday, April 17—Easter breakfast starting at 9:00 (donations benefit the youth gathering trip) and service at 10:00 Moms and Muffins, April 18, 25—stop in anytime between 9-10:30 a.m. Spring Clean Up, April 30—bring your cleaning supplies and join us from 10-2:00 Let’s help send our youth to the National Youth Gathering in Houston this July! Join us before the service this Sunday, April 17 for our annual Easter breakfast. Starting at 9:00, our youth will be serving a breakfast of eggs, bacon, cinnamon rolls, and fruit. No tickets are required, but your generous donations are appreciated as they raise funds for their trip to the National Youth Gathering. We’re thankful to Thrivent Financial for a community action grant to help with the costs of the breakfast. Consider making a donation via  our envelope…

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Upcoming events: Moms and Muffins, April 4, 11, 18, 25—9-10:30 a.m. Good Friday, April 15—service at 6:30 Easter Sunday, April 17—Easter breakfast starting at 9:00 (donations benefit the youth gathering trip) and service at 10:00 Let’s help send our youth to the National Youth Gathering in Houston this July! Join us before the service on Sunday, April 17 for our annual Easter breakfast. Starting at 9:00, our youth will be serving a breakfast of eggs, bacon, cinnamon rolls, and fruit. No tickets are required, but your generous donations are appreciated as they raise funds for their trip to the National Youth Gathering. We’re thankful to Thrivent Financial for a community action grant to help with the costs of the breakfast. Consider making a donation via  our envelope wall fundraiser!  We would love to have every envelope filled by Easter Sunday  (empty envelope wall on the day we celebrate the empty…

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Our March item for the Blue Valley food pantry is peanut butter. The collection box is in the Rock Cafe. Thanks for being a blessing to the community in this way! You can see our Blue Valley Pantry item schedule on our website.  Blue Valley is also currently in need of boxed meals, pasta, and instant potato items.  As a part of the Rock’s Ministry Plan for this year, we are going to host a couple of bridge events, which will be opportunities for us to connect with our Seward community, by sharing Jesus through acts of service and fellowship, as we have done in the past. If you have ideas for an event, or are willing to help plan and organize an event, please contact Pastor, or one of the directors (Scott Seevers, Tim Moll, Matt Myers, Emmie Moll, Wayne Bruns, Jeremy Hogue) and let them know. Peace, Grand…

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As a part of the Rock’s Ministry Plan for this year, we are going to host a couple of bridge events, which will be opportunities for us to connect with our Seward community, by sharing Jesus through acts of service and fellowship, as we have done in the past. If you have ideas for an event, or are willing to help plan and organize an event, please contact Pastor, or one of the directors (Scott Seevers, Tim Moll, Matt Myers, Emmie Moll, Wayne Bruns, Jeremy Hogue) and let them know. Did you forget your donation items last week? You can still bring them this Sunday! Concordia University’s Guatemala Health and Medical Mission Team is collecting hygiene supplies to take on their March trip. They will be traveling to the same area that The Rock’s mission team worked at in Amatitlan, Guatemala. They will be hosting a health fair in two…

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Rock News

Please continue to pray for Pastor Mike Meyer and his family as they seek God’s will for their lives after receiving a call to a congregation in Okeechobee, FL. Pray that God’s will for them will be made abundantly clear to the whole family, and that they would know God’s peace while they make their decision. Join us tomorrow (February 13) for another Forever Family meal as we gather for our annual Souper Sunday lunch. Please bring a soup and a dessert to share. We’ll provide bowls, spoons, etc., along with lots of extension cords for your roasters and slow cookers. We’ll have some serving spoons, but if you have a ladle you can bring, that would be helpful. If you’re not able to bring something to share, please still plan to join us!  As she shared in church last Sunday, Michaela Twito (Micky) has paused her Masters degree studies…

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Rock News

Please continue to pray for Pastor Mike Meyer and his family as they seek God’s will for their lives after receiving a call to a congregation in Okeechobee, FL. Pray that God’s will for them will be made abundantly clear to the whole family, and that they would know God’s peace while they make their decision. Join us on Sunday, February 13 for another Forever Family meal as we gather for our annual Souper Sunday lunch. Please bring a soup and a dessert to share. We’ll provide bowls, spoons, etc., along with lots of extension cords for your roasters and slow cookers. We’ll have some serving spoons, but if you have a ladle you can bring, that would be helpful. If you’re not able to bring something to share, please still plan to join us!  Concordia University’s Guatemala Health and Medical Mission Team is collecting hygiene supplies to take on…

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Rock News

Please continue to pray for Pastor Mike Meyer and his family as they seek God’s will for their lives after receiving a call to a congregation in Okeechobee, FL. Pray that God’s will for them will be made abundantly clear to the whole family, and that they would know God’s peace while they make their decision. Join us on Sunday, February 13 for another Forever Family meal as we gather for our annual Souper Sunday lunch. Please bring a soup and a dessert to share. We’ll provide bowls, spoons, etc., along with lots of extension cords for your roasters and slow cookers. We’ll have some serving spoons, but if you have a ladle you can bring, that would be helpful. If you’re not able to bring something to share, please still plan to join us!  Concordia University’s Guatemala Health and Medical Mission Team is collecting hygiene supplies to take on…

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Rock News

As he shared in Sunday’s service, Pastor Mike has a Divine Call from another congregation. What does this mean and how can we pray for him and his family? Pray that God’s will for them will be made abundantly clear to the whole family, and that they would know God’s peace while they make their decision. Pastor Mike and his family are traveling to Okeechobee, FL for an official visit to Peace Lutheran Church & School this weekend. Dr. Thad Warren will lead the message time during worship this weekend at The ROCK. Watch his announcement here. Have you used the GivePlus app to make donations to The Rock? If so, please note that as of the end of January, that app will no longer function. Watch for more information this Sunday. The following faith growth opportunities are now ongoing: Being Lutheran, Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the Rock Café,…

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Rock News

New faith growth opportunities are now available: Being Lutheran, Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the Rock Café, starting on January 20. Come explore what Lutherans believe, teach, and confess, along with how it’s lived out in today’s world. (Led by Tim Moll & Pastor Mike. Faith That Sees Through the Culture, Tuesdays at 7 p.m., starting on January 11. Participants will utilize online resources and a weekly group gathering via Zoom. (Led by Pastor Mike) Men’s Breakfast, Saturdays at 7 a.m. in the Rock Café, starting on January 15. Topic we’ll be discussing is Joseph: Carpenter of Steel. Breakfast will be provided. (Led by Pastor Mike) Sign up for one or more of these groups using the form on our website at this link. Contact [email protected] if you have any questions. Replenishing the Building Fund: This year, The Rock has invested over $28,000 on facility-related initiatives for maintenance and improvements,…

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Our Christmas Eve gathering will be at 5:30pm and will include candles and singing.  There is no worship gathering on Christmas Day.  Our normal gathering / time will occur on the Sundays of December 26 & January 2. To go along with our Advent series Awkward Christmas, we’re collecting your favorite awkward family Christmas photographs. Share them with us by email between now and January 1 by sending them to [email protected].  New faith growth opportunities are now available, starting in January 2022: Being Lutheran, Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the Rock Café, starting on January 20. Come explore what Lutherans believe, teach, and confess, along with how it’s lived out in today’s world. (Led by Tim Moll & Pastor Mike) Faith That Sees Through the Culture, Tuesdays at 7 p.m., starting on January 11. Participants will utilize online resources and a weekly group gathering via Zoom. (Led by Pastor Mike)…

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Christmas Events at The Rock: To go along with our Advent series Awkward Christmas, we’re collecting your favorite awkward family Christmas photographs. Share them with us by email between now and January 1 by sending them to [email protected].  Our Christmas Eve gathering will be at 5:30pm and will include candles and singing.  There is no worship gathering on Christmas Day.  Our normal gathering / time will occur on the Sundays of December 26 & January 2. Stepping Stones and FaithInk will resume on Wednesday, January 5. St. John Lutheran in Cordova will be holding a Christmas music fest on Monday, December 20 at 7 p.m. It will feature music by Kevin and Heidi Cheng, a Christmas hymn sing, Scripture readings, an ingathering of food gifts for the Friend Food Pantry, a Christmas cookie exchange, and cookies and hot chocolate following the singing. Those attending are requested to bring a freewill…

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Christmas Events: To go along with our Advent series Awkward Christmas, we’re collecting your favorite awkward family Christmas photographs. Share them with us by email between now and January 1 by sending them to [email protected].  This Sunday, December 12, The Rock will host a Forever Family Reunion Christmas meal after worship.  It will be Christmas turkey dinner and all the fixings to go along with it.  The congregation is encouraged to bring Christmas cookies to share with everyone as a dessert. (And pastor also challenged us to bring something “awkward” your family likes to eat at Christmas to share with us.) Our Christmas Eve gathering will be at 5:30pm and will include candles and singing.  There is no worship gathering on Christmas Day.  Our normal gathering / time will occur on the Sundays of December 26 & January 2. Replenishing the Building Fund: This year, The Rock has invested over…

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Rock News

Christmas Events: We’ve started our Advent series: Awkward Christmas. We’re collecting your favorite awkward family Christmas photographs. Share them with us by email between now and January 1 by sending them to [email protected].  On Sunday, December 12, The Rock will host a Forever Family Reunion meal after worship.  It will be Christmas turkey dinner and all the fixings to go along with it.  The congregation is encouraged to bring Christmas cookies to share with everyone as a dessert.    Our Christmas Eve gathering will be at 5:30pm and will include candles and singing.  There is no worship gathering on Christmas Day.  Our normal gathering / time will occur on the Sundays of December 26 & January 2. Ministry Plan Focus Areas:  Directors and Ambassadors have elevated four 2021-22 Ministry Plan initiatives for focused action planning and progress.  Key initiatives include the following: 1) facilitating four active Huddle Groups; 2) hosting bridge…

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Rock News: Prayer Guide for the Guatemala Mission Team’s Trip

November 2021 – The Rock Guatemala Mission Team Prayer List As the date for our trip arrives quickly, we have had many things to be grateful for and many things that we should continue to pray for. There is power in prayer and it would mean a great deal to our team if you could join us in this mission through prayer. We appreciate your time and blessings towards us, our mission, and the people of Guatemala. General Prayer Requests: Prepared hearts, ones that are ready to serve and share Christ’s love as well as endure a new culture and surroundings. Safe travels, to and from Guatemala, as well as in country transportation. A bridge between the language barrier, that we may learn new ways of communication to be able to connect with and meet new people. Please pray for our families back home. Team chemistry, please pray for our…

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Rock News

We have an opportunity to bless Rev. Rich and Diana Boring with some meals starting this Saturday as she recovers from surgery. Rich and Diana have a number of dietary restrictions (no carbs: no rice, bread, potatoes, pasta) so they stick to basic meat and veggies. (and Valentino’s gluten free hamburger pizza!) If you’re interested in signing up, the link for the Meal Train is here: https://mealtrain.com/2ve3y5   If you or someone in your family is in need of assistance like this during a time of illness or grief, please contact us at [email protected] so our community can be a blessing to you. Would you like to be visited in the hospital or have pastor visit a loved one? Contact Pastor Mike at [email protected] so he knows where and when to visit. Please pray for the Guatemala mission team as they prepare to leave for their trip. Pray for: safe travel…

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November 4, 2021   A Meal Train sign up has been started for the family of Kim Klintworth, who passed away after battling cancer, to assist her husband Dan and their two daughters as they grieve. The family has no food allergies or restrictions. Information about delivery of meals and dates are found on the sign up page. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/goow4l  The Rock is pleased to announce that we have been able to improve our lighting in worship because of the Esther 4:14 National Grant provided by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod this summer. The new lighting has improved the clarity of our broadcast, eliminating the shadows on Pastor Mike, and making the lighting more even on him and the band. We are grateful to have been given this grant and for the blessing it has been, especially to those worshipping online. We are looking for volunteers who are interested in learning how…

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We’re posting daily reminders about our 40 Day Being Challenge on our Facebook page. Ask Tim Moll or Pastor Mike for details about the Being Challenge book. October is Pastor Appreciation Month and there are still 3 days left to express your appreciation! Pastor Appreciation should be more than just a designated event on the calendar but an encouragement to him in service to God and the Church. How can you participate? Pray for your pastor daily.  Creatively communicate words of encouragement to your pastor for his service to God and the Church with a card.  Take special care to listen and respond to your pastor’s sermons. Team up with your local Christian bookstore to recognize and honor your pastor by giving a gift card to purchase a book or other special items. Send a Pastor Appreciation gift basket which includes thoughtful gifts for your pastor’s kids and your pastor’s…

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Rock News

Orders Due this Sunday for the Faith Graphic T-shirt Fundraiser Share your faith with these high-quality, soft Christian graphic tees. There is a Thanksgiving, Christmas, The Rock, and any day of the year designs in multiple colors for youth and adults! These would also make excellent Christmas gifts! Orders due October 17th and will be available for pick up at Sports Express or The Rock after October 29th. Shipping is available for out of town customers! Proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards The Rock Lutheran Church youth who are attending the National Youth Gathering in Houston next summer. Thank you for your support! The Rock Online Store We’re posting daily reminders about our 40 Day Being Challenge on our Facebook page. We have a limited number of workbooks available for this challenge, and we’re asking a $10 donation to help cover the cost. But if you can’t afford that,…

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Rock News

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Pastor Appreciation should be more than just a designated event on the calendar but an encouragement to him in service to God and the Church. How can you participate? Pray for your pastor daily.  Creatively communicate words of encouragement to your pastor for his service to God and the Church with a card.  Take special care to listen and respond to your pastor’s sermons. Team up with your local Christian bookstore to recognize and honor your pastor by giving a gift card to purchase a book or other special items. Send a Pastor Appreciation gift basket which includes thoughtful gifts for your pastor’s kids and your pastor’s wife. Be aware of the unique needs of the pastor’s children by providing financial help for camp, youth group retreats or missionary trips. Invite them to a dinner or party with your family and friends This only scratches…

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The Rock News: October is Pastor Appreciation Month!

October is Pastor Appreciation Month.  Pastor Appreciation should be more than just a designated event on the calendar but an encouragement to him in service to God and the Church. How can you participate? Pray for your pastor daily. Creatively communicate words of encouragement to your pastor for his service to God and the Church with a card. Take special care to listen and respond to your pastor’s sermons. Team up with your local Christian bookstore to recognize and honor your pastor by giving a gift card to purchase a book or other special items. Send a Pastor Appreciation gift basket which includes thoughtful gifts for your pastor’s kids and your pastor’s wife. Be aware of the unique needs of the pastor’s children by providing financial help for camp, youth group retreats or missionary trips. Invite them to a dinner or party with your family and friends   This only scratches the…

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Rock News

The Immanuel (Middle Creek) Lutheran Soup Supper is back!  Join us Sunday, October 10 from 4:00 – 8:00.  A free will donation gets you soup, a sandwich, a slice of pie, and a drink.  We will throw in the amazing fellowship for free!  Hand crafted items and baked goods will be available for purchase.  7 miles east of Seward on Highway 34.  You won’t want to miss this kick-off to the fall season. The GivePlus app is being phased out, but not until the end of the year. We still encourage you to consider setting up giving on the Vanco website–your login information from the app should also work on the website. 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. Ask Kim Myers or Wayne Bruns for details. Click here…

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We have a lot of news this week! Join us for an Italian Food Potluck, September 19: Join us for an Italian-themed forever family lunch after the service. Bring your favorite Italian dish to share. Breadsticks, caesar salad, dessert, drinks, and tableware provided.  Stepping Stones and FaithInk to start again tomorrow night. Learn more and sign your kids up on our website: Stepping Stones for children ages 3 to grade 4 / FaithInk confirmation class for grades 5 to 8 / Godparents groups for grades 9-12. If anyone would like more information on potentially helping with Stepping Stones, email [email protected] for more information. Stepping Stones isn’t just run by teachers–classroom helpers would be a huge help and blessing to our teachers! Stepping Stones is also looking for donations for supplies. We are currently in need of new crayons, washable markers, glue sticks, and play-doh. A donation box is located in…

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Upcoming Events at The Rock:   Stepping Stones & FaithInk Kickoff Picnic in the Park: September 8 (details below) Voters’ Meeting, September 12: Please stay after the service to vote on the ministry plan. (Access a draft of the ministry plan at this link.) Italian Food Potluck, September 19: Join us for an Italian-themed forever family lunch after the service. Bring your favorite Italian dish to share. Breadsticks, caesar salad, dessert, drinks, and tableware provided.  It’s almost time for Stepping Stones and FaithInk to start again. As always, we’ll kick off the season with a potluck picnic in the park. Join us September 8 at 6:30 at Plum Creek park at the tennis court picnic shelter. Instruction starts the following Wednesday, September 15. Learn more and sign your kids up on our website: Stepping Stones for children ages 3 to grade 4 / FaithInk confirmation class for grades 5 to…

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Rock News

It’s almost time for Stepping Stones and FaithInk to start again. As always, we’ll kick off the season with a potluck picnic in the park. Join us September 8 at 6:30 at Plum Creek park at the tennis court picnic shelter. Instruction starts the following Wednesday, September 15. Learn more and sign your kids up on our website: Stepping Stones for children ages 3 to grade 4 / FaithInk confirmation class for grades 5 to 8 / Godparents groups for grades 9-12. If anyone would like more information on potentially helping with Stepping Stones, email [email protected] for more information. Stepping Stones isn’t just run by teachers–classroom helpers would be a huge help and blessing to our teachers! Stepping Stones is also looking for donations for supplies. We are currently in need of new crayons, washable markers, glue sticks, and play-doh. A donation box is located in the café. You can…

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Help support our teens and leaders headed to next year’s National Youth Gathering. There will be a brief youth parents meeting after church service on August 22nd.  We will go over timelines, plans, fundraising for the Gathering. Parents and youth please plan to attend. You can make a donation to their travel fund at any time in the year to come. Just mark your donation as “youth gathering fund” and the money will be added to the group’s account. It’s almost time for Stepping Stones and FaithInk to start again. As always, we’ll kick off the season with a potluck picnic in the park. Join us September 8 at 6:30 at Plum Creek park at the tennis court picnic shelter. Instruction starts the following Wednesday, September 15. Learn more and sign your kids up on our website: Stepping Stones for children ages 3 to grade 4 / FaithInk confirmation class…

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News from our leadership: Signs are coming!  Signage for The Rock’s south entrance and a BVCA sign to be placed over the secondary south “elevator entrance” are being built.  Installation is not yet scheduled, but could be as early as August 20. Storage shed:  A storage shed kit for The Rock’s mowers, snow blower/shovels and other landscape tools has been delivered and will be erected by the end of August. Blue Valley Community Action: Renovation in the lower level of The Rock is nearly complete and BVCA could move in as early as the end of this month.  Stand by for an invitation to help with final clean-up and move-in. Ministry Plan Approval: The Rock’s annual Ministry Plan for 2021-22, the document that directs The Rock’s activities, was not approved at the July voters meeting to allow additional time for collection and recording your responses to “Saved to Serve” surveys.  The…

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Rock News: wear green this Sunday!

