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Join us this week for inspiring music and quality preaching.
Scout Sunday!
Becca Lockwood preaching: "The Good Disciple"
Did you miss last week's sermon? Catch it on-line here: Paul Shupe preaching "Ever Changing, Never Ending"
6:15 pm Join us this week @ the Well in Clark Hall
This week's scripture reading:
John 12:1-8
Mary Anoints Jesus
Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 'Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?' (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, 'Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.' | |
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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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Palm Sunday Brunch
March 24th, 11:15am in the Dining Room All are welcome! Please join us and the Parish Life Committee immediately following our morning service. Reservations are not required, but signing up helps us plan. Please sign up at the Church Front Office, call Office Assistant Jane Park at (781) 862-4220, or email at jane@hancockchurch.org. Free will donations will be accepted. Please note that this event will take the place of coffee hour.
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Passion: A Dramatic Re-telling through Music, Word, and Poetry
Palm Sunday
March 24th, 4:00pm
The Chancel Choir and Orchestra
@ Hancock Church
The concert will include music by Mozart, Bach, Haydn, Barber, Durufle, and more. The entire passion story will be read from a variety of translations old and new, and reflections will be offered in the form of poetry by John Updike, Langston Hughes, Mary Oliver, and many more. Read more about the concert on our website. |
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, Jesus' parables in the Storytelling Room and charting maps in Brainteasers.
March 10th and 17th, Children will continue to explore the Lenten Game Board project in classroom activities.
March 24th is Palm Sunday and all children and youth join in worship
March 31st is Easter Sunday with all children and youth in worship
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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Help, Thanks, Wow
March 10th and 17th the group continues their Sunday Morning discussion of Help, Thanks, Wow prayers.
The last meeting of OWL is March 24th, Palm Sunday!
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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 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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Thursday, March 7th:
9:30 Help, Thanks, Wow Lenten Book Group--Wilson
6p Boy Scouts
7:30p Chancel Choir--Choir Room
Friday, March 8th:
9:30 Morning Glories--Bell Room
11 Friday Friends Book Group--Potter Library
Saturday, March 9th:
8 AA Women's Step Study--Chapel
10 AA Meeting--Dining Room
3p Brass Group--Choir Room
7:30p Labyrinth Choir Concert
Sunday, March 10th:
SCOUT SUNDAY!
8:30 Pastor's Class--Pearson
9 Bagels and Bible--Wilson
9 Hancock Junior Handbell Choir--Kathie Stuart
9 Marting to Glory Handbell Choir-- Bell Room
10 Morning Worship-Fourth Lent,Scout Sunday-Sanctuary
10:20 Church School-Children's Chapel & Classrooms
10:20 Junior Youth Org--Upper Room
11 Fellowship Hour --Dining Room
11 Building Renovations Update--Dining Room
11:15 Choristers--Room 212
11:30 June Cooper: the City in Biblical Scripture--Pearson
3p Lyricum Concert--Sanctuary
4:30p Building Committee Meeting--Conference Rm.
5p Confirmation Class--Upper Room
6:15 Worship @ the Well--Clark Hall
7p Our Whole Lives--Kathie Stuart
7p Hancock Youth Group--Upper Room
Monday, March 11th:
9:30 Projects with Purpose--Conference
1:30p Library Committee--Potter Library
1:30p Skyloom--Kathie Stuart
7p Boy Scout Troop Committee--Room 208
7:30p Prudential Committee--Conference Room
Tuesday, March 12th:
10 Staff Meeting--Conference Room
11 Worship Staff Planning--Potter Library
7p Children's CE--Boese's
7:30p Christian Service Committee--Wilson
7:30p Finance Committee--Potter Library
7:30p Endowment Committee--Conference Rm.
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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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Scout Sunday
 Wear your uniform to church this Sunday as we support Scouting!
The Scouting program at Hancock Church is more than just an activity for our youth to learn about the outdoors. Scouting provides fun, fellowship, and training to our youth as well as youth in our community. It emphasizes honesty, self-reliance, and respect. Through a year-round program, it affects character, citizenship, and personal fitness.
