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Nov. 6, 2025 Newsletter - BE changed into people through whom God will BRING change

| Highrock MetroWest, 754 Greendale Ave. Needham MA

Highrock Metrowest Church,

I hope you’ve been adjusting to the time change well. Despite the decrease in sunshine, the crisp fall afternoons have been fairly pleasant; I will be soaking up all the decent outside time with my family while I can!

Kidsrock has been back in full swing and our little population has been steadily growing. I’m sure many of you have noticed, we’ve had a baby boom at Metrowest! What a beautiful blessing it has been to see our families continue to grow. With that being said, we need some more hands-on rotation downstairs! We’d love to break up our nursery group into two smaller groups. If you love holding babies, talking with toddlers, or playing with pre-schoolers, we’ve got the space for you! Please reach out to Grace Taber (gracet@highrock.org) to get connected.

High school Highlight:

While we’re talking about serving in Kidsrock- I want to highlight two of our High school students who have been helping out.

Koji Ting has been serving in Kidsrock for a couple of years. He grew up learning all the songs and motions, attending Kidsrock and Summer Blast himself during his elementary years. Now most Sundays you can often find Koji leading our group! He confidently reads through our scripts, bringing so much enthusiasm and joy to teaching the Bible stories, playing large group games, and singing worship songs. As I once heard his younger sister say, “What’s a large group without Koji?!” and that is so true! We are thankful for his dedication and service to our Kidsrock group!

Another student who has been plugging in, more behind the scenes is Leo Ikoribitangaza. He recently became a Next Gen ministry intern, helping out with our set up and tear down of the next gen space; such a critical part of the flow of Sunday mornings downstairs. We are thankful for his willingness to come in early to assist in getting the space ready for the families coming each Sunday!

We love the intergenerational mesh we have in our Kidsrock groups downstairs. Middle school greeters, high school assistants in the classrooms, adults leading our small groups, and empty nesters chasing tornado toddlers around! It is beautiful to see and serve the diverse family of God each week in Kidsrock.

On behalf of all of us in Kidsrock,

Grace Taber, Kidsrock Director 

MORE High School Helpers

In addition to the High School students who are helping out in Kidsrock, there are two more who have committed to coming nearly every Sunday to help. Gabe Manasseh is of great help to us every Sunday morning starting at 8 am. Did you know that Highrock goes into a synagogue early Sunday morning and turns it into a Christian church? A lot goes into the setup before the start of worship, and it all comes back down and into boxes at the end. Gabe is a big help in setting up and taking down.

Also, Sam Bradley starts this month as a High School tech helper who is going to learn our new tech systems that were recently installed. Like Gabe, he will be present most Sundays at 8 am to set up and take down our tech and learn how it operates.

There are other High Schoolers who are an immense help to us as well: Alexander Wasynczuk, Lukas Marshall, Averie and Noelle Lee, Maggie Kilburn-Peterson, Natalie Huang, Zach Choi, Christian Lee, Chris and Jossie Kao. Thank you!

Practicing The Way is Underway!

Discover a deeper walk with Jesus this Fall with Practicing the Way at Highrock MetroWest Church! Each Sunday, Oct 5 – Nov. 23, sermons unpack a new practice, while small groups meet weekly to share, reflect, and grow together. For more information, contact Pastor Robert: RobertB@Highrock.org.

Fall Sermon Series

This Sunday, Pastor Taylor Burgoyne will be with us to preach in our sermon series, “Practicing the Way.” His sermon is on the practice of Scripture and is based on Matthew 7:24-27.

This sermon series is based on the book and workbook Practicing the Way by Mark Comer.

 

New Role for Pastor George

Pastor George Cladis has been appointed Highrock’s Executive Pastor by Pastor Dave Swaim with the Board of Councilors. He will also continue as Lead Pastor for the MetroWest congregation — in other words, he isn’t going anywhere and will continue to be a regular presence on Sundays at MetroWest and facilitate the work of the MW staff.

Highrock is also actively seeking an Associate Pastor to serve alongside Pastors George, Robert, and Michael for the MetroWest congregation. Please pray for this search: that God would lead us to the right leader for this time.

Pastor George says he has been slowly merging into this new position. The announcement mostly confirms what he’s already doing, though there are some added responsibilities for him. Pastor George has served in two prior multi-site congregations as an Executive Pastor, combining both a church and business background for this role.

Helping Our Neighbors

Highrock Community,

SNAP benefits expired on November 1 due to the federal government shutdown—the first lapse since the program began. In Arlington, 500–1,000 families will lose critical aid.