Wear green as we wrap up Christmas in July at The Rock! We took the month of July to remind ourselves of God’s great gifts to us. You can listen to a playlist of some of our worship band’s favorite Christmas songs at this link. To really get into the feeling of the Christmas season, we’d like to have everyone wear green clothing to the service on Sunday, August 1 as we wrap up the series. If you’re watching online, dress up anyway and send us a picture! Remember that you can always catch up with our services on  Facebook and YouTube if you’re away or prefer to join from home. As part of our Christmas in July celebration, we are having a special Christmas Giving Project. On Sunday, August 1 we will take a door offering to support Blue Valley Community Action’s work with those in need. If you’ll…

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Rock News

It’s Christmas in July at The Rock! We’re taking this month to remind ourselves of God’s great gifts to us. You can listen to a playlist of some of our worship band’s favorite Christmas songs at this link. To really get into the feeling of the Christmas season, we’d like to have everyone wear red clothing to the service on Sunday, July 25, and then green to the service on Sunday, August 1. If you’re watching online, dress up anyway and send us a picture! Remember that you can always catch up with our services on  Facebook and YouTube if you’re away or prefer to join from home. July 18 Congregational Meeting Summary The Rock’s voting membership voted to appoint leaders who will serve the congregation for a two-year term ending June 30, 2023.  In each case, the candidate is already serving in their current role and has agreed to…

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Rock News

The Rock’s Annual Congregation Meeting:  This coming Sunday, July 18, The Rock will hold our annual meeting following Sunday’s worship gathering.  The three agenda items include 1) an update on the current budget and adoption of a new budget for the coming fiscal year; 2) election of leadership candidates for both the Ambassadors and Directors; and 3) approval of the 2022 Saved to Serve ministry plan.  If you are wondering if you’re a voting member, please see Scott Seevers after church or send an email to [email protected].  You are still invited to attend the meeting regardless of your voting status. It’s Christmas in July at The Rock! For the next 3 weeks we’ll be contemplating God’s great gifts to us. You can listen to a playlist of some of our worship band’s favorite Christmas songs at this link. To really get into the feeling of the Christmas season, we’d like…

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Rock News

Here is the final set of information and forms for the conclusion of our Saved to Serve series. We would love your input as we prepare for the upcoming year.    A listing of the current opportunities to serve as the Rock along with a list of current and proposed learning/fellowship opportunities is linked here. An assignment for you to do on your own taking time to review and pray about where and how God is calling you closer to Him and calling you to serve is linked here. A response form to provide us with information is linked here. Let us know how you would like to serve.  It can be a filling a present role at the Rock, serving a new role at the Rock or serving in a way that doesn’t involve the Rock at all!  Also, let us know what kind of learning/fellowship opportunities you are interested…

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Rock News

Special Saturday service on July 3: This year, July 4 falls on a Sunday so we will have our weekly service on Saturday, July 3 at 10, and will not gather on Sunday morning. This allows us to open our parking lot to the community for the events at the city square. Busy on Saturday or away from Seward this summer? Keep up with The Rock’s services on Facebook and YouTube. We’re so glad  you join us for worship in whatever way you do! A new women’s Bible study will start soon. Starting July 13, Lori Moravec and Jennifer Janousek will be leading a study using the book “Joy: A Study of Philippians” by Deb Burma, and the study will meet at the Janousek’s home on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. until the study concludes on August 31. Contact Lori at [email protected] or Jennifer at [email protected] with questions or for more…

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Rock News

Forever Family Lunch! Join us after the service this Sunday, June 27, for a potluck lunch. Please bring a main dish and a side dish to share. We will provide dessert, drinks, and table service.  A new women’s Bible study will start soon. Starting July 13, Lori Moravec and Jennifer Janousek will be leading a study using the book “Joy: A Study of Philippians” by Deb Burma, and the study will meet at the Janousek’s home on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. until the study concludes on August 31. Contact Lori at [email protected] or Jennifer at [email protected] with questions or for more information. Anyone interested in attending should purchase the book at this link. Special Saturday service on July 3: This year, July 4 falls on a Sunday so we will have our weekly service on Saturday, July 3 at 10, and will not gather on Sunday morning. This allows us…

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The Rock Budget for Ministry

Friends: This week we reviewed what it looks like to be a follower of Jesus and truly surrender control of your life to Him. We are also reviewing where God is leading the Rock with its finances.  The first document, found at this link, is the Rock Full Implementation Budget. It shows the Rock’s current budget and goes on to show the budget areas where the leaders of the Rock believe it would be appropriate to increase the Rock’s financial commitments to ministry. The Confidential Rock Financial Response Form, found at this link, is a way for you to state your intentions for giving to the Rock during the upcoming fiscal year. That information will help you be intentional about the portion of your finances you intend to devote to ministry and will help the leaders at the Rock plan for the upcoming year. We ask that each of you…

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Rock News

Forever Family Lunch! Join us after the service on Sunday, June 27 for a potluck lunch. Please bring a main dish and a side dish to share. We will provide dessert, drinks, and table service.  Special Saturday service on July 3: This year, July 4 falls on a Sunday so we will have our weekly service on Saturday, July 3 at 10, and will not gather on Sunday morning. This allows us to open our parking lot to the community for the events at the city square. Busy on Saturday or away from Seward this summer? Keep up with The Rock’s services on Facebook and YouTube. We’re so glad  you join us for worship in whatever way you do! How is it going? We are saved to serve! As we seek God’s guidance for The Rock in the upcoming weeks and months, we would love to hear how you are…

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Rock News

A new women’s Bible study will start soon. Starting July 13, Lori Moravec and Jennifer Janousek will be leading a study using the book “Joy: A Study of Philippians” by Deb Burma, and the study will meet at the Janousek’s home on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. until the study concludes on August 31. Contact Lori at [email protected] or Jennifer at [email protected] with questions or for more information. Anyone interested in attending should purchase the book at this link. The Rock is pleased to announce that we received a grant from the Esther 4:14 National Grant Program offered by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to upgrade our media to help meet the increased audio-visual needs we have in the sanctuary and for live streaming. We look forward to upgrading some of our equipment soon.  We are looking for volunteers who are interested in learning how to manage the audio-visual, livestream, and lighting…

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How is it going?

HOW IS IT GOING? We are saved to serve! As we seek God’s guidance for The Rock in the upcoming weeks and months, we would love to hear how you are doing. If you were at in-person worship this morning and picked up a paper copy of the questions, or if you want to print the form linked here, you can turn in your responses on paper in the Rock café. If you would rather submit your responses electronically, please complete the online survey at this link. There are only three questions to complete. We will be gathering responses from now until June 20.  Pastor and The Rock leaders will use the information to help make plans for new fiscal year of The Rock, which begins on July 1.  Thank you!

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Rock News

The Rock is pleased to announce that we received a grant from the Esther 4:14 National Grant Program offered by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to upgrade our media to help meet the increased audio-visual needs we have in the sanctuary and for live streaming. We look forward to upgrading some of our equipment soon.  We are looking for volunteers who are interested in learning how to manage the audio-visual, livestream, and lighting console on Sunday mornings. We’ll teach you everything you need to know! Contact Pastor Mike, Tim Moll, or Shane Sloup.  Powering the Ministry of The Rock: As The Rock approaches the end of our fiscal year, it appears annual general fund contributions will be lower than budgeted.  Directors will share final financial information at the July congregational meeting, along with a proposed budget for the next fiscal year.  As always, we are thankful for both your generosity and…

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Rock News

The Rock and Blue Valley Community Action Partnership Updates Planning continues for BVCA occupancy in the lower southeast section of The Rock, beginning in Fall 2021. Here’s how YOU and your family can help make this joint ministry effort happen: Blue Valley is responsible for necessary upgrades to the building, but many are inspired to help.  You are invited to support Blue Valley in raising required funds, estimated at $25,000.  You may write a check directly to Blue Valley Community Action or to The Rock.  In either case, indicate “The Rock-BVCA project” in the memo line. The Rock is also using this opportunity to look at external signage for our building.  This is currently an unbudgeted item for The Rock and we are inviting donations to cover the cost of the signage and installation.  Please email [email protected] or call 402-641-5553 if you would like to learn more about how to…

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Rock News

The Rock and Blue Valley Community Action Partnership Updates Planning continues for BVCA occupancy in the lower southeast section of The Rock, beginning in Fall 2021. Here’s how YOU and your family can help make this joint ministry effort happen: Lend a hand: A work day has been scheduled at The Rock on Saturday, May 15 from 9-12:30.  Bring your crowbar, wrench, and gloves as we tear out old lockers and remove other items from the lower level.  We need your help for this important first step, so please sign up to help HERE. Partner financially:  Blue Valley is responsible for necessary upgrades to the building, but many are inspired to help.  You are invited to support Blue Valley in raising required funds, estimated at $25,000.  You may write a check directly to Blue Valley Community Action or to The Rock.  In either case, indicate “The Rock-BVCA project” in the…

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Rock News

Please join us right after worship this Sunday, April 25, to celebrate Nicodemus Comfort Dog’s 5th Birthday! You can greet Nico, enjoy a cupcake, and visit with the Comfort Dog Team.  Also, please plan to stay for a short meeting to learn more about all the ways God works through Nico and his team and how you can be a part of it. There are a number of ways that you can help.  We need more Handlers (people trained to be on the leash and take Nico on walks and to ministry opportunities, Ministry Partners (people that go with Nico and a Handler to provide assistance), and Care Givers and back up Care Givers (trained as Handlers and they keep Nico in their home on a full time or part time basis).  There will be lots of time to ask questions!  Please contact Randy Newsome at [email protected] and 402-643-6595 if…

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Rock News

The Seward County Pro-Life Council will again sponsor a Mother’s Day ad with the theme of “Thank you, Mom, for giving me life” to be placed in the Seward Independent on Mother’s Day, May 5. Mary Kropf will be collecting names of mothers (and grandmothers, mothers-in-law, etc.), along with a $1 donation for each name, to be listed in the ad. Please indicate whether the person named is living or deceased. All names and donations must be given to Mary by Sunday, April 25 to be included in the ad. As The Rock enters the final quarter of the fiscal year ending June 30, financial support for the ministry has been strong enough thus far to meet the budget needs and also address some maintenance projects that have arisen.  Since the end of January, weekly contributions have softened and are still trending downward as we enter the spring and summer,…

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Rock News

The Seward County Pro-Life Council will again sponsor a Mother’s Day ad with the theme of “Thank you, Mom, for giving me life” to be placed in the Seward Independent on Mother’s Day, May 5. Mary Kropf will be collecting names of mothers, along with a $1 donation for each name, to be listed in the ad. Please indicate whether the person named is living or deceased. All names and donations must be given to Mary by Sunday, April 25 to be included in the ad. As The Rock enters the final quarter of the fiscal year ending June 30, financial support for the ministry has been strong enough thus far to meet the budget needs and also address some maintenance projects that have arisen.  Since the end of January, weekly contributions have softened and are still trending downward as we enter the spring and summer, typically times when contributions…

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Rock News

The Blue Valley Community Action (BVCA) board decided that The Rock’s lower level would be the preferred location for their new office and outreach center. The Rock’s Directors and Ambassadors spent time on March 23rd asking questions and raising concerns about details surrounding the plan. The group discussed criteria for moving forward, including facilities accessibility, needed renovations, security, code requirements, utilities, etc. The group also considered how friends and families at The Rock, as well as partner ministries and congregations in Seward might be involved in supporting and assisting in this ministry. The group voted to move forward with BVCA as long as fire, water, security and municipal code questions are answered and within reasonable expectations of the group, and with the understanding that BVCA would lead the fundraising efforts for necessary capital improvements in the building.  Additional details will be shared after a meeting with BVCA leadership, set for…

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Rock News

The Board of Blue Valley Community Action Partnership voted on Tuesday to pursue a space at The Rock for some of their Seward County services. Visit our website at this link to access a document with some background on the proposed space arrangements at The Rock and conversations that have occurred thus far between BVCA and The Rock’s Directors. The Directors would value your feedback and welcome your questions about this proposed arrangement.  You are invited to share feedback after church on Sunday, March 21, or you may email Scott Seevers, Congregational President, at [email protected].  The next Directors meeting for The Rock is scheduled for Tuesday, March 23rd, and this will be the major item on the agenda. Your feedback will be shared with all the directors at The Rock.  Thanks for participating in the conversation about this opportunity. We hope you’ll stick around after the service this Sunday, March…

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Rock News

We hope you’ll stick around after the service on Sunday, March 21 for another Forever Family meal. We’ll have a baked potato bar set up with lots of toppings, and we’ll provide all plates, utensils, etc. Please bring some dessert to share.  Let The Rock egg your house (or someone else’s) just in time for Easter. On the evening of April 3, 2021 we will come to your home (or the home of a friend or neighbor) and hide 12 Easter Eggs in the yard. There will be 11 candy-filled eggs and 1 empty egg as a reminder of the empty tomb! $10 per dozen eggs Please contact Jen Axt (308) 631-7065 by text/phone or by email: [email protected] Payment by cash, check, or venmo (@Jen-Axt) by March 29, 2021.  Please provide the following information: Purchaser’s name and phone number; family and address of “the egging”; # of dozen eggs to…

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Rock News for March 6, 2021

This past week, the Seward City Council repealed the ordinance that mandated the wearing of masks in all public buildings, including places of worship. This removes the mask mandate from municipal code. In response to this change, The ROCK will implement the following additional update to its “Returning To Worship Guidance Document” beginning MARCH 7, 2021: –Appropriate physical distancing and wearing of masks will be at the discretion of each worshipping group. –The distribution of Holy Communion will continue to utilize our current practice: use of masks and hand sanitizer by communion assistants, recipients come forward in one single file line. The Rock encourages those who attend public worship to keep everyone’s safety in mind and respect their personal decisions. Each worshiper must make a personal decision about the levels of safety and normalcy they require, as well as, their individual facts and circumstances. Visit our website for the full details:…

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Update for In-Person Worship

