The Rock Church recently celebrated 25 years as a church here in Utah. Woo-hoo!!! I’ve reflected on the celebration events and all that people shared. I can’t help but think about how this church has impacted me over the last 18 years of my life.
A friend invited me to The Rock in 2005, the first church invite I ever received. By the following year, I knew I would pursue Jesus with my life. At the same time, my girlfriend’s life soon changed, too. We both became Believers. To add to that, we married in 2010, had two sweet children, and I became a pastor in 2014.
Over the years of doing life in this church, I have experienced nothing but goodness from the hands of my Lord. The Rock family has been an incredible blessing for me. As 1 John 3:1 reminds us:
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.”
Now, this certainly doesn’t mean every day has been a walk in the park. On the contrary, I have experienced many difficult things. Doors have closed on some of our church plants. Many friends walked away from the faith after I spent years with them. Later on, I witnessed my father become a follower of Jesus. However, the Lord called him Home shortly after.
His Love Through You
Through all of the highs and the lows, one thing has always remained the same:
God’s constant provision, comfort, and love for me is through His Son and the local Church.
You (my Rock family) have been one of the most significant ways the Lord has drawn close to me. You’ve comforted and loved me through the good and bad times.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another.” Romans 12:15-16
Many of you have celebrated with me in the highs of my life. Along with that, several of you have sat with me in the caves of depression during the lows. All of those moments are reminders of God’s care for me.
Over the last 18 years of pursuing Jesus, this family called The Rock Church, has sweetly blessed my life. In retrospect, I can only sit back and praise God for His kindness and mercy to me. Equally important, I thank Him for bringing me into this family that has loved me like Jesus — at my best and worst.
Can I ask you, how has The Rock Church impacted your life? I’d love to hear from you.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17
We absolutely live in an age when everyone is right in their own eyes. Most people don’t even consider that their decisions could be wrong or their actions harmful. At the same time, everybody is on their own path, trying to figure out how to navigate life. Also, endless resources and influences are waiting to tell them exactly what they want to hear.
With the exception of the missions highlighted in red below. Please contact the leader to sign up.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1:
MTTC Kickoff and Pray over the Valley (7:00 p.m., Flat Iron Park, Sandy, UT)
People Needed: all church Team Lead: Michael Hasebroock Email: mikechaze@gmail.com
Meet at the top of Flat Iron Park and spend some time praying, singing to the Lord and getting ready for this year’s MTTC! We’ll anticipate all that the Lord will do this week! This is open to the whole church so there is no need to sign up. See you there! Family-friendly opportunity!
People Needed: 5 adults Team Lead: Kelby McIntyre-Martinez Email: kelby.mcintyre@utah.edu
Come, read for an hour with youth from refugee backgrounds as they prepare to go back to school; then, help clean, organize and replace summer activities for the fall ones. Bring your kids and make this a family affair! Family-friendly opportunity!
School Supplies for Kids (on-going all week, drop off at a home in Sandy, UT)
People Needed: 50+ Team Lead: Kelly Porter Email: race_12_1@porterfam.us
We have a fun way to love on kids by filling backpacks with school supplies they can’t afford. We’ll let you know what you need to get, you just buy and bring your filled backpacks to a Sandy home during our MTTC week. Donations must be dropped off by Tuesday, August 6. Family-friendly opportunity!
People Needed: 5 adults Team Lead: Kelby McIntyre-Martinez Email: kelby.mcintyre@utah.edu
Come, read for an hour with youth from refugee backgrounds as they prepare to go back to school; then, help clean, organize and replace summer activities for the fall ones. Bring your kids and make this a family affair! Family-friendly opportunity!
Ronald McDonald Family Room DINNER Prep and Serve (4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Primary Children’s Hospital, SLC)
People Needed: 6 people; ages 12+ Team Lead: Madee/Dan Herboldsheimer Email: madeemaeh@gmail.com
Bless some families using the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Primary Children’s Hospital for prepping and serving a delicious home-cooked meal…home cooked by YOU! You’ll be serving 70-80 people. The food is supplied; you just need to show up with a heart to serve! Older children family-friendly opportunity!
