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October 17, 2024 Newsletter

| Highrock MetroWest, 754 Greendale Ave. Needham MA

Are You a Winner?

This Sunday, Oct. 20, Pastor John Mury will preach a message on what it means to be victorious. I thought I would introduce his sermon — sort of, prime the pump of your mind and spirit — with this true story. Pictured above is Iván Fernández Anaya pointing out to Abel Mutai that the finish line was still ahead of him.

There was a famous marathon in Spain a few years ago. It was one of those highly anticipated races, with elite runners from around the world competing. The frontrunner, a Kenyan named Abel Mutai, was in the lead, well ahead of the others. As the finish line approached, Mutai made an honest mistake. He stopped running about 10 meters short of the actual finish line, thinking he had already won.

Behind him was another runner, a Spaniard named Iván Fernández Anaya. Seeing what had happened, Iván could have taken advantage of the moment and sprinted past Abel to claim victory for himself. But instead of doing that, Iván slowed down and began shouting to Abel, trying to direct him towards the finish line. When Abel didn’t understand, Iván ran up behind him and physically gestured for him to cross the line, allowing Abel to win the race.

After the race, reporters asked Iván why he didn’t take the win for himself. His response was profound. He said, “I didn’t deserve to win. He was the rightful winner. He made a mistake, but that doesn’t mean I should take advantage of it. What would be the honor in that victory?”

Iván’s actions defy the modern narrative of what it means to win. In a world that keeps score by goals, points, and metrics, Iván’s decision to sacrifice his personal gain for something more meaningful challenges our perception of success.

As I reflect on Iván’s story, I can’t help but think that this is precisely what Jesus asks of us as well. The world may tell us to sprint ahead, take what we can, and be ruthless in our pursuit of success. But Jesus flips the script. The score that matters isn’t counted in worldly accolades. It’s measured by our faithfulness, humility, and willingness to lift others up, even when it costs us.

So, as we prepare to explore the message of the church at Smyrna this Sunday, consider this: What kind of race are you running?

See you on Sunday! Pastor George

New Sermon Series: Behind the Curtain!

Behind the Curtain: Secrets of the Seven Churches of Revelation

Do you ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes, if the hype matches reality, or if it’s all just smoke and mirrors? In Revelation we get a peek behind the curtain and at the spiritual health of seven New Testament churches. Jesus gives his direct and honest feedback. Some of the Churches are healthy and thriving – they are doing a great job of loving their neighbors as themselves. Other churches, however… well not so much. If Jesus were to look behind the curtain of our Church, our families, and our lives, what kind of things might he want to say to us? Are there secrets we’d rather not have come to light? The good news is that when Jesus shines a light on the broken parts of our lives he does so not to shame us or condemn us, but to encourage us to be well! 

We hope you join us this fall as we explore the secrets of the seven churches of Revelation together and learn how we can grow in love for God and each other!

This Sunday, October 20, Pastor John Mury will preach from Rev 2:8-11 about the Church in Smyrna. 

The sermon study guide, reflection group information, and more about the sermon series can be found here.

Women's Dinner on October 20!

Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for a lovely dinner of make-your-own grain/burrito bowls! We will do this on Sunday evening, October 20, at 6 pm. Here are the details:

Where:  Home of Camille Humphries Lee, 11 Cushing Road, Wellesley

When:  Sunday, October 20, 6:00 pm

What: Make-your-own grain bowls or burrito bowls. We’ll provide all the food.

Register here and let us know you are coming!

Justice Health Initiative (JHI) Bake Sale Sign Up!

HRMW is excited to support the Justice Health Initiative (www.jhiinc.org) founded by our very own Alex Gitungano through a tasty fundraiser. Please sign up for this “no aprons required” bake sale HERE and indicate your nut-free contribution by November 9. Store-bought treats are welcome. Drop off will be Saturday, 11/16, 9am-6pm (or another pre-arranged time) in a collection bin at 179 Winding River Road in Wellesley. Thank you for your help!

All HRMW high schoolers are invited to a pizza and packaging party on Saturday, 11/16, 6 pm-7:30 pm at the same address listed above. The bake sale will be at HRMW on Sunday, 11/17, during the Fall Family Festival after service. Please email jennykim7@gmail.com with any ?’s. Thank you!

— Jenny Kim. 

Summary of these events:
November 16, 9 am – 6 pm: drop off food items.
November 16, 6 pm – 7:30 pm. High school pizza and packaging party.
November 17 after church: fundraiser during Fall Family Festival.

If you would like to make a cash donation to JHI, use the QR code or go here. On some devices, the QR code may not be clear. 

Highrock MetroWest Fall Family Festival on Sunday, Nov. 17

Mark the Date!

The Highrock MetroWest Fall Family Festival will be held at MetroWest Church (754 Greendale Ave., Needham) right after the 10 am worship service on Sunday, Nov. 17.

The festival is a fun time for all: games, prizes, treats, food, and more!

More information will be coming in future newsletters.

NextGen Calendar

Highrock MetroWest: THIS LINK takes you to our church management program. Create a profile, if you don’t have one, and then join the NextGen Family Group. You can see in this group the Calendar Tab which lists all the Middle and High School meetings and events in a calendar format. If you need help with this, please contact Pastor George.

Coming Up at Highrock Church

Whether you’re looking to connect in person or online, there’s always something happening at Highrock!

Grow in your faith through a small group, broaden your horizons with a class, worship with others, volunteer your time, and more.

Check out the “Coming Up” section for all of Highrock Church.

Ways to Go Deeper!

MetroWest Prays most Monday evenings at 8:30 pm by ZOOM. Prayer Requests can be sent to the prayer team via this form or contact Foluke Ajayi. The next in-person prayer time is Monday evening,

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 with Pastor Ryan Marshall – Click for more info.

New Groups! We have newly formed Highrock MetroWest small groups. Contact Pastor George for more information.

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

HRMW Feedback Form

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