This past week, the Seward City Council repealed the ordinance that mandated the wearing of masks in all public buildings, including places of worship. This removes the mask mandate from municipal code. Governor Ricketts and Nebraska public health officials continue to ask, but not require Nebraskans to wear face coverings for added public safety. In response to this change, The ROCK will implement the following additional update to its “Returning To Worship Guidance Document” beginning MARCH 7, 2021: –Appropriate physical distancing and wearing of masks will be at the discretion of each worshipping group. –The distribution of Holy Communion will continue to utilize our current practice: use of masks and hand sanitizer by communion assistants, recipients come forward in one single file line. The Rock encourages those who attend public worship to keep everyone’s safety in mind and respect their personal decisions. Each worshiper must make a personal decision about…

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Rock News

Remember that Pastor Mike has encouraged us to read and pray Psalm 91 each day of the month of February! Join us this week, February 17, for our Ash Wednesday meal and service. The evening will start at 5:30 with a nacho and taco bar. No tickets are required—instead, we will collect a free will donation towards the support of the Santa Cruz ministry in Amatitlan, Guatemala. Learn more about the work we support there at our Beyond Borders page: https://www.therockseward.org/beyond-borders/ Our Ash Wednesday service, including the imposition of ashes, will follow starting at 6:30. Instead of dropping off your children for our normal Stepping Stones and FaithInk time, we ask families to attend with their children. No childcare is provided this week. Giving never tasted so delicious! Buy Tastefully Simple products through February 26 and 25% of the sales will go towards the youth of The Rock to attend the…

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Rock News: Souper Sunday and Ash Wednesday

Remember that Pastor Mike has encouraged us to read and pray Psalm 91 each day of the month of February! Join us after the service tomorrow for our annual Souper Sunday lunch. We’ll provide two types of soup and table service. Bring along some of your favorite soup to share. (We’ll have lots of extension cords, too!) COVID-19 precautions will be in place.  Join us February 17 for our Ash Wednesday meal and service. The evening will start at 5:30 with a nacho and taco bar. No tickets are required—instead, we will collect a free will donation towards the support of the Santa Cruz ministry in Amatitlan, Guatemala.  Our Ash Wednesday service, including the imposition of ashes, will follow starting at 6:30. Instead of our normal Stepping Stones and FaithInk time, we ask families to attend with their children instead of dropping them off for the service.  We are looking…

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Rock News

1/27/21   Last fall, The Rock Directors learned that a rooftop air conditioning unit was in need of replacement and authorized purchase of a new unit at a cost of approximately $20,000. Directors also asked members of the congregation, if they were in a position to do so, to consider a special year-end gift to off-set some of that cost.  Thanks be to God, generous members of The Rock contributed a total of $23,900 toward this need!   With this, the church will be able to proceed with the project without using our bank line of credit.  What a blessing, and what a testimony to the generosity of God’s people! Stepping Stones AND FaithInk are cancelled for tonight, January 27. There has been a delay in removing snow from the parking lot. See you next week at 6:30! Remember that Stepping Stones and FaithInk follow the same cancellation policy as…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Rock News & Seward Mask Mandate

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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Update on In-Person Worship at The Rock

The Four Corners Health Department, our local health district, under the direction of the Governor of Nebraska, has now moved to Phase 4 of its Directed Health Measures issued in response to the COVID pandemic. This change relaxes the health protocols while still encouraging prudent health and safety measures.  In response to these changes, The ROCK will implement the following updates to its “Returning To Worship Guidance Document” 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 worshipping 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…

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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…

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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…

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The Rock Livestream only on Facebook

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!

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Rock News

Join us for worship at The Rock! We are currently asking people to sign up for our in-person services so we can keep capacity at the state-mandated levels. Sign up will open after Sunday services and close at noon on Fridays. https://forms.gle/buqd3pZVEr2pCqN69 You’ll need to sign up each week, and the limited spaces are available on a “first come, first served” basis. Use the link above every week for sign up–the link will not change. To read the full policy about returning to in-person worship, click on this link to our website.  We will continue to provide livestream options on Facebook and YouTube for those who need to or prefer to worship from home at this time. Stepping Stones / FaithInk:  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…

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Rock News

We’re livestreaming our services! Our service is available live on Facebook and YouTube for those who need to or prefer to worship from home at this time. Each Sunday after the service, we open registration for in-person worship for the following Sunday. You can find information about our worship service on our website at https://www.therockseward.org/worship/ Stepping Stones / FaithInk: Registration is open for both of these faith-building opportunities throughout the school year on Wednesday nights at The Rock.  Stepping Stones is for age 3 through grade 4, and FaithInk is for grades 5-8, which culminates in the Rite of Confirmation.  Go to www.therockseward.org and click on the “connect” tab to register.  More details to follow! 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…

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Rock News

Join us for worship at The Rock! We are currently requiring people to sign up for our in-person services so we can keep capacity at the state-mandated levels. Sign up will open after Sunday services and close at noon on Fridays. https://forms.gle/buqd3pZVEr2pCqN69 You’ll need to sign up each week, and the limited spaces are available on a “first come, first served” basis. Use the link above every week for sign up–the link will not change. To read the full policy about returning to in-person worship, click on this link to our website.  We will continue to provide livestream options on Facebook and YouTube for those who need to or prefer to worship from home at this time. Our July item for the Blue Valley food pantry is canned meat (anything but tuna–we collect that in December). The collection box is in the Rock Cafe.   Stepping Stones (Pre-K thru 4th grade…

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Sign up for in-person worship at The Rock

Join us for worship at The Rock! We are currently asking people to sign up for our in-person services so we can keep capacity at the state-mandated levels. Sign up will open after Sunday services and close at noon on Fridays. https://forms.gle/buqd3pZVEr2pCqN69 Use the link above every week for sign up—the link will not change.

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Rock News

After the service, we will have our scheduled voters’ meeting.  You can click here to read the agenda for this meeting, and click here to read the ministry plan.   Join us for in-person worship (with certain limitations in place).  Click here to “make your reservation” by noon on Friday and let us know how many people we can expect. (We are limited to 50% capacity, so your help in providing exact numbers of those who will attend is appreciated.) To read the full policy about returning to in-person worship, click on this link to our website.  We will continue to provide livestream options on Facebook and YouTube for those who need to or prefer to worship from home at this time.   Our August item for the Blue Valley food pantry is canned fruit. The collection box is in the Rock Cafe. Your donations are a blessing to the community!…

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Rock News: 7/13

Join us for in-person worship (with certain limitations in place).  Click here to “make your reservation” by noon on Friday, July 17 and let us know how many people we can expect. (We are limited to 50% capacity, so your help in providing exact numbers of those who will attend is appreciated.) To read the full policy about returning to in-person worship, click on this link to our website.  We will continue to provide livestream options on Facebook and YouTube for those who need to or prefer to worship from home at this time.   You and your family can access the materials for the BOLT Vacation Bible School program by clicking on this link: https://www.gocurriculum.com/bolt-family-portal and entering the password LETSBOLT to get access. Find a parent guide, videos, song playlist, and info on games and crafts.   Our July item for the Blue Valley food pantry is canned meat…

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Rock News

We will be gathering at our building for in-person worship starting next Sunday, July 5 with certain limitations in place.  Click here to “make your reservation” by noon on Friday, July 3 and let us know how many people we can expect. (We are limited to 50% capacity, so your help in providing exact numbers of those who will attend is appreciated.) To read the full policy about returning to in-person worship, click on this link to our website. (We’ll open up our sign up sheet for Sunday, July 12 on the afternoon of July 5.)  We will continue to provide livestream options on Facebook and YouTube for those who need to or prefer to worship from home at this time.   Join us at The Rock on Wednesday, July 8 from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. to participate in a prayer walk of self-led, interactive, outdoor prayer stations. Start…

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Join us online tonight

We’ve been able to get the Sunday service uploaded and ready to go for this evening. Join The Rock online at 7 for worship, a message, and prayer! YouTube  //  Facebook  

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Rock News: 6/27

Join us for church online tomorrow for week 4 of our series “Masks.”  Watch on YouTube     //    Watch on Facebook    //  Watch on our website   We will be gathering at our building for in-person worship starting next Sunday, July 5 with certain limitations in place.  Click here to “make your reservation” and let us know how many people we can expect. (We are limited to 50% capacity, so your help in providing exact numbers of those who will attend is appreciated.) To read the full policy about returning to in-person worship, click on this link to our website.  We will continue to provide livestream options on Facebook and YouTube for those who need to or prefer to worship from home at this time.   Stepping Stones (Pre-K thru 4th grade children’s ministry) is in the process of planning to start back up in September.  We…

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Returning to In-Person Worship

Returning to In-Person Worship   As we plan to reopen The Rock for Sunday gatherings, we are using our best efforts to balance the interests of all involved. We are concerned for those who should not attend in-person gatherings at this time because they are at higher risk for severe illness or are in close contact with someone at risk. We are concerned for those who, for a variety of reasons, are not yet comfortable attending an in-person gathering. We are concerned for those who are not at high-risk and are anxious to gather for worship in person. In all our decisions and actions, we are guided by Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:2, “Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love.” In this document, we are summarizing our plans for worship beginning on July 5, 2020. Our goal is for the forever family to worship…

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Rock News

Join us for church today as we start a new series about the masks we wear. Watch on YouTube     //    Watch on Facebook    //  Watch on our website Stepping Stones (Pre-K thru 4th grade children’s ministry) is in the process of planning to start back up in September.  We need some more leaders and helpers to help our children continue to grow in their baptismal faith each week.  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. The Rock Ambassadors and Directors, along with Pastor Mike, have jointly determined to continue recorded online worship services through June.  They continue to develop a plan…

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Rock News for 6/6/20

Join us for church tomorrow as Pastor Mike reminds us that even though our world is filled with sin, death, and suffering, Jesus is still risen and still reigns over all of it. Watch on YouTube     //    Watch on Facebook    //  Watch on our website The Rock Ambassadors and Directors, along with Pastor Mike, have jointly determined to continue recorded online worship services through June.  They continue to develop a plan following state guidelines for public worship that will be accompanied by a live webcast.  Technology for the live webcast capability is being acquired and is expected to be in place by July. Spring has sprung and the lawn at The Rock is growing! We try to mow and trim at least once a week. Please consider signing up for  a week when you can mow and/or trim. If you can mow, but not trim, that’s…

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Rock News

Join us for church tomorrow as Rev. Rich Boring leads us while Pastor Mike takes a well-earned break! Watch on YouTube     //    Watch on Facebook    //  Watch on our website The Rock Ambassadors and Directors, along with Pastor Mike, have jointly determined to continue recorded online worship services through June.  They continue to develop a plan following state guidelines for public worship that will be accompanied by a live webcast.  Technology for the live webcast capability is being acquired and is expected to be in place by July.   If you have one of The Rock’s “He is Risen” signs you can take your sign and plant it in the rocks by the front entrance of the Rock. That’s where we will be collecting them. Thanks!   The Lutheran Chapel is looking for individuals interested in building a friendship with an international student online. They have…

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Rock News

Join us for church tomorrow as we wrap up our series, “Love Does.” Watch on YouTube     //    Watch on Facebook    //  Watch on our website   Find the description of the Family Altar that Pastor Mike has been talking about by clicking on this link. The Ambassadors continue to meet every Tuesday to prepare to tentatively reopen in-person worship on June 7th. When we return, we are concerned for those who are at-risk and not able to return to The Rock at this time. We will continue to record  our services and put them online for anyone to view. (The recordings will be available on Sunday afternoons until we’re able to get properly set up for livestreaming the services.) Our concern is also for those who will be able to return.  Loving our neighbor at this time may include doing things that are uncomfortable to you…

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Rock News: Quick Survey

The Ambassadors continue to meet every Tuesday to prepare to tentatively reopen in-person worship on June 7th. When we return, we are concerned for those who are at-risk and not able to return to The Rock at this time. We will continue to record  our services and put them online for anyone to view. (The recordings will be available on Sunday afternoons until we’re able to get properly set up for livestreaming the services.) Our concern is also for those who will be able to return.  Loving our neighbor at this time may include doing things that are uncomfortable to you personally, yet could be a blessing to your neighbor.  Social distancing is still a government requirement.  We’d like you to take this short, two question survey to get your feedback about in-person worship: https://forms.gle/Ja2bbSHoW2KEJQHUA    We are offering one more “drive up” Holy Communion for those who are interested….

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Rock News

May 16, 2020 Join us for church tomorrow, for part four of our new series, “Love Does.” Watch on YouTube     //    Watch on Facebook    //  Watch on our website Find the description of the Family Altar that Pastor Mike mentioned last week by clicking on this link. We are going to be offering “drive up” Holy Communion for those who are interested. We’re working on a safe process for packaging and handling the elements (gloves, masks, letting things sit for a few days) and then a two-part process of giving you a bag with your bread/wine as you drive up and then driving forward to pray with Pastor Mike. We have two more Saturday morning sessions and one Wednesday evening session available for now, and are asking families to indicate which dates they will come, whether they will come at the top or bottom of the…

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Rock News: Drive Up Communion and Tentative Opening Date

Join us for church tomorrow, for part three of our new series, “Love Does.” Watch on YouTube     //    Watch on Facebook    //  Watch on our website We are going to be offering “drive up” Holy Communion for those who are interested. We’re working on a safe process for packaging and handling the elements (gloves, masks, letting things sit for a few days) and then a two-part process of giving you a bag with your bread/wine as you drive up and then driving forward to pray with Pastor Mike. We’ll have three Saturday morning sessions and one Wednesday evening session available, and are asking families to indicate which dates they will come, whether they will come at the top or bottom of the hour, and how many will be taking communion so we can prepare properly for each date. Please respond by Sunday evening for Wednesday communion…

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The Rock’s Plan to Tentatively Resume Public Worship, June 7th

The Rock’s Plan to Tentatively Resume Public Worship, June 7th After prayerful consideration, hearing from our church body leaders, and reading through “Nebraska State Guidelines to Resume Worship,” The Rock leaders have decided to tentatively resume public (in-person) worship gatherings June 7th.  We will visit each week about opening earlier than June 7th if restrictions change.  Until then, The Rock will continue to stream worship. God’s Word reminds us in Philippians 2:1-4 (NIV), “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests…

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Rock News

Join us for church tomorrow, for part two of our new series, “Love Does.” Watch on YouTube     //    Watch on Facebook    //  Watch on our website   We have updates from some of the missionaries supported by The Rock. See a video from Ashley Johnson (Cambodia) by clicking here Read the Hutton family’s latest newsletter here We now have 4 giving options: 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…

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Rock News

Join us for church tomorrow, when we dive into our new series, “Love Does.” Watch on YouTube     //    Watch on Facebook    //  Watch on our website We now have 4 giving options: 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…

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Rock News

April 18, 2020 Join us for church tomorrow, April 19 when we dive into what we mean when we say that part of The Rock’s mission is to go “Beyond Borders.” Missionary Rev. Brent Smith talks about some amazing work God is doing through some amazing missionaries. Watch on YouTube     // Watch on Facebook    // Watch on our website   We now have 4 giving options: 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…

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Easter at Home with The Rock

Join us at 10:00 on YouTube or Facebook for our Easter Sunday service! YouTube |  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpglnedR-Cg Website | https://www.therockseward.org/ Giving while at home | https://www.therockseward.org/giving-at-the-rock/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/therockseward Contact Us | [email protected] Prayer Requests | [email protected]     We now have a mobile giving option!  Download the free GivePlus app from the Google Play or Apple app store and set up your account for an easy way to send your tithes and offerings. Learn more here: https://giveplushelp.vancopayments.com/

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Rock News: A Word of Encouragement

April 7, 2020   Dear Forever Family at The Rock,   We definitely are in uncharted waters in our world, community and our church today.  While it is frustrating for all of us to not have our regular worship gatherings in-person and other Rock activities, it’s important for all of us to keep perspective on what we have control over.  We certainly have no control over a virus, public health directives, and executive orders.  Yet, we do have control over how we react to social distancing and new, creative ways of connecting with each other.  We look forward in hope, anticipating the joy of our Forever Family’s awesome reunion in worship, to the future days when all this will be past.   The Rock is a “Word and Sacrament” Church.  We have three means of grace:  The Word of God, Holy Baptism, and Holy Communion.  Historically, the Church has had…

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Rock News: Challenges and Resources

Kingdom Challenges/Resources   In the message time these last two Sundays, Pastor Mike challenged all of us to take action to spread the Kingdom of God (his redemptive presence) to our community.  Here’s a reminder and more information on how you can be part of it.       Last week, we focused on Jesus’ teaching and how He revealed the Kingdom of God to us by being with us and showing us how to overcome the obstacles we face.  Pastor Mike asked us to send a note or email of encouragement to someone who helped teach us about Jesus. A sample you can use is attached or draft your own.  There’s still plenty of time to spread a little hope and encouragement.   This week, we focused on Jesus’ feeding the 5,000 and how all our needs are provided for in the Kingdom of God.  Pastor Mike challenged us to spread…

