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May 29, 2025 Newsletter - Highrock's mission is to help people Connect to God Personally, Connect to God’s People, and Connect to God’s Purposes.

| Highrock MetroWest, 754 Greendale Ave. Needham MA

The ‘Shoulds’ That Bless

People So Dearly Loved By God,

Much has been made in recent years about the effect that “should” plays in our psychological lives. Whether in casual settings or in graduate studies, I have come across many examples of how living with an over-emphasis on things we feel we “should” do or “should” avoid can lead us into frustration, feeling stuck, anger, and potentially serious mental challenges. For example, many times I heard the legendary Wellesley area mechanic, Larry Ng, tell distraught customers needing expensive repairs that they “should have bought a Honda.” Or if one is ruled by a belief that “grown children should always be there to help their parents,” one may be overwhelmed by grief if they feel they have let their parents down in some way.

We live with many “shoulds” some of which we interpret from implicit messages in childhood and others we are told through explicit cultural norms or family values. As a Boy Scout I learned a lot of my “shoulds” when memorizing the Scout Oath and Scout Law. They are full of positive values, but whenever I fail to exemplify them I experience extra regret as the “should” rears up in my mind.

I tell you this to make it very clear that I am cautious in using the phrase “should” with my children, wife, clients, and you. I don’t want to add a burden to you unintentionally, or tip you over the edge into despair because I felt you “should” have seen the finale of American Idol.

So please receive this with my deepest love and care for you and for our church in mind:

This Sunday is Milestone Sunday at Highrock MetroWest, and you should be there.

You should be there to give and receive blessings as we celebrate the many young people who are marking significant moments in their lives of faith, or milestones, like confirmation and baptism.

You should be there because Pastor Robert has some exceptional musical worship lined up.

You should be there because Pastor Michael and Grace Taber will be leading some very special community moments.

You should be there because we have a party planned and you need some fun and joy in your life!

If you can’t make it, I understand. No guilt, no shame. We’ll just miss you, that’s all.

But, I really hope you can make it, because it should be an unforgettable Sunday!

See you soon I hope,
~Pastor Ryan

Join Us for Milestone Sunday – A Joyful Celebration on Sunday, June 1!

THIS SUNDAY, June 1, is Milestone Sunday where we’ll celebrate our children’s and youth’s faith journey milestones during the service. After worship, join us for a festive time of food and fun for all ages: bounce in the house on the hill, enjoy cotton candy, and savor delicious Chinese cuisine from Soul Food, complete with a celebratory cake! Activities will be set up in the lower parking lot, creating the perfect space to connect as a community. Don’t miss this joyful day to honor our young members—see you there!

Highrock Members Annual Meeting -- June 15

For Members of Highrock Church:

The date for our Annual Members’ Meeting is June 15th, from 5-7 PM. This will include dinner, updates from the Board of Councilors and staff, and a proposed budget for fiscal year 2025-26.

There is an option to join the meeting virtually as well.

You should have received an email from Highrock to RSVP to the dinner or virtual meeting. If you didn’t, please go HERE to register for the meeting and the dinner. Contact Pastor George at GeorgeC@highrock.org for more information.

Ways to Go Deeper!

MetroWest Prays on most Monday evenings at 8:30 pm by ZOOM. The meeting lasts about 20 minutes. Prayer Requests can be sent to the prayer team via this form or contact Foluke Ajayi. (There is no 8:30 pm zoom prayer meeting on the day we meet in person). All are welcome.

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.

Daily (M -Th) Devotional Group for Anyone – Click for more info.

Find Daily Devos, Highrock sermons, Highrock Online, and more on your favorite platform! Search for “Highrock Church.” Examples: Spotify, YouTube.

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. 

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