 |
 | 10 am Service
Join us this week for inspiring music and quality preaching.
Rev. Paul Shupe preaching: "Jesus on the Edge"
Did you miss last week's sermon? Catch it on-line here: Good News for the Home Folks by Paul Shupe
6:15 pm Join us this week @ the Well in Clark Hall. Music by the River Rock Band.
This week's scripture reading:
Luke 4:21-30
Then he began to say to them, 'Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.' All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, 'Is not this Joseph's son?' He said to them, 'Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, "Doctor, cure yourself!" And you will say, "Do here also in your home town the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum."' And he said, 'Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet's home town. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up for three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.' When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.
| |
Programs for Children | If you have questions our programming for children at Hancock, please contact Pam Cochrane: pam@hancockchurch.org
Hancock Choristers--A Place For Your Child Shine!
Our children's choir, the Hancock Choristers, will resume rehearsals on Sunday, January 27th at 11:15 in Room 212. New members are always welcome! The choir is open to kids from 1st-5th grade. The choir is fun, fast paced, and each rehearsal lasts about 30 minutes. Directed by Mark Morgan. Any questions, contact Mark at mark@hancockchurch.org or just come by on the 27th!
| |
Junior Youth Organization
January 13, 20, 27th - Class Room Discussions: Prayer Practices and Signs of Gratitude and Grace
Save the Date: February 9th - Social Event with Pilgrim Church Youth - Woburn Bowladrome
|
| |
Hancock Youth Group
It's never a bad time to bring a friend to HYG. You can even help them register on-line:)
HYG Registration
|
| |
|
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.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Mardi Gras! Saturday February 2nd, 5-7pm
Mardi Gras is Coming to Hancock!
Mardi Gras will be early at Hancock Church in 2013! Please help us celebrate at our pot-luck supper and variety show, on
Saturday, 2 February, 5:00-7:00 P.M.
The festivities will start at 5 p.m. in Clark Hall with dinner and activities for children. This will be followed by a variety show featuring various folks from the Hancock Church community. Everyone is invited to contribute something tasty to the dinner and we hope many of you will also provide an "act" for the show.
What Can You Do? If you can sing (solo, duet, quartet, etc), play an instrument, jam in Dixieland style, tell a joke, juggle, give a skit, play the fife, spin pirouettes, read a poem, do magic tricks, or _?_, then there's a spot for you! Brainstorm about what you might do to make the evening fun and enjoyable for all. Rehearsal opportunities can be provided as needed. Acts should be about 2-3 minutes in length, so all who'd like may participate.
How to Sign Up. To sign up in advance for food and/or acts, fill out this on-line form or send an email to Steve Cooper-Music & Arts Committee Chair-at the address cooper.landlord@gmail.com, or John Campbell john_campbell@harvard.edu so that we can plan and organize another fun-filled evening for all ages.
FOOD
If you plan on attending, please contact Liz Wilson at (781) 862-3798 to let her know if you are bringing an entree, salad or dessert. If she doesn't answer please leave her a detailed message. THANKS. |
|
Results of Annual Meeting
Hancock's Annual Meeting was held last Sunday, January 27th, and addressed all five articles on the warrant. Highlights include:
- Reports from our ministers, treasurer, and moderator.
- A wonderful reading by Historian Sue Rockwell of poems written by Hancock women in 1895 following a fundraising campaign, plus one sung by Harriet Chmela.
- Honoring of our newest 50-year members: Ken and Marcia Bushnell, Carolyn Parrish, Bruce and Louise Rankin, and Edward and Roberta Sorenson.
- Passage of the operating budget for 2013.
- Approval of two key measures for our capital campaign:
- The first authorized a construction loan, to be paid back from payments on pledges already made, that will allow construction of the elevator, stairwell and other improvements to begin this spring.
- The second approved inclusion in the construction project of needed improvements to our kitchen, TV broadcast and sanctuary sound systems, and Christian Education wing. These improvements are estimated to cost $500,000, and the congregation agreed to borrow as necessary to pay for them, but also to give everyone an opportunity in the meantime to add to the pledges they made last spring to offset these expenses.
On Sunday we came together in the congregational tradition to debate and decide issues of importance to our church, and to celebrate our lives together. Thanks to all who helped with the logistics and communications to help the meeting operate as effectively and smoothly as it did.
|
|
A New Baby Celebration-- This Sunday!