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Rock News

It’s been a few years since we’ve asked our members to share their personal contact information with us. We’d like everyone, even if you’ve been members from the start or only occasionally gather with us for worship, to visit the form at this link and fill in as much personal information as possible. This information is for our leadership only. Your contact information will eventually be shared in a members’ directory that will be password protected, and you will have the opportunity to decide how much of your contact information will be public. If you have questions about how we’re keeping your information secure, send them to [email protected] and we’ll contact you as soon as possible.   Thanks to all who contributed to our 25 by 25 campaign to raise funds for maintenance on our building, including tuckpointing repairs. You may see this work being done on our building if…

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Rock News: 3/28/20

Join us online for our service at 10 on Sundays. You can watch on our Facebook page at this link to the post, or on our YouTube channel at this video link.  Feel free to share your comments and prayer requests (if public) in the comments on either platform. Website | https://www.therockseward.org/ Giving while at home | https://www.therockseward.org/giving-at-the-rock/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/therockseward YouTube |  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQd1aldKGg-JO-sjPtgjebw Contact Us | [email protected] Prayer Requests | [email protected]   While we are unable to gather in person for services, you can still send your offerings in via mail to: The Rock PO Box 199 Seward, NE 68434   Order carry out from La Carreta on Monday, March 30th from 11 a.m-9:30 p.m. to support the Guatemala Mission Team.  20% of your total will be donated back to the team.  In addition to all day carry out orders, the mission team is willing to deliver meals locally…

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Rock News

Join us online for our service at 10 on Sundays. You can watch on our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/therockseward/, or on our YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQd1aldKGg-JO-sjPtgjebw.  Feel free to share your comments and prayer requests (if public) in the comments on either platform. You can also send your prayers to [email protected] at any time. While we are unable to gather in person for services, you can still send your offerings in via mail to: The Rock PO Box 199 Seward, NE 68434 Order carry out from La Carreta on Monday, March 30th from 11 a.m-9:30 p.m. to support the Guatemala Mission Team.  20% of your total will be donated back to the team.  In addition to all day carry out orders, the mission team is willing to deliver meals locally to your porch from 5-7pm if you don’t want to venture out. Call La Carreta to place your order (and pay using…

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Rock News: Join us online for worship tomorrow

We hope that you will join us online each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. until we can resume worship together at The Rock. We have three options available for viewing: Join us on our YouTube channel at 10:00. Join us on our  Facebook page at 10:00. Watch the video later on Sunday here at our website. We hope that you’ll join us, comment with your prayer requests, and pray for each other this week. Contact Us:  [email protected] Prayer Requests:  [email protected] Giving while at home | https://www.therockseward.org/giving-at-the-rock/

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Face-to-Face Worship and Activities Suspended Until Further Notice

The Rock and COVID-19 Operations: March 18, 2020 Face-to-Face Worship and Activities Suspended Until Further Notice   In just a week, the COVID-19 situation in Nebraska has changed significantly and The Rock is adapting its ministry accordingly.   In accordance with the Governor’s announcement earlier this week, events that include more than 10 people, including in-person worship and Stepping Stones children’s ministry, are cancelled until the restrictions are lifted.    Forever Family Questions & Answers   What alternatives will we have for Sunday Worship? Routine and connection is important, so we will be piloting an online worship gathering, pre-recorded yet aired at 10 AM each Sunday. With Pastor Mike and the band leading us, it will have a feel similar to our Sunday worship.  Be patient as we experiment with this new way to worship our Lord, and check our website for details on how to view and interact from…

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Rock News: No Wednesday Activities

Seward Public Schools have just cancelled classes from March 17-22. Therefore, per our policy, Stepping Stones, FaithInk, and Godparents groups are cancelled for this Wednesday.

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The Rock Lutheran Church: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Response Plan

The Rock Lutheran Church: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Response Plan   Mindful of the implications for public health posed by the coronavirus, The Rock has prayerfully chosen an action-oriented plan informed by Christian calling and civic responsibility. And, fully acknowledging that this is a serious matter, we are choosing a faith-forward approach over a fearful approach.  We commit to the following: In anxious times, The Rock will still worship our God and serve our neighbor We fully intend to continue with ministry at The Rock: Sunday worship, Bible Studies, Stepping Stones—all of it—and we’ll adapt as necessary if our local situation changes. We’ll pray earnestly and often. As long as it is legal and safe to do so, Pastor Mike will visit the sick, counsel families, preach God’s powerful gospel and baptize children. You will find that we are confident in Christ during this storm of sickness in our world. We won’t…

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Rock News

2022 National Youth Gathering News: GET READY 6-9TH GRADERS–WE ARE READY TO KICK OFF FUNDRAISING FOR THE 2022 NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING IN HOUSTON!  There will be a short kickoff meeting after worship on March 15 in the Rock Cafe. Our first fundraiser will be the Easter breakfast before worship on Easter Sunday.  We will be collecting contact information for kids and parents who would like to go. Please visit our Facebook page, by following this link and clicking “join.”   Take a moment to check out the pictures, videos, and posts from the NYG in Minneapolis last summer.  It is an amazing faith-building opportunity for our high school kids! The Rock’s Guatemala Mission Team will be selling t-shirts as a fundraiser. The shirts will have The Rock’s logo and “Saved to Serve” on them and are available for $15 in different colors. They’ll be on sale until March 19 with…

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Rock News

A Meal Train sign up has been set up for the Parry family (Ike & Holly) to help lighten their load while Holly is recovering from an upcoming surgery. If you would like to minister to the Parry family by providing meals as Holly recovers, please sign up at this link to bring them a meal. If you don’t live in Lincoln or can’t help out by providing a home-cooked meal, then restaurant or grocery delivery gift cards (Walmart/Hy-Vee, etc.) would also be much appreciated! They can be mailed to the Parry family at 1724 Belford St., Lincoln, NE 68521. Someone from the congregation will also be taking them several meals that can be frozen and stored. A Meal Train has also been set up for the Boggs family (Seth and Megan) to help them while Megan is undergoing treatment. If you would like to minister to the Boggs family…

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Rock News

Join us on Ash Wednesday, February 26, from 5:30-6:30 in the Rock Cafe for a Taco and Nacho Supper, followed by an Ash Wednesday family service at 6:30. A freewill offering will be taken to support the Guatemala Mission Team. (Ash Wednesday service includes the imposition of ashes.) There will be no separate Stepping Stones or FaithInk that night. We ask parents to attend both the meal and service with their children.   Annual giving statements are available in the Rock cafe.   Join the Seward County Pro-Life Council on Saturday, March 14 at 7:00 at the Seward Civic Center auditorium for a special speaker addressing the topic “Conceived in Rape: From Worthless to Priceless.” Rebecca Kiessling is a pro-life speaker who will talk about her story of being conceived in rape, nearly aborted, but protected by the law and later adopted. Learn more about her story and organization, Save…

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Rock News

Join us on Ash Wednesday, February 26, from 5:30-6:30 in the Rock Cafe for a Taco and Nacho Supper, followed by an Ash Wednesday family service at 6:30. A freewill offering will be taken to support the Guatemala Mission Team. (Ash Wednesday service includes the imposition of ashes.) There will be no separate Stepping Stones or FaithInk that night. We ask parents to attend both the meal and service with their children. Annual giving statements are available in the Rock cafe. Join the Seward County Pro-Life Council on Saturday, March 14 at 7:00 at the Seward Civic Center auditorium for a special speaker addressing the topic “Conceived in Rape: From Worthless to Priceless.” Rebecca Kiessling is a pro-life speaker who will talk about her story of being conceived in rape, nearly aborted, but protected by the law and later adopted. Learn more about her story and organization, Save the 1,…

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Rock News

1/28/20 Join us for another Forever Family Meal! We’ll gather again after the service on February 2 for our annual Souper Sunday meal. The Rock will provide table service and drinks, and we ask each family group to bring both a soup and a dessert to share. We’ll have lots of extension cords for your slow cookers of soup! Weather policy for kids’ activities: Last Wednesday, we called off our Stepping Stones, FaithInk, and Godparents groups due to the weather. Just a reminder: if Seward County public and parochial schools are cancelled on a Wednesday, The Rock’s activities are cancelled too! (But our [email protected] address is always open if you need us to pray for you or your family.) We need more donated bags of ice melt to help keep our sidewalks and steps clear this winter. Please drop them off in the designated area to the left of the…

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Rock News: Wednesday Cancellation Due to Weather

All activities at The Rock are cancelled today, since Seward Public/Parochial schools have cancelled classes today. This includes Stepping Stones, FaithInk, and Godparents. We look forward to seeing your children next week! (The Rock’s policy is that all weekday activities are cancelled if/when Seward’s public & parochial schools close due to weather.)  

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Rock News

Join us for two upcoming Forever Family Meals! Our first is this Sunday, January 19 when we’ll gather after the service for a baked potato bar. The Rock will provide potatoes, toppings, and drinks. We ask each family group to bring a dessert to share. We’ll gather again on February 2 for our annual Souper Sunday meal. The Rock will provide table service and drinks, and we ask each family group to bring both a soup and a dessert to share. We’ll have lots of extension cords for your slow cookers of soup!   Greeters are needed to welcome people on Sunday mornings to our worship service.  No experience necessary! Sign up is easy — just go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c4ea4af2ca0fb6-connect. Pick the date(s) that work for you.  On that date be here around 9:45 with a warm smile! Name tags are on the Cafe counter.  Every month we collect items for…

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Rock News

Join us for a potluck meal after worship on Sunday, January 5 with special guests the Concordia Men’s Basketball Team! We ask each family to bring two things: all families should bring a main dish to share; those with last names starting with A-N should bring a side dish or salad to share; those with last names starting with O-Z should bring a dessert to share. Drinks and table service will be provided. Greeters are needed to welcome people on Sunday mornings to our worship service.  No experience necessary! Sign up is easy — just go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c4ea4af2ca0fb6-connect. Pick the date(s) that work for you.  On that date be here around 9:45 with a warm smile! Name tags are on the Cafe counter. It’s football season! Come  join some of the men of The Rock at the Sparetime during football game halftime for devotions. Every month we collect items for…

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Rock News

Join us for a potluck meal after worship on Sunday, January 5 with special guests the Concordia Men’s Basketball Team! We ask each family to bring two things: all families should bring a main dish to share; those with last names starting with A-N should bring a side dish or salad to share; those with last names starting with O-Z should bring a dessert to share. Drinks and table service will be provided. Join us for our Christmas services! Our Stepping Stones kids will sing during the service on Sunday, December 22. Bring the family and your friends for our Christmas Eve service with candlelight and singing on December 24 at 5:30. Greeters are needed to welcome people on Sunday mornings to our worship service.  No experience necessary! Sign up is easy — just go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c4ea4af2ca0fb6-connect. Pick the date(s) that work for you.  On that date be here around…

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Rock News

Join us for a potluck meal after worship on Sunday, January 5 with special guests the Concordia Men’s Basketball Team! We ask each family to bring two things: all families should bring a main dish to share; those with last names starting with A-N should bring a side dish or salad to share; those with last names starting with O-Z should bring a dessert to share. Drinks and table service will be provided. Join us for our Christmas services! Our Stepping Stones kids will sing during the service on Sunday, December 22. Bring the family and your friends for our Christmas Eve service with candlelight and singing on December 24 at 5:30. Greeters are needed to welcome people on Sunday mornings to our worship service.  No experience necessary! Sign up is easy — just go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c4ea4af2ca0fb6-connect. Pick the date(s) that work for you.  On that date be here around…

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Rock News

It’s time to sing! Kids (or adults) with musical talents can sign up for a slot to play or sing a song before worship starts on the Sundays in December. Just click on the form below or contact Megan Boggs in church on Sunday. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0a4faea623a1fb6-christmas Team Nicodemus will host an Advent meal fundraiser at St. John in Seward: On Wed., Dec. 18, at 4:45pm, Nicodemus Comfort Dog Team will be serving beef tacos (soft & hard shell) and cookies for the Advent meal in the St. John Fellowship Hall.  The team needs donations of cookies for this event. Please contact Brenda Rief at 402-641-1262 or [email protected] if you can help out in this way. Join us for our Christmas services! Our Stepping Stones kids will sing during the service on Sunday, December 22. Bring the family and your friends for our Christmas Eve service with candlelight and singing on December…

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Rock News

Thank you to all who showed interest in the Guatemala Mission trip taking place June 2-9, 2020 with The Rock and Concordia University, Nebraska. Please remember that the $300 deposit per person to sign up to be part of the team is due this Sunday (October 27). Checks should be written to The Rock and given directly to Jen Janousek or Pastor Mike. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to either of them with questions.  The estimated cost of $1600 includes: airfare; transportation in Guatemala; 6 nights in a dorm and one night in a hotel for a tourist day; most meals, translators, and trip insurance. Does NOT include: tourist day activity, restaurant meals (2-3 meals), souvenirs, snacks. Every year, Habitat for Humanity at Concordia picks a Saturday in the fall to help rake leaves for Seward residents. Right now, the rake day is scheduled for Nov. 2nd. In the…

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Rock News

Children of the Seward community and surrounding areas are invited to participate in the annual Project Pumpkin trick-or-treat event Sunday, Oct. 27, from 6-8 p.m., in David Hall located on Concordia University, Nebraska’s campus. Concordia students will hand out treats to children, and each floor of the women’s residence hall will be decorated in a different theme ranging from candy land, to outer space, to a safari jungle. David Hall is located on the corner of Lincoln Street and Locust Avenue. 25 by 25:  We still have a few weeks in our campaign to raise $25,000 by October 25 to cover some unanticipated building expenses. Brick repair is needed on the upper north exterior wall of the Rock facility. There are areas where water (and snow in the winter) are leaking through. The solution to this issue is tuck pointing to repair the brick at a cost of just under…

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Rock News

Plan to stay after the service on September 29 for a “Family Favorites” potluck lunch, followed by a voters’ meeting to review and approve the 2019-20 ministry plan and review needed building repairs.  Family Favorites Potluck Instructions: We are asking each family to bring two dishes.  All families, please bring a main dish that is one of your family’s favorites.  If your last name begins with A to N – please also bring a family favorite side dish or a salad.  If your last name begins with O to Z – please also bring a family favorite dessert.  Drinks and table service will be provided.   Power strips will be available to plug in crock pots and the like.  If you can’t bring food, join us anyway! 25 by 25:  We recently launched a campaign to raise $25,000 by October 25 to cover some unanticipated building expenses. Brick repair is…

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Rock News

Plan to stay after the service on September 29 for a “Family Favorites” potluck lunch, followed by a voters’ meeting to review and approve the 2019-20 ministry plan and review needed building repairs.  Family Favorites Potluck Instructions: We are asking each family to bring two dishes.  All families, please bring a main dish that is one of your family’s favorites.  If your last name begins with A to N – please also bring a family favorite side dish or a salad.  If your last name begins with O to Z – please also bring a family favorite dessert.  Drinks and table service will be provided.   Power strips will be available to plug in crock pots and the like.  If you can’t bring food, join us anyway!   25 by 25:  We recently launched a campaign to raise $25,000 by October 25 to cover some unanticipated building expenses. Brick repair…

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Rock News

Plan to stay after the service on September 29 for a potluck lunch, followed by a voters’ meeting to review and approve the 2019-20 ministry plan and review needed building repairs. We’ll give you more information about what food to bring soon! We have started our Wednesday faith building activities for Stepping Stones (3 years – 4th grade) and FaithInk (5th-8th grade).  Learn more about Stepping Stones and Faith Ink on our website, and register your kids by clicking on the “Register Here” links–it’s not too late for your kids to join us! Families with high school students can learn more about our Godparents program here. If you would like to know more about these activities for kids and teens, contact Pastor Mike. It’s football season! Come  join some of the men of The Rock at the Sparetime during football game halftime for devotions. We are still in need of…

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Rock News

The first night of faith building activities for Stepping Stones (3 years – 4th grade) and FaithInk (5th-8th grade) will be September 11 from 6:30-7:30 at The Rock on level 2.  Learn more about Stepping Stones and Faith Ink on our website, and register your kids by clicking on the “Register Here” links. Families with high school students can learn more about our Godparents program here. If you plan for your children to attend, but have not yet registered them, please visit the links above and register them–even if they are returning students. Adopt-a-Bulldog! This program connects Concordia students with families at the Rock! Sign up on Sunday using the sheets in the Rock Cafe or email [email protected]. After Sept. 8 the students will be matched up with families and those who signed up will be contacted. Students: Get to know some Seward locals, have someone to sit by at…

