CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR OUR STAFF:
Our Staff does such a wonderful job throughout the year. On Sunday, December 10th and Sunday, December 17th, we will be having a special collection to say “thank you” and “Merry Christmas” on behalf of Rockport Church. A special box has been placed in the back of the church. For those that attend on-line you can send your donation to the church office. Please designate on the payment “Staff Appreciation”. Thank you on behalf of the Staff Parish Relations Committee – Beverly Cavanah, Debbie Bryant, Dan Newman, Dave Stephan and Jim Leitch
We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:3
2024 PLEDGE UPDATE:
To date, we have received 54 pledges totaling $120,634. Thank you to those who have already pledged. Your financial commitment to Rockport is greatly appreciated. You may still mail in your pledge/commitment card, email, or call the church with your pledge, or fill out a pledge card available in the narthex. Thank you.
HYGIENE PRODUCT COLLECTION FOR SHELTERS:
We are blessed and have an opportunity to help those in need by collecting Hygiene products for local shelters. Now through December 17, bring hygiene products to church and we will deliver them to local shelters. Items with an asterisk are needed most for the Community Service Alliance/Transforming the Lives of Homeless Men https://www.comservealliance.org/. This is just one of the organizations that this collection will support.
- Men’s deodorant*
- Men’s shampoo/bodywash*
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shower caps
- Face and body wash
- Shower gel and soap
- Shaving cream and razors
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash*
- Menstrual products (often is short supply)
- Diapers, pull-ups, baby wipes, formula
- Toilet paper, deodorant, combs and brushes
- Nail clippers and files, hand sanitizer, sanitation wipes
Thank you for your generosity!
LIGHT OF HOPE SERVICE DECEMBER 10TH AT 2PM:
The Light of Hope Service recognizes the loss and loneliness that can be felt during the holidays due to death, disease, poverty or abuse or other grief issues. It is a service that specifically enables individuals to experience their grief, as well as express what they are felling, so they can find a sense of calm and hope during the holidays.
ADVENT STUDY & POTLUCK:
Wednesday, December 13, from 6 to 8! Bring a dish or dessert to share, and join in some fellowship, devotions, and an advent lesson! Please sign-up on the bulletin board if you plan on attending.
DECEMBER MEN’S GROUP CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION:
The Annual Rockport Men’s Group Christmas Celebration will be on Thursday, December 14th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the church. Nick will provide pasta, meatballs and sausage. Bring a salad, vegetables, side dish or desert and your Christmas spirit! We always have a great time at this festive gathering.
ROCKPORTS MUSIC MINISTRY:
Rockport is blessed to have a Choir that practices weekly on Tuesdays at 6pm (we are known to have a few laughs!) and fellowship. Our Ramblers of guitarists, singers, harmonica and more are always expanding their joy of music together and in worship. Also, our Flute solo music continues to bless us.
As we prepare for the birth of Jesus, the choir will be singing in the 10AM Sunday worship services on: December 10th, 17th, 24th, as well as, 5PM Christmas Eve service & Pre-service music featuring the Ramblers at 4:40 PM. "Come and Worship"... Susan Shick, Music Director/Organist
DON’T FORGET YOUR PLEDGE!
As we approach the end of the 2023 year, don’t forget your commitment to Rockport. If you are unsure of where you are with your pledge, please call the church office. Thank you.
BOOK CLUB:
Our next book discussion will be on Monday, Nov. 27th @ 7:00pm at Ellen Todia’s house (off of Story Rd.). The book we will be reading is Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult “Mad Honey tells the story of two women who have fled abusive pasts to make a new life in the small town of Adams, New Hampshire. When one is found dead, and the other finds her son accused of the murder, the tense courtroom drama that unfolds shines light on the true cost of secrets kept for love.” Hope to see everyone on Nov. 27th for food, fun, fellowship and discussion.
CHAT AND CHEW ADULT DISCUSSION GROUP!
Come and join us, bring your lunch and enjoy your food AND a great discussion! We will explore various topics in the church and Bible.
LAST 2023 Date: We meet once a month on the 3rd Monday of the month, 12 to 2 p.m.
*December 18th (Christmas gathering)
WINTER & SPRING DATES:
January 22nd (please note this is the 4th Monday, as the 3rd Monday is MLK Day)
February 26th (please note this is the 4th Monday, as the 3rd Monday is President’s Day)
March 18th
April 15th
May 20th
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTY
will meet on Thursday, December 14th and 28th in the church parlor. All knitters, crocheters, and people who want to learn to knit are welcome.
MISSION POSSIBLE!
THE YOUTH & Children will be collecting winter items for the Cabinet and also for different homeless groups this year. Hats, Scarves, Gloves, cans of SOUP or ready to eat canned goods with the pull tops (for example: ravioli or hearty soups) hand warmers - the small kind you squeeze with your hands to activate, inexpensive blankets that can be worn easily (may be gently used, they do not have to be brand new) and small sized toiletries (the youth group make homeless kits to put into the cabinet and also distribute)
· We will still be collecting our “normal” items for the cabinet as well!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
GOOGLE DRIVE REMINDER:
Church financials can be found here.
October Financials are now posted. Go to the Rockport All Church Information folder, Financial Reports folder, 2023 Financials folder, or get a hard copy in the church office.
REMINDER:
Office hours are Monday-Thursday 8:00 - 2:00pm and Fridays from 8:00 - 1:00pm.
Rev. Don's office hours are Tuesday and Thursdays from 11:00 - 1:00pm
DISTRICT NEWS: http://www.eocumc.com/northcoast/
CONFERENCE NEWS: https://www.eocumc.com/
Storyboard Podcast: Faith Witness Transformation
Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation is an East Ohio Conference Communications production featuring clergy and laity sharing personal stories of how lives are being transformed through the ministries of The United Methodist Church.
Episode 24 is titled “Experience of God Through The United Methodist Church: The Power of Relationship”. The episode features conversation with East Ohio Conference clergy who share personal stories of experiencing God through the people of United Methodist congregations, the impact of relationships in those experiences, and the importance of local churches committing to being spaces where people can meet God in unique ways
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