Hancock United Church of Christ, Congregational
1912 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington MA 02421 | www.hancockchurch.org

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CONTENTS

In This Issue
This Sunday...
Children's Corner
SPOTLIGHT
ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS
EDUCATION & SMALL GROUPS
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
CALENDAR
RESOURCES
The Spring Herald on-line!



WORSHIP

10 am Service
Join us this week for inspiring music and quality preaching.

Rev. Paul Shupe preaching: "Into Life's Fullness"

6:15 pm Join us this week @ the Well in Clark Hall

This week's scripture reading:

Matthew 4:18-22
Jesus Calls the First Disciples

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the lake-for they were fishermen. And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.' Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.


 

 CHILDREN 


 Programs for Children

 

On February 17th we will
begin a new unit called
"Lost and Foun
d" as we
begin our journey into the
season of Lent.  Upcoming activities include:
creating a lenten journey
game board, sand
mosaques in the hands on
room, Jesus' parables in
the Storytelling Room and
charting maps  in
Brainteasers. 

If you would like to join in
helping with the kids
activities we'd welcome a
few more hands,
contact Pam Cochrane,
Director of Children's
Ministries at
pam@hancockchurch.org to learn more.
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.

Hancock Weekly

 SPOTLIGHT

Ash Wednesday Service--Tonight, 7pm in the Chapel
Lent Ash Cross
Embark with us on the journey of remembrance as we revisit and retell the stories of Jesus' life and teachings.

Read all about Lenten services and Programs in the Spring Herald (in the mail now) and available on-line: Spring Herald: Spiritual Choices
 
Celebrating Joy Fallon this Sunday, February 17th at Coffee Hour

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 17 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.



 ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS 

Building Renovations Update from the Building Committee--Rescheduled!

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 24th, for an overview of the whole project.  See the latest drawings, ask questions, and give us your feedback.
A Winter Journey at Fruitlands Museum, Harvard MA

 Sunday February 24th, 1-4pm Church Family Day - A Journey to Winterfest Days at Fruitlands Museum, Harvard MA.  Come take a journey, explore the paths on foot, snowshoes, ski's or sleds.  So many choices, all ages are invited to come explore!
    
Visit fruitlands.org/winterfestweekends to learn more or contact Pam Cochrane, Director of Children's Ministries
at pam.cochrane@hancockchurch.org

 

Kids Always Singing Around the House?  Have them Come Sing With Us!
Our new session of the Hancock Choristers is underway and new participants are encouraged to join. Choristers meets on Sunday mornings from 11:15-11:45 a.m. in Room 212 and is open to all kids in grades 1-5. Fun, fast-paced, and a great place to learn about music, singing, and what it means to share your time and talent with the church. Any questions, feel free to contact Mark Morgan at mark@hancockchurch.org



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 Church 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
Hancock Bells
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.
Open Rehearsal Sunday, March 3rd 9am
If you are in third through fifth grade and think it would be fun to ring a handbell (and it is!) please come to an open rehearsal of the Hancock Junior Handbell Choir on March 3.  We will start at 9:00 and end at 9:45.  We promise that even if you have never rung a handbell before, you will take part in ringing a fun piece of music with us that day!

Joan Rutila and Lynn McClaine

Questions?  Email Lynn at lhmcclaine@rcn.com
New Ringers Welcome!
New ringers welcome--The Marting to Glory ringers invite any middle school, high school, or adults interested in learning about handbells to an Open Rehearsal on Sunday 3/3 at 9 AM in the Bell Room. Come experience the fun of playing music as a team sport. No prior musical experience needed. If you can count to four and know your right from your left, you can ring handbells. Questions- handbells@hancockchurch.org or Cheryl Kraley 781-862-2209.

 

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




 

 EDUCATION & SMALL GROUPS 

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

 

 

June Cooper of City Mission Society leads Lenten study and reflection workshops: The City in Biblical Scripture


An invitation to personal contemplation as we discern how God calls us to work for justice and peace in the world.  

Led by Rev. June Cooper, Executive Director, City Mission Society
Sunday March 3rd & 10th, 11:30 a.m., Pearson Room

The first explicit mention of a city is found in Genesis 4:17. And in the final book of the Bible, the Holy City appears as the bride of God in Revelation 21. The Bible has a lot to say about the City.  We will explore the Bible to understand: the positive and negative pictures of the city in scripture, how God feels about the city, what does God want for the city and its people, what did Jesus want for the city, some of the characteristics of the Cities visited in the book of Acts, and the significant of the vision for the Holy City in Revelation. 

