ERock: newsletter

A Word From Pastor Bill Young

What does it mean to sacrifice? Because of the way we were raised, I’ll bet most of us don’t have a clue! Honestly, some of us probably think missing our favorite TV program is a sacrifice! But according to the dictionary, a sacrifice is defined as ”offering to God something precious for the sake of something or someone else.” That said, perhaps another definition is taking our resources and investing them in eternity.

Without question, God HAS blessed because people HAVE sacrificed. People at The Rock have given money, time and talents, and God has honored their faith. And as I think about the future, I’m convinced God wants to KEEP blessing this church! So in order for that to happen again, it will take all of us working together (just like before) to “grow deep for further reach!” And to have the kind of impact we’re believing God for (20 services by the year 2020), it will take sacrifice!

This reminds me of the powerfully moving scene from the movie Schindler’s List. Oskar Schindler was a man who sacrificed some of his wealth in order to save over 1,100 Jews from certain death in Nazi concentration camps. Toward the end of the movie, Schindler is being ushered out of the city to escape capture. The rescued Jews watch as Mr. Schindler breaks down sobbing, looking at his car saying, “I could have done more. I could have traded this car for ten more people. I could have done more.”

What haunting words. What a sobering thought to wonder, “Could I have done more with what God gave me?” Let’s determine NOT to have any regrets. Let’s live sacrificially and intentionally by offering to God something precious in order to make a difference in eternity.

Looking ahead,

Bill

1 Chronicles 29:9 says, “The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord!” And that’s exactly what happened this past weekend as we reported that our leaders at The Rock Church had turned in their Roots commitment cards for a total of $1,024,725 raised so far! Unbelievable — we’re halfway there! What an honor and privilege to have such quality people as a part of our church! May God continue to raise our faith and bring the goal to completion.

“I love the part of Isaiah 43:19 that says, ’See, I am doing a new thing...’ — because God is ALWAYS doing a new thing! In the six years I’ve lived in Utah, I’ve been a part of each fundraiser and building renovation that we’ve undertaken as a church. And nearly every Saturday night I look at the crowd drawn to the downtown Rock, and the Lord blesses my heart because I know that my labor and sacrifice has helped build Christ’s Kingdom. More than anything, I’m humbled by the fact that God chose me to be a part of all of this, that my life is forever changed by Him, and any amount of time or money I give to Him is miniscule in comparison to the gifts He returns! Bill has said many times that we won’t know the eternal rewards the Lord will give us until we get to Heaven, but I truly believe that the rewards begin the moment we relinquish control of our resources to Him.” That’s what Kristen Lavelett has to say. Get ready to get planted!

Buckets All-Church Conference
In the Christian life, there are certain truths that are essential. Once understood and incorporated into our everyday lives, they provide a real sense of security and peace. It’s like when you’re rock climbing and you find a huge handhold — a bucket. Our guest speaker this year will be Pastor Mitch Majeski from our sister church in Fort Collins, Colorado. Mitch is an outstanding speaker and has a passion for God’s Word and His Kingdom, so you’re sure to grow deeper in your relationship with God. This FREE event is at the downtown building from 9:00 to 3:00 THIS SATURDAY, October 11, and includes lunch and childcare. No reason for you not to attend!

Deeper (Provo)
Women growing deeper in their relationship with God and each other — that’s what this is all about — at the Provo building on Wednesday, October 15, at 7:00 p.m. It will be a night of fun and friendship, so be ready to meet your new best friends!

Special Roots Celebration
Don’t even think of missing our special celebration services the weekend of October 17-19, as we celebrate all that God is doing through our Roots faithraising campaign. There will be extended worship followed by amazing food and fellowship. This is not a regular service, but a historic event in the life of our church. All services, all locations — don’t miss it!

Ladies’ Night (Sandy)
Our theme for this year is Immeasurably More: How to Live Your Life Through God’s Power. Our title for the next meeting is How to Rekindle Spiritual Passion and will be held at the Sunday building on Monday, October 20, at 7:00 p.m.! Childcare is available, so be sure to join us!

The Next Level/House Church transition
October 8, 7:00 p.m., downtown building

Buckets
October 11, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., downtown building

Deeper
October 17, 7:00 p.m., Provo building

Special Roots Celebration
October 17-19, All services, all locations.

Ladies' Night
October 20, 7:00 p.m., Sandy building

For the full calendar, click here.

