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October 2, 2025 Newsletter - BE changed into people through whom God will BRING change

| Highrock MetroWest, 754 Greendale Ave. Needham MA

Growing Deeper, Together: Launching Practicing the Way

Hey Friends,

This is such an exciting season in the life of Highrock MetroWest and Highrock Arlington! This Sunday, we’re launching the Practicing the Way experience, along with a new sermon series based on the same theme.

We’re grateful to see both our long-standing (legacy) small groups and at least four new groups joining in — some meeting after worship on Sundays, others gathering online on Wednesday evenings.

One of the things I’ve been learning as we start this journey is just how powerful small community groups can be in shaping our church life. Recently, Vital Church Ministry conducted a study that asked: “Do you experience acceptance and belonging in your church community?” The difference in responses was striking:

  • Among those who were part of a small group, 86% said yes.
  • Among those who were not in a group, only 10% said yes.

The lesson is clear: being part of a small group makes a profound difference in how connected and supported we feel within the church.

So, if you’ve been longing for more fellowship or simply want to grow deeper in faith and friendship, perhaps this fall is the right time to step into a group. In small community groups, faith becomes relational and practical. We move from sitting in rows to gathering in circles, from anonymity to belonging, from good ideas to authentic discipleship. Groups give us space to ask questions, to encourage one another, and to live out Highrock’s core values of curiosity, courage, and compassion.

We’re excited to see what God will do as we walk together in this new season of Practicing the Way!

If you haven’t yet joined a group but would like to, there’s still time. Click here to sign up for a group — we’d love to have you with us.

— Pastor Robert

PS: for those who have been wanting to be in a small group at MetroWest but unable to find one, these new eight-week groups have the potential to continue to meet throughout the year, depending on the wishes of those in them. 

Practicing The Way! Starts THIS SUNDAY!

Transform Your Faith This Fall

Discover a deeper walk with Jesus this Fall with Practicing the Way at Highrock MetroWest Church! Starting October 5, this eight-week journey invites you to a deeper spiritual life through practices that shape your heart and life. Each Sunday, sermons will unpack a new practice, while small groups meet weekly to share, reflect, and grow together.  Sign up for a small group HERE and make this Fall a season of transformation with Jesus.

When you sign up, let us know if you prefer an after church in-person group with childcare, or a mid-week zoom group.

Already in a MetroWest Small Group? Sign up HERE anyway so that you get the full experience of meeting every week. Your group may only meet monthly and cover a small portion of the important eight-week experience. When not meeting with your regular group, meet with one of the weekly Practicing the Way groups to get the FULL EXPERIENCE! Both zoom and in-person groups are available. For more information, contact Pastor Robert at RobertB@highrock.org or Pastor George at GeorgeC@highrock.org.

[Based on Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer.]

New Sermon Series

This Sunday, Pastor Taylor Burgoyne will preach in our new sermon series, “Practicing the Way.” His sermon draws on various biblical passages on the topic of keeping the Sabbath. Here is a line from the opening of his sermon we can all relate to:

I have to acknowledge right off the bat… I stink at sabbathing. And that’s not false modesty, I really mean that. And then he walks with us to a better practice of the Sabbath to deeply enrich our lives. 

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

 

 

Burger Brothers: Oct. 2, Grill Fest! TONIGHT

Burger Brothers, the men’s fellowship at Highrock MetroWest, will meet on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 7:00 pm for a grill fest at the home of Rob Bradley, 1177 Central Ave., Needham. Bring what you would like to eat to throw on a hot grill and the rest will be provided for you.

Julian Scherer will be with us. Juliian beat out Mark Herzlich (former linebacker for the Giants), Bryce Baringer (punter) Drake Maye (QB), and Hunter Henry (tight end) to win the grand prize in the IJM Ping Pong tournament! We’ll celebrate his win.

REGISTER HERE and let us know you are coming, OR just show up. We’ll be ready for you.

GAWC is HIRING

Highrock MetroWest and Ruach Congregation share ownership of the Greendale Avenue Worship Center (lovingly nicknamed “Gwack”) in Needham, where our communities gather for worship. We’re seeking a part-time Facilities Manager to join our team as our current manager retires. This role is ideal for a reliable, hands-on individual with a knack for building maintenance, coordinating with vendors, and managing service schedules. If you know someone skilled in facility upkeep—perhaps a handyman or someone familiar with building systems—who’d thrive in this role, we’d love to connect! Please reach out to Pastor George at GeorgeC@highrock.org (mailto:GeorgeC@highrock.org) for details or to recommend a candidate. Help us keep Gwack a welcoming space for all!

 

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, Oct 20. (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.