 

Havruta-- A Dialogical Approach to Biblical Texts with Paul Shupe

An invitation to participate with Senior Minister Paul Shupe in a unique style of Bible Study during Lent and Easter.  The study is called Havruta, a Hebrew word that describes a dialogical approach to biblical texts. We'll do this in a small group of no more than 10, including Paul. We will meet weekly, and look deeply into Luke's stories of the arrest, trial, death and resurrection of Jesus. Most of the study will take place in pairs, with conversation partners. This style of study is how Rabbi's prepare and are trained.

Continuity and the establishment of trust in community is essential to the process. If you cannot attend at least six of the eight evenings listed above, it would not be fair to the group to participate.  As such, a commitment is asked for attendance for at least six of the eight sessions noted below - please contact Paul Shupe to register for this series.  No previous experience or perceived expertise is required, just the willingness to enter into an intentional, disciplined study group for this short time.

   The Havruta gatherings will be in the Wilson Room, Wednesday evenings, 7:00-8:45 pm on the following dates:    

    February 20 and 27
        March 6, 13, and 20
        April 3, 10, and 24

If you would like more information and to sign up for Havruta please
contact Paul Shupe at: Paul@hancockchurch.org.

 

Thursday morning Lenten Book Group: Help, Thanks, Wow

Explore the practice of prayer, ways to enrich your prayer time, and find your "prayer voice."

Led by Pam Cochrane, Seminarian and Director of Children's Ministries

Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Wilson Room --
February 20, 27 and March 5, 13, 20

Jesus' disciples knew how important prayer was for Jesus and they wanted to plug into that energy source. They often asked for him to share his thoughts on prayer as we remember in the Gospel of Luke the question, "Lord, teach us to pray." Jesus answered with "The Lord's Prayer," one all Christians share in common, even though
language and translations vary. What other prayers sustain you, ground you? Ann Lamont shares three simple prayers in her new book Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers. Come for as many sessions as you can as we explore the practice of prayer, ways to enrich your prayer time, and find your "prayer voice."

 

Pastor's Class: continues each Sunday 8:30 to 9:30am, Pearson Room

 

Join others Sunday mornings for a lively, contemplative discussion of the worship theme for the day.  The class will be led by members of the group through May, based on the framework Senior Minister Paul Shupe has provided us. 


 

 SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES   

Help us Promote our Television Ministry for a Grant!
Hancock Church is applying for a grant to help us maintain and extend our television ministry.  If you, or if someone you know, relies or enjoys the telecast of our services, and would be willing to share your story with us, please contact paul@hancockchurch.org or 781-862-4220.  Thanks!



Fuller Center for Housing Adult Mission Trip
Seven adults from Hancock will drive to Atlantic City, New Jersey on Sunday April 28 to help get 20 families, primarily seniors on fixed incomes and disabled residents, back into their homes following Hurricane Sandy. It's already been 3 months since their homes were devastated by the storm and their lives turned upside down. FEMA and insurance inspectors have come and gone, but money to do the work necessary for them to move back in has been slow in coming.  More information about what you can do to help is available on our website and in the upcoming Herald!

For questions, contact Cheryl Kraley at cheryl@kraley.com or Paul DiGiammarino at paul.digiammarino@gmail.com


 

Sign-ups for this year's Panama service trip with SHI have begun!

Find out all about it on our website!
Contact Charlotte Dougherty 781 863 8018 or Dana Allen Walsh for more information.

 

 

Lexington Food Pantry --February is Whole Kernel Corn month/ March is Canned Fruit

 

If you donate food in February, please consider whole kernel corn / for March canned fruit.  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.

 

  

 CALENDAR   


Thursday, February 14th:
6p Boy Scouts
7:30p Chancel Choir--Choir Room

Friday, February 15th:
9:30 Morning Glories--Bell Room

Saturday, February 16th:
8 AA Women's Step Study--Chapel
10 AA Meeting--Dining Room
2p Brass Group--Choir Room

Sunday, February 17th:
8:30 Pastor's Class--Pearson
9 Bagels and Bible--Wilson
9 Marting to Glory--Sanctuary
10 Morning Worship-First Lent-Sanctuary
10:20 Church School--Children's Chapel and Classrooms
10:20 Junior Youth Org--Upper Room
11 Fellowship Hour-Celebration for Joy --Dining Room
11:30 Spirituality Across the Lifespan--Kathie Stuart
6:15 Worship at the Well--Dixiland & Joining for New Members-Clark

Monday, February 18th:
President's Day--Church offices Closed
9:30 Projects with Purpose--Conference
1:30p Skyloom--Kathie Stuart

Tuesday, February 19th:
10 Staff Meeting--Conference Room
11 Worship Staff Planning--Potter Library


Schedule is subject to change.  Link HERE to our calendar on-line! 
Hancock United Church of Christ | 1912 Massachusetts Ave. | Lexington, MA 02421
781.862.4220 | hancockchurch.org