by Jayla Ward • 3 minutes
We are happy to announce a win for our client The Rock Church in Castle Rock, Colorado.
First Liberty recently reached an agreement with the city that will allow the church to house and help people in need. The Rock uses RVs to give people a temporary place to stay in a pinch. The church can continue using its building and property to provide emergency shelter.
On a very positive note, the Town acknowledged “the Rock’s invaluable services to the Castle Rock community through its longstanding efforts to provide support for those members of our community most in need.”
Last year, First Liberty filed a lawsuit after the city called for an end to the ministry efforts, saying that the temporary shelter ministry violated zoning ordinances. The town also threatened to revoke the license of the coffee service housed in the church.
The agreement brings an end to the litigation, ensuring the city and the church can partner and cooperate to serve their community.
Additionally, The Rock will be able to operate its coffee shop at cost or for voluntary donations. Further, the Town of Castle Rock agreed to pay $225,000 toward the church’s attorney’s fees.
“This is a welcome resolution that goes far to encourage churches who care for those in need and a good example of the type of cooperation between church and state that every community should welcome,” said First Liberty Senior Counsel Jeremy Dys.
“We are pleased that we can continue our church’s mission to transform society by loving others as Christ loved us,” said Pastor Mike Polhemus. “We love Castle Rock and are committed to working with the Town of Castle Rock to provide assistance to those in need, thus helping to reduce homelessness in our community.”
Giving the Displaced a Community, a Purpose and a Future
The Rock is doing a tremendous labor of love and service for the most vulnerable. Its ministry and charitable work are changing people’s lives.
Pastor Mike Polhemus and the congregation have several ministries to help people who are struggling, including food distribution, clothing distribution, job training and financial assistance.
The church’s ministry to the displaced isn’t just about providing a place to stay. It’s about helping people transition to a permanent solution that includes a job and their own residence.
A single mom named Taylor and her young son stayed in one of the RVs for a few weeks until she figured out what was next for them.
“I was able to get back on my feet and drastically improve my own and my son’s living circumstances and future prospects…,” she said. “I had nowhere else to go…Without the Church’s help, I would have been separated from my son and do not think I would still be living today.”
Joe also needed help getting his life back together. With the church’s help, the safety of an RV, and the love of a community of Christians, drug addiction no longer lays claim to Joe. He is free. More than that, he’s a productive member of the community, gainfully employed and living in a place of his own.
Fred shares a similar story. He was struggling. He said that without temporary shelter and other assistance from the church, he would have likely ended up living on the streets.
“The church helped me locate this apartment, paid my first month’s rent, and continued to provide me food while I was getting back on my feet,” Fred shared. “Since leaving the Church’s temporary shelter, I have maintained my employment with FedEx and continue to live in the same apartment without needing financial assistance.”
These are just a few among many testimonies of individuals and families whose lives have been changed by The Rock’s ministries.
“Our mission is to transform society by loving others as Christ loved us,” says Pastor Mike. “From the very beginning of this ministry, we’ve only ever wanted to obey our call to reach out, serve and love the needy around us.”
Because You Give, People of Faith Are Free to Fulfill Their Divine Calling
Thank you for supporting First Liberty. This win would not have been possible without you.
Your support makes an incredible difference in the lives of Americans like Pastor Mike and his congregation. We deeply appreciate every gift, every prayer and encouraging message you sent during this case.
Will you help us deliver religious freedom for more of our clients? Your gift today can protect the rights of houses of worship, so that they can continue to impact their communities.
You can help us secure more victories for churches across America by taking advantage of First Liberty’s $500,000 Challenge Grant. When you give by June 30th, your gift will have a multiplied impact in the fight for faith.
Please give to First Liberty today.
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