RESOURCES
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 | 10 am Service
Join us this week for inspiring music and quality preaching.
Paul Shupe preaching: "Ever Changing, Never Ending"
Celebration of Communion.
Did you miss last week's sermon? Catch it on-line here: Alex Shea Will preaching "Identity Theft"
6:15 pm Join us this week @ the Well in Clark Hall
This week's scripture reading:
Luke 13:1-9
Repent or Perish, & the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
Repent or Perish
At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, 'Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them-do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.'
The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
Then he told this parable: 'A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, "See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?" He replied, "Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig round it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down."'
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Programs for Children | On February 17th we began a new unit called
"Lost and Found" and will continue 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.
March 3rd - Special Program for children in Clark Hall. The kids will get to try their hand at bell ringing, learn about the UCC "one great hour of sharing" and share in the blessing of joys and concerns.
March 10th and 17th, Children will continue to explore the Lenten Game Board project in classroom activities.
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.
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
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JUNIOR YOUTH ORGANIZATION
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Sandwich-Making this Sunday
Junior Youth Organization (JYO) will be making sandwiches on March 3rd and sharing in communion.
March 10th and 17th the group continues their Sunday Morning discussion of Help, Thanks, Wow prayers.
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Get ready for Kentucky!
Registration for the upcoming service trip to Kentucky is now OPEN! Make sure you are on the HYG listserv to stay up-to-date on Kentucky details.
To register for Kentucky:
1) Fill out the Registration Form
2) Sign the Covenant
3) Print, and fill out the HOMES form: HOMES Consent form
4) Return the HOMES consent form along with payment (trip cost this year is $550) to the church offices NO LATER than March 17th.
5) All of this assumes you registered for HYG at the beginning of the year. If you have not registered for HYG or your information has changed since the beginning of the year, please register HERE.
We're looking forward to a great trip this year!
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Upcoming Events with HYG
March 3 @ 7 - 8:30: Hancock Mixer Get to know the older generations of the Hancock congregation over "speed meet & greet" and ice cream!
March 10 @ 7 - 8:30: Music Night This will also include getting familiar with songs new and old, traditional and contemporary, that we may use in Youth Sunday!
March 16-17 Hungerathon Join us for Hungerathon, our annual overnight at the church to raise awareness about hunger in the world. Details to come.
March 24 @ 11:30 - 3:30 (approximate time): SkyZone Rescheduled from snow day... note: Cantata Sunday is at 4:00 and there is no Well worship service this night.
March 31: NO MEETING (Easter)
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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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June Cooper of City Mission Society leads Lenten study and reflection workshops beginning this Sunday: 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.
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Handbell Open House and Opportunities for New Ringers, this Sunday March 3rd
 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.
Open Rehearsal for Junior Handbells: 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
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Hancock Nursery School Donates $25,000 for Kitchen Renovations
 We were delighted to receive a check for $25,000 yesterday from Judy Kelley, Director of the Hancock Nursery School, as a gift from the school towards the kitchen renovation. Baking together in the kitchen is a well-loved nursery school activity, and they have missed having an operating kitchen this year. We are most grateful for this contribution to our long-term partnership. Thank you, Hancock Nursery School!
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Kitchen/TV/CE Wing Appeal
 By now everyone should have received an invitation to participate in the supplemental campaign appeal to help fund the kitchen renovation, TV system overhaul, and improvements to our sanctuary sound system and CE Wing. If you didn't, call the church office, or pick up a pledge card in church. Returns have begun to arrive, and through Tuesday, we have received 20 pledges totaling $113,030 towards the $500,000 cost (including the Nursery School donation). If you're in a position to help, your pledge will be most appreciated. Follow our progress on the chart in the lobby beginning this Sunday.
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Building Renovations Update from the Building Committee--This Sunday, March 3rd following morning worship
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, March 3rd, for an overview of the whole project. See the latest drawings, ask questions, and give us your feedback.
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Hancock Youth Group invites You to an Intergenerational Ice Cream Social March 3rd, 7pm in the Dining Room
Dear members of the Hancock community--
HYG (Hancock Youth Group) would like to invite one and all to come and join us for an ice cream social mixer!
Sunday March 3rd at 7pm we will gather in the dining room where we hope to get to know a few members of the church a little better. We will be sharing ice cream, faith and life stories, and I'm sure some laughter, too.