 Come celebrate Dana and Sean's soon-to-be new baby this Sunday, February 3, 2013 following morning worship. We will give Dana and Sean a group gift while enjoying fellowship and light refreshments in the dining room. Special 5x7 cards will be on hand for you to write a note, draw a picture, impart some parenting advice, or share a funny parenting story.
If you would like to contribute to the group gift ( baby car seat, two gift certificates, and a donation honoring Baby Allen Walsh), please make your check payable to Hancock Church, with "baby gift" in the memo line. Mail or drop off your check, ATTN: Kim Gladstone, Financial Administrator, Hancock Church.
If you have questions, email Yvette Kirby yvette.kirby@verizon.net or Robin DiGiammarino robin.digiammarino@gmail.com
If you would like to help with refreshments, contact Barbara Martin barhammar@gmail.com or 781-674-0017
|
|
Updates from Staff
Best Wishes and Farewell, Rachel!
Rachel Kowalik, who for the past 9 months has been our Administrative Assistant and resident artist has resigned her position to pursue other possibilities. She will complete her work at Hancock this coming Friday. We thank Rachel for her contributions, especially the banners she designed for Worship @ the Well, and for the lovely Sunday morning worship bulletins she created weekly. Best wishes for success, Rachel!
Meet Jane Park Our new Administrative Assistant is Jane Park. Jane is a 2004 graduate of Wellesley College, where she majored in Music with a concentration in Violin Studies. Jane has administrative experience gained by working at From the Top and the Longy School of Music in Boston. We think you will find her to be friendly and helpful, with all the skills necessary to thrive in this position. We hope that you won't hesitate to stop in and introduce yourself, and to help her feel welcome at Hancock!
The Rev. Dr. Ann Williams is our new Congregational Care Coordinator Joy Fallon's departure for King's Chapel creates a significant opening on our church staff, and Paul and Dana are pleased to introduce the talented minister who will fill it. Ann Williams was ordained in the Baptist tradition in 1982, and is currently affliliated with the Alliance of Baptists, which is the most progressive of all the Baptist traditions, and which is in full ministerial partnership with the United Church of Christ. She is a member of a UCC congregation, The Union Church of Waban, in Newton. In her ministry career, Ann has served as a hospice chaplain, minister of several congregations, and as a contract clergy person for a retirement community. You will find her to be friendly, committed and compassionate. She will be worshiping with us most Sunday mornings, and will of course work cooperatively with our Congregational Care Team and the ministers. Ann will begin her work with us on March 1. Welcome, Ann!
|
|
The Latest News from Joy
Dear Hancock Friends,
Thank you for your prayers! On Sunday, January 27th, I was called to be the 16th Senior Minister at King's Chapel in downtown Boston. The vote was swift and unanimous, undoubtedly aided by the fact that we were worried about the smell of a natural gas leak. Boston firefighters had appeared in the narthex during my sermon, jack hammering began outside as I was wrapping up, and we'd held off lighting candles on the communion table, just in case. It was quite a morning! Who knew that God would be working through National Grid to limit the entire congregational meeting to 3 minutes.
I am wonderfully blessed to have worked with all of you. You took me in as a seminarian, and then let me return as your Congregational Care Coordinator. I've loved every moment of it. Thank you!
My last day will be Sunday, February 10, and I hope to see many of you between now and then to say goodbye. Please continue to hold me in your prayers, as I prepare to begin at my new calling in March.
With much fondness,
Joy
|
|
Prayers for Joy
We have been specially touched by Joy Fallon and her ministry at Hancock. We are sad for us, but excited by the opportunity before her. She has cared for us, prayed with and over us, and wrapped us in her warm smile and loving arms. As she moves on in her career, we would like to put together a book of prayers to go with her to her new ministerial position. If Joy has touched your life, please write a prayer for Joy and mail it to the church office, hand it to Dana or Paul, or sent it by email to me at cfbukys@gmail.com. They can be handwritten or typed, personal to Joy, or a special prayer you would like to share with her, anything that will remind her that we love her and will miss her. We will celebrate her time with us on February 10 in church and at coffee hour. There will be paper and pens at coffee hour that day, so you can write one there as well.