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Rock News

This Sunday, Ashley Johnson, who serves as missionary to Cambodia with Mission of Christ Network, will join us in our service. Learn more about Ashley’s work and how you can support her ministry financially and prayerfully by clicking the link below and reading her latest newsletter, Follow My Heart to Cambodia. Stepping Stones (3 years – 4th grade) and FaithInk (5th-8th grade)  will begin with a family picnic on Wednesday, September 4 from 6:30-7:30 at Plum Creek Park West (the shelter by the tennis courts). If it rains, we will relocate to The Rock.  If needed, a decision will be made by noon on Wednesday and communicated by email / Facebook. The Rock will provide table service, but the meal is potluck. Please bring enough of a dish to feed your family and share with others. Bring your own drinks, lawn chairs, blankets, etc. All Stepping Stones, FaithInk, and Godparent…

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Rock News

Stepping Stones (3 years – 4th grade) and FaithInk (5th-8th grade)  will begin with a family picnic on September 4. Watch for more details coming soon! The first night of faith building activities will be September 11 from 6:30-7:30 at The Rock on level 2.  Learn more about Stepping Stones and Faith Ink on our website, and register your kids by clicking on the “Register Here” links. Families with high school students can learn more about our Godparents program here. We are still in need of people willing to assist us in keeping our grass in good shape. We’ve been gifted a beautiful new riding lawn mower–now we just need people to ride it! To sign up, talk to Tim Butler or visit this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e044eaaa62da4fb6-rock Do you have a heart for moms and kids? Over forty area moms are connecting through the ministry of Seward Moms of Preschoolers (MOPS)…

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Rock News

Our tentative date for the next voters’ meeting is Sunday, July 27 after worship. We’ll elect leaders and adopt a budget. Not sure if you’re a registered voting member? Check with Bill Schranz or Tim Moll for more information. We are still in need of people willing to assist us in keeping our grass in good shape. We’ve been gifted a beautiful new riding lawn mower–now we just need people to ride it! To sign up, talk to Tim Butler or visit this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e044eaaa62da4fb6-rock Thank you to all who made it possible, through your donations and prayers, for our teens to go to the LCMS National Youth Gathering in Minneapolis. It was an amazing experience for them. Christ-centered education opportunity:  Are you looking for a quality Christ-centered and community engaged school for your child? Our Redeemer Lutheran School in Staplehurst currently has openings in all grades, starting in 3-year-old…

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Look for our float in the parade! Members of the Rock worship band will be performing some of our favorite songs while on a float in the Seward 4th of July parade. Sing along when you hear them coming! We are in need of people willing to assist us in keeping our grass in good shape. We’ve been gifted a beautiful new riding lawn mower–now we just need people to ride it! To sign up, talk to Tim Butler or visit this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e044eaaa62da4fb6-rock National Youth Gathering Meetings: Teens are requested to stay after the service on July 7 for lunch and a pre-gathering Bible study. This Bible study is important for the group to share together, so we hope you will make an extra effort to come. Christ-centered education opportunity:  Are you looking for a quality Christ-centered and community engaged school for your child? Our Redeemer Lutheran School in…

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Rock News

We are in need of people willing to assist us in keeping our grass in good shape. We’ve been gifted a beautiful new riding lawn mower–now we just need people to ride it! To learn more, talk to Tim Butler or click here to sign up for a time slot. National Youth Gathering Meetings: Teens are requested to stay after the service on July 7 for lunch and a pre-gathering Bible study. This Bible study is important for the group to share together, so we hope you will make an extra effort to come. Fundraiser for National Youth Gathering:  Colorful envelopes are on a table in the cafe for any who would like to help the teens and adult leaders with their expenses at the National Youth Gathering. Those envelopes can be put in the offering baskets or given to Pastor Mike or Kim Myers. The group leaves on July…

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6/8/19 This Sunday we are celebrating Living Victoriously with our new message series! Show the joy we have on the inside by wearing bright colors on the outside. Wear your best Hawaiian shirt or something bright red (Huskers optional). This Sunday, June 9, 2019, there will be a special meeting of the voting members of the Rock right after worship.  Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting. Voting members will be asked to sign in and will be entitled to vote. The sole purpose of the meeting is to review and approve refinancing the Rock’s current building debt with Lutheran Church Extension Fund.  If you have questions about the financing for the debt, please talk to Scott Seevers, Wayne Bruns, or Dave Kumm. Not sure if you’re a voting member? Ask Bill Schranz or Tim Moll. National Youth Gathering Meetings: Teens and parents, mark your calendars now so you can…

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Rock News: Correction

One important announcement was left out of this week’s newsletter: This Sunday, April 28, is the last day to register with Mary Kropf to have your mom’s (or wife, grandmother, etc.) name put in the Seward County Independent Mother’s Day ad which is sponsored by the Seward County Pro-Life Council.  Their theme is “Thank You Mom, For Giving Me Life.”  The cost is $1/name (a name will be printed only once in the ad).  The $1 will pay for the ad and any excess will be used by the SCPC as they see fit.  Mary will be in the Rock Cafe on Sunday before and after the service to register your names. The list will be given to the SCPC Sunday afternoon so be sure to register at church this Sunday!  

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4/26/19 Join us for a Spring Clean-up day at The Rock on April 27 from 9:00 to noon. We’ll be tidying up inside and out, so there is work to be done even if it rains. Bring along some gardening and cleaning supplies and help us get our church home ready for summer. Did you know that all of the adult leaders (including Pastor Mike) who help our youth attend the National Youth Gathering are self funded? If you would like to help offset the cost our leaders take on for this event, contact Wayne Bruns or Kim Myers about making a donation to assist one of them. You can also make a donation that is shared between the whole group.   Click here to make a donation online that is shared with the whole group (Yes! Even though the link says it’s for an Easter breakfast, it’s still active!) We…

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Join us for our Good Friday service at 6:30 tomorrow!   Easter Breakfast: Join us starting at 9:00 on Easter morning for a breakfast of eggs, bacon, cinnamon rolls and fruit. Our teens will be serving you, and a freewill offering will be taken at the serving table to help cover some of their costs at this summer’s National Youth Gathering. If you’d like to help sponsor our teens, you can also give online through Thrivent. Thrivent covers all fees, so 100% of your online giving goes to the youth and their leaders. Click here to make a donation to send our kids to the Gathering.  Forever Family Snack and Game Night:  To wrap up this year in Stepping Stones and FaithInk, we’re inviting all families to join with our children/teens and our volunteer teachers on Wednesday, April 24 in the Rock Cafe area from 6:30-7:30 for a snack/dessert potluck…

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Forever Family Snack and Game Night:  To wrap up this year in Stepping Stones and FaithInk, we’re inviting all families to join with our children/teens and our volunteer teachers on Wednesday, April 24 in the Rock Cafe area from 6:30-7:30 for a snack/dessert potluck and some family games. Bring a finger food, snack, or dessert to share while we enjoy a family night. Since this is a Forever Family event, all members of The Rock of all ages are invited to join us, whether they have young children at home or not. We’ll provide drinks and table service. Easter Breakfast: Join us starting at 9:00 on Easter morning for a breakfast of eggs, bacon, cinnamon rolls and fruit. Our teens will be serving you and a freewill offering will be taken at the serving table to help cover some of their costs at this summer’s National Youth Gathering. If you’d…

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Forever Family Reunion:  Please plan to stay after worship this Sunday, March 31, for a Taco Fundraiser Meal to celebrate Nicodemus Comfort Dog’s 3rd Birthday.  Everything will be provided! There will be a free will offering with all the proceeds going to support the Rock’s Comfort Dog Ministry. We’re wrapping up our collection of our March item for the Blue Valley Food Pantry (peanut butter) and getting ready to collect paper towels for April. The collection box is in The Rock cafe and our community appreciates your generosity. The Youth Group of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Goehner (1042 May St. Goehner, NE) invite you to join them April 20th, Holy Saturday, for their second annual Resurrection Run!  There is a 1 Mile FUN-Run ($20 per runner), 5K ($35 per runner), and new this year a 10K ($45 per runner). The cost includes food, drinks, a t-shirt and tons more…

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Rock News: Wednesday Night Activities Cancelled

Due to poor road conditions in rural areas from flooding in Seward County, FaithInk and Stepping Stones are cancelled tonight, March 13.  Several of our leaders are unable to get into Seward from their homes. Thank you for your understanding!  See you next week!

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3/9/2019 We are celebrating Pastor Mike’s 50th birthday this Sunday. Be sure to wish him a happy birthday when you see him, and stay after the service for cake! Forever Family Reunion:  Please plan to stay after worship on Sunday, March 31 for a Taco Fundraiser Meal to celebrate Nicodemus Comfort Dog’s 3rd Birthday.  Everything will be provided! There will be a free will offering with all the proceeds going to support the Rock’s Comfort Dog Ministry. 2018 giving statements are now available in a box in the Rock Cafe area next to the dog bowl (for donations to the Comfort Dog ministry) , so be sure to pick yours up this week!   Our March item for the Blue Valley Food Pantry is peanut butter. The collection box is in The Rock cafe and our community appreciates your generosity. We have faith growth opportunities on Sunday mornings:  Going Deeper,…

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Ash Wednesday worship will be at 6:30 p.m. on March 6.  Imposition of ashes will be offered during worship. The youth and leaders preparing for this summer’s National Youth Gathering will be hosting a dinner of chili and cinnamon rolls (and hot dogs for kids who prefer them) before the service, starting at 5:30. Suggested offering for the meal is $5 per person, or $20 per family. This will help cover their costs at the gathering. Thanks to the Rolfs, Homps, and Berrys for organizing this meal. Stepping Stones and FaithInk will not be meeting separately–we encourage families to attend the service together. Pastor Mike’s 50th birthday is coming soon. Be sure to wish him a happy birthday when you see him on Sunday the 10th! Forever Family Reunion:  Please plan to stay after worship on Sunday, March 31 for a Taco Fundraiser Meal to celebrate Nicodemus Comfort Dog’s 3rd…

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Rock News: Worship Service Cancelled

Due to the weather, Sunday morning worship service for tomorrow at The Rock (February 24) is cancelled. Thank you for understanding and we look forward to gathering next week!  

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Rock News: Winter Weather Warning

Take care during the upcoming winter weather! Our weekend services are still on, but watch this page or channels 8 or 10/11 for any schedule changes.

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Rock News

Forever Family Reunion:  Please plan to stay after worship on Sunday, March 31 for a Taco Fundraiser Meal to celebrate Nicodemus Comfort Dog’s 3rd Birthday.  Everything will be provided! There will be a free will offering with all the proceeds going to support the Rock’s Comfort Dog Ministry. 2018 giving statements are now available in a box in the Rock Cafe area next to the dog bowl (for donations to the Comfort Dog ministry) , so be sure to pick yours up this week! Snow days: Remember that if the Seward Public Schools are closed on a Wednesday due to snow, then we will not have Stepping Stones and FaithInk. Each godparent group will decide together whether or not they will meet. If the weather causes us to cancel church on a Sunday, an email will be sent to this list early that morning and the information will be posted…

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2/15/19 2018 giving statements are now available in a box in the Rock Cafe area next to the dog bowl (for donations to the Comfort Dog ministry) , so be sure to pick yours up this week!  Scholarship Opportunity: Thrivent Student Resources is giving away $5,000 that you can use for higher education . Enter today for your chance to be one of FOUR lucky winners. Visit https://bit.ly/2v1PUnH to enter. Open to US residents 14 or older. Complete official rules available through the link. Contest closes 3/31.  We are still in need of ice melt. If you’re able to donate some, please drop it off inside the front doors. We use about 40-50 pounds each time there’s ice or snow and winter is in full swing! Thanks to all who have already donated some!  Lutheran Marriage Encounter has been hosting weekends for 50 years enriching thousands of marriages.  These couples…

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2/6/19 2018 giving statements are now available in a box in the Rock Cafe area next to the dog bowl (for donations to the Comfort Dog ministry) , so be sure to pick yours up this week!  Gary Thies, Mission Development Counselor with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, will be joining us at The Rock for Bible class (8:45) and in the worship service on February 10. Gary lives on a farm in Western Iowa and is Director of Mission Central. He would love to share with you the news of what is really happening in missions through the LCMS. Be sure to invite someone to come with you because you, too, are a missionary! Gary brings to you and the congregation an in-person presentation with pictures and artifacts direct from the mission field. He has visited 75 countries and continues to connect weekly with over 100 LCMS missionaries around the…

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1/30/19 Gary Thies, Mission Development Counselor with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, will be joining us at The Rock for Bible class (8:45) and in the worship service on February 10. Gary lives on a farm in Western Iowa and is Director of Mission Central. He would love to share with you the news of what is really happening in missions through the LCMS. Be sure to invite someone to come with you because you, too, are a missionary! Gary brings to you and the congregation an in-person presentation with pictures and artifacts direct from the mission field. He has visited 75 countries and continues to connect weekly with over 100 LCMS missionaries around the world. More information at www.missioncentral.us. Stay after the service on 2/10 for Souper Sunday, a soup and dessert potluck lunch. We’ll provide two types of soup, table service and drinks. We ask all who are able…

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1/18/19 Anyone interested in the short-term mission opportunity to Guatemala (June 22-29, 2019) needs to contact Dr. Jen Janousek or Pastor Mike by this Sunday! Plans are being put into motion, so your urgent response is appreciated! Families with teens headed to the National Youth Gathering this July are invited to a short meeting about fundraising and travel on February 3, in the cafe after the morning service. Gary Thies from Mission Central in Iowa will be joining us at The Rock for Bible class (8:45) and in the worship service on February 10. He would love to share with you the news of what is really happening in missions through the LCMS. Be sure to invite someone to come with you because you, too, are a missionary! Gary brings to you and the congregation an in-person presentation with pictures and artifacts direct from the mission field. He has visited 75…

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1/11/19 Anyone interested in the short-term mission opportunity to Guatemala (June 22-29, 2019) needs to contact Dr. Jen Janousek or Pastor Mike by January 20! Plans are being put into motion, so your urgent response is appreciated! If you miss a week at The Rock and want to hear the sermon (or just want to listen again), recordings of each week’s sermons can now be found on our website at https://www.therockseward.org/worship/  or on our Facebook page. The Hutton family is hard at work planting seeds of hope and Good News in Costa Rica. Click here to to watch a video of their latest news and consider how God might be calling you to support their work through your giving and prayer. Learn more about the Huttons and their work with Seeds of Hope (working in Costa Rica to prevent and combat sexual exploitation/trafficking, drugs, alcohol and violence while proclaiming the…

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1/3/19 If you miss a week at The Rock and want to hear the sermon (or just want to listen again), recordings of each week’s sermons can now be found on our website at https://www.therockseward.org/worship/  or on our Facebook page. We are in need of ice melt. If you’re able to donate some, please drop it off inside the front doors. We use about 40-50 pounds each time there’s ice or snow and winter is just getting started! Thanks to all who have already donated some! Stepping Stones and FaithInk will resume next week. Hope to see everyone there! Lutheran Church Extension Fund offers 40-Month Note at 4%  For the past 40 years, Lutheran Church Extension Fund has had the privilege of supporting Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregations, schools, organizations and rostered church workers with loans that fit ministry needs. LCEF invites you to invest in a special note they…

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12/27/18 If you miss a week at The Rock and want to hear the sermon (or just want to listen again), recordings of each week’s sermons can now be found on our website at https://www.therockseward.org/worship/  or on our Facebook page. We are in need of ice melt. If you’re able to donate some, please drop it off inside the front doors. We use about 40-50 pounds each time there’s ice or snow and winter is just getting started! Thanks to all who have already donated some! Stepping Stones and FaithInk will take a break for the New Year holidays on January 2. Lutheran Church Extension Fund offers 40-Month Note at 4%  For the past 40 years, Lutheran Church Extension Fund has had the privilege of supporting Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregations, schools, organizations and rostered church workers with loans that fit ministry needs. LCEF invites you to invest in a special…

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12/17/18 There will be an informational meeting concerning The Rock’s Guatemala short-term mission opportunity in June 22-29, 2019.  The meeting will be on December 19, 2018 at 7:30pm in the Rock Café.  Dr. Jen Janousek and Pastor Mike will share more about this opportunity.  Anyone who is interested should attend. If there are people who are interested but unable to come on the 19th they need to contact Pastor or Jen ASAP. Christmas Services: Sunday, December 23 at 10:00 and Monday, December 24 at 5:30 Thanks to those who have already brought ice melt. If you’re able to donate some, please drop it off inside the front doors. FaithInk kids (5-8 grades) should go to the Sparetime Bowling Alley on Wednesday, December 19 at 6:30 for a Christmas party. Bring $7 for burgers. Stepping Stones will meet at The Rock for their celebrations. Stepping Stones and FaithInk will take a…