Jesus calls us to feed the hungry (Matthew 25:35–40). Here’s how to help:

🙏 PRAY for wise, collaborative leadership in Washington.

🥫 DONATE non-perishables or funds via Neighbor2Neighbor Ministries (N2N, a Highrock-formed nonprofit; donations tax-deductible).

  • Drop-off: Mill Café (Tue–Sat, 7:30 am–4 pm) or Sunday worship.
  • Online giving: Donate to N2N
  • Needed items:
    • Toiletries: paper towels, dish soap, napkins, laundry detergent, feminine products, shampoo, toothpaste, and diapers.
    • Dried goods: rice, beans (dry/canned), macaroni, baking items, coffee, tea.
    • Other: sauce jars, peanut butter, vegetable oil, canned tuna. (No canned vegetables.)

Food aids N2N’s weekly Menotomy Manor visits; leftovers go to Arlington Eats. Funds buy fresh produce.

In Christ, Pastor Taylor. TaylorB@highrock.org

Membership at Highrock Church - Sunday Dec. 7

Join us after church on Sunday, December 7, for a 50 minute session on membership at Highrock!

Whether you have been attending Highrock for a few weeks or a few years, we would love for you to learn what it means to be a member of our church family. You’ll learn about our history, our denomination, our vision and values, and the benefits and responsibilities of church membership. There will be plenty of space for Q+A and conversation, so bring along all of your questions and reflections!

Though childcare won’t be available, children are welcome as toys and supplies will be available!

REGISTER HERE 

Pastor George. GeorgeC@highrock.org

Fiddler on the Roof by Ruach Congregation

Fiddler on the Roof

MetroWest Student Ministry This Week!

  • Middle School Community will meet for Morning Fellowship this Sunday in the Youth Room at 10 am; we also have Youth Group from 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm!
  • High School Community will meet this Friday, November 7th at E.J.’s house (179 Winding River Road, Wellesley) for SoFresh Friday (a High School gathering set apart for Freshmen and Sophomores) from 7 pm – 9 pm.

SAVE THE DATES!

Highrock MetroWest Potluck Dinner. Highrock Arlington and MetroWest are hosting potluck dinners at their respective campuses on Wednesday evening, December 17—details to come.

Marriage Seminar. Highrock Arlington and Highrock MetroWest will present identical seminars by a Christian psychologist on the challenges posed to marriages in these days. The dates are: January 24, 2026, at the Arlington campus and January 31, 2026 at a MetroWest location to be announced. Watch here for more details!

Highrock MetroWest Family Camp. MetroWest is bringing back the Family Camp experience! It will be held in October 9 – 11, 2026. More on this soon.

HIghrock's Mission, Strategy, and Fall Theme

Our HIGHROCK MISSION:

Following Jesus to full life by connecting to God personally, connecting to God’s

People, & connecting to God’s purposes.”

Our STRATEGY:

Creating Christ-Centered communities that inspire curiosity, courage, and

compassion

Our THEME for the FALL:

BE changed into people through whom God will BRING change

Ways to Go Deeper!

MetroWest Prays is held on Monday evenings, 8:30 – 8:50 pm by going on this ZOOM LINK. The next in-person prayer meeting will be at MetroWest at 7 pm on Monday, Nov. 10. (There is no zoom prayer meeting on the same Monday we meet in person). All are welcome to our prayer meetings. Prayer Requests can be sent at any time to the prayer team via this form or contact Pastor Robert.

For Moms! The MetroWest chapter of Momsrock meets most Friday mornings at 9:30 am in Fellowship Hall. Contact Sandi Norman for more information at sandinorman@gmail.com.

Join a Morning Prayer Call on Zoom (audio only), 5:45-6:15 AM, Monday-Thursday during the school year, starting September 15th, for scripture, contemplation, and prayer, with flexible participation open to all and no pressure to speak. Some breaks are taken for holidays, etc. Email Gina Bradley (ginakbradley@gmail.com) for the Zoom link!
Find Daily Devos, Highrock sermons, Highrock Online, and more on your favorite platform! Search for “Highrock Church.” Examples: Spotify, YouTube.

More resources for engaging deeper in your walk with Jesus and connection to God’s people can be found in the larger Highrock community — see what is Coming Up across Highrock campuses.

THIS LINK takes you to our church management program called MyRock. Create a profile, if you don’t have one, and then join the NextGen Family Group. to view the Middle and High School events on the Calendar Tab. Contact  Pastor George if you need assistance.

NEXTGEN STUDENT MINISTRY HANDBOOK. 

HRMW Feedback Form

Let your church know how to improve worship and ministry to draw people into a deeper life with Jesus.