|
|
New Member Joining Date
Hancock Will Welcome New Members on February 10th
Several families are planning to join Hancock Church next month, and if you are interested in joining, email the Membership Committee or contact the church office. We will welcome new members into the church family on Sunday, February 10th, both in the 10 am morning service and in the 6:15pm evening service @ The Well. New members join the church by affirmation of faith or letter of transfer from their previous church. For more information call the church office or email membership@hancockchurch.org.
|
|
Building Renovations Update from the Building Committee
Interested in the current state of the renovation plans for our church building? Come to the Kathie Stuart room at 11:30 AM on Sunday, February 10, for an overview of the whole project. See the latest drawings, ask questions, and give us your feedback. |
|
Hancock Church Security
Do you ever wonder who locks up the church at night and who turns off the lights? Too often the answer is no one! Hancock Church depends on all users of the church to be responsible for making sure that our facility remains safe and secure and that we do not needlessly waste energy. Thus, we would like to remind everyone of the following simple steps we can take to do this: - At all times please use ONLY the lower front entrance or the rear entrance to enter and leave the church. The narthex doors should only be used for events in the sanctuary or chapel. The doors by the nursery school, off of Clark Hall, or out of the kitchen are for emergency exit use only. Signs will be place at these entrances / exits to remind you. Of course, the handicap entrance can be used as needed and in the event of an emergency the closest exit should always be used.
- Anytime you are the last group to use the building and anytime you are leaving at or after 9 PM please check both the front and rear exits and lock the doors as you leave. This is accomplished by simply placing the door lock knob in the vertical position and should be done after 9 PM even if there are others still in the building.
- Please turn off the lights in any room you are using as you leave and turn off all hallway lights as you exit the building.
We all take steps to protect our homes and valued items and we are asking you to take these simple steps to help protect Hancock.
Thanks!
Questions? Call Jim Weston (781 275 8034) or Carmen Kalsow (781-258-9286), Co-Chairs, Prudential Committee
|
|
Hancock hosts the 8th Annual Lexington Choral Festival--Sunday February 10th at 3:00pm
Hancock will again host the annual Lexington Choral Festival. This interfaith concert will feature choirs from 12 area institutions. Each choir will sings by themselves, then the nearly 300 voices will join to sing a glorious rendition of Bach's Dona Nobis Pacem. The concert is free and open to the public with a reception in the dining room to follow. Please join us and invite a friend! The festival will also be broadcast live from LexMedia, so tune in if you can't make it!
|
|
Songs of Lament and Sorrow from A Joyful Noyse on Saturday, February 23rd, 7:30pm
A Joyful Noyse presents
The German Klagelied:
Songs of Lament and Sorrow
During the forty days of Lent, music, just as other human activities and practices, was dramatically affected in 17th and 18th century Germany. Opera was replaced by Passion oratorios. Secular concerts were replaced by pious and devotional sacred music.
At the end of the 17th century the residents of Lübeck gathered at St. Mary's Co8hurch to hear Dietrich Buxtehude's sacred cycle Membra Jesu nostri. Incorporating scripture and the text of the Medieval hymn Salve mundi salutare, each of the seven sections of the piece is a meditation on a part of Christ's crucified body. In Dresden, during Holy Week in 1722, one could hear the haunting setting of the Lamentations of Jeremiah composed by Jan Dismas Zelenka. The citizens of Hamburg and Berlin came to concert halls to hear the Passion oratorio Der Tod Jesu during the Lenten season of 1755. Both Carl Heinrich Graun (Berlin) and Georg Philipp Telemann (Hamburg) had set the same text written by Karl Wilhelm Ramler to music, and premieres of the two settings occurred within a week of each other.
On Saturday, February 23, at 7:30PM, in the candlelit Sanctuary of Hancock Church, 1912 Mass. Ave., Lexington, MA, you will have the opportunity to experience portions of these wonderfully emotive works presented by A Joyful Noyse. Musical forces will include choir and soloists, with a period orchestra comprised of violins, viole da gamba, baroque flutes, recorders and harpsichord. A donation of $10 will be accepted to help maintain the music programs at Hancock Church.
|
Junior Handbell Choir Rehearsals will resume Sunday, March 3rd
 Junior Handbell Choir Rehearsals will not occur this Sunday, January 6th, and will not resume for the Spring semester until Mar ch. Marting to Glory rehearsals, however, will take place as originally scheduled. Contact Lynn McClain with questions: lhmcclaine@rcn.com.
|
|
First Thursdays Group moves to Wednesdays--February 6th, 9:30am in the Wilson Room
For the spring session The First Thursday Discussion Group will move to the first Wednesday of the month. To be held at 9:30 a.m. in the Wilson Room starting February 6, 2013. Seminarian Becca Lockwood will be leading the group. All are invited to join in on a lively discussion of "Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith" by Kathleen Norris. Contact: Lois Smith Martin smithmartin224@verizon.net 781-270-0304.