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12/6/18 Due to a communication error, Friday, Dec 21 is NOT the date slotted for The Rock to ring bells for Salvation Army.  The new date is this Saturday, Dec 8 from 2:00p-7:00pm and there are still a few spots open.  This date is being shared with Faith Lutheran and the Rotaract Group from CUNE.  You can click here to sign up for a time slot. (Contact us if you need help signing up.) 90% of donations received through Salvation Army Red Kettles in Seward stays in Seward County! Help us make a difference in our community!  On Friday, Dec.14 at 6:00 p.m., we have an opportunity to provide a meal for the Concordia University men’s basketball team while they are on campus and food service is not available. We’ll be feeding 6-17 players, and will need fruit, veggies, desserts, plates, etc. along with willing hands to serve and clean…

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11/29/2018 Due to a communication error, Friday, Dec 21 is NOT the date slotted for The Rock to ring bells for Salvation Army.  The new date is Saturday, Dec 8 from 2:00p-7:00p.  This date is being shared with Faith Lutheran and the Rotaract Group from CUNE.  You can click here to sign up for a time slot. (Contact us if you need help signing up.) 90% of donations received through Salvation Army Red Kettles in Seward stays in Seward County! Help us make a difference in our community! We are out of ice melt. If you’re able to donate some, please drop it off inside the front doors. The 5-6th grade FaithInk kids are in need of socks for a project. If you have stray socks without their matching sock, too-small-socks, or socks that are too ugly to wear (but not holey), please bring them along this Sunday. We’ll also…

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11/20/18 Bob and Mary Kropf would like to take this means to thank all of the wonderful people who helped us in any way to prepare for our trip to Mission Central. In no particular order they are: Pastor Mike; Nick, Andrea, and Haylie Sloup; Megan and Ethan Boggs; Pat Cochran; Matt and Kim Myers; Brenda Rief; and Bill Schranz. Your assistance was greatly appreciated and made our job much more manageable!  Thank you, thank you! All of you are Not Normal! 😁 The 5-6th grade FaithInk kids are in need of socks for a project. If you have stray socks without their matching sock, too-small-socks, or socks that are too ugly to wear (but not holey), please bring them along this or next Sunday. We’ll also gladly take crafting scraps like bits of ribbon, felt, fabric, etc. A collection bag will be on the table in the Cafe, or…

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Please note a correction to the news about Yoga at The Rock in November: there is no morning YogaFaith on Friday the 23rd. Marge Rhodes is now teaching Yoga at The Rock on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome! (Note: no class on Thanksgiving.) All are welcome! YogaFaith with Sara Moll and Erika Rolf meets in Room 216 on the following dates: Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 20, 27 (Erika). Fridays at 9:45 a.m. on Nov. 30 (Sara). Everyone is welcome to join us for 1 hour long Christ centered yoga class – your first class is FREE!  Please contact Sara at [email protected] if you have any questions. Also, find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/YogaFaith-Seward-256010628294784/ for more updates about other classes we offer.

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11/15/18 The 5-6th grade FaithInk kids are in need of socks for a project. If you have stray socks without their matching sock, too-small-socks, or socks that are too ugly to wear (but not holey), please bring them along this or next Sunday. We’ll also gladly take crafting scraps like bits of ribbon, felt, fabric, etc. A collection bag will be on a table in the Cafe on Sunday, or you can find Kim Myers. Stepping Stones and FaithInk will not meet on Wednesday, November 21 so our volunteers can prepare/travel for Thanksgiving. We’ll meet again as normal the following week. (We’ll take a break for the Christmas/New Year holidays on 12/26 and 1/2 as well.) All through November, we’ll be collecting toothpaste for the Blue Valley Food Pantry item for October. The collection box is in The Rock cafe. December’s item will be tuna. We have faith growth opportunities…

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11/7/18 We’ll gather for a Rock Family Reunion Meal this Sunday, November 11 after church for a Thanksgiving feast! Please bring a dessert to share. All the rest will be provided. Trip to Mission Central in Mapleton, Iowa:  This Sunday morning is your last chance to register for the free lunch at Mission Central on the following Saturday, Nov. 17. You may still register to go on the trip up through Nov. 16, but you would need to bring your own sack lunch then. (What is Mission Central? Visit https://missioncentral.us/ to learn more.) If you have not yet been contacted by a Rock caller to register for the tour, you may register with Bob and Mary Kropf before church at 9:30 this Sunday. They will be in the Cafe waiting to sign you up, hand out maps, and answer questions!  And yes, you may bring/invite non-Rock members! Just make sure they’re…

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11/1/18 Rev. Dr. Fungchatou Lo will be a guest preacher this Sunday, Nov. 4 at The Rock. Rev. Lo and his family are serving the Lord in Thailand through Mission of Christ Network. Fung’s primary ministry is to improve the theological training that is currently going on with the Hmong pastors and leaders in Southeast Asia, where there are over two million Hmong who still don’t know Jesus. Learn more here. We’ll gather for a Rock Family Reunion Meal on Sunday, November 11 after church for a Thanksgiving feast! Please bring a dessert to share. All the rest will be provided. More information on Sunday! The Rock is planning a day trip to tour Mission Central in Mapleton, Iowa on Saturday, November 17, 2018. Mission Central is a training center and supporting agency for missionaries who have to raise 100% of their own support.  There are several very interesting places…

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There will be no Stepping Stones or FaithInk on October 31.   On Sunday, October 28, Orphan Grain Train will be at The Rock to share about their work and treat us to some grilled brats. Please bring a dessert and a side to share. Table service and drinks will be provided. We’ll gather again on Sunday, November 11 after church for a Thanksgiving feast! Please bring a dessert to share. All the rest will be provided. More information soon!   October is Pastor Appreciation Month! Be sure to thank Pastor Meyer and his family for all they do for our forever family at The Rock!   The Rock is planning a day trip to tour Mission Central in Mapleton, Iowa on Saturday, November 17, 2018. Mission Central is a training center and supporting agency for missionaries who have to raise 100% of their own support.  It is an amazing…

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Rock News

There will be no Stepping Stones or FaithInk on October 31. On Sunday, October 28, Orphan Grain Train will be at The Rock to share about their work and treat us to some grilled brats. Please bring a dessert and a side to share. Table service and drinks will be provided. We’re still in need of grills and people to grill the brats. Contact The Rock leadership if you’re willing to volunteer. October is Pastor Appreciation Month! Be sure to thank Pastor Meyer and his family for all they do for our forever family at The Rock! The Rock is planning a day trip to tour Mission Central in Mapleton, Iowa on Saturday, November 17, 2018. Mission Central is a training center and supporting agency for missionaries who have to raise 100% of their own support.  It is an amazing place in the middle of a cornfield and runs strictly…

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Rock News

Changes for tonight’s kids activities: On Wednesday, October 3, children in K-4th grades will be meeting at Holthus Plaza at Concordia University (the fountain and bench area between Janzow and Thom). They’ll be visiting students along with our comfort dog, Nicodemus, and inviting them to worship at The Rock. Please bring your children by 6:30 and pick them up in the same location at 7:30. Pre-K students will still meet at The Rock. Middle school students in 5-8th grades should meet at Zabka Funeral Home (410 Jackson Ave) at 6:30. Parents should pick them up from the funeral home at 7:30. Also, on both October 17 and 31 there will be no Stepping Stones or FaithInk.   NYG Fundraiser:  Family Friendly Meals Saturday Oct. 13!  Come to Bottle Rocket Brewing for Lunch 11:00-2:30 and watch the Husker game on the big screen.  Or come for supper 5:00-8:00pm and listen to…

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This Sunday, we continue our series on Jonah. The book of Jonah is a quick read, so consider taking a look at it before Sunday’s service. Changes for this Wednesday night’s kids activities! On Wednesday, October 3, children in K-4th grades will be meeting at Holthus Plaza at Concordia University (the fountain and bench area between Janzow and Thom). They’ll be visiting students along with our comfort dog, Nicodemus, and inviting them to worship at The Rock. Please bring your children by 6:30 and pick them up in the same location at 7:30. Pre-K students will still meet at The Rock. Middle school students in 5-8th grades should meet at Zabka Funeral Home (410 Jackson Ave) at 6:30. Parents should pick them up from the funeral home at 7:30. Also, on both October 17 and 31 there will be no Stepping Stones or FaithInk. We’re still filling up our Blue…

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Rock News

This Sunday, we start our new series on Jonah. The book of Jonah is a quick read, so consider taking a look at it before Sunday’s service. We’re still filling up our Blue Valley Food Pantry collection box with our September item of boxed meals. Add some to your shopping list and bring it along to bless others. The collection box is in The Rock cafe. In October, we’ll be collecting rice. We have faith growth opportunities on Sunday mornings:  Going Deeper, room 213, 8:45 with Pastor Mike; Women’s study, room 217, 8:45, with Ann Schranz. Women’s Midweek Bible Study:  If you are free in the mornings, there is a Bible Study open to all women.  We meet every Thursday morning from 10:15 am-11:30 am in the Rock Café. There is no homework!  We study a Proverbs 31 devotion and usually have time for prayer. We would love to have…

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You are invited to join Trail Life for an Evening of Fishing and Fun on Aug 26th at 4:30 pm at the Seward Pond at the Fairgrounds. There will be fishing, games and a hot dog meal.  Trail Life is a Christian Outdoor Adventure group for boys, ages 5-17. Contact Troopmaster Rick Backhus 402-532-2143 or email at [email protected] with any questions.  We hope to see you there! Stepping Stones & FaithInk Kickoff Picnic: When:  Wednesday, Sept. 5th at 6pm Where:  Plum Creek Park – Softball fields  (at the shelter that’s part of the 2-plex on the west side of Karol Kay Blvd, next to the tennis courts). What:  Sloppy Joes, buns, plates, and utensils will be provided Note:  Please bring drinks for your family and a side dish or dessert to share *If it rains, we’ll hold the picnic at The Rock in the cafe on the third floor. Nicodemus…

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This Sunday, August 12, Missionary Ashley Johnson will share what God is doing in Cambodia.  She was with us last year prior to her deployment. We’ll be having a potluck lunch followed by a voters’ meeting after the service on Sunday, August 19. The Rock will provide table service and drinks. We hope that you will provide the rest! Those with last names starting with A-M, please bring a main dish and a side dish to share. Those with names ending in N-Z, please bring a main dish and a salad (fruit or vegetable) to share. But even if you can’t bring something to share, please do stay with us and join the celebration. That is also the first Sunday Concordia University students will be back with us in worship, so be sure to greet them that day. Take some time to look at the resources that anyone can “check…

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This week, we continue our series called “The Sweet Life” and we’ll learn more about God from another delicious candy. In this series based on God’s Word, we’ll be reminded of His trustworthy promises to us as He shows us the truly “sweet” ways He “treats” those in His forever family. We’ll be having a potluck lunch followed by a voters’ meeting after the service on Sunday, August 19. The Rock will provide table service and drinks. We hope that you will provide the rest! Those with last names starting with A-M, please bring a main dish and a side dish to share. Those with names ending in N-Z, please bring a main dish and a salad (fruit or vegetable) to share. But even if you can’t bring something to share, please do stay with us and join the celebration. That is also the first Sunday Concordia University students will…

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This week, we continue our series called “The Sweet Life” and we’ll learn more about God from another delicious candy. In this series based on God’s Word, we’ll be reminded of His trustworthy promises to us as He shows us the truly “sweet” ways He “treats” those in His forever family. We’ll be having a potluck lunch followed by a voters’ meeting after the service on Sunday, August 19. The Rock will provide table service and drinks. We hope that you will provide the rest! Those with last names starting with A-M, please bring a main dish and a side dish to share. Those with names ending in N-Z, please bring a main dish and a salad (fruit or vegetable) to share. But even if you can’t bring something to share, please do stay with us and join the celebration. That is also the first Sunday Concordia University students will…

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This week, we begin a new series called “The Sweet Life” and we’ll learn something about God from chewing gum. The sweetness of candies are appealing to most of us.  We all have our favorites! In this series based on God’s Word, we’ll be reminded of His trustworthy promises to us as He shows us the truly “sweet” ways He “treats” those in His forever family. Our Blue Valley Food Pantry item for July is canned meat—but not tuna! Bring spam, chicken, ham…any type of canned meat that’s not tuna. (Tuna gets its own month!) The collection box is in The Rock cafe. Come Unto Me: The Liturgical Art of Reinhold Marxhausen will be on display at Red Path Gallery in Seward from June 9th through August 25th. The exhibit includes 40 pieces with Christian themes by nationally recognized Seward artist Reinhold Marxhausen. Photos and videos of the artist will…

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Our Blue Valley Food Pantry item for July is canned meat—but not tuna! Bring spam, chicken, ham…any type of canned meat that’s not tuna. (Tuna gets its own month!) The collection box is in The Rock cafe. Outdoor movie on Friday, July 6th! 8:30pm The Rock’s south parking lot.  Popcorn & water provided. Bring lawn chairs / blankets. Showing Inside Out!  For a review check this link https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/inside-out Come Unto Me: The Liturgical Art of Reinhold Marxhausen will be on display at Red Path Gallery in Seward from June 9th through August 25th. The exhibit includes 40 pieces with Christian themes by nationally recognized Seward artist Reinhold Marxhausen. Photos and videos of the artist will also be on display. We have faith growth opportunities on Sunday mornings:  Going Deeper, room 213, 8:45 with Pastor Mike; Women’s study, room 217, 8:45, with Ann Schranz. National Youth Gathering Fundraiser: Teens headed to…

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Our Blue Valley Food Pantry item for June is “just add water” pancake mix of any brand. Drop some off in the collection box in the cafe at any time during June. Thanks for your generosity! Come Unto Me: The Liturgical Art of Reinhold Marxhausen will be on display at Red Path Gallery in Seward from June 9th through August 25th. The exhibit includes 40 pieces with Christian themes by nationally recognized Seward artist Reinhold Marxhausen. Photos and videos of the artist will also be on display. We have faith growth opportunities on Sunday mornings:  Going Deeper, room 213, 8:45 with Pastor Mike; Women’s study, room 217, 8:45, with Ann Schranz. National Youth Gathering Fundraiser: Teens headed to next year’s LCMS National Youth Gathering will be having a fundraiser of selling fresh fruit during the Seward 4th of July celebrations. Teens and families can sign up to serve by clicking…

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Our sermon series In Search of the Perfect You will continue this week when we learn about “The End of the Earthly You.” We’re always striving to make ourselves better–and that can be a good thing–but in the end there is always failure. Weight comes back, bodies fail, minds fail, jobs end. We all meet the same ultimate fate so putting all your efforts into finding the “perfect you” here on earth will lead to disappointment. So how do we focus on the perfect version of ourselves that God has planned for us? The Juniors godparents group will have a garage sale May 25th (from 1-8) and 26th (from 8-3) at 1150 Plainview Ave. All funds raised will be donated to World Vision to purchase Bibles and life saving medical supplies. They will also have a free will donation bake sale. Stop by when you’re out for the Seward community…

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Join us on Sunday for the start of a new sermon series: In Search of the Perfect You. We’re always striving to make ourselves better–and that can be a good thing–but in the end there is always failure. Weight comes back, bodies fail, minds fail, jobs end. We all meet the same ultimate fate so putting all your efforts into finding the “perfect you” here on earth will lead to disappointment. So how do we focus on the perfect version of ourselves that God has planned for us? We start this Sunday with “We’re Focusing on the Wrong Body.” This Saturday! Spring Clean Up Day at The Rock: The Rock needs a little spring cleaning.  Please join us on Saturday morning, May 12 from 9 a.m. to noon at The Rock for some indoor and outdoor cleanup.  Inside we will be washing windows, moving chairs and (if there is enough…

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Our current sermon series is based on God’s Word, along with “Little Visits with God,” the devotional resource for families that Concordia Publishing House put out long ago.  There have been numerous editions and volumes published over the years. Join us and be encouraged as families and individuals to set aside a time every week and day, to engage face-to-face with God’s Word and recognize the benefits and blessings in this spiritual discipline. This week, we’ll learn about the Holy Spirit and how Jesus invites us into a relationship that demonstrates itself in loving obedience to what He says and does, with Him as our example and supplier of the power to do it. Spring Clean Up Day at The Rock: The Rock needs a little spring cleaning.  Please join us on Saturday morning, May 12 from 9 a.m. to noon at The Rock for some indoor and outdoor cleanup. …

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Our current sermon series is based on God’s Word, along with “Little Visits with God,” the devotional resource for families that Concordia Publishing House put out long ago.  There have been numerous editions and volumes published over the years. Join us and be encouraged as families and individuals to set aside a time every week and day, to engage face-to-face with God’s Word and recognize the benefits and blessings in this spiritual discipline. This week, our theme verse is Colossians 3:13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.  We’ll learn how the forgiveness we receive from Jesus empowers us to forgive others from our heart. We have faith growth opportunities on Sunday mornings:  Going Deeper, room 213, 8:45 with Pastor Mike; Women’s study, room 217, 8:45, with Ann Schranz. The next ACCESS The Rock event…