Bless the Police Department (any time day or evening, local Police Stations)
People Needed: 25 Team Lead: Becky Matheis Email: matheisbecky@gmail.com
Make, bake and bring two-dozen cookies to a local police station as a thank you for their service and commitment to our community. We’ll even provide you with a “Thank You” card to fill out and add to your delivery!. Family-friendly opportunity! There are still plenty of spots available for this mission so please contact Becky Matheis for details!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3:
Rescue Mission Improvement Project (7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Rescue Mission Salt Lake, SLC)
People needed: 5 adults Team Lead: Robert Buckley Email: buckleyrj3@gmail.com
Are you handy with a hammer and drill? Maybe a shovel is your thing? Then this is your project! We’ll be outside working on the grounds of the Rescue Mission Salt Lake. Come prepared to get dirty
The Pregnancy Resource Center Clean Up Project (9:00 a.m., Pregnancy Resource Center, SLC)
People needed: 10 Team Lead: Denise Buckley Email: soccerbuckley@gmail.com
Who likes to garden? Or maybe a good shampoo is more your style? We’ve got a project lined up that ticks both of those boxes. Come, serve the PRC on Saturday morning by shampooing carpets or weeding flowerbeds. Sun and suds, what could be better?
Sort Food for The Utah Food Bank (8:00 – 10:00 a.m., The Utah Food Bank, SLC)
People Needed: 20, ages 12+ Team Lead: AT Tolman Email:hello@adamtolman.com
Come and help sort through 100’s of canned and boxed food items for the Food Bank. Dress in “work clothes” and be ready to get a bit messy! Older children family-friendly opportunity!
The Pregnancy Resource Center Construction Project (8:00 a.m., Pregnancy Resource Center, SLC)
People needed: 2 adults Team Lead: Tim Henry Email:tim.henry@hsc.utah.edu
Calling all handymen! PRC has a project that needs skilled handymen to help repair awnings on their 2nd floor and build a temporary wall. Sounds like the perfect project for a couple of go-getters!
Doggie Day Meet and Greet with the Elderly (12:30 – 2:30 p.m., meet at Draper Church Building, Draper)
People needed: 10-20 people, 6 dogs Team Lead: Andy Peterie Email: andypeterie@gmail.com
Do you have a dog who just LOVES people and other dogs? Let’s put your pooch to good use and share that love with the residents of a local assisted living or respite care NJ (go to website for details). The mere presence of a dog raises the spirits of a person and brings joy and delight to those who have lived isolated lives. Please sign up for this heartwarming experience today! Family-friendly opportunity!
Painting Class with Seniors (1:00 – 3:00 p.m., Cedarwood at Sandy)
People needed: 6, ages 17+ Team Lead: John Wendling Email: jswendlingart@yahoo.com
Do you enjoy being creative and helping people see the beauty in art? We’d love to have you join us as we teach painting skills at a local assisted living home for seniors.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4:
Decorate Food Boxes for The Utah Food Bank (6:30 – 8:00 p.m., Draper Church Building, Draper)
People Needed: 10 adults plus kids Team Lead: Nate/Grace Beldock Email:sisterchick86@yahoo.com
This is a great opportunity for families with little ones to decorate cardboard food delivery boxes for the Food Bank’s Senior Food Deliveries. Come and create your masterpiece on the side of a box! Family-friendly opportunity!
Prepare Sack Lunches for The Road Home children #1 (7:00 – 8:30 p.m., Draper Church Building, Draper)
People Needed: 15 Team Lead: Chris/Amber Roberts Email: clroberts801@gmail.com
Come and help prepare 90 sack lunches for The Road Home children! We’ll slather on that PB & J and fill their sacks with other fun and nutritious goodies. It’ll be a great time of hanging with new and old friends while you bless some awesome kids! Family-friendly opportunity!
MONDAY, AUGUST 5:
Red Cross Blood Drive (3:00 – 8:30 p.m., Draper Church Building, Draper)
People Needed: 50, ages 17+ Team Lead: Brent Kendall Email: brent@trc.life
Donating blood is safe, simple and helps save lives! Each pint of donated blood may help as many as THREE patients! If you are at least 17 years old (or 16 years old with a signed parental/guardian consent form), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health, you may be eligible to give blood. Sign up today at trc.life/giveblood to reserve your time slot! Walk-ins will be asked to wait for next available time slot.
Bless the Fire Department (any time day or evening, local Fire Stations)
People Needed: 25 Team Lead: Becky Matheis Email: matheisbecky@gmail.com
Make, bake and bring two-dozen cookies to a local fire station as a thank you for their service and commitment to our community. We’ll even provide you with a “Thank You” card to fill out and add to your delivery! Family-friendly opportunity! There are still plenty of spots available for this mission so please contact Becky Matheis for details!
Ronald McDonald Family Room LUNCH Prep and Serve (12:00 – 2:00 p.m., Primary Children’s Hospital, SLC)
People Needed: 5 people; ages 12+ Team Lead: Madee/Dan Herboldsheimer Email: madeemaeh@gmail.com
Bless some families using the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Primary Children’s Hospital for prepping and serving a delicious home-cooked meal…home cooked by YOU! You’ll be serving 50 people. The food is supplied; you just need to show up with a heart to serve! Older children family-friendly opportunity!