"The beloved author of "The Cloister Walk" takes readers on a moving journey in this thoroughly original investigation of faith. Taking as her starting point the "scary words" that can intimidate and distance us from our religious heritage--words like "judgment, faith, dogma, salvation", and "sinner"--Norris blends history, theology, storytelling, etymology, and memoir to reflect on their meanings." |
Bagels and Bible: 9am Sunday Mornings in the Wilson Room
 Bagels and Bibles will offer a five week program for Lent titled, "The Path to the Crucifixion: Events Leading Up To Easter." Christians commemorate Jesus's final days by observing the solemnity of Good Friday and anticipating the joy of Jesus' resurrection that is celebrated on Easter Sunday. Often referred to as The Passion, the last days and death of Jesus make up much of the closing chapters of the Gospels. Each lesson will focus on Old and New Testament scripture, reflections or devotions, and group discussions. Please join us for one or all of our meetings at 9am on Sunday mornings in the Wilson Room. Contact Kerra Fletcher at harold3513@hotmail.com if you would like more information about Bagels and Bibles. 17 February- Jesus' Triumphal Entry to Jerusalem 24 February- Conflicts in the Temple 03 March- The Last Supper 10 March- Arrest and Trial 17 March- Crucifixion and Burial 24 March- Death and Resurrection 31 March- Easter: class does not meet 
|
|
Make A Joyful Noise-- Join the Choir!
The Chancel Choir is kicking off a 2013 membership drive. We can use new members in each section--no audition necessary! The choir rehearses each Thursday night at 7:30, and sings most Sunday mornings from September -May. If you haven't sung since high school or college, come on out and give it a try! Open to everyone from grade 9-adult. Directed by Mark Morgan. Any questions, contact Mark at mark@hancockchurch.org or 781-862-4220 ext 212.
|
|
Are you An Experienced Grant Writer?
Hancock has been invited to apply for a grant to aid one of our ministries, and we're looking for someone with experience and expertise to help us apply. Is that you? Please get in touch with Paul: paul@hancockchurch.org. |
|
Calling All Bakers!
Goodies needed for the coffee hour celebrations on 2/3 and 2/10.
We'd love to hear from those of you who would like to bake or provide fruit (such as grapes or berries) for coffee hour either February 3rd or 10th. Goodies should be brought to the kitchen before the 10 o'clock service and Parish Life will handle the rest.
Please email Margy Keeping mkeeping@verizon.net indicating which date and whether you are bringing baked goods or fruit.
Thanks in advance.
|
|
Sign-ups for this year's Panama service trip with SHI have begun!
|
Ethically recycle used electronics and support the Lexington Interfaith Food pantry--this Saturday and Sunday, February 2nd and 3rd!
WHAT: Ethical Electronics Recycling Benefit EventTM
WHEN: Saturday & Sunday, February 2 & 3, 2013, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., RAIN OR SNOW OR SHINE!
WHERE: Parking Lot, Church Of Our Redeemer, 6 Meriam Street, Lexington, MA 02420
PLEASE DO BRING: (almost) anything with a battery or a plug, including: TVs, CRTs, monitors, computers, telephones, laptops, keyboards, drives, cables, cords, any computer peripherals, all kinds of marine electronics, e-readers like Kindle and Nook, copiers, printers, fax machines, scanners, laptops, stereo equipment, speakers, CD & DVD players, iPods, iPads, iPhones, MP3 players, remotes, VCR's, projectors, all kinds of still and video cameras, PDAs, radios and radio equipment, answering machines, camcorders, typewriters, game systems, games, pagers, fans, vacuums, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, microwave ovens, toasters, blenders, small "dorm-room style" refrigerators, power tools, ink cartridges, toner cartridges, USB media, CDs, DVDs, cassette tapes, 8-track tapes, Zip Disks, video tapes, audio tapes, floppy diskettes, and household batteries.