We congratulate all the volunteers who are active in Scouting throughout Lexington and want to offer a special prayer and word of the thanks to the leaders of Troop 119 and Pack 137 chartered to Hancock United Church of Christ. This Year Scout Sunday at Hancock means more than ever... To date 75 members and friends of Hancock Church have signed letters expressing their support and encouragement for a change in the BSA national policy restricting gay and bisexual youth and adults from membership and leadership in the BSA. The letter will be available this Sunday for others who may wish to express their support. To find out more about Hancock's position on the BSA national policy, read Jim Weston's open letter to the congregation HERE. |
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Sharing Brings Joy.
To Us. To Others. To God.
 Sunday, March 17, 2013 On Sunday, March 17th, Hancock will take the Lenten offering for One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS), which is administered by the Wider Church Ministries of the United Church of Christ. This annual refugee, relief and development collection provides funds that transform lives through health, education, agricultural and emergency relief efforts in 138 countries throughout the world.
One Great Hour of Sharing funds enable the United Church of Christ to respond quickly to disasters and other urgent and unexpected needs as they arise. Some examples of your gifts to OGHA include drought and famine relief in Africa, earthquake response in Haiti, earthquake and tsunami relief in Japan, and long-term recovery efforts from Hurricane Katrina.
An envelope for your gift will be enclosed in Sunday's bulletin for the offering that will be taken the following Sunday. Envelopes will also be available in the narthex. Please give generously to this important ministry.
Click HERE to to read stories about One Great Hour of Sharing
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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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Update on Building Renovation Plans
If you missed last Sunday's discussion of the building renovations plan, come to coffee hour on Sunday, March 10. The most recent plans will be in the dining room and members of the Building Committee will be there to answer questions.
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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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Nationally recognized Singer-Songwriter Bryan Sirchio to lead at The Well on March 17th
We are excited that Christian singer-songwriter Bryan Sirchio will be leading worship at the Well on Sunday March 17th at 6:15 p.m. in Clark Hall. Currently residing in Madison, Wisconsin, Byran travels all over the country leading worship, giving concerts, and leading workshops on music for contemporary mainline churches. An ordained UCC minister, Bryan says of his music that he "sings about personal faith, social justice, honoring the earth, and compassion for the poor... writes songs for kids, teens, and adults that cause people to reflect deeply upon the choices they make and that sometimes even change the course of people's lives...[I am] committed to using inclusive language, a progressive world-view, and theology that reflects the best of "mainline" Protestantism, the "Emergent Church" movement, and the Social Justice teachings of the Roman Catholic tradition." Bryan will be leading our resident ensemble, The River Rock Band, and giving the message. The previously announced Celtic Night will be re-scheduled for later this spring.
And don't forget that on Easter (March 31st) the New England Gospel Ensemble will be joining us at The Well or an Easter service sure to lift your spirit and stir your soul!
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David Snell, Fuller Center for Housing, is visiting Hancock March 17th!
We are pleased to announce that David Snell, President of The Fuller Center for Housing, is visiting Hancock on Sunday March 17th. David will speak briefly at worship and will join us for a small group discussion after the service. Come learn how the Fuller Center is working to provide decent housing for all, based on the theology of the hammer. Next month, a group of Hancock adults will travel to New Jersey for the annual Millard Fuller Legacy Build. This year volunteers will spend a week helping to repair homes impacted by Hurricane Sandy. The discussion will take place in the Pearson Room at 11:30AM
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New to Hancock? Let Us Introduce You
 The Welcoming Committee invites all who would like to learn more about Hancock Church to come to a mini coffee hour Sunday, March 17th following worship. The Welcoming Committee and minister Paul Shupe will be available from 11 am to 11:45 to answer questions about the church and what it means to be a member of Hancock, and give tours of the building. This is an opportunity for casual conversation and a chance to ask questions about activities at Hancock you may be interested in as well. For more information, please contact Welcoming Committee co-chair Julia Potter at welcoming@hancockchurch.org |
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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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Seminarian Alex Will Is New Congregational Care Coordinator
 We are pleased to announce that at the end of the current semester in May, Alex Will will become our new Congregational Care Coordinator. Alex will be continuing his preparations for ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ, and our position will enable him to grow in his understanding of pastoral care. We believe, of course, that he has every skill that we need to ensure that our current congregational care ministries continue to thrive. In the next two months, Carol Bukys and Mirjam Huizer of our Congregational Care Team will assist Senior Minister Paul Shupe in the administration of the program. Thanks to Alex, to Carol and Mirjam, and to all who do the work of caring for others within our congregation.