October 8, 2008
In today's newsletter... Celebrate the Win Roots Spotlight News Upcoming Events Prayer Requests this week: Roots: Commitment coming up: Roots: Celebrations To download messages, click here. This six-week series is the perfect way to learn more about the journey of faith we've begun, as well as deepening and strengthening your personal walk with God. Topics include worship, prayer, vision, stewardship, sacrifice, and commitment. Don't miss any of these services! Please pray for Suzanne Croswhite as she undergoes surgery tomorrow. Please pray that Salt Lake Rescue Mission will find a certified general appraiser to help them with their facility expansion. Please ask God to provide a permanent facility in Sandy. Please pray that Christ’s Kingdom will continue to expand through the various ministries of The Rock Church. Do you have a special prayer need? Click here to share your need and have people begin praying for you right now. BIBLE CLIP “Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near” (Isaiah 55:6).	SACRIFICE A Word From Pastor Bill Young What does it mean to sacrifice? Because of the way we were raised, I’ll bet most of us don’t have a clue! Honestly, some of us probably think missing our favorite TV program is a sacrifice! But according to the dictionary, a sacrifice is defined as ”offering to God something precious for the sake of something or someone else.” That said, perhaps another definition is taking our resources and investing them in eternity. Without question, God HAS blessed because people HAVE sacrificed. People at The Rock have given money, time and talents, and God has honored their faith. And as I think about the future, I’m convinced God wants to KEEP blessing this church! So in order for that to happen again, it will take all of us working together (just like before) to “grow deep for further reach!” And to have the kind of impact we’re believing God for (20 services by the year 2020), it will take sacrifice! This reminds me of the powerfully moving scene from the movie Schindler’s List. Oskar Schindler was a man who sacrificed some of his wealth in order to save over 1,100 Jews from certain death in Nazi concentration camps. Toward the end of the movie, Schindler is being ushered out of the city to escape capture. The rescued Jews watch as Mr. Schindler breaks down sobbing, looking at his car saying, “I could have done more. I could have traded this car for ten more people. I could have done more.” What haunting words. What a sobering thought to wonder, “Could I have done more with what God gave me?” Let’s determine NOT to have any regrets. Let’s live sacrificially and intentionally by offering to God something precious in order to make a difference in eternity. Looking ahead, Bill CELEBRATE THE WIN 1 Chronicles 29:9 says, “The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord!” And that’s exactly what happened this past weekend as we reported that our leaders at The Rock Church had turned in their Roots commitment cards for a total of $1,024,725 raised so far! Unbelievable — we’re halfway there! What an honor and privilege to have such quality people as a part of our church! May God continue to raise our faith and bring the goal to completion. ROOTS SPOTLIGHT “I love the part of Isaiah 43:19 that says, ’See, I am doing a new thing...’ — because God is ALWAYS doing a new thing! In the six years I’ve lived in Utah, I’ve been a part of each fundraiser and building renovation that we’ve undertaken as a church. And nearly every Saturday night I look at the crowd drawn to the downtown Rock, and the Lord blesses my heart because I know that my labor and sacrifice has helped build Christ’s Kingdom. More than anything, I’m humbled by the fact that God chose me to be a part of all of this, that my life is forever changed by Him, and any amount of time or money I give to Him is miniscule in comparison to the gifts He returns! Bill has said many times that we won’t know the eternal rewards the Lord will give us until we get to Heaven, but I truly believe that the rewards begin the moment we relinquish control of our resources to Him.” That’s what Kristen Lavelett has to say. Get ready to get planted! NEWS Buckets All-Church Conference In the Christian life, there are certain truths that are essential. Once understood and incorporated into our everyday lives, they provide a real sense of security and peace. It’s like when you’re rock climbing and you find a huge handhold — a bucket. Our guest speaker this year will be Pastor Mitch Majeski from our sister church in Fort Collins, Colorado. Mitch is an outstanding speaker and has a passion for God’s Word and His Kingdom, so you’re sure to grow deeper in your relationship with God. This FREE event is at the downtown building from 9:00 to 3:00 THIS SATURDAY, October 11, and includes lunch and childcare. No reason for you not to attend! Deeper (Provo) Women growing deeper in their relationship with God and each other — that’s what this is all about — at the Provo building on Wednesday, October 15, at 7:00 p.m. It will be a night of fun and friendship, so be ready to meet your new best friends! Special Roots Celebration Don’t even think of missing our special celebration services the weekend of October 17-19, as we celebrate all that God is doing through our Roots faithraising campaign. There will be extended worship followed by amazing food and fellowship. This is not a regular service, but a historic event in the life of our church. All services, all locations — don’t miss it! Ladies’ Night (Sandy) Our theme for this year is Immeasurably More: How to Live Your Life Through God’s Power. Our title for the next meeting is How to Rekindle Spiritual Passion and will be held at the Sunday building on Monday, October 20, at 7:00 p.m.! Childcare is available, so be sure to join us! UPCOMING EVENTS The Next Level/House Church transition October 8, 7:00 p.m., downtown building Buckets October 11, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., downtown building Deeper October 17, 7:00 p.m., Provo building Special Roots Celebration October 17-19, All services, all locations. Ladies' Night October 20, 7:00 p.m., Sandy building For the full calendar, click here.