Author: Megan Boggs

Rock News

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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 participate.  If you haven’t already completed a survey,  click here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/ r/rockworshipsurvey.

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 provided.  To sign up, please respond to this email or sign up in the Rock Café or email Pastor Mike at pastor@therockseward.org.

STEPPING STONES & FAITH INK CALENDAR:

Wednesday, April 19 – Stepping Stones Pick Up Sticks at Greenwood Cemetery
Wednesday, April 26 – Family Picnic for Stepping Stones and FaithInk families (and everyone else who wants to come)

DE-STRESS WITH TESS:  Need to burn off a couple of those chocolate Easter bunnies?  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 email or contact Tess Watson.

YOGA AT THE ROCK: Tuesdays at 5:30 pm – Everyone is welcome to YogaFaith – flow and stretch with Erika or Emma in Room 211.  Bring a mat if you have one.
Thursdays at 5:30 pm – Everyone is welcome to Yoga with Marge on the 2nd floor.

LIT:  Mark your calendar.  The next LIT (Living in Truth) event at the Rock for 8th graders and high schools will be in the evening on Sunday, April 30.

BLUE VALLEY PANTRY:  April is paper towel month for the pantry.

He is risen!

Rock News

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Here’s your Rock news for the week:

  1. 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.
  2. EASTER WEEK CALENDAR: 
    1. Good Friday Gathering – 6:30 p.m. at the Rock
    2. Easter Sunday Breakfast – 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Rock
    3. Easter Sunday Worship – 10:00 a.m.
  3. 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:
    1. Complete the survey you took home with you this week and bring it to the Rock on Sunday.
    2. Complete the survey online by clicking here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/rockworshipsurvey.
  4. 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 provided.  To sign up, please respond to this email or sign up in the Rock Café or email Pastor Mike at pastor@therockseward.org.
  5. STEPPING STONES & FAITH INK CALENDAR:
    1. Wednesday, April 12 – Stepping Stones Easter Party
    2. Wednesday, April 19 – Stepping Stones Pick Up Sticks at Greenwood Cemetery
    3. Wednesday, April 26 – Family Picnic for Stepping Stones and FaithInk families (and everyone else who wants to come)
  6. DE-STRESS WITH TESS:  Looking for an early morning workout?  Come to the Rock on Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays at 5:30 a.m.  Sweat away some stress in Room 211.  Classes are free with free will donations to the Rock.  Questions?  Respond to this email or contact Tess Watson.
  7. YOGA AT THE ROCK:
    1. Tuesdays at 5:30 pm – Everyone is welcome to YogaFaith – flow and stretch with Erika or Emma in Room 211.  Bring a mat if you have one.
    2. Thursdays at 5:30 pm – Everyone is welcome to Yoga with Marge on the 2nd floor.
  8. LADIES BIBLE STUDY LEADER:  A number of ladies have expressed interest in a bible study opportunity in the evenings or on the weekend, but we need a leader.  Would you consider leading a group?  You could meet every week or every other week or whatever works best and we have lots of materials available.  Please respond to this email if you would consider leading.
  9. LIT:  Mark your calendar.  The next LIT (Living in Truth) event at the Rock for 8th graders and high schools will be in the evening on Sunday, April 30.
  10. BLUE VALLEY PANTRY:  Pick up some rolls of the quicker picker upper any time this month.  April is paper towel month for the pantry.

 

Rock News

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  1. 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.
  2. 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 provided.  To sign up, please respond to this email or sign up in the Rock Café or email Pastor Mike at pastor@therockseward.org.
  3. COMFORT DOG:  We continue to move closer to the day Lutheran Church Charities will “pass the leash” to the Rock.  Interviews for dog handlers are being scheduled and the process is moving.  Keep watching for more updates.  Also, the next time you see someone from St. John Lutheran School, give them a big thank you hug or handshake.  They have designated chapel offerings at the school for the support of the comfort dog ministry at the Rock and recently donated over $300!  It is a great blessing to have them partner with us. If you would like more information about the comfort dog or would like to be involved, please respond to this email or contact Randy Newsome.
  4. DOUBLE THE YOGA AT THE ROCK:  There are two opportunities for Yoga at The Rock!  Marge leads a yoga class on Thursdays at 5:30 pm which is going great and will continue at a cost of $5.  Also, another class is available on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm.  Everyone is welcome to YOGAFAITH – flow and stretch with Erika or Emma in Room 211 at The Rock.  The new class is an all-levels Christian basic yoga class to help you focus and connect with Him while you strengthen, stretch and balance.  Please bring a mat!  Classes are $5 but the first class is FREE.
  5. LADIES BIBLE STUDY LEADER:  A number of ladies have expressed interest in a bible study opportunity in the evenings or on the weekend, but we need a leader.  Would you consider leading a group?  You could meet every week or every other week or whatever works best and we have lots of materials available.  Please respond to this email if you would consider leading.
  6. LIT:  Mark your calendar.  The next LIT (Living in Truth) event at the Rock for 8th graders and high schools will be in the evening on Sunday, April 30.
  7. BLUE VALLEY PANTRY:  It’s a new month and time for a new item for the Pantry.  We’re going off the normal schedule this month.  The food item for April is baloney (or bologna) – think “my baloney has a first name…”.  Help us bless the pantry with a bunch of baloney!  Or, you can remember what day it is today and grab some paper towels.