From Alex: "What a blessing it has been to learn about and grow with each and everyone of you over the past seven months. I'm overwhelmed with joy knowing that I get to continue my journey with all of you in this new position. I thank you for your continued support as a seminarian and look forward to transitioning into this new role as Hancock's Congregational Care Coordinator." |
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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.
If you missed the first workshop you are still more than welcome to join us this Sunday. We recorded last week's presentation and will be posting it on the website soon. Check back for more!
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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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Kitchen/TV/CE Wing Appeal
 The supplemental campaign appeal to help fund the kitchen renovation, TV system overhaul, and improvements to our sanctuary sound system and CE Wing is making steady progress. Through Monday we have received 33 pledges totaling $138,230. Have we heard from you? We know many are unable to add to their generous pledges last spring, but if you haven't participated in the campaign yet and would like to, or if you're able to add to the pledge you made last spring, your pledge will be greatly appreciated. Please fill out and send in the card you received in the mail, or call the church office or pick up a pledge card in church. Follow the details of our progress on the chart in the lobby. |
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Nominating Looking for New Committee Members
Over the next several weeks you may receive a call from the Nominating Committee asking you to consider joining one of our many committees at Hancock. But don't wait to hear from us! If there is a committee that you're interested in serving on, please let us know. Here is a list of the committees that we have at Hancock:
Deacons - focused on the spiritual life and practice in the church. Responsibilities include organizing communion and organizing greeters and ushers.
Music and the Arts - coordinates with the staff and Deacons to oversee musical and artistic programs to enhance our worship, fellowship and outreach to the community.
Parish Life - strengthens community at Hancock Church, by hosting coffee hour and other church events such as Palm Sunday Breakfast, Progressive Dinners and Summer Barbeques.
Membership and Welcoming - reaches out to newcomers to Hancock by hosting information sessions and newcomer dinners and produces new member brochures.
Christian Service - supports and identifies volunteer opportunities for a variety of charities, including Manger Sunday, casseroles for Rosie's Place, and Food Pantry donations.
Finance - creates the church budget working with the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Business Manager and participates in generating the narrative budget.
Stewardship coordinates the annual financial support drive for the missions of Hancock Church, and also celebrates the time and talents that we are called to give to God.
Prudential - oversees the maintenance, safety and upkeep of all church properties, including organizing work projects, overseeing community rentals and organizing multiple work days.
Nominating Committee - matches member's interests with the needs of the church. We are the committee that fills the committees!
Assistant Collectors aids the Collector by accounting for the weekly offerings after the service.
Children's Christian Education - oversees children's education on Sunday mornings using a theme-based curriculum, and organizes activities to foster community for children and families.
Adult Christian Education - coordinates adult education opportunities, such as Bible Study, Pastor's Class, First Thursdays, Lenten series, Beyond the Well and Women's retreats.
Congregational Care - coordinates the volunteers who visit members in their times of need and works to make sure that those who need visits or other assistance get them. They also coordinate floral deliveries, arrange the Senior Picnic and update Hancock Community Prayer.
Endowment - oversees the investment and distribution of endowed funds which have been created for the church.
Greeters and Ushers - teams greet people coming to church on Sunday, pass out bulletins and collect the offering. Commitments are usually once a month.
If you'd like to be part of one of these teams please give us a call and we'll help find the best group for you. Contact Joan Rutila (rutila@rcn.com, 781-862-6627) or chat with any of the members of Nominating Committee (Linda Williams, Harriett Chmela, Chris Groves and Joan Rutila.)
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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. |
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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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