Rock News

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 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 to bring along a soup to share or some dessert. Can’t cook? Come anyway and join our Forever Family Reunion lunch. 
  • National Youth Gathering Valentine’s Fundraiser:  Looking for a unique gift for a loved one on Valentine’s Day? Surprise them at work, school or home (within Seward city limits) with a serenade by our local Kitones quartet group. The group will sing two love songs, give them a rose and take a picture to share with them later that day.

    Call Cliff at 308-708-0325 by Tues, February 12th to schedule a time for the serenade. A suggested donation of $25 (mailed to 762 Cory Drive, Seward NE 68434 by February 11, or dropped off by February 13 at the Seward United Methodist Church between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mon through Fri) will benefit all of the teens and chaperones headed to the Gathering. Checks need to be made out to The Rock Church. 

    Other arrangements can be made for delivering your donation if needed, and a serenade can be scheduled for Friday, February 15 if needed.

  • 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 have had the opportunity to renew not only their relationship with each other, but also with God and with their church. To celebrate their 50th anniversary, Marriage Encounter is offering a 50% discount off the application fee. This year’s event will be held March 1-3 at the Ramada Midtown in Grand Island. To learn more and to register, click here: https://godlovesmarriage.org/event/marriage-encounter-grand-island-ne/

  • Concordia University, Nebraska is celebrating its 125th anniversary: In 2019, Concordia University, Nebraska is celebrating its 125th year of educational ministry. As part of these celebrations, on Saturday, March 23rd, Concordia and Jones Bank are presenting Celebration at the Lied, at Lincoln’s Lied Center for the Performing Arts.

    This one time only concert, held in a fantastic setting, will feature Concordia University, Nebraska’s acclaimed music ensembles performing a variety of sacred and secular selections intended to entertain and inspire. It will be a great experience for any and all who enjoy Concordia’s music programs, in particular, as well as for those who simply enjoy quality choral and instrumental music. Tickets, which range from $45 to $15, are on sale now online. 
  • Our February item for the Blue Valley Food Pantry is soup. The collection box is in The Rock cafe and our community appreciates your generosity.  
  • We have faith growth opportunities on Sunday mornings:  Going Deeper, room 213, 8:45 with Pastor Mike. Women’s Bible study with Ann Schranz will resume sometime in the next year. 
  • Ladies’ Bible Study, Morning Amigos, meets from 10:15 to 11:30 in the Rock Cafe.  Questions? Contact Karen Hoffbauer (karenhoffbauer@hotmail.com) or Marcia Newsome (mooma496@hotmail.com). 
  • Yoga at The Rock:  Marge Rhodes teaches Yoga at The Rock on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome!

    YogaFaith with Sara Moll and Erika Rolf meets in Room 216.  Everyone is welcome to join us for 1 hour long Christ centered yoga classes – your first class is FREE!  Please contact Sara at tmoll@neb.rr.com if you have any questions. Also, find YogaFaith here on Facebook for more updates or here on Instagram. Weather Policy: If the Seward school system cancels school due to the weather, then we will not have class. The February schedule is as follows:
    Candlelight YogaFaith on Sundays, 7-8 p.m. – February 10 – Erika; February 24 – Sara
    All Levels YogaFaith: Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 PM:  Feb. 12, 19, 26 (Erika) Fridays,  9:45-10:45 AM: Feb. 8, 15, 22 (Sara)

 

Rock News

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 registered by calling Bob or Mary at one of the numbers below.

    In case of bad weather on the 17th, check your email (or call Bob or Mary as they’ll be up) before departing for church just in case the trip is cancelled.  We will meet in the church parking lot around 6:50 a.m for prayer and last minute comments, and hope to get on the road at 7 a.m.

    Questions?  Need to register?  Call 712-269-2035 or 712-269-6516.

  • 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.)
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Yoga at The Rock:   Marge Rhodes is now teaching Yoga at The Rock on Thursdays at 5:30pm. All are welcome! YogaFaith with Sara Moll and Erika Rolf meets in Room 216 on the following dates:  Tuesdays at 5:30 pm on Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27 (Erika). Fridays at 9:45 am on Nov. 2, 16, 23, 30 (Sara). Friday, Nov. 9 at 9:45 am (Erika). Everyone is welcome to join us for 1 hour long Christ centered yoga class – your first class is FREE!  Please contact Sara at tmoll@neb.rr.com 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.

Rock News

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 to see there such as the roadside chapel, the Barn with many artifacts and worship area, Ministry Center, and the new Creation Theater. We will be treated to a free homemade hot lunch There is no cost for this trip except fuel for your car, as we will be carpooling. To find out more about Mission Central, visit their website at www.missioncentral.us.