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Our current sermon series is based on God’s Word, along with “Little Visits with God,” the devotional resource for families that Concordia Publishing House put out long ago.  There have been numerous editions and volumes published over the years. Join us and be encouraged as families and individuals to set aside a time every week and day, to engage face-to-face with God’s Word and recognize the benefits and blessings in this spiritual discipline. This week, learn what it means when the Bible speaks of Jesus as “the Way.” See how the Bible points to Jesus as the only way to heaven and shows us how to navigate life this side of heaven. April 25 is our end of year picnic for Stepping Stones and FaithInk. We’ll meet at The Rock in the fellowship hall (cafe area) from 6:30 to 7:30. We ask that each family bring a main dish AND a…

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Next week is the Stepping Stones and FaithInk (grades 5&6) Servant Event:  We will be meeting at Brookdale to play bingo with the residents.  Please meet at the front doors at 6:30.  We ask that each family bring 2 to 3 “prizes” to donate.  They can be anything little, examples: chapstick, fruit, pens, or fancy notepads .  We will finish at 7:30. Grades 7&8 will still meet at the The Rock with Pastor Mike. April 25 is our end of year family picnic for Stepping Stones and FaithInk (all ages/grades). We’ll meet at The Rock in the fellowship hall (cafe area) from 6:30 to 7:30. We ask that each family bring a main dish AND a salad or dessert to share. We will provide plates, napkins, silverware, cups, and drinks. Hope to see you there! We have faith growth opportunities on Sunday mornings:  Going Deeper, room 213, 8:45 with Pastor Mike; Women’s study, room 217, 8:45, with…

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1. Nicodemus, our amazing comfort dog, turned 2 this week! We’re going to celebrate his birthday with a potluck lunch after the service this Sunday (April 8). The Rock and Nicodemus will provide table service, drinks, and cake. We hope that you will provide the rest! Those with last names starting with A-M, please bring a main dish and a side dish to share. Those with names ending in N-Z, please bring a main dish and a salad (fruit or vegetable) to share. But even if you can’t bring something to share, please do stay with us and join the celebration. We’ll also have a basket to collect any donations you might want to make to help support Nico’s ministry here in Seward and beyond. 2. Thanks to all who joined us for Easter breakfast and donated to help support our youth as they plan to attend the upcoming 2019…

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Join us this Friday at 6:30 p.m. for our Good Friday service. This will be a service of contemplation about Christ’s great sacrifice for us, and will include Holy Communion. Start your Easter Sunday with breakfast in The Rock Cafe. We’ll have eggs, bacon, rolls, and fruit all served by the youth of The Rock with serving time starting around 9:00 a.m. A free will offering will go to defray the cost for our teens to attend the 2019 National Youth Gathering. Easter worship begins at 10:00 a.m. and will include Holy Communion. We look forward to seeing you there for the best day of the year so you can join us in shouting, “He is risen indeed!” To learn more about the National Youth Gathering, talk with Pastor Mike or Kim Myers. Tom and Sue Briggs and Tim and Sara Moll can also share information on what it was…

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Come this Sunday to learn about what Jesus meant when He said He was the Bread of Life. Then join us again next week for two things to celebrate: Palm Sunday and the rite of Confirmation! We have two opportunities for Sunday morning Bible study groups: Going Deeper, meeting in room 213 at 8:45 with Pastor Mike; and a Women’s study, meeting in room 217 at 8:45, with Ann Schranz. Nicodemus Comfort Dog Team is meeting on March 25 @ 11:20a in the Rock Café. The Youth Group of Holy Cross LCMS 1042 May St. Goehner, NE invite you to join them March 31st, Holy Saturday, for their first annual Resurrection Run! They will have a 1 mile FUN for the kids (and any adults up for the challenge)and a 5K for adults (and any kids up for the challenge.)  Your $25 fee includes a Resurrection Run shirt, snacks and hydrating drinks after the run, and a GOODIE BAG provided by local sponsors!  They…

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Blue Valley Food Pantry: We’re collecting soup as February’s item to share with the Blue Valley Food Pantry. The collection box can be found in The Rock Cafe. Let’s fill it up with lots of souper donations! LCMS National Youth Gathering Summer 2019: Teens who are currently between 7th and 11th grades will be eligible to attend next summer’s national Lutheran youth gathering. If you are interested, join the event Facebook group to keep up with news. Don’t forget to submit your ideas for fundraisers. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ Women’s Day In:  Ladies – Need some time away to scrapbook (or any type of craft) with no distractions? On Friday, March 2 from 1PM-midnight and Saturday, March 3 from 9AM-midnight, The Rock Café will be open and available for use. Bring your own drinks, a snack to share, and cash if you would like to be included in the group carryout order for meals (Friday supper, Saturday…

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Blue Valley Food Pantry: We’re collecting soup as February’s item to share with the Blue Valley Food Pantry. The collection box can be found in The Rock Cafe. Let’s fill it up with lots of souper donations! LCMS National Youth Gathering Summer 2019: Teens who are currently between 7th and 11th grades will be eligible to attend next summer’s national Lutheran youth gathering. Teens and adults from The Rock had an amazing experience at the 2016 gathering. Stay after church on Sunday, February 11 to learn more about this event, including fundraising opportunities, travel possibilities, and more.  http://www.lcmsgathering.com/ Ash Wednesday Family Devotions: The whole family is invited to join us at 6:30 on Wednesday, February 14 for an Ash Wednesday family devotion with imposition of ashes.  Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season known as Lent, the period of 40 days before Easter which we use to help us focus on Christ’s death…

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Blue Valley Food Pantry: We’re collecting soup as February’s item to share with the Blue Valley Food Pantry. The collection box can be found in The Rock Cafe. Let’s fill it up with lots of souper donations! Souper Sunday Lunch: We’ll have another opportunity for lunch together on February 4 for “Souper Sunday” right after our worship gathering.  Everyone is invited bring their favorite soup, along with some dessert, to share.  The Rock will provide some soups, drinks, and table service. Can’t bring food this time? No problem. Come and eat with us anyway! LCMS National Youth Gathering Summer 2019: Teens who are currently between 7th and 11th grades will be eligible to attend next summer’s national Lutheran youth gathering. Teens and adults from The Rock had an amazing experience at the 2016 gathering. Stay after church on Sunday, February 11 to learn more about this event, including fundraising opportunities, travel possibilities, and more.  http://www.lcmsgathering.com/ Ash Wednesday Family Devotions:…

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This Sunday is Life Sunday. Join us to learn about the legacy of our faith and the hope we have in God’s promises. Blue Valley Food Pantry: We’re still collecting soap and shampoo as this month’s items to share with the Blue Valley Food Pantry. The collection box can be found in The Rock Cafe. Souper Sunday Lunch: We’ll have another opportunity for lunch together on February 4 for “Souper Sunday” right after our worship gathering.  The Rock will provide 2 soups and everyone is invited bring their favorite to share.  Can’t bring food this time? No problem. Come and eat with us anyway! LCMS National Youth Gathering Summer 2019: Teens who are currently between 7th and 11th grades will be eligible to attend next summer’s national Lutheran youth gathering. Teens and adults from The Rock had an amazing experience at the 2016 gathering. Stay after church onSunday, February 11 to learn more about this event, including fundraising opportunities,…

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Stay for Lunch!  Everyone is invited to stay for lunch right after worship on Sunday, January 7.  If you are able to bring food, we would ask those with last names ending in A-M to bring a main dish and a salad or vegetable, and those with last names ending in N-Z to bring a main dish and a dessert.  If it doesn’t work for you to bring food, plan to stay anyway as there should be enough to go around.  Drinks and table service will be provided. Pastor Mike just got back into town.  He will be at The Rock for the Sunday service, but Rev. Rich Boring will be leading the message time.  Last week he talked about hope, and this week he is going to look at what to do when hopelessness sets in. The January item for the Blue Valley Pantry is soap and shampoo. Leave your donations…

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  ROCK GARAGE SALE THIS SATURDAY!!  There is stuff leftover from when the Rock facilities were the Seward Middle School.  Since we don’t have use for it, we are offering it for sale.  The silent auction is concluded.  There are items in the small gym and a couple other rooms on the first floor.  That area will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 1pm Saturday and the public is welcome.  Items will be available to take in exchange for a free will donation.  Tell your friends! THIS SUNDAY:   Join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for the beginning of a new series called a “Bridge to Jesus.”  We’ll focus on how comfort dogs can be a bridge to reaching people and connecting them to Jesus.  Come relax and learn and worship! COMFORT DOG MEETING THIS SUNDAY:  Want to learn more about Nicodemus and the comfort dog ministry?  Plan to attend a meeting after worship at…

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Here’s your Rock news for the week: THIS SUNDAY:  This week is the final week of God’s Wild Kingdom.  We’ll conclude the series with a look at sheep and shepherds (think the Good Shepherd, not Little Bo Peep who apparently lost her sheep).  Grab those graduates and all the family that is in town for the weekend and join us at 10:00 a.m. CLEAN-UP DAY:  Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 3.  We’ll be having clean-up day at the Rock to do some inside cleaning and some outside cleaning.  We need cleaners and outdoor workers and people who can help haul stuff around. EXERCISE OPPORTUNITIES DE-STRESS WITH TESS:  Looking for an early morning workout?  Come to the Rock on Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays at 5:30 a.m. for HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). Sweat away some stress in Room 211.  Classes are free with free will donations to the Rock.  Questions?  Respond to this…

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Here’s your Rock news for the week: THIS SUNDAY:  Join us at 10:00 a.m. for Week 2 of God’s Wild Kingdom.  God had a plan for Jonah, but Jonah wasn’t too happy about it.  That’s when a big fish got involved and Jonah went to Nineveh with the ultimate fish story.  Invite a fishy friend to join you at the Rock this weekend. ATTENTION 8-12th GRADERS!  The next LIT (Living in Truth) event is THIS SUNDAY from 6pm to 8pm at the Rock.  All 8-12th graders from the Rock and from the community are welcome.  Bring a friend and come for food and fun. BIBLE STUDY FOR TEENS:  Joel and Sara Endorf of Seward are putting together a youth bible study open to all teens and to begin soon.  Here’s the info from the Endorfs:  You are invited to Joel and Sara Endorf’s house for a Bible study every other…

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Here’s your Rock news for the week: GOOD FRIDAY. Gather with us at the Rock at 6:30 p.m. Friday evening to remember the price Jesus paid in blood on a Friday over two thousand years ago. EASTER SUNDAY:  He is risen!! Come celebrate with us at the Rock this Sunday!!  Join us at 9:00 a.m. to enjoy scrambled eggs, bacon, cinnamon rolls, fresh fruit, coffee, juice, milk. All donations support youth ministry at the Rock.  Stay to worship at 10:00 a.m.  The music will rock as usual and we’ll take some time to look at what the disciple John was doing on the first Easter weekend and in the days and weeks that followed.  Invite some friends!  Bring the whole family! LAST CHANCE FOR WORSHIP SURVEYS:  Thanks to everyone who has completed a worship survey.  We have 55 responses so far, but we would love as many people as possible to…

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Here’s your Rock news for the week: THIS SUNDAY.   This Sunday is Palm Sunday and the beginning of the week leading up to Easter.  Join us at 10:00 a.m. for a special gathering.  We’ll look back at Jesus’ triumphant entry and look forward to His triumphant return to take us to heaven.  We’ll also celebrate with a number of our young people as they confirm their faith. EASTER WEEK CALENDAR:  Good Friday Gathering – 6:30 p.m. at the Rock Easter Sunday Breakfast – 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Rock Easter Sunday Worship – 10:00 a.m. WORSHIP SURVEYS:  As we plan for the future, we’re gathering information about how Sunday mornings should look in the future.  Thanks to everyone who has already filled out a survey.  We would love it if everyone in your family would complete a survey. If you haven’t already participated, here’s what to do: Complete…

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THIS SUNDAY.   When is it too late?  Are death-bed conversions really a thing?  Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am for another installment of Jesus: The Final Days.  We’ll look at Jesus’ interactions with the criminals who were crucified with him and what it means for us.  Want to get a head start?  Read Luke 23:32-43.  NOTE:  On Sunday, April 9, we’ll celebrate with a number of young people at the Rock at they confirm their faith. QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS.  Do you have questions about what we teach and believe at the Rock?  Do you have questions about how to get involved in the Rock?  Do you have questions about becoming a member at the Rock?  Do you like to eat pizza after worship on Sundays?  If you have questions, plan to stay after worship on Sunday, April 23, for ACCESS THE ROCK from 11:30 am to 1pm.  Lunch will be…

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Here’s your Rock news for the week: THIS SUNDAY.  Jesus knew his suffering and death was near.  What were His last teachings to His disciples before it all started?  Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am for Week 4 of Jesus: The Final Days.  We’ll look at what those last instructions were and what it means for us. COMFORT DOG:  We received word recently that Lutheran Church Charities will be conducting interviews with some members of our comfort dog team starting next month.  That is great news and means we are getting closer to the day we will be assigned a dog.  If you want more information or would like to be involved, the next meeting of the comfort dog team will be Wednesday, March 29 at 7:30 pm in the Rock Café.  If you can’t make the meeting and have questions, please respond to this email or contact Randy…

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    Here’s your Rock news for the week: CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS! Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend.  Don’t forget to move your clocks AHEAD one hour tonight. THIS SUNDAY.  Join us this Sunday at 10:00 am (which will feel like 9am) for Week 3 of Jesus: The Final Days.  Did you ever think about the fact that Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen to him?  He went to His last days knowing just what kind of injustice and cruelty was coming.  He talked about it before He even got to Jerusalem.  Take a look at the Parable of the Tenants and Mark 12 and come learn with us this week. COMFORT DOG:  Preparations continue as we wait patiently for a comfort dog to be assigned to the Rock.  If you want more information or would like to be involved, the next meeting of the comfort dog team…

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Here’s your Rock news for the week: THIS SUNDAY. Jesus’ final days started with a celebration of his entry into Jerusalem. It’s the beginning of the huge party God is preparing for us. This week in Week 2 of Jesus: The Final Days, we’ll look at the “cause” behind what Jesus did at the end of his life on earth. We all are willing to do lots of things for a “good cause.” Join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. to look at what Jesus was willing to do for a good cause. EMBRACE ADOPTION SUPPORT: Has your life been touched by adoption or foster care? Are you interested in adoption or foster care? Come to the Rock at 7:30 pm on the last Monday of each month to be part of the Embrace Support Group providing support and information to those involved in adoption or foster care. GIVING AT…

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Here’s your Rock news for the week: THIS SUNDAY.  This Sunday is Week 3 of “In Christ Alone.”  Last Sunday we threw away all our bad trash and our good trash and learned that when God looks at us, He doesn’t see our sin, but sees Jesus.  In Christ alone we can all say, “I am righteous!”  Join us again this week at 10:00 am to look at Humility!  If you get a chance, read Philippians 2. PAINTERS/MOVERS/SHAKERS:  Work continues on the 2nd floor of the Rock to get everything ready for Stepping Stones.  Demo is mostly done so it is time for painting and some construction.  Please help out if you can again this Wednesday night from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.  If you have some painting supplies (rollers, brushes, etc.), you can bring those along.  If you don’t, that is fine.  Please come help anyway.  Lots of help…

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Here’s your Rock news for the week: THIS SUNDAY.  Join us for the beginning of a new series called “In Christ Alone.”  Pastor and the youth and leaders just returned from the LCMS National Youth Gathering in New Orleans.  Over the next four weeks, they want to share some of the awesome experiences they had and lessons they learned.  This Sunday is week 1 and a look at what it means to have real Joy in Christ Alone.  We’ll gather at 10:00 a.m. at the Rock.  See you there. SPECIAL EVENT FOR VETERANS AT THE ROCK:  If you know anyone who is presently in the military or is a veteran of military service, invite them to the 3rd floor of the Rock at 7pm on this Monday, July 25.   All veterans in the community are invited to a “meet and greet” with the newest Nebraska Comfort Dog, Priscilla, from Trinity…

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Dear Friends: Here’s your Rock news for the week: THIS SUNDAY. Two weeks ago we began Monumental Moments with the Statue of Liberty – a beacon of hope for the downtrodden and a reminder of the work that God does in our lives through baptism to call us into His Kingdom. Last week we journeyed on to Mount Rushmore. The four great faces reminded us of the people God puts in our lives to help us on the journey. This week we travel a little south to Nebraska and Chimney Rock. Bring the all the out-of-town relatives along and join us at 10:00 a.m. this Sunday. BLOCK PARTY POSTPONED: The Block Party originally planned for this Sunday evening has been postponed. We’ll reschedule for a little later this summer. NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING: The Youth and Adult Leaders from the Rock who are attending the National Youth Gathering will be heading…

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Here’s your Rock news for the week: 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. 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…

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Here’s a bunch of Rock news for the week: 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 3rd floor so dress cool and we’ll find joy in the warmth! 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! 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…

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Here’s your Rock news for Memorial Day weekend: 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. 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. 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…

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Here’s your Rock news for the week: 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. 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! STUFF TO BARK ABOUT:  The beginning of a comfort dog ministry at the Rock is getting closer all the time!  Training…

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Rock News

Here’s your Rock news for the week: 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. 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. 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…

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Rock News

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…

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Rock News

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…

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Rock News

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…

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Rock News

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…

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Rock News

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…

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Rock News

Dear Friends: Here’s your Rock news for the week: SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK THIS WEEKEND!  Daylight savings time ends this weekend.  Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night. THIS SUNDAY:  The first week at the new Rock was great!  Praise God and thanks to all who worked so hard to get everything ready.  Guess what?  We get to do it again.  Join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for our second worship gathering at the Rock at 237 S. Third Street.  We’ll take a look “Behind the Music” and see how God used tragedy to birth a song that has been a comfort to many.  We get to have another baptism too!  Caution:  The contractor is still working on a few things so look out for some continued messiness. ROCKER ROOM HELP:  Now that we have a new big Rocker Room for the kids, we…

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Rock News

Dear Friends: Here’s your Rock news for the week (in chronological order): WORK DAY ON SATURDAY: Thanks to everyone who has been helping this week. We’ll have another work day this Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon or so. The outdoor cleanup work is mostly done so we’ll focus on cleaning up, setting up chairs and getting the worship and fellowship space ready. Bring a vacuum cleaner if you can. THIS SUNDAY – NEW HOME FOR THE ROCK: Join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. (or a few minutes after) for our first worship gathering at the Rock at 237 S. Third Street. We’ll be finishing up iBelieve by looking at baptism and top it off with a real live baptism. Remember, things will be kind of messy as we get things finished up and figured out. We plan to relax, go with the flow, and celebrate the fact that…

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Rock News – We’re Moving!

Dear Friends: Here’s your Rock news: NEW HOME FOR THE ROCK:  Our first worship gathering at the Rock (237 S. Third Street) will be Sunday, October 25 at 10:00 a.m.!!  Here’s what you need to know: 237 S. Third Street is the old Seward Middle School located just south of Main Street (Highway 34).  There is a new bank under construction next door. Parking will be a little bit of a challenge for a while until the parking lot is completed.  The best place to park for now is along Third Street. Worship will be on the 3rd Level.  You can enter on the south side or on the north side and head upstairs.  If you wish to use the elevator, go to the south entrance and enter the door on the left (west).  You will go directly to the elevator.  Rock leaders will be outside and inside guiding you….

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Rock News – Special Update

Friends: As we announced at church this morning, the date is set!  Our first worship gathering at the new Rock (237 S. Third Street) will be Sunday, October 25 at 10:00 a.m.!!  Here’s what you need to know: We’ll meet next Sunday (October 18) at 10:00 am at the Lied Senior Center for one last time. We’ll have our first Sunday gathering at the new Rock (3rd level) on Sunday, October 25 beginning at 10:00 a.m. The next few Sundays will be kind of messy.  We’ll be getting things moved and finished and cleaned and figuring out how everything works in the new space and learning all the little things we still need to make Sundays go smoothly.  Also, parking won’t be convenient right away.  We are still working on the timeline for acquisition and completion of the parking lot and drive way that will be directly south of the building.  Please pray for God’s blessing and guidance on…

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Rock News

Here’s your Rock news which is late for last week and early for this week: THIS SUNDAY:  We’ve completed the Game Day series on spiritual disciplines, but just because the series is over, don’t forget about prayer, fasting, silence and service.  Keep working to make these a part of your daily life – not to earn brownie points, but to build your relationship with Him.  This Sunday we’ll revisit a series called iBelieve.  It will be a time to review how God touches us with the gift of the sacraments (Baptism and Communion).  Join us at 10:00 am at the Lied Senior Center. STAY FOR LUNCH THIS SUNDAY!  Plan to stay for lunch this Sunday.  There will be a baked potato bar set up right after our morning gathering.  You can eat some awesome potatoes and support the Comfort Dog Ministry at the Rock at the same time!  The Rock’s application for a comfort dog has been…

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Rock News

Dear Friends: Here’s your Rock news for the week: THIS SUNDAY:  Life these days is REALLY LOUD!  The TV or radio is always on, the kids are loud and things are always beeping, dinging, ringing or ticking.  Is there any time or place that is just quiet?  Join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. at the Lied Senior Center.  We’ll take some time for silence and to talk about the discipline of finding God in the quiet times. COME EARLY TO GO DEEPER:  Everyone is welcome to do some bible study before our gathering each Sunday.  Come to the Rocker Room at the Lied Senior Center a little early (at 8:45 a.m.) to dig deeper into the book of Acts. CRUISE IN CAR SHOW SEPT. 26!  Head over to Sparetime in Seward on THIS SATURDAY, September 26, from 4pm to 9pm to see all kinds of cool cars that will be cruising into Seward.  Bring the…

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Rock News

Dear Friends: Here’s your Rock news for the week: THIS SUNDAY:  Practicing some spiritual disciplines will help you get in the game.  Week 1 was prayer – the regular huddle with God we all need to know the play.  Week 2 was fasting – an exercise to help take the focus off of our needs and wants and focus on what God wants for the team.  Please plan to join us at 10:00 a.m. at the Lied Senior Center this Sunday for Week 3 of Game Day. COME EARLY TO GO DEEPER:  Everyone is welcome to do some bible study before our gathering each Sunday.  Come to the Rocker Room at the Lied Senior Center a little early (at 8:45 a.m.).  This week, the group is diving into the book of Acts. PRAISE GOD!  WE’VE GOT ALL THE CHAIRS!  Last Sunday we received the last gifts necessary to finish off the Chair-It-Able Campaign and…

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Rock News

Dear Friends: It’s another game day!  Here’s your Rock news for the week: THIS SUNDAY:  Please plan to join us at 10:00 a.m. at the Lied Senior Center this Sunday for Week 2 of Game Day.  Last week we looked at the discipline of regular prayer – the huddle with God we all need to play the game.  This week we’ll look at the spiritual discipline of fasting.  What exactly is fasting and what does it have to do with game day?  I don’t know but we’ll all find out! BIBLE STUDY ON SUNDAY:  Everyone is welcome to do some bible study before our gathering each Sunday.  Come to the Lied Senior Center a little early (at 8:45 a.m.) to participate in an ongoing video-based discussion called, “The Bible On Trial:  Beyond A Reasonable Doubt.” CRUISE IN CAR SHOW THIS SUNDAY AND SEPT. 26!  Head up to Ridgewood (just north of Seward High) THIS SUNDAY from 1pm to 6pm to see all kinds of cool…

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Rock News

Dear Friends: It’s game day (GBR and Go Dawgs)!  Here’s your Rock news for the week: THIS SUNDAY:  It’s Game Day and time for a new series called (conveniently enough) Game Day!  Join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. at the Lied Senior Center for Week 1.  Before the team hits the field, you need to huddle up with the coach.  We’ll take some time to look at how the team gets ready. ALSO:  If you haven’t had the chance to finish your Remember and Give Thanks assignments, it is still a good time to get them done.  Week 1 Assignment – Put your memorial “rock” somewhere to help you remember how God has helped and guided you over the last 10 years; Week 2 Assignment – Send a thank you note to someone who has been a big influence in your life; Week 3 – take $5 (or whatever amount you want) and use…

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Rock News

Dear Friends: It’s not really late-breaking, but it is kind of late. Here’s your Rock news for the week: THIS SUNDAY: Last week, we took some time to remember and give thanks for the blessings of the last 10 years. Have you set up your rock as a memorial to help you remember one of God’s blessings to you? If not, there is no time like the present. You’ll be amazed at how much a simple visible reminder can help keep your focus in the right places during the week. Join us this Sunday for Week 2 of Remember and Give Thanks. We will take some time to remember and give thanks for the people God has used to bless us over the last 10 years. Invite your favorite person and your second favorite person and join us. ALSO, don’t forget your chance to dig a little deeper on Sunday…

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Rock News

Dear Friends: Here’s your Rock news for the week: THIS SUNDAY:  As we get closer to a new facility and a new chapter in the history of the Rock, it is a good time to stop and give thanks for all of God’s blessings.  The first meeting to talk about a new church in Seward (which eventually became the Rock) happened ten years ago.  What has happened in your life over the last 10 years?  Looking back, can you see God’s hand in the good times and the bad?  What stories do you have to tell your children and family?  Join us this Sunday for week 1 of “Remember and Give Thanks.”  We’ll take some time to remember and give thanks for God’s goodness to the Rock and to all of us over the last 10 years.  Want to get a jump start?  Read Joshua 4. GOING DEEPER:  Don’t forget your chance to…

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Rock News

Dear Friends: Here’s the last summer edition of Rock news: THIS SUNDAY:  Holy No. 2 pencils!  It’s back to school time!  Many schools are starting next week with all the others following soon.  Take a break from buying school supplies and lacing up those new school shoes and join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. at the Lied Senior Center for a special back to school Sunday before we start another series. GOING DEEPER:  Looking for some time to dig a little deeper into the bible?  Come to the Lied Senior Center a little early (at 8:45 a.m.).  The group is starting a new discussion called, “The Bible On Trial:  Beyond A Reasonable Doubt.” ACCESS THE ROCK: Do you want to know more about what the Rock is all about and what we teach and believe?  Are you interested in finding out what it means to a member of the Rock?  Plan to join us for the next…

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Rock News

Dear Friends: Here’s your Rock news for the week: THIS SUNDAY:  Feeling like you’re always busy?  Did you stop reading in the middle of this email to check a text message?  Are you reading this email on your smart phone in the bathroom because it’s the only place to get a little peace?  Well, take a little time to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. at the Lied Senior Center.  Pastor Rich Boring will be leading us and will focus on what God’s Word has to say about the busy-ness we struggle with daily.  Come get a cup of coffee and relax with us (and bring your busy friends and family). JOINING JESUS:  The series is done, but don’t forget to keep working on the five practices from Joining Jesus on His Mission.  Keep at it and you’ll see Jesus popping out all over the place in your daily life.  As…

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Rock News

Dear Friends: Since I bombarded you with emails last week, I held off a little with the Rock news. Here’s the news for this week and last week: LAST SUNDAY & THIS SUNDAY: We finished up with Week 5 of Joining Jesus yesterday. We learned how to connect to people through prayer. Don’t forget to pray over the prayer request you took home with you on Sunday. Also, keep working on working prayer into your relationships. If someone shares a concern or a joy, ask if you can pray for them or (better yet) ask if you can pray with them right there! If you didn’t pick up a copy of “Joining Jesus in His Mission” by Greg Finke when they were available at the Rock and would like a copy, reply to this email. This coming Sunday, Dr. Thad Warren will be leading our gathering an encouraging us to…

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Rock News

Dear Friends: Here’s your Rock news for the week: THIS SUNDAY:  We’re going through 5 simple practices you can do every day and everywhere to help connect people to Jesus.  Week 1 was “Seeking the Kingdom” (looking for a place where a little grace or a little truth can be applied).  Week 2 was “Hearing from Jesus” (getting into Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Bible to watch what Jesus did and hear what He said).  Week 3 was “Talking to People” (creating agenda-less friendships with people around you).  Join us at 10am at the Lied Senior Center this Sunday for Week 4 and “Doing Good.”  Come casual, bring a friend and grab some coffee or cookies or your way in. Also, don’t forget to pick up a copy of the book, Joining Jesus on His Mission, by Greg Finke.  They will be available on Sunday.  Want to know more about Greg Finke and…

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Rock News

Dear Friends: Here’s some Rock news for the week: THIS SUNDAY:  Join us this Sunday at 10am at the Lied Senior Center for Week 2 of Joining Jesus on His Mission.  Last Sunday we looked at seeking Jesus where He is working.  This week we’ll examine how we hear form Jesus.  Does He still talk to us and how do we hear what He is saying?  Come relax and learn with us this week.  Also, don’t forget to pick up a copy of the book, Joining Jesus on His Mission, by Greg Finke.  They will be available on Sunday. NEW WEBSITE!  Check out the updated web site for the Rock (www.therockseward.org).  It has a great new look and lots of information with more to come.  Big thanks to Megan and Seth Boggs for all their work getting it set up! FIREWORKS:  We have an opportunity to help a little with two fireworks stands this year.  For anyone who would…

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Rock News

Dear Friends: Here’s a bunch of Rock news for the week: THIS SUNDAY:  Dr. Christianstein is safely back in his home country so it’s time for a new series.  But before we go whole hog (or whole mountain goat) into something new, this Sunday will be a stand-alone Sunday focused on “Speaking of Jesus.”  Want to get a jump start?  Read the story of Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3.  We’ll gather at 10:00 a.m. at the Lied Senior Center, but you can also come early at 8:45 a.m. for some bible study time with Pastor Mike.  The group is currently working through some video bible study sessions. NEWTON FAMILY BENEFIT ON THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 14:  Plan to stop by the Sparetime Lounge in Seward from 11 am to 2pm on THIS SUNDAY to help the Newton family.  Sparetime will be serving a Pulled Pork Sandwich & Sides and there will be free will donations, items available for a Silent Auction and more.  It’s all…

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Rock News

Dear Friends: Here’s your Rock news for the week THIS SUNDAY:  Quite a while ago, we did a series for a few Sundays called Weird Science.  Pastor Mike did some science experiments and we learned some cool things about God in the process.  Can it get any weirder than doing science experiments right in the middle of a church service?  Yes, I think it can.  Grab the whole family and your safety goggles and join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. at the Lied Senior Center for Week 1 of Weirder Science! COME EARLY/STAY AFTER THIS SUNDAY FOR EDDIE THE COMFORT DOG!  Eddie the Comfort Dog, along with some of his handlers, will be at The Rock THIS SUNDAY.  They will be available before worship to interact with people and then, after worship, will be available for an informal question-answer-info time.  We are getting close to having everything lined up to make a decision on how the Rock…

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Rock News

Dear Friends: Here’s a little Rock news… THIS SUNDAY:  It’s a good thing I’m so humble, because I’m a really a pretty big deal.  Join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. at the Lied Senior Center for the last week of Liar Liar.  The world is always telling you it’s all about you, but is it really?  We’ll see what God’s Word has to say about the subject.  Grab your mom (she really is a big deal) and the whole family and join us at the Rock this week. COMFORT DOG:   On Sunday, May 17, Eddie the Comfort Dog, along with some of his handlers, will be at The Rock.  They will be available before worship to interact with people and then, after worship, will be available for an informal question-answer-info time.  We are getting close to having everything lined up to make a decision on how the Rock could move forward with a comfort…

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Rock News

Dear Friends: Here’s your Rock news for the week… THIS SUNDAY.  All you need is love.  Could the Beatles have been lying to us all these years?  Ringo, say it ain’t so.  Come to the Lied Center at 10:00 a.m. this Sunday for Week 2 of Liar Liar.  We’ll look at what you really need. STAY FOR LUNCH THIS WEEK!  Please plan to stay for lunch after our gathering tomorrow.  It will be great time of fellowship and we’ll have the opportunity to say thanks and ask God’s blessings on our DCE interns as they complete the semester and their work among us.  If you can, please bring a salad or a dessert to share (or don’t and join us anyway).  Everything else will be provided.  Need some inspiration?  Click here for some Lutheran dessert ideas. BLUE VALLEY PANTRY.  Tomorrow is the last Sunday for paper towels.  May is Kleenex month for the pantry. THE NEW ROCK. …

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Rock News

Dear Friends: Here’s your Rock news for the week… THIS SUNDAY.  Come to the Rock this Sunday for Week 1 of Liar Liar, a new series that really makes you want to say “pants on fire.”  We’ll be taking a look at some of the things the world readily accepts as truth, but that don’t square up with God’s Word.  This week we’ll examine whether “all roads lead to Rome.”  Check out theRock’s facebook page for a video previewing the series.  We’ll gather at 10:00 a.m. at the Lied Senior Center and that’s no lie. STAY FOR LUNCH NEXT SUNDAY.  Please plan to stay for lunch after our gathering on next Sunday, April 26.  It will be great time of fellowship and we’ll have the opportunity to say thanks and ask God’s blessings on our DCE interns as they complete the semester and their work among us.  If you can, please bring a salad or a dessert to…

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