TO COLLEGE WITH CARE
Help Us Send Our Graduates with Love!
As our high school graduates prepare to begin an exciting new chapter in college, let’s surround them with the love and generosity of our church family.
Throughout the month of August, we will be collecting new dorm and college essentials to help our students feel supported as they begin this new journey.
Suggested Donations Include:
● Twin XL bedding and pillows
● Bath towels and washcloths
● Laundry baskets and detergent pods
● Storage bins and organizers
● Desk lamps and school supplies
● Gift cards (Target, Walmart, Amazon, grocery stores, restaurants)
● Reusable water bottles
● Snacks for late-night studying
Donations may be placed in the designated collection bin in the chapel hallway or brought to the church office by Sunday, August 16th.
Together, let’s remind our graduates that wherever they go, they are supported by a church family that believes in them, prays for them, and celebrates the future God has prepared for them.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11
ROCKPORT MEN’S CLUB EVENT:
- Everyone Welcome to Attend!
- Lake Erie Crushers Game
- Forefront Field, Avon OH
- Sunday, August 23rd at 1pm
- FINAL SIGN-UP DATE IS AUG. 9TH
- Make check payable to Rockport Church & put on memo line Crushers Game
- Questions … contact Jim Leitch 216.789.1260
- Sign-up sheet posted!
DON’T FORGET YOUR PLEDGE THIS SUMMER:
I know how easy it is to slip behind while enjoying summer vacations. If you are not sure how much of your 2026 pledge is outstanding, Sara in the office would be happy to give you an update. On behalf of Rockport's Finance Committee, thank you for your diligence in keeping up to date on your giving. If you have any questions on our church finances, feel free to call me at 440-759-5980. Diana Leitch, CPA & Rockport Finance Chair
BOOK CLUB:
Join us on Sept. 1st, 7:00pm in the church parlor, for book club. The book we will be reading is “Verity” a 2018 psychological romantic thriller novel by American author Colleen Hoover. The narrative follows Lowen Ashleigh, a writer who is hired to complete a bestselling book series after its original author, Verity Crawford, is left unable to continue due to an accident. Hope to see everyone on Sept. 1st for food, fun, fellowship, and discussion.
CHOIR REHEARSALS RESUME:
DATE: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
TIME: 5:30-7:30PM – Potluck-Share a dish; main course, side dish, salad, dessert
FELLOWSHIP-FOOD-FUN AND OF COURSE SINGING!
Beverage and set-up provided.
See you soon! Susan Shick, Director of Music /Organist cell, 440-364-9672, ershick@prodigy.net.
DONUTS AND COFFEE HOUR:
Please consider hosting donuts and coffee before 9:30am worship and/or after worship coffee hour. Fellowship is an important part of the life of the church and why not have food as well! Sign-up sheet is posted on the chapel hallway bulletin board.
TAKE-WHAT-YOU-NEED CABINET!
We’re asking for help in shopping for the cabinet! We have a small crew of people who take turns shopping for the cabinet every so often, and we’d love to have your help! We have a cabinet fund, and you do not have to spend your own money, unless you’re donating items. We have a list of item suggestions available, and if you’re interested, please call the office. Please make sure to turn in your receipts to the office to be reimbursed! Thank you.
GOOGLE DRIVE REMINDER:
June 2026 Church financials can be found Here
or get a hard copy in the church office.
NORTHERN WATERS DISTRICT NEWS: www.eocumc.com/northernwaters
CONFERENCE NEWS: https://www.eocumc.com
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By EOC News on August 6, 2026
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On Sunday, August 2, women who have served or received their calls to credentialed ministry from the United Methodist Church of Berea gathered to share their stories and experiences, and to invite others to answer their calls to ministry.
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Rev. Carrie Antczak, UMC Berea pastor of Christian Formation & Outreach, said she was inspired during June’s Annual Conference when the Conference celebrated the 70thanniversary of women’s ordination.
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“During that service, I realized we have so much to celebrate as a church, as so many women have served and led among us, and many have responded to their calls to ministry while living their lives of faith among us at UMC Berea,” Antczak shared. “I wanted to open the celebration beyond ordination, and included Deaconesses, local pastors, and clergy who serve with us in retirement. Together, we have shared the gospel message, echoing the story of Mary returning from meeting the risen Christ at the tomb. That’s how we chose the John 20:1-18 scripture passage for the day.”
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The August 2 service included a historical statement read by a seminary student, the sermon featuring several of the women sharing the joys and challenges of their ministries, and prior to the benediction a challenge to attendees to listen to God’s call in their own lives. Flowers on the altar celebrated the ministry of the late Rev. Dr. Valerie Stultz, who was the first female lead pastor of the church.
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Worship participants, listed alphabetically:
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Deacon the Rev. Carrie Antczak
Deaconess Sherri Buehl
Local Pastor Megan Buehler
Deaconess Karen Caldwell
Retired Elder the Rev. Sharon Carson
Local Pastor Jennifer Darling-Mellott
United Theological School student Lori Hansen
Retired Deacon the Rev. Linda McCowen
Retired Deacon the Rev. Linda Short
Elder the Rev. Karen Wolcott
Retired Elder the Rev. Dr. Jan Yandell
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*Rick Wolcott is executive director of Communications for the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church.
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