DISTRICT NEWS: http://www.eocumc.com/northcoast/

North Coast District Superintendent Rev. Bruce Hitchcock Conversations and Challenge to all churches:
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/NCD-Conversations.html?soid=1107257093163&aid=4tedpKqkkF8


CONFERENCE NEWS:  https://www.eocumc.com/

A Re-Districting Message from Bishop Tracy S. Malone
View in browser


Episode 19 is titled “Belonging and Inclusion: Building a Community Ecumenical Youth Ministry”. The episode features conversation with Rev. Becky Evanoff of Northampton UMC and Pastor Jim Steingass of St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church about the ‘Verge youth ministry they are building with a Bhutanese congregation in their shared community.
Listen to archived episodes of Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation



 

STAFF TIME AWAY: 
Pastor Don will be out of the office from Oct. 2^nd - 9th.  For any Pastoral emergencies, please call Rev. Barbara Davis at 440-774-1660. Also, the church office will be closed on Friday, Oct. 6^thand Monday, Oct. 9^th while Sara Chapman, Office Admin., partakes in the spiritual renewal program, Walk to Emmaus.
 

GUEST PREACHER ON OCTOBER 8^TH: 
We are pleased to have Rev. Jared Gadomski Littleton preach in Rev. Don’s absence on Oct. 8^th.  Rev. Littleton is an ordained United Methodist Elder and has been the chaplain at Cleveland Clinic-Lutheran Hospital for 6 years. Previously, Rev. Gadomski Littleton was appointed to OhioGuidestone and Independence United Methodist Church. He is passionate about recognizing the Image of God in every person and treating them with the dignity and worth as thus fights for inclusion in any place that excludes. He and his wife Danielle have three boys, Calvin, Elijah and Micah. Let’s give Rev. Littleton a warm Rockport welcome on Oct.8^th!




WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY:
Historically, World Communion Sunday has been celebrated with an offering on the first Sunday of October. The offering supports ethnic students who will be the first generation in their families to attend college and people of color who haven’t historically had access to resources that make higher education possible. UMC Special Sundays Envelopes are available by the treasure chest.


 

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTY 
will meet on Thursday October 5^th and 19^thin the church parlor.  All knitters, crocheters, and people who want to learn to knit are welcome. 



 

THE ROCKPORT MEN’S GROUP 
will meet on Thursday, October 12th at 6:30 pm at the church for a potluck dinner. There will be a great meal and time for fellowship.  Mike Wilkenson will facilitate a discussion of the parable in Luke:16 -The Parable of the Shrewd Manager. He will tell us how he looks at parables in general, and how this specific parable touched his life. He encourages everyone to read the parable before the meeting. Everyone is invited to come and hear Mike’s presentation. Come and enjoy this special time together! 

CHARGE CONFERENCE 
is Saturday, October 21^st at 2:00pm at Westlake UMC, 27650 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake, OH. 44145.  This is a time to celebrate all that Rockport is doing and to vote on church leadership and other matters. Please let the church office know if you plan on attending so we have enough copies of our report for everyone. 

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!




CHURCH MEMBERSHIP IN NOV:  
Have you ever wondered about becoming a member of Rockport? Are you a member of another church and have been active here at Rockport and would like to transfer? Are you wondering or have questions about being a member?  If so, please contact Pastor Don or the church office. 





SPAGHETTI DINNER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: 
Spaghetti Dinner will be Nov. 4^th from 4-8:00pm.  We will need drivers to deliver meals to homebound, bakers, servers, set-up, clean-up, cashiers, to-go meal leader, marketing and kitchen help.  Please sign-up if you are willing/able to help in any way.
 

BOOK CLUB:  
Our next book discussion will be on Monday, Oct. 16th @ 7:00pm in the church parlor.  The book we will be reading is by Fannie Flagg called “The Whole Towns Talking”. Fannie Flagg tells an unforgettable story of life, afterlife, and the remarkable goings-on of ordinary people. In the Whole Town's Talking, she reminds us that community is vital, life is a gift, and love never dies. Hope to see everyone on Oct. 16^th for food, fun, fellowship and discussion.



 

ADULT BIBLE STUDY WEDNESDAYS at 7 p.m.  
Join us for a 9 week study from Sept. 13 – Nov. 8 taught by Jim Spallino, that is a short-term study out of the Disciple Study series, called “Invitation to the New Testament”. Explore the writings of the New Testament using the story of Jesus as the starting point. This survey of the testament looks at how the early church took ownership of and was shaped by the story of Jesus and how the church learned how to develop as disciples and create communities of faith. There are 23 people that are participating in this study and all are welcome!







LUNCH & CHAT ADULT DISCUSSION GROUP! 
Come and join us this summer! Bring your lunch and enjoy your food AND a great discussion! We will explore various topics in the church and Bible. 
Fall Dates: We will meet once a month on the 3rd Monday of the month, 12 to 2 p.m.
*October 16^th 
*November 20^th 
*December 18th


 

 
FOOD PANTRY:  
If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurities, there is a food pantry at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1349 W. 78^th St., Cleveland, OH  44102, who joined with the Greater Cleveland Foodbank and became a site to distribute fresh produce under the Mobile Pantry Program. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank delivers a truck load of fruits and vegetables on the second and fourth Monday of every month. The program distributes fresh produce to 200-300 individuals.*Currently, to keep our volunteers and community safe, we are doing a “Drive-Thru Pantry.” Visitors to our Mobile Pantry are encouraged to drive to our location and remain in their cars. Volunteers will load trunks with bagged groceries.  We at Rockport also have our Take What You Need Cabinet for non perishable food, as well as, personal hygiene items.




GOOGLE DRIVE REMINDER:
Church financials can be found here.  
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