 | 10 am Service
Join us this week for inspiring music and quality preaching.
Rev. Paul Shupe preaching: "The Ties that Bind"
Music by the Chancel Choir
Click Here for last week's sermon: "Freedom and Covenant"
6:15 pm Join us @ the Well in Clark Hall.
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Sunday morning,
10:15 -11am
November 4th, 11th and 18th - We'll be exploring the Old Testament story
of "manna from heaven" from the book of Exodus. Come Join the Circle!
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If you have questions our programming for children at Hancock, please contact Pam Cochrane: pam@hancockchurch.org
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Junior Youth Organization
Sunday, November 4th:
Youth will be making sandwiches for the Outdoor Church of Cambridge and
offer the hundreds of socks that have come in during the sock drive for a special
communion blessing. |
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Hancock Youth Group
November 4:
Guest Speaker from City Missions Society-- We will be having a speaker come from City Missions Society to discuss urban
poverty. Come to listen, ask questions, and discuss this topic.
And just in case you bring a friend who hasn't registered--do it here!:
HYG Registration
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The New Herald
 Click HERE to read the new Herald, volume 1, issue 1 (Autumn).
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Hancock Weekly and other Communications Deadlines
The deadline for submitting news for this e-mail newsletter each week is Tuesday at 3pm. Submissions should be sent to: office@hancockchurch.org
Kindly send text and images as separate attachments. Thank you!
Click Here for the Communication Deadlines resource sheet.
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Happy Halloween...
Hancock is on the Halloween route! If you're Trick or Treating Wednesday, from 2-5pm on Mass. Ave. stop by for a treat! info at www.halloweeninlexington.com |
| Herald Deadline Extended to Sunday, November 4th!
Get your articles and announcements in this Sunday for inclusion in the Advent Herald! Send submissions to julina@hancockchurch.org
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| Announcing... Online Giving!
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Faith & Giving: Come to a Gathering
You are invited to join members of the Stewardship Task Force for fellowship and conversation, sharing our faith stories and discussing our roles as stewards of Hancock Church. Stewardship has been defined as: What I do, with all that I have, after I say "I believe".
The three dates to choose from are:
Sunday evening, November 4th after The Well, 7:15-9PM,
at the home of Manuel & Susan Navia
Wednesday evening, November 7th, 7-9PM,
at the home of Skip & Ann Irving
Sunday morning, November 11th following Worship,
upstairs in the Pearson Room, hosted by members of the Stewardship Task Force. Child care will be provided.
RSVP to Robin DiGiammarino, 781-863-5305 or email robin.digiammarino@gmail.com. All are welcome!
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Hancock Church Remembrances
 On Sunday, November 4, we will give thanks and celebrate the lives of several Hancock members who have recently passed and are being commemorated with plaques in our Remembrance Hall. During the service, we will remember their generous and meaningful contributions to building our foundations of faith and service. A short prayer service will be held in the Memorial Garden immediately following the regular Sunday service.
We invite you to add the name of a family member or special friend who shared a deep connection to our Hancock community, so that all can celebrate their faith journeys, their many contributions to Hancock Church and our affection for one another. Please contact Rosemarie Sauermann (rosemarie@sauermann.com) or Bill Erickson (berickson@bfearc.com), co-chairs of the Memorial Garden Committee, before October 22 if you wish to include someone special in the November 4 remembrances.
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Fuller Center Mission Trip Presentation and Discussion--this Sunday, November 4th!
Fuller Center for Housing New Jersey Pines Presentation
Please join us in the Kathie Stuart room Sunday at 11:15 to hear about our mission trip to the Pine Barrens. The week we spent was full of hard work, long hours, fun, laughter, and making new friends.
Read more about the group's experiences in the Pine Barrens on the blog they kept during the week-long experience.
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Wine Raffle to Benefit Sustainable Harvest International--Winners drawn November 20th--get your tickets today!
What's Good for the Land is Good for the Grapes, Good for the Wine, and Good for You.
Three winners will be drawn, each to receive six bottles of organically produced fine wines. The wines are donated and proceeds will fund Hancock's sponsorship of SUSTAINABLE HARVEST INTERNATIONAL's work to restore forests and end hunger in Piedras Negras, Honduras.
All wines are made using organically certified farming
techniques. No chemical insecticides, pesticides or fertilizers are used:
Montinore Estate (Oregon)--2011 "Borealis", a blended white wine
Perrini Estate (Apuglia, Italy)--2010 Primitivo
Frog's Leap (Napa Valley, California)--2011 Sauvignon Blanc
De Villaine (Burgundy, France)--2010 Aligote
Tablas Creek (Paso Robles, Calif)--2011 Patelin de Tablas Rouge
Domaine Gramenon (Rhone Valley, France)--2010 "Sierra du Sud" Cotes du Rhone
The retail value of each case is $150. Rafle tickets are $10/each or three for $25. Tickets will be available at coffee hour after church on Sundays and at other fall church events. For questions or to purchase tickets, contact Charlotte Dougherty at 781.863.8018 charlottepdougherty@gmail.com |
SAVE THE DATE! Sunday, December 2nd--12th Annual Hancock Holiday Fair, and the 143rd Manger Sunday
Come lift your spirits and embrace the Advent season by participating in a beloved Hancock tradition: Manger Sunday. During morning worship on 12/2/2012, we will process to the manger with gifts for those less fortunate. Hancock, along with 40 other churches and groups in the Greater-Boston area, delivers the gifts to City Mission Society's (CMS) distribution center in Winchester. Gift suggestions and volunteer opportunities will be available in the upcoming issue of The Herald and on flyers around church. Please contact Kristen Eckler (kristen.eckler@gmail.com) for information or if you can drive gifts to Winchester on 12/2.
Hancock's popular Holiday Fair with Gifts that Care, will be held on Sunday, 12/2. As always, the Fair will be held in Clarke Hall and the Dining Room, with shopping hours from 11a.m to 1 p.m. You can buy distinctive and unique gifts that will benefit 26 local and international charities, while enjoying entertainment and refreshments. Bring your friends! For more information, contact Sandra Shaw at sj.shaw@verizon.net.
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UCC Sermon Series and the Pastor's Class: Come this Sunday 8:30am in Pearson
The next two sessions of the Pastor's Class will examine our faith through discussion of the UCC - its history, theology and practices. Our discussions will parallel the themes of Paul and Dana's sermons over the next few weeks. Everyone is welcome!
Did you miss last week's sermon on UCC History from the Pilgrims to the Present? Watch it HERE.
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Bagels and Bible: Every Sunday 9-9:45am in the Wilson Room
Hancock is starting another Sunday morning discussion group called Bagels and Bible. This discussion-based group is designed for individual adults or families with high school aged children. Childcare is available for younger children. Drop in for a single session, a couple of meetings, or the entire six weeks. Join us in the Wilson Room at 9 m on Sunday mornings starting on October 14th for lively conversation and free bagels. Our first course will focus on the parables of Jesus. We'll explore the cultural context of first century Judea, trace connections between the Old and New Testaments, and examine the rich symbolism of Jesus' most instructive stories. We will provide the resources to start the conversation but we're most interested in hearing your personal interpretations. If you would like to learn more about Bagels and Bible, please contact Kerra Fletcher at harold3513@hotmail.com or Jason Troutman at j.e.troutman@hotmail.com.  |
Hancock Poetry Group meets on Second Tuesdays of every month: Next meeting is November 14th, 7pm, Pearson
Are you a poetry lover? Do you consider poetry an important part of your spiritual life? Or do you simply find that poetry often touches you in a spiritual way? We invite you to get in touch with your spiritual and creative side! The Hancock Poetry Group will meet the second Tuesday of every month at 7pm. We'll be getting to know each other, and everyone is welcome to bring a poem that has touched you. We will read some poetry by Jessie Brown, who will be giving a reading at our November meeting. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact Kerra Fletcher at harold3513@hotmail.com or Amy Kelly at akelly99@gmail.com
Jessie Brown works as a poet-in-residence in schools, libraries, and community centers in the Boston area. Her poems have appeared in various journals, such as The Comstock Review, Peacework, and Soundings East, and translations in The American Poetry Review. She received her Master's degree from the Stanford Writing Program, where she studied with Denise Levertov, and won the American Academy of Poets prize. Her collection Lucky was the 2011 winner for the Anabioisis Press Chapbook Competition. Her second chapbook, What We Don't Know We Know, will be forthcoming from Finishing Line Press in 2013. A founding member of the Alewife Poets, she gives frequent performances and workshops both in collaboration and alone. She lives in Arlington, Massachusetts. |
When God's People Grieve--Wednesdays, open to all
"Abraham's wife Sarah died at Hebron, and Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her." Genesis 22:2
What do God's people do when their hearts are broken with grief?
Come join with others who are mourning losses, to explore this question that has perplexed faithful people from the beginning of time. Come to a safe space to quietly look at scripture, art and music, as ways to begin to heal our hearts. Facilitated by Joy Fallon, Congregational Care Coordinator
Wednesdays, October 17, 24, and November 7, 14, morning session 9:30 - 11 AM or evening session 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. This group will be offered twice on Wednesdays, so that it can be accessible to those who prefer daytime gatherings, and those who work during the day. (Note that the group does not meet on Oct 31st).
If possible, please plan to come to all four sessions, but drop-ins are also welcome.
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We're almost there! Get your socks in this week or bring them to worship on November 4th to help us reach our goal of 600 pairs. 
"As of Halloween morn' we have collected 351 pairs of beautiful new white socks. If we collect 249 more pairs and reach 600 by Sunday, November 4th, (which I truly believe we can), there has been an offer made to match those 600 pairs and raise the number to 1200 pairs! It feels really good to be part of an effort to give a person sleeping in the cold and wet outdoors a pair of dry clean white socks. Imagine them taking off a pair of dirty, wet, cold socks and putting on a clean, dry pair that you donate. Thanks so very much to all of you. We will deliver them on the afternoon of Sunday, November 4th. Remember, if you don't have time to buy them, you can write a check on Sunday (or before) and we will buy them for you."
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Gearing up for this Year's Concord Prison Outreach
For over thirty years, Concord Prison Outreach has been providing holiday gift bags for the inmates at the Concord Reformatory and the Northeastern Correctional Center. Hancock became a part of this tradition several years ago and the generous donations of the Hancock Congregation have helped to ensure that all of the1700 inmates at the two institutions will receive a bag. Sadly these gift bags are sometimes the only holiday remembrances that some of the men receive.
The Mass Department of Corrections has approved the items on the list so it is important that donations meet the specifications. Multiples of items are welcome and of course it is not necessary to purchase all the items on the list but all contributions will be gratefully received. Starting on Sunday Nov.11, boxes for the donations will be placed at the lower front entrance and near the dining room. The contents will be taken to the Trinity Episcopal Church in Concord where they will be sorted by volunteers. All donations will need to be at the church no later than December 10 to be sure that they are included in this year's distribution. Also starting on /Sunday Nov 11, a scrapbook containing some of the many letters received from the recipients will be on display.
1 bar of deodorant soap (4-5 oz.)
1 tube toothpaste, 5.8 oz. or larger
1 pad WHITE paper 6" x 9" or 5" x 8", 100 pages (no wire)
White envelopes #6 3/4 (6 1/2" x 3 5/8")
1 pair white CREW socks (no tube socks, knee- highs or "tennis" socks)
1 bottle (plastic) shampoo (12 -15 oz.)
1 stick deodorant (no roll-ons, 2.75 oz. or larger)
A handmade holiday greeting card, first names only
Homemade cards from children are especially welcome
If there are any questions, please call me, Louise Haldeman 978 369 8562
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Seeking Heifer Catalogs
Please drop your unwanted Heifer catalogs in the box in the hallway by the church office. We use them to make Heifer gift cards to sell at the Fair on December 2nd.
Contact Deb Holland for more information: debra.holland@verizon.net
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Lexington Food Pantry - November is canned vegetables.
If you donate food in November, please consider canned vegetables. Donation baskets are in the narthex, as well as outside the office and dining room.Volunteers are needed for November 10 to help distribute the food at the Pantry. The commitment is from 8:45 to about 11:30 am and the learning curve is short!. . For more information, contact Caroline Nijenberg 781 862-4465 or carolinen@rcn.com
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Volunteers Needed--Group and Individual Opportunities at Rosie's Place and in the Food Pantry.
Dining Room - We are in great need of help now (including this evening!) through mid September. This is a great time to volunteer or to bring a group of family or friends to see Rosie's Place and to help out. We especially need volunteers on weekends and have openings on weekdays for dinners (4pm to 7:30pm) and lunches (10:30am to 1:30pm).
Food Pantry - Volunteers escort shoppers in our food pantry giving out produce, restocking shelves and making up bags of groceries. Shifts available Monday through Friday from 4:30pm to 7pm. Volunteers must be 16 or older.
Contact Linda for more information: LAKilner@aol.com
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The Interfaith Garden Closed ahead of Hurricane Sandy on October 27th--A note from Amy Swanson.