 

Rock News

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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 Newsome.

DOUBLE THE YOGA AT THE ROCK:  We are excited to announce another Yoga opportunity at The Rock!  Currently, Marge has a yoga class on Thursdays at 5:30 pm which is going great and will continue at a cost of $5.  Beginning March 28, there will be another class on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm.  Everyone is welcome to YOGAFAITH – flow and stretch with Erika or Emma in Room 211 at The Rock.  The new class is an all-levels Christian basic yoga class to help you focus and connect with Him while you strengthen, stretch and balance.  Please bring a mat!  Classes are $5 but the first class is FREE.

LADIES BIBLE STUDY:  The ladies bible study group meets on Thursdays at 10:15 am at the Rock. All women are invited to join the group to begin a new study working through the book:  “Control Girl: Lessons on Surrendering Your Burden of Control From Seven Women in the Bible.”  The new study will start on Thursday, April 6 and continue for 10 weeks.  Check out the link below for more info on the author and the book:  http://www.shannonpopkin.com/.   If you would like to join the study and/or purchase a book, please reply to this email by March 19 or contact Sara Moll or Andrea Sloup.  Books are $11 each.  ALSO:  We would love to offer this study at a different time (evening or weekend).  Would you consider leading a group?  You could meet every week or every other week or whatever works best.  Please email tmoll@neb.rr.com if would consider leading.

BLUE VALLEY PANTRY:  It takes about 540 peanuts to make a 12 oz. jar of peanut butter.  It takes about 24 Rock members to provide the Blue Valley Pantry with 24 jars of peanut butter.  Be one of those 24 this month.

NEBRASKA TRIVIA:  Our state, county and city were founded 150 years ago. Nebraska entered the union in March 1867! How much do you know about our state, county and city? On Sunday, March 26, the Seward Memorial Library will celebrate these birthdays by playing a game of Nebraska Trivia at Seward Memorial Library! Cliff Lowell will start the fun at 2 p.m. You do not need to be an expert to join in the game. Teams will be formed that day.

PARENTING SEMINAR:  There will be a parenting seminar at Hillcrest Evangelical Free Church on March 24-25.  Click the MopsMarch2017 attachment to this email for all the details.

LENTEN CONCERT:  The Shebogan Lutheran High School Symphonic Band and Konzertchor from Sheboygan, Wisconsin will be putting on a Lenten Concert at 7:00 pm on Saturday, March 25 at St. John Lutheran Church.  “Neither Angels Nor Demons” is the theme of the concert, which will feature a variety of sacred choral and instrumental music.  Admission is free, but a free will offering will be collected.

Rock News

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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 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 Newsome.

YOGA AT THE ROCK:  Yoga classes continue at the Rock on Thursdays at 5:30 pm.  Everyone is welcome.  Cost is $5.  Also, be watching for some more opportunities coming soon.

LADIES BIBLE STUDY:  The ladies bible study group meets on Thursdays at 10:15 am at the Rock. All women are invited to join the group to begin a new study working through the book:  “Control Girl: Lessons on Surrendering Your Burden of Control From Seven Women in the Bible.”  The new study will start on Thursday, April 6 and continue for 10 weeks.  Check out the link below for more info on the author and the book:  http://www.shannonpopkin.com/.   If you would like to join the study and/or purchase a book, please reply to this email by March 19 or contact Sara Moll or Andrea Sloup.  Books are $11 each.  ALSO:  We would love to offer this study at a different time (evening or weekend).  Would you consider leading a group?  You could meet every week or every other week or whatever works best.  Please email tmoll@neb.rr.com if would consider leading.

BLUE VALLEY PANTRY:  What do you like best? Chunky or Creamy?  The pantry gratefully accepts either kind of peanut butter.  Drop some off at the Rock this month.

