RRUMC Events
What's happening at Rocky River United Methodist Church
3rd Graders: Bible Letters Have Been Sent!
If you have NOT received, contact Quinn Bennett at qbennett@rrumc.org
LIFT Potluck – TUES, Aug 18, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Email Lynn Gorton at lgorton@rrumc.org with your food contribution
You are invited to an evening of fellowship, faith, and shared blessings at our Potluck Gathering on Tuesday, August 18, from6:00pm - 8:00pm in Jean and Jan’s Café. Please bring your favorite dish to share and email Lynn Gorton, CLM, FCHP at lgorton@rrumc.org to let her know what you plan to bring. As we enjoy good food and one another’s company, we’ll hold space for God’s gentle presence and look forward to the season ahead as we prepare for our fall study.
LGBTQA+ Support Group – TUES, Aug 18, 7:00pm
Contact Mark Brandt at brandt486@gmail.com or
Rev. Laurie Bruce at labruce83@gmail.com
The LGBTQA+ Support Group is a ministry of the Rocky River UMC which provides a safe, confidential space for members of the LGBTQA+ community and their friends and family to share their joys and concerns. Meetings are held monthly on the 4th Thursday alternative every month on Zoom or in-person. For more information and to get the Zoom link, please contact Mark Brandt at brandt486@gmail.com or Laurie Bruce at labruce83@gmail.com.
Open Gym Volleyball – WED, Aug 19, 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 - THU, Aug 20, 10:00am
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Contact Bruce Biggin at brbiggin@netscape.net or 216-544-5980
Join us at the church on Thursday, August 20 at 10:00am as we discuss The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. 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.
Link-Up Ministry Silent Auction - Sun, Aug 23, 9:30am - 1:00pm
Quality bikes in church parking lot for silent auction fundraising effort
The Link-Up Bike Ministry will be auctioning off a selection of bikes in a silent-bid auction on Sunday, August 23, from 9:30-1:00 in the RRUMC parking lot. Help support this thriving ministry while also taking home a quality bike for you or a loved one.
Cruisin’ River - WED, Aug 26, 5:30-8:00pm Church Parking Lot
Contact Steve Zayac at stephen.zayac@gmail.com or 440-785-1489
or Michael Parry at mparry3638@gmail.com or 440-773-1301
The final evening for classic car fun takes place Wednesday, August 26 from 5:30-8:00pm (weather permitting). Enjoy food, beverages, music from a live DJ, dash plaques, and door prizes.
All cars and motorcycles are welcome - any make, model, or year - with no entry fee. Spectators are welcome with free admission! For more information, contact Steve Zayac at Stephen.zayac@gmail.com or 440-785-1489 or Michael Parry at Mparry3638@gmail.com or 440-773-1301. Updates available on Facebook (@rockyriverumc) or X/Twitter (@RR_Harbor)
Be Part of Our Story
Week of August 17, 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.
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.
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.
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.