If you are interested in joining us and sharing your story with HYG please contact either Becca Lockwood or Sarah Keeping. We look forward to seeing you!
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Hancock Concert Series Continues!
Lyricum Quintet Concert on Sunday March 10th
 On Sunday, March 10 at 3pm, the Lyricum Woodwind Quintet will give a concert of music for winds and piano. The program will present works for winds from the sixteenth to the twentieth century, and the Allegro Moderato by Louis Spohr for piano and winds, with Marilyn Becker, piano. Other composers include Danzi, Haydn, Rieti and a Renaissance Suite transcribed by Ronald Roseman.
The Lyricum Quintet was formed in 1980,with its present personnel dating from 1985. Members are: Suzanne John, flute, Janice Bennett, oboe, Deborah Levine, clarinet, Jeanne Paella French horn, and Isabelle Plaster, bassoon. It has performed frequently at Hancock Church, in the First Parish concert series, and at the Carleton Willard and Brookhaven communities.
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Order Your Easter Lily Dedications Now through March 22nd.
 Each year, the Sanctuary is filled with beautiful Lilies on Easter morning in memory of those loved by members of the congregation at Hancock. Dedicate an Easter Lily to a loved one in your family by returning this form by Friday, March 22nd along with a check made out to Hancock United Church of Christ. The suggested donation for each memorial plant is $10. Place your order and submit your dedication on-line by clicking HERE. |
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Memorial Service for Bill Smith, longtime Member of Hancock, will be held at Hancock Church on March 16th at 1pm.
Francis W. K. "Bill" "Frank" Smith - passed away on February 15, 2013 at 85 years of age.
He leaves behind his son Dwight Fraser of Jamaica Plain; his son Frank Smith of Lexington and his wife May Pian-Smith; and his daughter, Laurie Smith Peck and her husband Donald Peck.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in Frank's name to the Rotary Club of Cambridge, P.O. Box 410347, Cambridge, MA 02141.
Click HERE to Read Bill's full obituary in the Lexington Minuteman.
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Sharing Brings Joy.
To Us. To Others. To God.
 Sunday, March 17, 2013
On Sunday, March 17th, Hancock Church will be asked to once again demonstrate our support for One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS), the annual Lenten offering administered by the Wider Church Ministries of the United Church of Christ. Through gifts to this offering, UCC members reach out in the name of Christ to become a partner in the refugee, disaster relief, and community development efforts of the United Church of Christ.
For example, OGHS supports self-help programs in more than 138 countries, including the US, to build sustainable communities that enable people and communities to rise above hunger, disease, illiteracy and other forces of injustice that deny and destroy dignity. OGHS provides emergency and long-term assistance to people in the US and internationally following hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, tidal waves, fires, war, and other natural or human-caused events. In ministering to refugees, OGHS responds with advocacy and help, hope and hospitality for people who have been uprooted from their home of origin.
Hancock is one of 6,000 UCC congregations that unite with Christians in eight other Protestant denominations and Church World Service to support this remarkable network of service and caring. When you give to OGHS, you participate in a worldwide ministry of sharing resources and helping people change their lives.
You will find an envelope for your gift to OGHS in next week's bulletin for the offering that will be taken the following Sunday. Envelopes are also available in the Narthex. Please consider making a generous gift to this important ministry that carries God's message of love and hope to those in need.
Click HERE to to read stories about One Great Hour of Sharing
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An Invitation to attend the Ordination of Joy Fallon at Wellesley Village Church
The Metropolitan Boston Association of the
Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ,
and Wellesley Village Church
joyfully invite you to the
Ordination to Christian Ministry
of
Joy Kahlenberg Fallon
Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 3:30 pm
at the Wellesley Village Church
2 Central Street, Wellesley, Massachusetts.
Reception to follow
Clergy and seminarians who wish to robe and process
are invited to gather at 3:00 in the Parlor.
If you will be able to attend,
please email or call Tricia Kibbe, 781-235-1988 x 17
tricia@wellesleyvillagechurch.org
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Installation of Brian Gruhn postponed
The installation of Brian Gruhn as Associate Minister at Second Congregational Church in Newton, scheduled for March 10, has been postponed due to a breakdown in communications leading to "I's" not dotted and "T's" not crossed. We will keep you posted when a new date is set.
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Palm Sunday Brunch
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 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 21, 28 and March 7, 14, 21
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."
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Join us for First Wednesdays!