LINCOLN LUTHERAN MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL:  Lincoln Lutheran is seeking applicants for an English teacher or English/Religion teacher and for a Math teacher for the 2017-18.  For more information, contact Principal Matt Heibel at mheibel@lincolnlutheran.org.  Also, Lincoln Lutheran is now accepting registrations for the 2017-2018 school year for grades 6-12.  More information about Lincoln Lutheran and registration is available at www.lincolnlutheran.org.  To schedule a visit, please contact Kristin Bennett in the school office at 402-467-5404 ext. 235.

Have a blessed weekend!

Rock News

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Here’s your Rock news for the week:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. GIVING AT THE ROCK: If you are interested, a copy of the income statement and balance sheet for the Rock for the first half of the fiscal year (July 1 to December 31) is available here. The statement shows that we are right on budget for giving as of December 31, but that means we are really a little behind. December giving should put us ahead of budget since giving is usually lighter in June. Thank you to everyone who faithfully and financially supports what God is doing in and through the Rock. Remember, if you would like to set up regular monthly contributions to happen automatically and electronically, you can fill out a Joyful Response form and drop it in the offering basket or get it to Dave Kumm, our church treasurer. Information about giving and the Joyful Response form are available here.
  4. STRATEGIC PLANNING: As the first step in some strategic planning, Pastor Mike and the leaders of the Rock are gathering information in lots of different areas (Finances, Worship, Facilities, Outreach, Children/Youth, Facilities) to help evaluate how we are doing. If you are contacted for information or to fill out a survey, please provide your honest feedback. Thanks!
  5. JOB OPPORTUNITIES. The St. John Child Development Center in Seward is in need of a cook and will be looking to fill a couple teaching positions soon. Interested parties can contact the Director, Rebecca Bimler, at 402-643-3122.
  6. BLUE VALLEY PANTRY: It’s March and time for a new item for the pantry. We were a little light on the soup contributions for February. Let’s step it up with lots of Peanut Butter in March. There’s nothing better to make Jesus’ love stick to someone else.

Have a blessed weekend!

Rock News

Here’s your Rock news for the week:

  1. 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.
  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 make things go quickly.  No experience necessary – just  show up at The Rock.
  3. YOGA!  Connie Butler and Lynne Kumm are checking to see if members and friends of the Rock would be interested in attending a yoga class at the Rock .  They have been in contact with a yoga instructor and are looking at having a class on Thursday evenings from 5:30-6:30 pm.  There would be a cost of $5.00 per class.  Tentative plans are to start in the middle of September.  The yoga class works on stretching and toning.  If you would be interested in attending, please send Lynne an email at Lykumm@aol.com or Connie at connie.butler@icloud.com.  There is also a sign-up sheet at the Rock on the bar under the Rock Cafe sign.
  4. COMFORT DOG TEAM MEETING:  Interested in being a dog handler or helping in other ways with the Comfort Dog?  There will be a Dog Team Meeting on Wednesday, August 17, in the Rock cafe at 7 pm. It’s time for the team to get serious about “putting our leashes on” so please come. If you can’t be there, contact Randy Newsome for an update and more information.
  5. BLUE VALLEY PANTRY:  August = Fruit in a Can.  Bring some to the Rock this month.  Need some inspiration?  Click here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=gB4MNu6W9sg.
  6. GET SOME LCEF ACCOUNTS!  Our loan for renovation of the Rock building is with Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF).  If members of the Rock open up 30 more accounts with LCEF, we get a rebate of some of the interest charges.  It actually lowers our interest rate by .75% and could result in annual savings of over $4,000.  You don’t have to invest a lot of money to open an account.  You can open a Young Investors Club account for your kids with a deposit of only $25 and it earns some decent interest.  For more information, go to www.lcef.org and look under the “Investment” tab.  When you fill out an application, list “The Rock” as your congregation and it will count toward our total.
  7. MARK YOUR CALENDARS:  The Block Party previously scheduled for July 3 has been rescheduled for Sunday, September 18, starting at 6pm.  Watch for more details soon.

Blessings on your weekend.

