The Rock Weekly – December 20, 2023

  • Tonight – Prayer & Worship – 7pm in the Chapel.  Growing in the Word – 6pm in the Prayer Room.
  • Join us for Christmas Eve Service: 12/24 at 2pm Extended Worship & 3pm Christmas Eve Service.
  • HEADS UP!  NO Sunday Morning Service on Christmas Eve. And NO Wednesday night service, Growing in the Word, or Youth next Wednesday (12/27).

Looking Back & Looking Forward


Dear Rock Family,

Looking Back:  As we rapidly approach Christmas and the end of 2023, our hearts are filled with gratitude and warmth as we reflect on the incredible journey we have shared throughout this year. It is with great joy and thankfulness that we write this letter to express our deepest appreciation for your commitment to Jesus and to loving one another so well…with actions and in truth…doing the good works that God has created for us as we abide in Jesus and live by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit.  And we want to also thank you for your consistent and faithful generosity that is helping to make a significant impact in our church family and community.

Throughout the year, we have witnessed the incredible power of your faith; your genuine spirit of giving and willingness to serve; and your love in lifting others up, which is establishing a welcoming and nurturing environment within our church family.  We are so proud to call The Rock our family!  I’m reminded of Matthew 16:18, when Jesus says, “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”  He wasn’t referring to a ‘building’ or a ‘denomination’.  The word for church is ‘ekklesia’ and this actually refers to a group of people called together for a purpose. May we be reminded that The Rock is NOT a facility or a building.  The Rock is a people, the family of God, called together to give God glory with our lives through the empowering grace of our Lord Jesus!

Thank you for being a family that loves well through actions, prayers, gifts, and being a witness for Jesus – a shining beacon of hope (a lighthouse) for those facing difficult times, giving glory to our Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)  Way to go Rock family! 

Looking Forward:  As we move forward, we believe the Lord is giving us an added focus and heart to connect our church family to one another in a deeper way and strengthen relationships inside our church body.  This does not discount our missional mindset, the focus on His Word, the heart for worship and prayer, and the surrendered attitude for the Holy Spirit to move in all things big and small, which are all critical to a thriving church/ekklesia.  But in this coming season, we are excited to begin a journey of expanding our Sunday focus with intentional times of building and strengthening relationships.  One of our foundational statements is that “kingdom moves at the speed of relationship.”  One of the ways we believe the Lord is doing this is through our 1st Sunday of the month Family Breakfasts, where we gather together to break bread and connect before the service.  This time has been so helpful to deepen our friendships with one another.  

As we begin 2024, we plan to have times of breakout group discussions once a month as part of our Sunday service to foster deeper relationships and use the giftings and spiritual understandings of the body to expand our understanding of God’s Word and His will and ways for our lives. We are excited to be on this journey together.  

Kristi and I are deeply blessed to serve alongside each of you, and we are humbled by your dedication and commitment to our church’s mission. Your faithfulness and generosity inspire us and reaffirm the belief that together, we can Pursue God, Embrace people, and Transform society through real family. 

May the joy and peace of God fill your hearts and homes with abundant blessings. We pray you and your loved ones have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of cherished moments.

 

Hope to see you this Christmas Eve. We love you!
Pastors Mike & Kristi Polhemus 

 

YOU MAY BE ASKING…

“How can I serve?”  We are so grateful for your heart to serve & be more involved. Here are some immediate areas of opportunity and need:

  • Sunday mornings -front door greeting, teaching in children’s ministry (KidZone) and middle school (Club58), helping in our AV department with sound & slides, serving on the worship team, and being trained up for our altar ministry prayer teams.
  • Wednesday evenings – worship, youth, children’s ministry
  • Saturdays – food distribution and prayer teams on 1st & 3rd Saturdays.  
  • Daily – Assistance with food bank shipments, stocking, and packing orders.  Work with our Compassion ministry to assist struggling families with resources, finances, & prayer.    

If you would like to get involved in any of these service areas, please email family@therock.org and we will get you connected and more involved! 

 

“How can I give?” Your financial contributions are a great help. Here are ways you can give: 

  • By Mail: The Rock Church, 4881 Cherokee Drive, Castle Rock, CO 8010
  • In Person:  Donations boxes on the walls in the sanctuary or Sunday’s offering
  • Text to Give: Text “THEROCKGIVE”  to 833-622-1354

If you’d like to make a year-end contribution to The Rock, please be sure to drop it off at our mailbox outside the office doors or have it postmarked by December 31st. If you’re interested in gifting stocks, property, or crypto currency, please reach out to us directly (andrew@therock.org & marlys@therock.org) and we can help facilitate that donation. These are great alternative ways to maximize giving without paying taxes on the gains. 

 

With all of this said, if you are struggling and needing help or prayers this Christmas, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  You can call our office phone 303-688-0777 or email us at Family@therock.org.

 

 

 

 

 

IMPORTANT SERVICE & WEEKLY INFORMATION:

WEDNESDAY NIGHT WORSHIP & PRAYER SERVICE  7:00pm * In-Person & On-Line *
Facebook Live:  https://www.facebook.com/rockchurchco
The Rock Online Livestream:  https://www.therock.org/live/

 

YOUTH ~ BASE CAMP (6th – 12th Grade) – WEDNESDAY NIGHT – 7:00pm
Invite a friend and come have a great time. If you have any questions, email jaden@therock.org

 

EMBER – Young Adults (Ages 18-29) – Friday Nights at 6:30pm
https://www.therock.org/ember/
Meet in the Chapel for a time of worship, prayer, teaching, and connection.

 

FOOD BANK DISTRIBUTION – 1st & 3rd Saturday of the Month
https://www.therock.org/foodbank/
Email Lindy@therock.org if you would like to volunteer or have questions.

 

SUNDAY MORNING PRE-SERVICE PRAYER  8:15-9:15am – *In-Person & On-line*
ZOOM Direct Video Link:
           https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85340164797?pwd=V0lmWFRRL0R6Tm56QTdRUHNoMWI3QT09
ZOOM Meeting ID: 853 4016 4797
          ZOOM Phone Option +12532158782,,85340164797#

 

SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE 9:45am  *In-Person & On-line*
           Facebook Live:  https://www.facebook.com/rockchurchco
The Rock Online Livestream:  https://www.therock.org/live/

 

OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE  Here are some ways you can partner with The Rock as you practice generosity – our regular tithe/giving, compassion help, missions, and our food bank.  Click on the following link or graphic.  www.therock.org/give

 

Have a Question, Need Prayer, Help, Feel Alone, or Disconnected?

Please email us at family@therock.org and put QUESTION, PRAYER, NEED HELP, or CONNECT ME at the top of your email.