The First Wednesday Discussion Group (formerly held on Thursdays) will meet March 6, 2013 AT A NEW TIME 10 am in the Wilson Room. 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.
Click HERE to read more about this Adult Education series on our website.
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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.
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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  |
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Women's Retreat
Interested in getting to know other women in the congregation? Desiring a space to relax and have fun? Seeking an opportunity to go deeper on your spiritual journey?
Come and give it a try!
The 7th Annual Women's Retreat
Friday, May 3rd - Saturday, May 4th 2013
Essex Conference & Retreat Center in Essex, MA
All women, all ages, are invited to an overnight retreat at the Essex Conference & Retreat Center. This natural oasis is nestled in the shade of the north shore and offers structured and unstructured time to the important work of tending to your soul. Whatever nourishes you whether solitary walks, deep conversations, the company of nature, a dip in the hot tub, reading, or writing, this is the space to learn and grow and try something new.
To learn more and receive registration information email Pam Cochrane at pam.cochrane@hancockchurch.org or stop in the church office. Seminarians Pam Cochrane and Becca Lockwood will be leading this year's retreat.
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Grant Application for our Television Ministry
We are applying for a grant that would help us to fund the improvements that are necessary for our television ministry. We suspect that there are Lexington residents who are not members of Hancock who watch us at least occasionally. Do you know someone who fits this description? We would love to speak with them. Please contact Paul if you can help in this way. Thanks!
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Prudential Committee Indoor Workday scheduled for March 16th
Join members of the Prudential Committee on Saturday, March 16th from 9am to 1pm for an indoor work day. No special skills required. . . . just the desire to roll up your sleeves and join friends of Hancock working on some maintenance, cleaning and repair projects inside the church. Join us for part of the time or for the entire morning. Check in at the conference room when you arrive to see what needs to be done. Questions? Contact Susan McClements at skmcclements@gmail.com.
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Room at the Table Hosts Benefit for Communities Without Borders' Work with Zambian Orphans and Vulnerable Children on March 9th at Pilgrim Church
Get "into" Africa! Join us for an evening of authentic, home-cooked Zambian food, music and stories on Saturday, March 9 from 6-8 PM at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 55 Coolidge Avenue in Lexington. The event will benefit Communities Without Borders (CWB), a non-governmental organization providing education, healthcare programs and nourishing hope to AIDS orphans and vulnerable children in Zambia. Experience the music and culture of the country and learn more about CWB. Family friendly event -- everyone is welcome! Donations equivalent to the cost of a restaurant meal are suggested. For more information call 781.862.0357 or go to the Room at the Table Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Room-At-The-Table/358057387566885. For more information about Communities Without Borders go to http://www.communitieswithoutborders.org. |
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.
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Thursday, February 28th:
9:30 Help, Thanks, Wow Lenten Book Group--Wilson
3p Nominating Committee--Wilson
6p Boy Scouts
7:30p Chancel Choir--Choir Room
Friday, March 1st:
9:30 Morning Glories--Bell Room
Saturday, March 2nd:
8 AA Women's Step Study--Chapel
10 AA Meeting--Dining Room
3p Brass Group--Choir Room
Sunday, March 3rd:
8:30 Pastor's Class--Pearson
8:30 Building Committee Meeting--Conference Room
9 Bagels and Bible--Wilson
9 Hancock Junior Handbell Choir-Open Rehearsal--Kathie Stuart
9 Marting to Glory Handbell Choir-- Bell Room
10 Morning Worship-Third Lent, Communion-Sanctuary
10:20 Church School-Special Bell Program-Clark Hall
10:20 Junior Youth Org-Sandwich Making-Wright Lab
11 Fellowship Hour --Dining Room
11 Building Renovations Update--Kathie Stuart
11:15 Choristers--Room 212
11:30 June Cooper: the City in Biblical Scripture--Pearson
5p Confirmation Class--Upper Room
6:15 Worship at the Well--Clark Hall
7p Our Whole Lives--Kathie Stuart
7p Hancock Youth Group Intergenerational Ice Cream Mixer--Dining Room
Monday, March 4th:
9:30 Projects with Purpose--Conference
1:30p Skyloom--Kathie Stuart
7:30p Music & Arts--Wilson
7:30p Deacons Meeting--Conference Room
Tuesday, March 5th:
10 Staff Meeting--Conference Room
11 Worship Staff Planning--Potter Library
7:30p Teaching Parish Committee
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