Rock News

Here’s your Rock news for the week:

  1. 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.
  2. 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 Lutheran in Lincoln.  Priscilla will be wearing her military camo vest with her military handler Bradley Musick.  It will be a great time to meet the dog and hear more about what she will be doing.
  3. GO FOR THE GOLD – JOIN GOD’S TEAM – THIS FRIDAY!  Kids from Kindergarten through 4th grade are invited to the Rock for some Olympic fun and games from 9:00 a.m. to Noon on Friday, July 29.  It’s open to everyone so please invite a friend.  Click here to register online. Questions?  Contact JenJanousek@yahoo.com.
  4. WHAT KIND OF GROUPS?  The Ambassadors are planning small group activities to begin this fall and they need your input.  A survey with six questions can be found here.  It’s a fillable .pdf you can complete and email to Bill Schranz.  The instructions are included on the attachment.
  5. THEY R US!  The Stepping Stones crew is pleased to announce they are beginning work on the Stepping Stones classrooms on the 2nd floor of the Rock.  They are moving things out, taking things down, and getting ready for fixing things up and painting prior to the start of school this fall. Most don’t realize that in any congregation, “they” really is “us”.  We love to teach the children about Jesus.  We need your help to get the new rooms ready. Can you help?  We had a good crew last Wednesday and got a lot done.  Special thanks to Lori Bruns, Bill, Matthew and Ann Schranz, Dave Kumm, Tim Butler, Micah, Lori and Tim Moravec.  We have more to do, and with more hands, the work goes fast! Here’s how you can help:  No experience necessary – just  show up at The Rock, 2nd floor, this Wednesday anytime from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Lori Moravec will be there to help watch little ones if necessary.   You can help spread the news about Jesus by helping get the rooms ready!
  6. NYG THANKS:  Seventeen youth and five adult leaders from the Rock spent an amazing week in New Orleans at the LCMS National Youth Gathering!  Thank you to everyone who supported the group’s fundraising efforts and prayed for all the participants.  It was truly a faith-building and life-changing experience.  If you see one of the youth or leaders, ask them about it.  If you want more information about the gathering or would like to watch the evening mass events, go to www.lcmsgathering.com.  The next gathering will be in July 2019 in Minneapolis!
  7. ANNUAL MEETING/POTLUCK!  On Sunday, July 31, we will have our annual meeting to elect leaders and to adopt a budget for the upcoming year.  We are in need of people willing to serve in leadership roles as directors or ambassadors.  If you would like to know more, please respond to this email or contact Pastor Mike.  Also, please plan to stay after church on July 31.  We’ll have a potluck to celebrate another year of God’s blessings and then follow with our meeting.  Here are the food instructions:
    If your last name begins with N through Z, please bring a main dish to share.  We’ll have power strips available if you want to plug in a crock pot or something to keep things warm during church.  Meatballs are appreciated and encouraged.
    If your last name begins with A through M, please bring a salad or side dish and a dessert to share.  Think green jello, macaroni salad, potato salad, green beans with mushroom soup, etc.
    The Rock will provide drinks and plates/cups/napkins/utensils.
    Please bring along an appropriate serving spoon, ladle, tongs, forks, spatula, etc. to serve your dish as the Rock hasn’t accumulated any of those items yet.
    If it doesn’t work for you to bring food, stay anyway as I’m sure there will be plenty.
  8. BLUE VALLEY PANTRY:  This Sunday and next Sunday are the last weeks for canned meat.
  9. SYNODICAL CONVENTION:  The Rock is a member church of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.  Every three years, the Synod has a convention to elect leaders and to consider resolutions on a variety of issues.  The most recent convention concluded on July 14.  If you would like to know more about the actions taken at the election, click here:  http://blogs.lcms.org/ category/reporter/convention.

Blessings on your weekend.

Rock News

Dear Friends:

Here’s your Rock news for the week:

  1. 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.
  2. BLOCK PARTY POSTPONED: The Block Party originally planned for this Sunday evening has been postponed. We’ll reschedule for a little later this summer.
  3. NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING: The Youth and Adult Leaders from the Rock who are attending the National Youth Gathering will be heading to New Orleans on July 15. Thank you to everyone who has supported the group’s fundraising efforts. If you would still like to help, grab an envelope at the Rock this Sunday and provide some cash support. Also, please remember the whole group in your prayers over the coming weeks. Pray for safe travel and that the Holy Spirit would use this opportunity to strengthen the faith of all the youth attending.
  4. ANNUAL MEETING/POTLUCK. On Sunday, July 31, we will have our annual meeting to elect leaders and to adopt a budget for the upcoming year. We are in need of people willing to serve in leadership roles as directors or ambassadors. If you would like to know more, please respond to this email or contact Pastor Mike. Also, please plan to stay after church on July 31. We’ll have a potluck to celebrate another year of God’s blessings and then follow with our meeting.
  5. BLUE VALLEY PANTRY: Grab some canned meat for the pantry any time this July and drop it off at the Rock for the pantry anytime in July.

Blessings on your weekend. Have a safe and blessed 4th of July

Rock News

Here’s your Rock news for the week:

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

Blessings on your weekend.