TUESDAY, AUGUST 6:
Sort and Organize at The Road Home Midvale Warehouse #1 (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., The Road Home, Midvale)
People Needed: 10, ages 16+ Team Lead: Tim Stephan Email: tstephan51@hotmail.com
The warehouse gets packed with community donations daily! Come prepared to help sort and organize those donations. Dress to get messy!
Sort and Organize at The Road Home Midvale Warehouse #2 (12:00 – 2:00 p.m., The Road Home, Midvale)
People Needed: 10, ages 16+ Team Lead: Tim Stephan Email: tstephan51@hotmail.com
The warehouse gets packed with community donations daily! Come prepared to help sort and organize those donations. Dress to get messy!
Prepare Sack Lunches for Road Home Children #2 (7:00 – 8:30 p.m., Draper Church Building, Draper)
People Needed: 15 Team Lead:Terry Walters Email: terryawalters@gmail.com
Come and help prepare 90 sack lunches for The Road Home children! We’ll slather on that PB & J and fill their sacks with other fun and nutritious goodies. It’ll be a great time of hanging with new and old friends while you bless some awesome kids! Family-friendly opportunity!
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7:
Prepare and Serve Dinner for Road Home Midvale Center (3:00 – 8:00 p.m., Midvale Road Home Center, Midvale)
People Needed: 20, ages 5+ Team Lead: Ian Lorenzana Email: ianlorenzana@gmail.com
Be involved in this humbling and eye-opening experience as you prepare and bring a meal to the Midvale Center. You’ll then serve that deliciousness to the 200 residents This is a great project for Small Groups or groups of friends!Family-friendly opportunity!
Flyer the Neighborhood(7:00 p.m., Draper Church Building, Draper)
People Needed: 40 Team Lead: Bryan Edwards Email: bryan@trc.life
We’ve got an awesome Marriage and Parenting series starting in September and we want to invite the whole neighborhood! Come, help us as we put door hangers, postcards and posters in the neighborhoods, coffee shops and bulletin boards in the Sandy/Draper area. Buddy up with a friend, bring the family, get some exercise and let’s invite some people to church…you may just be inviting your new best friend! There is no need to sign up or RSVP for this event so please show up at the church at 7:00 p.m. and we’ll see you there!
Backpack Drop-off (3:00 -4:30 p.m., a home in Sandy, UT)
People Needed: 4 Team Lead:Kelly Porter Email: race_12_1@porterfam.us
Come, help load up backpacks and drop them off at Canyons School Districts Tools for Schools backpack drive in Sandy. We’ll be making a mark for Christ in a public way, showing the world what love looks like. Family-friendly opportunity!
Skate Park Outreach (11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (two-hour shifts), Skate Park @ West Valley Rec Center, West Valley City)
People Needed: 12 adults + kids Team Lead: Steele Croswhite Email: steele@trc.life
We’re looking for outgoing, fun-loving families who like to shred the rails, grab some air and hang out with other gnarly dudes while handing out cold drinks, popsicles and maybe a pizza (or two) to the local skaters and bikers. This is a great opportunity for families with outreach-focused hearts . Get your kid’s feet wet for outreach by simply being kind to others. Family-friendly opportunity!
Have you ever wanted to share your faith in Jesus with others but didn’t know how? Do you need answers for basic spiritual questions you get asked by friends and family? If you’d like to know how to systematically and effectively share your faith in Christ, the upcoming Outreach Class is for you! Starting Sunday, January 29 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., at the Draper Church, the Outreach Class will run for 15 weeks. You will gain the necessary tools through teachings, verses memorization and practice, to confidently share the Gospel. Sign up on-line at the link below. The cost is $15 to cover all materials. Contact Jim McFall with any questions.
“When the LORD brought back the captive ones of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with joyful shouting; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.” — Psalm 126:1-3
I recently read these verses and couldn’t help but reflect on some of the great things God has done in and through the people of The Rock Church (over the last 17 years).
You may have heard the difficult (yet exciting) news that after 13 years at our Salt Lake location, we are closing this chapter of our Rock Church Ministry. Saturday, September 10 (7:00 p.m.) will be our last church service in the Red Warehouse (please join us for a celebration, by the way!). The good news is, we are excited to have most of these wonderful people join us at our Draper location and start a brand new Third Service on Saturday nights starting October 1!
This past Friday (February 12), we had a Cookie Exchange for our newfound Ladies Night for our Salt Lake City location (Every second Friday of the month!) It was encouraging to see women meeting new women, breaking down walls, and building community. It was a success to say the least, especially if you measure success in number of cookies exchanged.