Hi everyone- Today was the last day at the garden. It's always guess work as to how long the garden will keep going, and this year it was through October 27th. In the same conversation that Carla confirmed this was the last day, she was already looking forward to what we would do next year! I was reviewing our activity and what a banner year. With your help, 1,637 pounds were delivered to the pantry (and of course that doesn't include what didn't pass quality control and ended up with the chickens). That far exceeds what was grown in the first two years. Was it the exceptional weather or perhaps the new bee hive behind the barn--don't know, but combined with what was grown the first 2 years, we are on our way of having grown almost two tons of food in 3 years! That's remarkable.
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Pounds delivered to Pantry
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Year 1
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2010
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995
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Year 2
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2011
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854
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Year 3
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2012
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1,637
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Since Inception
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3,486 pounds
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This year 45 varieties of vegetables and herbs were grown. This included:
Acorn Squash, Asparagus, Basil, Beans, Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Butternut Squash, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Cherry Tomatoes, Cilantro, Corn, Cucumbers, Dill, Eggplant, Garlic, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mint, Onions, Oriental Peas, Parsley, Peppers, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Raspberries, Radishes, Reg. Peas, Rhubarb, Romano Beans, Scallions, Shallots, Spaghetti Squash, Spinach, Strawberries, Squash, Snap Peas, Swiss Chard, Tarragon, Tomatoes, Thyme, Zucchini
The 10 top crops in terms of poundage were:
Cucumbers 217.5 lbs.
Tomatoes 178.5
Zucchini 117.0
Spaghetti Squash 112.5
Eggplant 112.0
Potatoes 104.0
Onions 99.5
Bok Choy 93.8
Kale 87.5
Butternut Squash 66.8
Another wonderful discovery was how many different people worked at the garden. This year we worked on 58 days and had 154 different people sign in to work at the garden, filling 463 work slots. Some came once and others came very regularly. Since inception, the garden has drawn 327 different volunteers. Isn't this a grand demonstration of how the community embraces the idea of growing good food for our neighbors in need!
Lastly, I'd like to draw your attention to an article that Janet Lane, of Follen, submitted to the Lexington Minuteman (Click HERE). It reminded me of another objective of this garden--namely offering us the opportunity to reconnect with the miracle of how food is grown. The article ran in this last week's edition (Oct 25th). Janet interviewed a mother and young son who worked at the garden 11 times this year. Janet told me that when she interviewed Isaiah, he got very animated as he described how potatoes grew. Who hasn't shared in some of that excitement as we've worked at the garden? I still remember the first time I saw asparagus spears growing and laugh at how the plant didn't look at all what I'd imagined. And it was fun to share that first-time experience with my college-age son. We were both "newbies".
So the garden was put to bed today. But in another 3-4 months, planning will start again for Year 4 with Carla. In the meantime, may you and your basements stay dry!
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Drivers Wanted 
Congregational Care knows of people who would like to come worship on Sunday mornings, but are unable to get here on their own. If you'd be willing to drive occasionally, you'd make a big difference. Not only will more people get to church; those of us at church will get to see friends we've been missing!
Call the church office or talk with Joy Fallon if you're interested.
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Wednesday, October 31:
1:15p Consort--Kathie Stuart
2-5p Trick-or-Treating at Hancock!
7p Carillon--Bell Room
Thursday, November 1:
9:30 First Thursdays Discussion Group--Wilson
6:30p Boy Scouts
7:30p Chancel Choir--Choir Room
7:30p Building Committee--Conference Room
Friday, November 2:
9:30 Morning Glories--Bell Room
Saturday, November 3:
8 AA Women's Step Study--Chapel
9 MACUCC Communications Conference--Hancock Church
10 AA Meeting--Dining Room
2p Brass Group--Choir Room
Sunday, November 4:
8:30 Pastor's Class--Pearson
9 Bagels and Bible--Wilson
9 Hancock Junior Handbells--Kathie Stuart
9 Marting to Glory Handbells--Bell Room
10 Morning Worship-Reception of New Members-Sanctuary
10:20 Church School--Classrooms
10:20 Junior Youth Org.-Sandwich Making
11 Fellowship--Dining Room
11 Mission Trip Discussion--Kathie Stuart
11:15 Choristers Rehearsal--Room 212
5p Confirmation Class--Upper Room
6:15p Worship @ the Well-Bluegrass Night-Clark H.
7p Our Whole Lives--Kathie Stuart
7p Hancock Youth Group--Upper Room
Monday, November 5:
9:30 Projects with Purpose--Conference
1:30p Skyloom--Kathie Stuart
7:30p Cub Scouts--Room 208
7:30p Deacons Meeting--Conference Room
Schedule is subject to change. Please call the church offices if you have questions about any of the events we have listed here.
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