Tag: Stepping Stones

Rock News

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  • 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 the Firehouse Five brass band play.  Serving: brats/hot dogs, chips, carrots, & cookie. All drinks sold separately by Bottle Rocket Brewing, including water, pop, and craft root beer. All proceeds from the meals will go to the accounts of the Youth involved who are attending next summer’s National Youth Gathering. Coordinator: Julie Berry  berry@stjohnseward.org  Those who are interested in attending the Gathering can sign up for this fundraiser and get other news at our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1627906407461002/

 

  • 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!

 

  • LIFE CHAIN SUNDAY is OCT. 7. 2:00 -3:00PM – West side of Court House
    What Is Life Chain? It’s a “prayer chain” and public (sidewalk) witness against abortion. Come, let us seek God’s divine intervention for the healing of our community and nation.  Who Should Attend? The Seward area Christian Community and all who are willing to defend human life against abortion. Bring the family, including a chair for elderly relatives
    Let Us Pray:

    • For our personal repentance and for spiritual awakening
    • For the unborn’s protection and for legalized abortion to end in U.S.
    • For God to convict and save abortionists and all who defend them
    • For all who witness our Life Chain, that their hearts will be touched
    • For our Christian leaders to extol Godliness, whatever the cost
    • For our public officials, that they will uphold justice and righteousness
    • For God’s anointing and divine use of 1550+ Life Chains in America

 

  • There will be a Comfort Dog meeting on Sunday, Oct. 14 after church at 11:20 am in Room 217.

 

  • It’s time for rice as our Blue Valley Food Pantry collection box with our October item of rice. Add some to your shopping list and bring it along to bless others. 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.

 

  • 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.

 

  • 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 October 2 – Sara teaches, October 9, 16, 23, 30 – Erika teaches.   Fridays at 9:45 am October 5 – Erika, October 12, 19, 26

 

Rock News

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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 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 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: Marge Rhodes is now teaching Yoga at The Rock on Thursdays at 5:30pm, starting September 13.  All are welcome! YogaFaith with Sara Moll and Erika Rolf meets in Room 216 on the following dates:  Tuesdays at 5:30 pm – Sept. 4, 11, 25 (no class Sept. 18) and Fridays at 9:45 am – Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28.

Rock News

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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 tltroop48@gmail.com 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 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.
  • We’ve got one more week to fill up our Blue Valley Food Pantry collection box with canned fruit, our  item for August. Add some to your shopping list and bring it along to bless others. The collection box is in The Rock cafe. Start stocking up on September’s item of boxed meals.
  • On August 26, at 12:30 in the fellowship hall at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, Tim Moll will present a free seminar on preparing your will. Lunch and childcare will be provided. Register here.
  • 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.
  • Did you know that you can give to The Rock electronically? Joyful Response is a way for individuals to make their stewardship commitment to God through The Rock on a regular basis. They can determine the start and stop date of the giving as well as the intervals of payment. This is a simple way for each of us to support the ministry through The Rock. People can designate their gifts to be split out towards the general fund or maybe they want some money to go into a building fund or outreach fund.
    Click here for an electronic offering form. Forms need to be turned in to Rock treasurer Dave Kumm for processing.

Rock News

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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 salad or dessert to share. We will provide plates, napkins, silverware, cups, and drinks. Hope to see you there! Thanks to all of the families who sent prizes for our Bingo night at Brookdale. It was a great evening for everyone!

  • 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 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: send an email to pastor@therockseward.org, or call 402-643-6624.

  • 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!

  • YOGA AT THE ROCK:  Everyone is welcome to join us at The Rock for two exercise opportunities!  On Tuesdays and Thursdays there is Yoga in Room 211 from 5:30-6:30 pm. Marge Rhodes teaches the class on Thursdays.  All levels are welcome! On Tuesdays, Sara Moll and Erika Rolf take turns teaching YogaFaith. This class is an all-levels Christian Yoga class.  Our focus is to help you stretch, strengthen, and balance focusing on JESUS and your relationship with HIM. Please bring a mat! Classes cost $5.00 but your first class is FREE.  If you have any questions please email Sara Moll at tmoll@neb.rr.com.

  • WOMEN’S 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.

Rock News

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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 Ann Schranz.
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.
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.
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!

Stepping Stones News

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Come join us this week at Stepping Stones and bring a friend!

This month and next we are collecting soup for the food pantry.  Please bring a can of soup to share.

We will look at how Job learned that God is all-powerful, sovereign, and good.

Our story comes from: Job 1-42

Our Key passage: Psalm 100:5

Big Picture Question: Why can we trust God? Everything God does is for His glory and our good.

Hope to see you there!

Rock News

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  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.

Rock News

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  1. 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!
  2. 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!
  3. COMFORT DOG MEETING THIS SUNDAY:  Want to learn more about Nicodemus and the comfort dog ministry?  Plan to attend a meeting after worship at 11:15 a.m. this Sunday at the Rock.  You are not making any kind of commitment by attending the meeting but it will be a great way to hear about the many ways you can help.  Questions?  Respond to this email or contact Pastor Mike or Randy Newsome.
  4. MARK YOUR CALENDAR – PASSING THE LEASH:   Plan to be at the Rock on Sunday morning, September 24 at 10:00 a.m.  As part of our regular worship gathering, Lutheran Church Charities will be on hand to commemorate the completion of Comfort Dog Nicodemus’ training and officially “pass the leash” to the Rock.  We anticipate a number of other Nebraska comfort dogs will be on hand to help us celebrate.  There will be an opportunity to stay for lunch as well.  Watch for more details soon.
  5. FAITH INK & STEPPING STONES & GODPARENTS:  Wednesday night activities for kids from age 3 through 12th grade will be starting up again after Labor Day.  To learn more and to register, go to our web site and click on the “CONNECT” tab.  www.therockseward.org.
  6. BLUE VALLEY PANTRY:  Last Sunday for canned fruit!

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.