I gained encouragement during some interactions I’ve had with my oncologist. I will share it with you in the hope that you will be encouraged as well.
My oncologist has helped me with my ongoing cancer challenges and was at the helm through my sweet wife Jeanne’s battle with cancer. Back then, we used to joke with him that we were his two-for-one clients. I often thank him for his tireless attention to his cancer patients. He genuinely cares for me and my family. Consequently (and like all of us), he was especially burdened when Jeanne lost her battle with cancer.
“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” — Luke 12:48
Recently, I taught a message from Romans 3:1-8. Those verses are clear. God entrusts us with His Word. In fact, as disciples, we must unapologetically share the Good News of the Gospel of Grace to a lost world.
If we want to see lives changed, we need to take personal responsibility for this charge. But, if you are like me, we can often feel like Moses when he complained, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” — Exodus 4:13 (NIV84)
My family and I have been incredibly blessed to be part of what God has been doing in Utah for the last 24 years. So many lives have changed. We’ve had the privilege of working side-by-side with Gospel-minded people daily; and the Spirit of God continues to move in extraordinary ways. I certainly believe we came here on the wings of prayers from the faithful saints before us. They were people who recognized the need for workers in this place. Prayer warriors, maybe even some of you reading this? It reminds me of this verse.
“These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” — Luke 10:2
Not long ago, I taught about our church’s mission centered around “Winning the Lost, Building the Believer, and Sending the Sanctified”. We can approach this mission in several ways, but being hospitable certainly opens doors to winning others.
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” — Hebrews 13:2 (ESV)
My next-door neighbor (Mr.Grant) is an 89-year-old firecracker. He loves Jesus and has endless opinions (as you can imagine an 89-year-old man would have). Recently, his wife of 70 years passed away. I can’t imagine his grief.
Our family prays for him and loves him dearly; we offer to help him in any way we can. Unfortunately for us, he is one of them old boys who “doesn’t need any help from no one.” So, it can be difficult. Recently, however, I saw my children serve him in some beautiful ways.
This past week was Mission To The City. We set out (as a church family) to serve our city with the love of Christ. That motivation is at the forefront of everything we do! The Parable of the Sower (Mark 4) guides our outreach.
We’re to spread His Word, sow Gospel seeds, and let God do the rest. It’s refreshing to know that all I’m supposed to do is plant some seeds (even as small as a mustard seed) in someone’s life. I can do that by sharing the Gospel, passing out a flyer, inviting someone to church, or doing a kind act in the Lord’s name.
Were you raised in a church but haven’t been back in a while? Do you feel like you were judged or misunderstood? Maybe you distrust religion? Have you felt unsure of the need for a Savior? It’s so easy to feel unworthy, guilty or unsatisfied. If that’s you, perhaps it’s time to try something new? In this refreshing series, you’ll learn that Jesus is ready to meet you right where you are and renew your relationship with Him. It’s time to Rediscover Jesus. Join us as we encounter Him together!
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.
Our Simply Sow series has been challenging and a great reminder to just simply sow seeds of the Gospel and let God take care of the rest! With Easter coming up this weekend, we wanted to give you at The Rock Church a few easy ways to simply sow to your friends, family or co-workers by having Easter invite cards at our services. (more…)
