Happy Fall to You

Thought for the Week:
A woman was asked by a coworker, "What is it like to be a Christian?"
The coworker replied, "It is like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.
He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smilling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see." God's Blessings, Diana

Thought for this Week

In Matthew 25 we find Christ telling us how we will finally be judged. Judgment, Jesus indicated, would center on how we meet the needs of the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, those without adequate clothes, those who were sick or imprisoned. Christ's word was, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethen, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:40). Let's all go out, this week, and do a random act of kindness. Diana

Overnight Womens' Retreat

Overnight Womens' Retreat
Saturday, January 23 @10AM-Sunday, January 24 @ 10AM
River's Edge Retreat Center
3430 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland
Topic: Mary, Woman of Faith and Strength

Ladies of all ages are invited to a relaxing overnight retreat, including 3 prepared meals and a private bedroom suite. There will be a study of Mary, lead by Ginny Pippin, a Rockport retreat leader favorite. If time allows we will use the heated indoor pool in the evening. The retreat site is completely handicap accessible. Mark your calendars now and sign up on the bulletin board. Cost this year: $120. This fee is due by December 30. All checks are payable to Diana Shook. Questions contact Diana through the church office. (440-331-9433)

Hello from Diana Shook

Enjoy the ramblings of Rockport's Visitation Co-ordinator, Stephen Minister Leader and Mary Martha Circle Member. My visitation ministry involves visiting those who aren't able to come to church...including those hospitalized, homebound, or sick. It also includes visitation to those with major events affecting their life, such as family death, divorce, loneliness, or depression. I am not a minister or a counselor, but I am a person who loves caring about others. In my previous years of working ,I have been employed as a registered nurse. I receive much more than I give in this calling, as I travel along to different households, ministering emotionally and spiritually. We are blessed with a congregation full of faith, life and love, who at times hit a bump in life's road, as all human do. The church can help at those times if we know what is going on in a life. It is so important to notify the church if you are ill or need help in any way. Along with pastor visits or my visits, we run a "Random Acts of Kindness" program that pairs those with identified needs(rides, meals,etc.) with volunteers who have offered to help in those areas.
Another ministry of caring in our church is a group called Stephen Ministers. A Stephen Minister is: a child of God who walks beside a hurting person, a caring Christian friend who really listens, and a lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care. Rockport Church has 15 Stephen Ministers and a group of 4 parishioners in training to become ministers. S.M. is grounded in Jesus' command to love one another. Through one-on-one caring relationships, those who are hurting receive the love and care they need to support themselves. Call the church office to talk to me or Pastor Gordon to receive a S.M. or volunteer to train to be a S.M. Being a S.M. is rewarding and our potlucks throughout the year are pretty out of this world! The S.M.s have been trained by Pastor Gordon in how to give communion and we are beginning to share communion with their care receivers.
Last but not least, I want to talk about Mary Martha Circle. I am priveleged to work with and attend this vibrant circle. We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 12:30 in the parlor. We number 20-25 ladies, who get together for fellowship with lots of talk, laughter, and good eating. A short program is given by myself and others. We bring a sandwich and 2 hostesses provide dessert, coffee and tea. Members of the church and guests are so welcome. This is such a good way to meet some friendly ladies. As tradition would have it, the pastor provides the cheesies. Gentle Blessings, Diana