ROCKPORT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH'S FIRST OF THREE 200TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS was a huge success!  With many hands and lots of planning and set-up for this worship service and potluck, 85 former and current members were able to gather at the Cottonwood Pavilion in the Metroparks.  We heard songs, scripture, a wonderful message from our circuit rider, Rev. Dan Bryant, and enjoyed great food and fellowship. In the coming weeks, look for more information and pictures from this spectacular and memorable event in the life of Rockport church!  Don’t forget and save the dates for Aug. 14^th and Sept. 18^th for Rockport's other 200^th Anniversary celebrations.  Be sure to RSVP, so we can plan for food accordingly.



LETTER FROM FORMER PASTOR OF ROCKPORT:
Dear Rockport U.M.C. Family & Friends,
     Having served as your minister from 1997-2005 I have many fond memories of our ministry together and the growth of the church during those years. 
     Our family is doing well! I have been retired for 9 years & Roger for 5.  We live in a lovely log home in Vermilion with a lagoon & 2 kayaks out back. Andrew has just opened his own restaurant on E. 4^th in Cleveland named Cordelia, after Roger’s grandmother. Kathryn is an organic farmer in Burnville, N.C. She is the Farm Manager for Dig In Farm which grows food for people who need it.
     Roger & I will be out of the country during your Anniversary on a Danube River Cruise originally scheduled for 2020!
     Our thoughts and prayers remain with you & we wish you a happy & memorable 200^th Anniversary.  
                                                                        Grace & peace,
                                                                        Rev. Joan Skelley-Watts



THANK YOU JAN HNANICEK:
Jan started a ministry many years ago at Rockport of sending letters/poems/quotes to our homebound members.  This ministry brought so much joy to our homebound members and let them know they are never forgotten or thought of. She continued this ministry when she transferred to Lakewood UMC and began sending  to Lakewood and Rockport homebound members. Jan funded this ministry all on her own.  She recently moved to an assisted living facility and no longer has a computer or funds to continue this ministry.  Thank you Jan for your many years of love and care to our homebound!

And the king will answer them,
'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these
who are members of my family, you did it to me.'  
Matthew 25:40 NRSV

JOIN US FOR GAME NIGHT:
Are you looking for something to do on a Saturday night?  Look no further.  Come and enjoy game night here at Rockport TOMORROW, July 23rd and Aug. 6, 20 at 6pm.  A light dinner will be provided as well as childcare.  Please sign-up on the bulletin board to attend and/or host and let us know if you will need childcare.



ALUMNI DINNER & CHAT!
Sunday, July 24^th 7 – 9 p.m. - If you’re a Youth Group Alumni come eat some food and hang out for a couple hours! With the pandemic, we’ve only gathered once in person – WE MISS YOU!  Come on in! 


 
HOMEMADE COOKIES NEEDED FOR VBS! 
We are in need of 10 dozen cookies total! Please let me know if you’re able to bake us a dozen or two! There will be a sign-up sheet on the Christian Ed table in the hallway, or send us an email! THANK YOU!!!! VBS is August 1^st through the 3^rd, cookies would need to be dropped off Sunday, July 31^st!



BOOK CLUB:   Please join us on Tuesday, Aug. 30th at 7:30pm at Dianne Hall’s house for fellowship and discussion.  Bring a dessert or appetizer to share.  Marie Benedict’s work of historical fiction, The Only Woman in the Room, tells the life story of Hedy Lamarr, a famed actress of the 1930s and 1940s. The 2019 novel rewrites Lamarr’s legacy by focusing on her path towards inventing a frequency-hopping radio technology that anticipates wi-fi. Benedict uses the political machinations of WWII and Hedy’s experiences to explore performativity, guilt, and sexism. Hope to see you all on Aug. 30th for food, fellowship and discussion!



ROCKPORT COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROJECT CONTINUES… 
Work continues on Holly's house in Fairview Park.  A new railing was installed and new cedar shingles.  Holly also received a donated bike, so she is able to get to places she needs.  Anyone who would like to help on future dates, please call Dave, 440-829-3184.
 

INTERESTED IN SERVING ON A COMMITTEE?  
Rockport is looking for individuals who are interested in serving as Lay Leader, or on Trustees, SPRC, or Church Council.  Those interested, please let Pastor Don or the church office know.



COFFEE HOUR:
Please sign-up on the bulletin board to host coffee hour.  Fellowship is so important to the life of the church.  And of course, it wouldn’t be a Methodist event without food!  Nothing fancy, just a few goodies will be needed to host and Rockport will provide the coffee and water.

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



GOOGLE DRIVE REMINDER
Rockport All Church Information and Financial Reports are accessible here or in the church office.


DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS: