THE STORIES AND SYMBOLS OF ADVENT:
Advent, the season of the church year which begins four Sundays before Christmas, is a time for preparation. The word Advent means “coming” and refers to the coming of Jesus. We should be preparing to celebrate Jesus’ coming as a child at Bethlehem as one whom we meet through scripture (word) and Holy Communion (sacrament) and as one who will ultimately come in glory and judgment. In the narthex of the church stands a tree, now decorated for our Christmas giving tree for Ohio Guidestone. After Sunday, it will be decorated as a Jesse Tree. Please consider picking up a booklet in the narthex which has a symbol of our spiritual ancestors that has been chosen for each day of Advent. By reflecting on the meaning of that symbol, and reading the scripture, we will make our preparation for Christmas. Come and journey through Advent with us!
CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR OUR STAFF:
Our Staff does such a wonderful job throughout the year. On Sundays December 7th & 14th, we will be having a special collection to say “thank you” and “Merry Christmas” on behalf of Rockport Church. Place your donation in the treasure chest and please designate on the payment Staff Appreciation. For those that attend on-line you can send your donation to the church office. Thank you on behalf of the Staff Parish Relations Committee – Beverly Cavanah, Debbie Bryant, Dan Newman, Juanita Pariano, Lynn Wilkenson 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
2026 PLEDGE UPDATE:
To date, we have received 42 pledges totaling $134,784. Thank you to those who have already pledged. Your financial commitment to Rockport is greatly appreciated. You may still mail in your pledge card, email, or call the church with your pledge, or fill out a pledge card available in the narthex. Thank you. The Finance Committee
DON’T FORGET YOUR PLEDGE!
As we approach the end of the year, don’t forget your commitment to Rockport. If you are unsure of where you are with your pledge, please call the church office.
PASTOR’S ADVENT STUDY VIA ZOOM: WHEN GOD INTERRUPTS OUR PLANS TO HEAL THE WORLD -
This Advent, we will journey together through a powerful new series titled “A Season of Holy Disruption.” Advent is often thought of as a quiet, peaceful countdown to Christmas, but the Scriptures tell a different story. When God steps into the world, things shift. Expectations are challenged. Hearts are awakened. Lives are transformed. Advent is the season when God’s interruptions become holy invitations.
Throughout these four weeks, we will explore how God’s hope, peace, joy, and love break into our lives; not to unsettle us for the sake of chaos, but to guide us toward healing, rebuilding, and renewed purpose. From the prophets who cried out for justice, to John the Baptist preparing the way, to Mary’s bold song of joy, and finally to Christ’s humble arrival in Bethlehem, Advent reminds us that God often works through disruption to bring restoration.
Please join us Thursday evenings, 12/11 and 12/18 by zoom at 6:30 EST by Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88531948935
CHRISTMAS EVE PRE-SERVICE MUSIC:
At 5:00pm, Rockport with be having pre-service gathering music which will include the Ramblers, Soloists, Instrumentalists and the Chancel Choir. This music will be a joyous reflection of carols, that will re-tell in song the timeless message and story of the season, the birth of our Savior, Jesus. Candlelight Christmas Eve service will follow at 5:30pm.
BOOK CLUB:
Join us December 10th at 6:00pm at Ellen Todia’s house, 32516 Walker Rd., Avon Lake, for a Christmas gathering. Bring a dish to share and either a canned good for the cabinet or a gift for the giving tree in the narthex for Guidestone’s kids. All are welcome to come enjoy this Christmas gathering! Also, save the date, Jan 14th, 7:00pm in the church parlor, for the following book club. We will be reading “The Tiffany Girls” by Shelly Noble. This is a historical fiction novel about the largely unknown female artists who created many of Tiffany’s iconic stained-glass works for the 1900 Paris World’s Fair.
ROCKPORT’S CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE:
Rockport is again asking for your support of our Christmas Giving Tree for the benefit of the children and adults of Ohio Guidestone. We will be collecting unwrapped gifts for their Holiday Shop until December 11th. Please pick an ornament off our Christmas tree ON SUNDAY! Ideas for gifts can be found on the Ohio Guidestone flyer on our bulletin board. The Holiday Shop provides an opportunity for Guidestone’s counselors to choose Christmas presents for their clients. The staff at Guidestone told me that many of the children in their care would not get a single Christmas gift if not for donations from corporations and churches such as Rockport UMC.
Ohio Guidestone offers services for mental health, substance use, family care, foster care, juvenile justice, residential treatment, home-based counseling, job training and more. Their main campus is in Berea, but they have locations across Ohio. Thanks again for your support. Diana Leitch
DEAR ROCKPORT FAMILY,
It is difficult to sit down and write a thank you that could possibly encompass 17 years of good times, activities, worship, and the many people we have known, loved, and sometimes lost—along with all the moments in between.