    If you have not been contacted about registering for this trip, please call Mary Kropf at 712-269-2035, or see her and Bob in the Cafe after church on Nov. 4 if you wish to go. We need to get you registered.  The free Mission Central lunch registration cutoff date is absolutely Nov. 11. You may still register to go on the trip after that date, but you would need to bring your own sack lunch. It has been asked if you may bring someone who isn’t a member of The Rock, such as grown children or other family and friends.  Yes, you may! They need to be registered with Mary and Bob for the trip and hot lunch, as well. There will be a brief meeting in the cafe after church this Sunday (Nov. 4) so that we can answer questions and hand out maps to those going to Mission Central.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Yoga at The Rock:   Marge Rhodes is now teaching Yoga at The Rock on Thursdays at 5:30pm. All are welcome! YogaFaith with Sara Moll and Erika Rolf meets in Room 216 on the following dates:  Tuesdays at 5:30 pm on Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27 (Erika). Fridays at 9:45 am on Nov. 2, 16, 23, 30 (Sara). Friday, Nov. 9 at 9:45 am (Erika). Everyone is welcome to join us for 1 hour long Christ centered yoga class – your first class is FREE!  Please contact Sara at tmoll@neb.rr.com 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.

 


 

Rock News

  • 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 out” on the shelves in the back of the worship center.  Most are youth related, but not all.

  • Nicodemus Comfort Dog needs more handlers!  Handlers accompany Nico on all his outings and need the following qualifications:  (a) available for a minimum of 2-5 hours two or three times a week; (b) open to learning; (c) committed to learning Nico’s commands; (d) physically able to work with and exercise Nico; (e) open to listening and being quiet; and (f) able to pray with others during ministry moments.  It is a big commitment and an awesome opportunity to see God at work. Please feel free to talk to any of Nico’s current handlers for more information (Corey Gray, Danna Seevers, Sara Moll, Marcia Newsome, Linda Brettman, Brenda Rief, and Randy Newsome). They are all available with more information about being a handler and the application and training process.  The next Comfort Dog handler training you could attend is in Northbrook, Illinois in January 2019. Please contact Top Dog, Randy Newsome at ranewsome@live.com or 402-643-6595 for more information.

  • Our Blue Valley Food Pantry item for August is canned fruit. Add some to your shopping list and bring it along to bless others. The collection box is in The Rock cafe.

  • On August 26, at 12:30 in the fellowship hall, Tim Moll will present a free seminar on preparing your will at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. Lunch and childcare will be provided. Register here.

  • The Rock is looking for people willing to serve on the congregation’s Board of Directors. If you would be willing to serve in this capacity, contact Tim Moll or Pastor Mike.

  • 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: Registration for the 2019 national youth gathering will be due in early October, along with a non-refundable deposit (for teens & adult leaders). Some specific info to help you plan: the fee for the Gathering is $365 per participant. Another $40-50 for the Nebraska District event. Most of the rest of the cost will be hotel, food, and transportation. Look for information soon on a meeting with more details.

    Families of those who are interested, please click here and fill out this quick survey with some basic information to help us get started with our planning. Teens attending the youth gathering (July 11-15, 2019 in Minneapolis) should be entering ninth grade in the 2019-20 school year, or be new high school graduates. Those who are interested should join our Facebook group to keep up with news, or send their contact information to Kim Myers by replying to this newsletter.

  • 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 you join us.  Please email Sara Moll at tmoll@neb.rr.com if you are interested in joining us or if you have any questions.

  • YogaFaith at The Rock:   This fall we are happy to announce that we will be keeping the Friday morning YogaFaith class!  Our August schedule is as follows: Tuesdays at 5:30 pm on August 7, 14, 21, and 28 and Fridays at 9:45 am on August 10, 17, 24 and 31.

Rock News

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 be back with us in worship, so be sure to greet them that day.

Our Blue Valley Food Pantry item for August is canned fruit. Add some to your shopping list and bring it along to bless others. The collection box is in The Rock cafe.

The Rock is looking for people willing to serve on the congregation’s Board of Directors. If you would be willing to serve in this capacity, contact Tim Moll or Pastor Mike.

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: The registration deadline for the 2019 National Youth Gathering is coming in October, so look for information here on our next meeting and commitment dates. Teens attending the youth gathering (July 11-15, 2019 in Minneapolis) should be entering ninth grade in the 2019-20 school year, or be new high school graduates. Those who are interested should join our Facebook group to keep up with news, or send their contact information to Kim Myers by replying to this newsletter.

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 you join us. Please email Sara Moll at tmoll@neb.rr.com if you are interested in joining us or if you have any questions.