Filing cabinets and office furniture are okay, too.
Cell phones will accepted at no charge.
PLEASE DON'T BRING: hazardous materials of any kind.
RECYCLING FEE: Incoming materials will be weighed, and attendees will be charged an Ethical Recycling Fee of $1.00 per pound, payable by cash or check. See below for discounts.
DISCOUNTS: We'll reduce your recycling fee if you bring along some canned food, if you are a Senior, or if you are a Food Pantry Volunteer.
NOTES: This event is a production of Ethical Electronics RecyclingTM and exceeds the requirements of the Electronic Waste Code of EthicsTM--the highest set of electronics lifecycle standards on the planet. Nothing will be tipped into landfills, incinerated as solid waste, or dumped in the developing world. For more info, please visit: EthicalElectronicsRecycling.com.
QUESTIONS? Schedule conflict? Items too big to fit in your vehicle? Need something picked up? Contact Christopher at 617-233-4120, or, onehealthyocean@gmail.com.
|
|
A note about charitable contributions and tax breaks from Treasurer Tom Ransohoff
We recently received a note from Renee Liabraaten regarding information on IRA transfers that may be of interest for those who are 70-1/2 and over and who are considering donations to Hancock or other charitable organizations in 2013 or (belatedly) 2012:
The recent American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the "Act") extends the ability for IRA owners to make qualified charitable distributions ("QCDs") and contains two special limited-time opportunities.
First, the Act extends for 2012 and 2013 the ability for IRA owners age 70 ½ or older to make tax-free gifts of up to $100,000-including the required minimum distribution (RMD) amount-from their IRAs directly to a qualified charity. Although IRA owners will not receive a tax deduction for the charitable gift, they pay no tax on the amount gifted from the IRA to the charity. This provision has been popular in recent years because it can satisfy the IRA's RMD without a tax consequence to the IRA owner.
Second, the Act contains a special, limited-time opportunity for IRA owners who were paid an IRA distribution in December 2012 to treat it as a QCD if the distribution is transferred in cash to a qualified charity before February 1, 2013. IRA owners who took an RMD (or any distribution up to $100,000) in December 2012 may treat that distribution as a QCD if the distribution amount is transferred by personal check to a qualified charity before February 1, 2013. This provision may be beneficial for IRA owners who reluctantly took an RMD in December when it appeared that QCDs would not be permitted for 2012.
Finally, the Act allows any direct distribution from the IRA to a qualified charity made during January 2013 to be deemed as if it was made on December 31, 2012. Thus, IRA owners may still receive QCD treatment for 2012 on QCDs actually made in January 2013.
Clients taking advantage of these opportunities should consult their tax advisor about tax reporting for the QCDs.
|
Lexington Food Pantry - January is spaghetti sauce month / February is Whole Kernel Corn month
If you donate food in January, please consider spaghetti sauce / in February whole kernel corn. Donation baskets are in the narthex, as well as outside the office and dining room. For more information, contact Caroline Nijenberg 781 862-4465 or carolinen@rcn.com If you wish to volunteer, to help distribute food at the pantry, please contact her to see if volunteers are needed.
|
Thursday, January 31st:
6:30p Boy Scouts
7:30p Chancel Choir--Choir Room
Friday, February 1st:
9:30 Morning Glories--Bell Room
Saturday, February 2nd:
8 AA Women's Step Study--Chapel
10 AA Meeting--Dining Room
2p Brass Group--Choir Room
5p Mardi Gras Party! --Clark Hall, Kitchen
Sunday, February 3rd:
8:30 Pastor's Class--Pearson
9 Bagels and Bible--Wilson
9 Marting to Glory--Bellroom
10 Morning Worship--Sanctuary
10:20 Church School--Children's Chapel and Classrooms
10:20 Junior Youth Org
11 Fellowship Hour-Welcoming Baby Walsh--Dining Room
11:15 Choristers--Room 212
6:15 NO worship at the Well
7p Hancock Youth Group-- Super Bowl Party!!
Monday, February 4th:
9:30 Projects with Purpose--Conference
1:30p Skyloom--Kathie Stuart
7:30 Deacons Meeting--Conference Room
'
Tuesday, February 5th:
10 Staff Meeting--Conference Room
11 Worship Staff Planning--Potter Library
|
|
|
|
|