It is safe to say that we have shared a lifetime together, truly as a family of God. You have walked beside me through so many milestones, both in our church and in my own life - from supporting me through cancer to celebrating with Scott and I as we welcomed each of our children into our family.
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for making my professional time here at Rockport so meaningful. I have learned and grown so much, and I have felt your love, support, and kindness every step of the way. I will forever cherish the memories we created together. Though I am leaving my role, I do so with a full heart - and with comfort in knowing that I will always remain part of this family. I’m also looking forward to worshipping as a “normal” person (haha)!
As I mentioned on my last day, it truly takes a village… and Rockport is the best village. Your steady support of our children and youth, and your hearts for mission, made everything possible. I could not have done my job as effectively without each of you helping to make it all happen. Your love for the Rockport kids made every achievement real and meaningful.
Thank you, once again, for everything.
With warmest and loving regards,
Kira Cimino Holchin
TAKE-WHAT-YOU-NEED CABINET!
We are 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 see Kira or call the office. Please make sure to turn in your receipts to the office to be reimbursed! Thank you!
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.
GOOGLE DRIVE REMINDER:
OCTOBER 2025 Church financials can be found Here
or get a hard copy in the church office.
NORTH OLMSTED EVENTS (Shared Opportunities)
Call office at 440-779-6634 or email at www.noumc.org
Blue Christmas Service
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
7:00pm
NORTHERN WATERS DISTRICT NEWS: www.eocumc.com/northernwaters
CONFERENCE NEWS: https://www.eocumc.com/
Advent Peace
As Advent returns, we listen again to Isaiah’s promise: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2)
The birth of Jesus is that light – a light that enters our world not with force, but with tenderness; not with domination, but with a love that bends low.
Isaiah declares: “A child has been born for us … and his name shall be called Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) In the Christ child, God chooses the smallest way, the way of vulnerability, humility, and quiet presence. This is the way that heals the world.
Mary’s song is not a gentle lullaby (Luke 1:46-55). It is a prophetic cry announcing what God is doing – and will do – in the world. She proclaims: God lifts the lowly and brings down the proud. God fills the hungry with good things and sends the rich away empty. God remembers the forgotten, the poor, and those who have no voice. God breaks the patterns of injustice and begins a new world where mercy is the ruling truth. Mary sees the world as it is – unfair, unequal, full of fear, and yet she sings of a God who refuses to let things remain that way.
Japanese writer Shusaku Endo described God as a mother-like presence, one who holds the wounded, weeps with the forgotten, and accompanies the weak with infinite gentleness.
For Endo, Jesus is the One whose strength is shown through softness, whose love is revealed through compassion, whose peace is born in the willingness to suffer with humanity.
This is the Jesus who comes at Christmas: The God who draws close to every trembling heart; the God who enters suffering to cradle it with mercy; the God whose peace begins in tenderness.
So, this Advent, we offer this pastoral reflection:
Let us welcome the stranger with compassion.
Let us honor every immigrant neighbor with dignity.
Let us heal racial wounds with courage and humility.
Let us build communities where no one is forgotten and where love is stronger than fear.
For the poor, may what is truly needed – daily bread, shelter, dignity, and justice – be supplied in full measure. May generosity multiply among us, and may every hungry household taste God’s abundance.
For those facing an uncertain tomorrow, may the Christ child whisper courage and speak eternal hope. When the future feels fragile, may God’s promise become the steady ground beneath their feet.
For those who live with illness, pain, or disability, may the breath of God surround them with comfort, and may gratitude rise – not as denial, but as the deep knowledge that their life is immeasurably precious. May God’s tender presence bring healing for each step and joy that surprises the heart.
Christ’s peace is not passive. It is the active, healing love of a God who comes softly yet changes everything. May the birth of Jesus awaken in us a new commitment to walk gently, love boldly, and practice peace in every place God sends us.
Advent Prayer:
God of gentleness and truth,
as we prepare for the coming of Christ,
let His peace take root in our world.
Where violence destroys, let compassion rise.
Where children cry, bring protection.
Where refugees seek safety, grant welcome.
Where nations fracture, sow reconciliation.
Where hatred divides, plant mercy.
Make us instruments of Your peace,
humble in spirit, courageous in love,
faithful in seeking justice for all Your children.
May the Prince of Peace rule in every land,
every home,
and every heart.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Come with Your tender light.
Teach us to live Your peace.
Amen.
