PASTORS TIME AWAY:  
Pastor Don will be off from Jan. 8-15^th.  Rev. Dan Bryant will be preaching on Jan. 14^th. If there is a pastoral emergency, please call Rev. Barbara Davis at 440-774-1660. 

    Also, please note the church office will be closed on Jan. 15^th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.


UNHANGING OF THE GREENS:  
We will be taking down Christmas decorations on Saturday, Jan. 13^th at 10am.  I heard there may even be food involved for those who come to help.  As the saying goes, many hands make light work!  See you there!


YEAR-END GIVING STATEMENTS:  
If you would like a 2023 year-end giving statement, please call, 440-331-9433 or email, office@rockportumc.org, the church office.  Thanks, Sara Chapman, Financial Secretary


BOXED OFFERING ENVELOPES:  
Boxed offering envelopes are available in the narthex.  These boxed sets are ideal for those folks who contribute weekly.


COFFEE HOUR: Please sign-up on the bulletin board to host coffee hour!


A NOTE OF THANKS:  
Thank you congregation for your generous support of the Christmas Staff appreciation giving.  All the staff were very thankful and appreciative!  Jim Leitch, SPRC, and entire staff.





HUMAN RELATIONS DAY OFFERING ON JAN. 14^TH: 
Human Relations Day is one of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church. Human Relations Day calls United Methodists to recognize the right of all God’s children in realizing their potential as human beings in relationship with one another. The special offering benefits neighborhood ministries through Community Developers, community advocacy through United Methodist Voluntary Services and work with at-risk teens through the Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program. Envelopes are available by the treasure chest.


CHAT AND CHEW ADULT DISCUSSION GROUP! 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. 
SPRING DATES: We begin back-up in MARCH
March 18^th  
April 15^th  
May 20th   
June 17^th

BOOK CLUB:  
Our next book discussion will be on Monday, Jan. 15^th @ 7:00pm in the church parlor The book we will be reading is The Children’s Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin “This historical fiction is a story of courage on the prairie, inspired by the devastating storm that struck the Great Plains in 1888, threatening the lives of hundreds of immigrant homesteaders, especially schoolchildren” Hope to see everyone on Jan 15^th for food, fun, fellowship and discussion.



PLEASE JOIN US 
for the David Rice-Ohio Guidestone Valentine Luncheon, Sat. Feb. 10th.  Sign-up sheet is posted. Volunteers and bakers are needed.  The address is 202 Eastland Road, Berea.  We will meet there at 11 a.m. to set up the room and help Nick Berardi prepare a spaghetti lunch. We will treat the kids to face painting, crafts, basketball, bingo, & costumes to try on with a photo op option. Activities will end at approximately 2pm. Homemade desserts are appreciated, but please note that the dessert items cannot contain nuts or peanut butter. A sign-up sheet is posted for Volunteers and Bakers. Please drop off bakery items at the church on Friday the 9th.  You must be 18 yrs. old to attend. Questions, contact the church office.


THE ROCKPORT MEN’S GROUP 
will meet on Thursday, January 11th at 6:30 pm at the church for a potluck dinner. There will be a great meal and time for fellowship.  Scott Holchin will do a presentation on the history of Rockport Church.  The rich history of Rockport UMC is a testament to the dedication and faith of its founders and members throughout the years. As we delve into the story of this beloved church, we will uncover its humble beginnings, remarkable growth, and its current position as a pillar of the community. From the earliest days of Rockport UMC, there has always been a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to serving God and the surrounding community. Join us on this journey to explore the remarkable history of Rockport UMC. Everyone is invited to come and hear Scott’s presentation. Come and enjoy this special time together! 


MISSION POSSIBLE! Through the end of January
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.
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/