RRUMC Events
What's happening at Rocky River United Methodist Church
Be Part of Our Story
Week of September 6, 2026
Grief Potluck – THURS, Sept 10, 5:30pm
Contact Lynn Gorton at lgorton@rrumc.org with your food contribution
Grief touches every part of life, and no two journeys look the same. In addition to offering individual support to those struggling, we hold quarterly potluck gatherings in the church library. These gentle group moments allow participants to share, listen, and connect with others who understand the complexities of grief. Our next potluck will be held Thursday, September 10th at 5:30 PM.
If you or someone you know is seeking a safe place to talk, pray, and find comfort along the grief journey, please contact Lynn Gorton, CLM, Faith Community Health Professional, at lgorton@rrumc.org. You are not alone. We are here to walk with you.
Learn About Scouting – THURS, Sept 10, 6:00pm, RR City Hall Park
Fun informational event for boys and girls K-8 and their parents. Contact Dominic Bonacci at dbonacci@cox.net with questions
Boys and girls from kindergarten to eighth grade are invited to this informational event on Thursday, September 10th from 6:00-7:30pm at Rocky River City Hall Park. Learn about Scouting and find the unit that is right for your Scout.
Multiple Packs (Grades K-5) and Troops (Ages 11-17) will be representing their units and introducing Scouting America to future Eagle Scouts!
Kids will enjoy fun activities while parents learn about all that Scouting has to offer, including information about Pack 194 and Troop 194, which meet here at RRUMC.
Young Couples’ Night Out – FRI, Sept 11, 6:00pm
Evening of fellowship at Pastor Paul & Quinn’s house (11987 Riverwood Ave)
RSVP by September 8 to Quinn Bennett at qbennett@rrumc.org
Is it hard to connect with other young couples at church when you’re busy with life or chasing after your kids? Parents and young couples are invited to enjoy an evening of fellowship at Pastor Paul and Quinn’s home at 19987 Riverwood Avenue in Rocky River on Friday, September 11th at 6:00pm. Leave the kids with a babysitter and spend time relaxing, playing games, and getting to know other couples your age. For questions, contact Quinn Bennett at qbennett@rrumc.org.
Open Gym Volleyball – WED, Sept 16, 7:00pm
Youth and adults welcome. All skill levels. Additional upcoming dates include September 2 and September 16.
Contact Pastor Paul with interest at pbennett@rrumc.org
Book Club – THURS, Sept 17, 10:00am
By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley
Contact Bruce Biggin at brbiggin@netscape.net or 216-544-5980
Join us at the church on Thursday, September 17 at 10:00am as we discuss By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley. Have questions? Interested in a list of future books? Contact Bruce Biggin at brbiggin@netscape.net or 216-544-5980. We’re always happy to see new faces, and regular attendance is not required.
Life Planning Seminar – THURS, Sept 17, 7:00pm, Jean & Jan’s Café
Panel of local professionals to guide and inform life planning decisions
Contact Lisa Sierk at lsierk@rrumc.org or 216-926-1702 with questions
Each August, Make-A-Will Month reminds us how important it is to plan ahead—because a well-crafted will is one of the most meaningful gifts you can leave your loved ones. Whether you’re just starting the process or reviewing an existing plan, consider joining us Thursday, September 17 for the updated Life Planning Panel.
We have gathered local professionals including estate planning attorney Mary Giganti, financial planner Andy Henton and funeral director Chad McGreevey to help you make important decisions about protecting, supporting, and planning for the future care of your loved ones. Rev. Dan Bogre and Lay Minister Lynn Gorton will be available for ministerial support and faithful insights. We hope you will join us!
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please reach out to Lisa P. Sierk, Director of Endowment Ministries, at lsierk@rrumc.org or call / text 216-926-1702.
What Can AI Really Do? Zoom Seminar – MON, Sept 21, 7:00 - 8:00pm
Cavicchi Christian Education Seminar Zoom Programming
Register at https://www.rrumc.org/cavicchi-seminar-sign-up
The Cavicchi Christian Education Seminar invites you to join the Zoom Session “What Can AI Really Do?” If you’re curious about what AI is, have questions about it, or just want to see what it can do (and not do) this informational Zoom Seminar is for you. Join Professor Alva Couch of Tufts University for a spirited Zoom session that builds on the issues discussed in the Cavicchi Christian Education seminar from March 22, 2026.
We’ll cover capabilities of Large-Language Models (text generation) and “Stable Diffusion” (image generation), as well as compelling applications of AI that do, indeed, make life easier. Professor Couch will also - to the extent of his capabilities - answer your questions about what Al can and cannot do, and why.
Join this informational Zoom Seminar via Zoom on Monday, September 21, 2026, 7:00pm - 8:00pm. Register at https://www.rrumc.org/cavicchi-seminar-sign-up.
