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 | 10 am Service
Join us this week for inspiring music and quality preaching.
Paul Shupe preaching: "Old(er) Dogs, New Tricks"
Did you miss last week's sermon? Catch it on-line here: Becca Lockwood preaching "The Good Disciple"
6:15 pm Join us this week for a very special evening service with Bryan Sirchio @ the Well in Clark Hall
This week's scripture reading:
Luke 12:13-31
The Parable of the Rich Fool
Someone in the crowd said to him, 'Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.' But he said to him, 'Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?' And he said to them, 'Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.' Then he told them a parable: 'The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, "What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?" Then he said, "I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry." But God said to him, "You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?" So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God.' Do Not Worry He said to his disciples, 'Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you-you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. | |
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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.
+ If you are willing to cook or bake for the Palm Sunday Brunch, please contact Carol Puschak: (781)863-8635, cpuschak@msn.com +
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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 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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Last Chance to save your spot on the bus to 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 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 14th:
9:30 Help, Thanks, Wow Lenten Book Group--Wilson
6p Cub Scouts--Clark Hall
6p Boy Scouts--throughout building
7:30p Chancel Choir--Choir Room
Friday, March 15th:
9:30 Morning Glories--Bell Room
Saturday, March 16th:
8 AA Women's Step Study--Chapel
9 Prudential Committee Work Day
10 AA Meeting--Dining Room
1p Bill Smith Memorial Service--Sanctuary, Dining Room
2p Eagle Court of Honor, Sanctuary, Clark Hall
3p Brass Group--Choir Room
7p HYG Hungerthon starts!-- the Upper Room
Sunday, March 17th:
8 Hungerthon Break-Fast--Clark Hall.
8:30 Pastor's Class--Pearson
8:30 Chancel Choir-Sanctuary
9 Bagels and Bible--Wilson
9 Hancock Junior Handbell Choir--Kathie Stuart
9 Marting to Glory Handbell Choir-- Bell Room
10 Morning Worship--Fifth Lent-Sanctuary
10:20 Church School-Children's Chapel & Classrooms
10:20 Junior Youth Org--Upper Room
11 Fellowship Hour --Dining Room
11 Welcoming Coffee for Newcomers--Wilson
11 Building Renovations Update--Dining Room
11:15 Choristers--Room 212
11:30 Spirituality Across the Lifespan--Dining Room
11:30 David Snell Presentation--Pearson
3:30p Joy Fallon Ordination--Wellesley Village Church
6:15 Worship @ the Well--Clark Hall
7p Our Whole Lives--Kathie Stuart
7p Sandwiches for the Sandwich Generation Dinner--Pearson
Monday, March 18th:
9:30 Projects with Purpose--Conference
1:30p Skyloom--Kathie Stuart
7:30p Cub Scout Pack 137 Committee Meeting--Room 208
Tuesday, March 19th:
10 Worship Staff Planning--Conference Room
11 Staff Meeting & Building update--Conf. Room
7p Standing Committee-- Pearson
7p Cantata Rehearsal--Sanctuary
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Lexington Food Pantry --March is Canned Fruit month
If you donate food in March, please consider giving 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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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 was enclosed in last Sunday's bulletin for the offering that will be taken this coming 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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Thanks to all who participated in Scout Sunday!
Hancock has collected more than a hundred letters to the Boy Scouts of America at this point. Thanks to the Scouts for their commitment, thoughtfulness, and good citizenship.  |
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A Note of Thanks from MaryAnn Shupe
Dear Hancock Friends,
Thank you so much for your beautiful cards, thoughtful notes, and continued prayers. Losing two siblings to cancer at young ages has been difficult, but Paul and I feel very supported by our Hancock family. For both Rich in September and Becky this past week, Paul did a beautiful job helping my family remember and pay tribute to their lives. I am grateful to him, and comforted by my wide circle of friends.
Thank you, MaryAnn Shupe
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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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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 in the Wilson Room. 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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Women of the Greatest Generation: Stories of Faith, Hope, Love, and Courage--April 10th, 1:30pm in the Pearson Room
Join us on Wednesday, April 10 at 1:30 as we discuss Women of the Greatest Generation, Stories of Faith, Hope, Love and Courage. This two volume anthology was created by Rev. Dr. Fran Bogle and Hancock's own Rev. Nancy Reed. Fran and and Nancy will share their process and they collected stories about the lives of women who lived through the Second World War. You will hear the stories of a woman who raised rats for penicillin experiments, and another who was the first woman hired as a professional chemist. Through Sakae's story we will learn what it was like to grow up in Japan during this time, and Alma will help us get a new perspective on events in Glascow, Scotland. One lady will help us remember rationing and and another will enable us to imagine what it was like to stay in touch with a new husband while he was overseas in the Pacific. At the end of our time Rosemarie Sauermann share her story about growing up in Cologne, Germany, and how oral history and the ministry of remembrance are related.
We hope this time together will enable us to celebrate the unique stories we all have to share. Fran and Nancy will give us some ideas about how to tell our stories so that we can share them with family and friends, and Rosemarie will help us understand why telling our own stories is so important. The Rev. Dr. Fran Bogle is the Protestant Chaplain at Newton Wellesley Hospital. Fran also coordinates the Just Peace Players, a liturgical drama group that writes plays on peace and justice issues. Fran is also an avid photographer, loves to travel and has a ministry dog.
The Rev.Nancy Reed is a member of Hancock United Church of Christ and next month will celebrate her 30th year of ordained ministry. Nancy is currently a member of the Pastoral Care team at Mount Auburn Hospital, a member of the Just Peace Players, and from May through October is a tour guide on the Liberty Ride telling the story of April 19, 1775. Nancy is a Board Certified Chaplain, a Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Master and a Certified Hypnotist. |
 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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Hancock Poetry Group meets second Wednesdays of each month--Join us!
The Hancock Poetry group meets on the second Wednesday of each month, in the Pearson room. We gather to share the poetry of others, or our own, whatever has inspired us lately. Long time poetry lovers, and those just discovering the joys of poetry are all welcome! |
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Pastor's Class will not meet Palm Sunday, March 24th or Easter Sunday March 31st. Class will resume before the Sunday service on April 7th.
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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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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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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40th Annual Good Friday Walk--Participate or Support Hancock's Walkers!
The 40th annual Good Friday walk, known as the Sharing Walk, will take place on March 29th this year. Sharing was initiated as a response to a Tufts Medical School study of children in the southern states who because of poverty were suffering brain damage as a result of malnutrition .Guided by the Massachusetts woman who founded the organization, Sharing focuses on the needs of children primarily in Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia who suffer from both poverty and racism. More than 94% of the money raised by the walkers, (more than 3 million dollars so far), goes directly to evaluated organizations who are making a difference in the lives of southern children.
Hancock people have always generously supported with their pledges those walkers whose legs are doing the praying-Harriet Chmela for 26 years and Faith Fenske for 34 years. Look for Faith with her pledge sheet at coffee hour and sign up to join her on Good Friday! Harriet is unfortunately unable to walk in the event this year, however she will be collecting contributions to support the cause: h.chmela@gmail.com, 7818626459. The Walk is 20 miles and pledges can be per mile or a lump sum.
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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 35 pledges totaling $146,230. 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 to help fund these priorities, 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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