Blog: Highrock MetroWest

Last month I sent out a letter about Highrock’s finances, and I have been so encouraged by the response.  Yes, many people have reached out to acknowledge that they haven’t been tithing, but felt encouraged to set that right.  But what has thrilled me most is that most of these conversations have not really be about money as much as about spirituality.  People have opened up about fears and desires that have exerted too much influence. As I suggested might be the case in my initial email, it is now obvious that God is using this challenge to prune our whole church so that we can be even more faithful, fruitful, and full of life!

In terms of numbers, it’s still too soon to tell.  We did see an increase in gifts in the end of August, but we won’t have enough data to discern whether that is a trend or a blip until we close the books on September and October. We will share a more detailed update in early October just so that you can see what is happening in real time. Either way, further cuts will be required in order to approach sustainability.  In the meantime, our staff continues to work hard on limiting expenses while trying not to limit ministry impact.

We are so thankful for your partnership, and together we are trusting in God to guide us. “I believe in God, our Father Almighty!” — Pastor Dave.

Highrock Family Ministry

A message from Pastor Michael and Grace Taber

Women of Highrock MetroWest are invited to a BBQ on Sunday, Oct. 1, from 6 – 8 pm, at the home of Camille Humphries Lee. Please register for the event. Camille’s address is on the registration form.

REGISTER HERE.

Come and enjoy a time of food and fellowship!

For more information, contact Kathryn Dietz at dietz.kathryn@gmail.com.

Highrock gets to share the beautiful and compelling message of God’s great love for us shown in Jesus Christ. Highrockers plan, prepare, rehearse, and serve together in a variety of fun and meaningful ways over the holiday season. And the concert becomes a space that we can invite our neighbors into while supporting one of our partner organizations.

If you are newer to Highrock, you may wonder what all the fuss is about. This short video explains it.  And if you decide to give it a try, click this link.

The September Men’s Thursday Gathering meetings will include a 20-minute presentation by Pastor George on the topics below followed by a discussion:

September 7: The Politics of Jesus. How would Jesus vote?

September 14: Organized Religion: is God in it?

September 21: Just War? A quick view of how Christians understand war.

September 28: Can you be in business and not lose your soul?

The remaining September meetings are by zoom Thursdays from 8 – 9:15 pm. Get details HERE for zoom link and more.

This Friday, September 22, a brunch together at MetroWest to start off Mom’s Rock! 9:30 am in Fellowship Hall. 

If you are a mom of a teen, toddler, newborn, young adult, parenting on your own, or working in the home or out in your field, we have a group of moms who would love to hang out with you!

During the first half of the fall session of Momsrock, small groups and teaching will be focused on parenting. We will utilize videos and recorded teachings that focus on parenting younger children and older teens, depending on your group’s focus. In the second half of the fall session, we will be diving into “When You Pray.” Six beloved and respected female Bible teachers will help us study some of the Bible’s recorded prayers. As a group, we will then discuss how to use what we are learning to strengthen our own discipleship and life of prayer as moms.

Find the full schedule and more information on the registration page.

Are you interested in learning more about how to integrate your Christian faith and your mental health? Do you want to find resources but you’re not sure where to start? Do you want to talk with others who are on this journey? Then join Pastor Ryan and his wife, Andrea, for their Mental Health and Faith Book Club. 

Come to each session having read or listened to the book for that date. Bring your take-aways and your hesitations and be ready to have a good conversation. All sessions will be via Zoom. 

September 27th 8-9:30pm 

Read: On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden and Gift of Living by Alan Noble

October 25th 8-9:30pm

Read: The Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life by Tish Harrison Warren

November 29th 8-9:30pm

Read: Attached to God: A Practical Guide to Deeper Spiritual Experience by Krispin Mayfield

More to come in the new year!

Note: This group is not clinical therapy. Pastor Ryan can assist you in finding clinical care should the need arise. 

Contact: Pastor Ryan ryanm@highrock.org

Register Here

Theology Lab returns this fall with an exciting year-long (2023-2024) discussion series on the theme of God & Money.

Historically, differences in opinion on money have caused divisions in the church. But at Highrock our mission is to be boundary-crossing communities of people characterized by curiosity and compassion. To that end, this year’s online Theology Lab discussions will address the challenging questions of a faithful relationship to wealth and the use of money, questions like: Are all Christians called to lives of simplicity? How should we go about alleviating poverty? Read more and register for Theology Lab here. The next Theo Lab is Oct. 15.

Kidsrock. Helping Kids Grow in their Faith. Kidsrock is for toddlers through 5th graders, their parents/guardians, and their Small Group leaders. Our mission is to shepherd children in connecting to God personally, connecting to God’s people, and connecting to God’s purposes by teaching and modeling a Christ-centered life that is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Lean more here.

Middle school. The middle school years are full of excitement and change as students transition from being “kids” to “youth.” It is a time of personal discovery, crisis, increased social and self-awareness, and a journey of discovering how to relate to God and others. The Middle School Community welcomes all students in 6th – 8th grade, their parents/guardians, and their Small Group leaders to walk through this pivotal time together. Learn more here.

High school. Highrock’s High School Youth Group comprises rising 9th graders through 12th graders (adolescents about 14 years old through 17 years old). The high school years can be both formative and turbulent. It is our desire that—in the midst of all the challenges and changes—students continue to grow in their personal and communal relationships with God, the church, and one another. Learn more here.

Youth Internships   Highrock MetroWest volunteer youth internships for 2023-24. The program involves both service to the church and leadership development training resulting in a public ceremony in church and the presentation of a Certificate in Leadership Development for a Non-Profit. For more information on the HRMW program, contact Pastor George .

Highrock Beyond Bars is hosting a screening of the documentary Voices of Re-Entry on Saturday, Sept. 24. The 40-minute screening is followed by a conversation with Kim Yeasir, CEO of Thrive Communities and a formerly incarcerated member of our community. This is an opportunity to be introduced to Highrock Beyond Bars and some of the issues around mass incarceration. Learn more here.