YogaFaith at The Rock: This fall we are happy to announce that we will be keeping the Friday morning YogaFaith class! Our August schedule is as follows: Tuesdays at 5:30 pm on August 7, 14, 21, and 28 and Fridays at 9:45 am on August 10, 17, 24 and 31.

Rock News

  • 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 be back with us in worship, so be sure to greet them that day.
  • We have one more week in July for our Blue Valley Food Pantry item of any type of canned meat that’s not tuna. (Tuna gets its own month!) The collection box is in The Rock cafe. Start shopping now for our August item of canned fruit.
  • The Rock is looking for people willing to serve on the congregation’s Board of Directors. If you would be willing to serve in this capacity, contact Tim Moll or Pastor Mike.
  • 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: The registration deadline for the 2019 National Youth Gathering is coming in October, so look for information here on our next meeting and commitment dates.  Teens attending the youth gathering (July 11-15, 2019 in Minneapolis) should be entering ninth grade in the 2019-20 school year, or be new high school graduates. Those who are interested should join our Facebook group to keep up with news, or send their contact information to Kim Myers by replying to this newsletter.
  • 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 you join us.  Please email Sara Moll at tmoll@neb.rr.com if you are interested in joining us or if you have any questions. Bible study will not be held August 2.
  • YogaFaith at The Rock:   Two all-levels Christian Yoga classes are offered at The Rock each week.  Please bring a mat! Classes cost $5.00 but your first class is FREE. Find us in Room 216 on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm and Fridays at 9:45 am.  If you have any questions please email Sara Moll at tmoll@neb.rr.com or follow us on Facebook at YogaFaith-Seward or Instagram @yogafaithseward.

Rock News

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 National Youth Gathering. To learn more about this event, talk with Pastor Mike or Kim Myers. Tom and Sue Briggs and Tim and Sara Moll can also share information on what it was like to be an adult leader for our teens at the 2016 Gathering. Teens who will be entering 9th grade in the 2019 school year, through those who have just graduated that summer will be eligible to attend with us in July 2019 in Minneapolis.
3. 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.
4. The next ACCESS The Rock event is scheduled for April 22, 11:30a-1:00p, in the Rock Café.  This is one way that people can 1) learn about the Mission, Vision, and Values of the Rock, 2) learn what The Rock believes, teaches and confesses regarding God’s Word of the Bible, and 3) learn what it means to be a disciple/member of the forever family at The Rock.  Those interested should indicate their intent in one of the following ways:  by signing up in the Rock Café on the counter, send an email to pastor@therockseward.org, or call 402-643-6624.
5. Current college students! Enter a drawing with Thrivent Financial’s Student Resources for your chance to get a $5,000 scholarship. No membership necessary. The first drawing is April 2, so enter now! https://offer.thriventstudentresources.com/scholarship  Check out their website for lots of free resources for student financial planning.
6. Our Blue Valley Food Pantry item for April is paper towels. Drop some off in the collection box in the cafe at any time during April. Thanks for your generosity!
7. If you wish to dive deeper into a study about the names of God that we have been learning about in our series “What’s in a Name?” check out the book Praying the Names of Jesus by Ann Spangler.

Rock News

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: 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 and resurrection. Childcare for Stepping Stones and Faith Ink will not be provided during this service.

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 lunch and supper). Please invite a friend! If you would like to attend one or both days, please email JenJanousek@yahoo.com to reserve your table.

ACCESS The Rock in February: Pastor Mike has postponed the ACCESS The Rock opportunity that was scheduled for January 28.  It has been re-scheduled for February 25, same time, same place.

Rock News

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. The January item for the Blue Valley Pantry is soap and shampoo. Leave your donations in the collection box near the main door of The Rock Café.
  4. We only need 5 more signups to hit our goal for LCEF accounts. You only need $25 to start up one of these accounts, and if we hit our goal, it will lower the interest on our loan. Learn more about Lutheran Church Extension Fund here. Contact Dave Kumm for more information.
  5. Stepping Stones, Faith Ink, and Godparents groups start up again this Wednesday. If your child isn’t yet a part of one of these great opportunities to learn more about the God who loves them, contact us for more information about how to get involved.
  6. A Sunday morning Bible Study for women, will begin on Sunday, January 7, at 8:45 at The ROCK. We will be studying the book of Matthew. Please join us! Contact Ann Schranz with any questions.
  7. Camp Luther Summer Camp registration is now open! View their online brochure and register your child today at www.campluther.org/summer! Dates, prices, camp descriptions, and answers to frequently asked questions including discounts and financial aid, can all be found there as well. (Camp Luther is located in Schuyler.) If your child has never been to camp, or if you have any questions or concerns of any sort, don’t hesitate to contact them. You can email them at campluther@campluther.org or call 402-352-5655.