Men’s Adventure Weekend – FRI, Sept 25 – SUN, Sept 27
RiverMen's annual weekend getaway, VRBO in Port Clinton
Contact Pastor Paul Bennett with questions at pbennett@rrumc.org
Sign up via email to office@rrumc.org
Join us for RiverMen's annual weekend getaway! This year's event will be held in Port Clinton from Friday, September 25, to Sunday, September 27. To ensure comfortable accommodations for all, we'll be staying together in a VRBO home for the weekend. Join us for a fun weekend of outdoor and indoor activities, great food, and take advantage of this opportunity to grow closer to both God and other men of the church. The cost is still being determined. Questions can be directed to Pastor Paul Bennett at pbennett@rrumc.org. You may sign up by contacting the church office via email at office@rrumc.org.
Tables and Treats – SAT, Oct 17, 4:00 - 7:00pm
Volunteers needed to decorate a table and hand out candy
Email Quinn Bennett at qbennett@rrumc.org with questions
Tables and Treats is just like Trunk or Treat but inside and much warmer. We need your help to make this event a success! Sign up to decorate a table and hand out candy on Saturday, October 17 from 4:00-7:00pm. To decorate a table, scan the QR code. If you have any questions, email Quinn Bennett at qbennett@rrumc.org.
Food Bank Volunteering – TUES, Oct 20, 6pm Coit Rd Facility
5:15pm – meet at the church for carpooling, if interested
Register with Dave Sagerser at dsagerser@aol.com or 216-544-8798
The next Food Bank night at their Coit Road facility for adult volunteers (age 14 and over) will be Tuesday, October 20 from 6:00-8:00pm. Those who wish to carpool will meet at the church at 5:15. To register, contact Dave Sagerser at dsagerser@aol.com or 216-544-8798.
3rd Graders: Bible Letters Have Been Sent!
If you have NOT received, contact Quinn Bennett at qbennett@rrumc.org
It’s that time of year again! We look forward to celebrating your child on October 4, when they receive their 3rd Grade Bible. If you have a 3rd grader and have not received a letter in the mail, please contact Quinn Bennett at qbennett@rrumc.org.
Koinonia: Faith and Fellowship – Sundays, 11:30am
Open to all. No registration required. Explore “Why Do We Go To Church?” in this study led by Michael Parry beginning Sept. 13
Have you wanted to join Adult Sunday School but couldn't find a session that fit your Sunday morning schedule? Koinonia: Faith & Fellowship, our adult Sunday School ministry will begin meeting Sunday, September 13 at 11:30am in Room 209. Koinonia is open to all with no registration required. The year will begin with the study, “Why Do We Go To Church?” which will be led by Michael Parry. Come join us to explore this important question together, to share in meaningful prayer, and enjoy great fellowship.
Contact Pastor Paul Bennett at pbennett@rrumc.org with questions or to discuss your faith journey through Bible study.
Our Adult Sunday School year outline:
Why Do We Go to Church?
Advent Study: On the Way to Bethlehem
The Prayer Practice
Our Lenten Study
The Book of Jonah: When God’s Purpose Isn’t in Your Plans
What Happens Next - A Traveler’s Guide Through the End of This Age, a Max Lucado study
Your Redwood Faith - based on Pastor Paul’s sermon: The Wise Redwood Golden Years & The Legacy of Faith
More information is available in the September Circuit Rider.
Fall Studies
Consider deepening your faith this coming season through discipleship here at RRUMC.
Participating in a Bible study is essential to this process, and the best investment of time for those seeking to draw closer to Christ and to their faith community at the same time.
RRUMC offers numerous Bible studies and discipleship groups, but the following are several great options launching or continuing this fall to consider making part of your weekly faith journey.
Disciple I – Thursdays, 6:30pm
This 24-week study allows you to read, discuss, better understand, and apply the majority of the Bible while building transformative community with fellow students. This class will be led by Andre Bruwer and Mark Parr beginning on September 17.
Disciple III – Mondays, 6:30pm
This 24-week Bible study continues the Disciple journey, focusing on the prophets and the letters of the Apostle Paul. Completion of Disciple I is required before participation. This class will be led by Dave Huller (dave.huller@gmail.com) beginning on September 14.
Genesis to Revelation – Thursdays, 6:30pm
This comprehensive study of the Bible verse by verse, book by book is divided into 13-week sessions. Participants can step in and out of this ongoing study as needed. The next session beginning on September 24 will cover the books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth. This class is led by Dave Huller (dave.huller@gmail.com).
LIFT (Ladies In Faith Together) – Tuesdays, 6:30pm
This women’s study meets continuously, engaging in book or video-based content covering a variety of topics relevant to Christian women today. The next session will run from September 22 – November 2 and will focus on the book “He Speaks to Me” by Priscilla Shirer. This class is led by Lynn Gorton (lgorton@rrumc.org).
Normandy Senior Living Study – Mondays, TBD
This daytime study held at the Normandy is open to all and will engage in content from Christian authors covering a variety of topics. The next session will run from September 21 – October 26th and will focus on The Lord’s Prayer: The Meaning and Power of the Prayer Jesus Taught by Adam Hamilton. This class is led by Lynn Gorton (lgorton@rrumc.org).
Sign-ups will begin soon. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to class leaders. If you would like to discuss options before committing, please reach out to Pastor Paul (pbennett@rrumc.org).
Plan Your Visit!
Click here to view our Worship Schedule.
Interested in reserving space for your next event?
Room reservations are available for Church members. Please use the room request form or call 440.331.7676 if you have any questions.