SPOTLIGHT

The Hancock Adult Christian Education Committee is pleased to continue, "Learning in the Living Room," a series of Wednesday evening house gatherings as an opportunity for learning and fellowship. One of the Hancock staff will facilitate each topic with a brief overview and the rest of the evening will be for discussion. There have been two sessions so far -- both were enjoyed and found informative by the attendees.

WEEK 3: Oct 9

Finding the Words: Talking to kids about the Loss of Loved Ones

Discussion led by Alex Shea Will

Hosted by Susan and Manuel Navia at 55 Hancock St

In our next installment of Hancock's 'Learning in the Living Room,' I'll be leading a discussion entitled: Finding the Words: Talking to kids about the Loss of Loved Ones. Together, we'll share stories and advice, and look at a few resources for talking about death and loss - whether it be the loss of a grandparent or a pet. We'll gather at 7:30 PM at Susan and Manuel Navia's home at 55 Hancock St. in Lexington. Feel free to bring any resources you might find helpful.

Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the UCC that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry(CAIM). Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries(JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants.

Neighbors in Need grants are awarded to churches and organizations doing justice work in their communities. These grants fund projects whose work ranges from direct service to community organizing and advocacy to address systemic injustice. Funding is provided through donations to the Neighbors in Need offering.

We will collect the Neighbors in Need offering on October 20th.

Letter from Dana Allen Walsh

 ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS 

We ask that you please bring your quilts and shawls to morning worship to hang on your pew for everyone to see! Then after morning worship, please take them back home with you. 

This fall, we are inviting people to add to the richness of our worship experience by sharing things from home with which we will decorate the Sanctuary.    

On the second Sunday of each month, we'll be asking people to bring items from home to share, in keeping with the theme of the month:

September/Expectation: Live plants and greens

October/Community: Comforting Quilts and Prayer Shawls

November/Gratitude: Food for the Lexington Food Pantry

December/Advent - Manger Sunday: Gifts for City Mission Society

Take part!  Share generously!  

Thanks,

Your Worship Staff

 EDUCATION & SMALL GROUPS 

October 22nd, 7:00-9:00 pm at Clark Middle School in Lexington 

Join BasicNeeds US, the Town of Lexington, and mental health advocates for a screening of Hidden Pictures, an award-winning documentary film on the common struggles of people with mental illness around the world. Over 90 international organizations have joined to screen the film, Hidden Pictures, as part of World Mental Health Day. In Lexington, we are honored to have the filmmaker, Delaney Ruston, MD, join us for the screening and panel discussion. Other panelists include: BasicNeeds' President, Dick Dougherty; Emily Lavine of Lexington Human Services; and Lisa Lambert, Executive Director of Parent Professional Advisory League.

The film seeks to raise global awareness about the universal struggles of the millions of people with mental illness worldwide, and to promote dialogue on reducing stigma, a key impediment to recovery. 

The First Thursday Discussion Group will continue this fall. Rev. Dana Allen Walsh will be leading the group. The group meets: 

   October 3

   November 7

   December 5  

   at 10 am in the Pearson room.   

We will be discussing Lean In:  Women, Work and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg. All are welcome to join the group for a lively conversation of thinking outside of the box. Contact: Lois Smith Martin smithmartin224@verizon.net, (781) 270-0304.

There is a lot of buzz about this new book.

Like or dislike; agree or disagree, come and join the conversation!  Here are some quotes from the book we'll be discussing:

"What would you do if you weren't afraid?"

"Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence."

"We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change."

 SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES   

Join Sustainable Harvest International and other Hancock Church members for a hands-on, educational service trip in Panama.

Live and work with local families who are learning how to use organic and sustainable farming techniques to improve their lives and restore tropical forests.

Join Sustainable Harvest International and other Hancock Church members for a hands-on, educational service trip in Panama

The Trip: Travel to Tranquilla, Panama - a rural community in the highlands - to work with local families on sustainable farming and reforestation projects. Local farmers will be our teachers, and together, we'll work, reflect, relax, and build deep and lasting bonds. Participants will stay with host families while in the community, and the trip will end with a relaxing stay on the coast of Panama.

The Purpose: To support Sustainable Harvest International in its mission to provide farming families in Central America with training and tools to overcome poverty while restoring our planet's tropical forests. 

Work Projects: Planting vegetable gardens, building tree nurseries, building wood-conserving stoves, planting trees, implementing erosion control measures, building rice patty and fish pond systems.

When: Tentatively scheduled for the week of January 19, alternative date is the week of February 16, which would allow families with students to participate. The dates will be set based on the needs of trip participants.

Cost: Trip fee is $1500 (excluding air fare). Deposit of $500 is due November 20.

For more information please contact Charlotte Dougherty (781) 863-8018, charlottepdougherty@gmail.com; or Dana Allen Walsh at dana.allenwalsh@hancockchurch.org

Fall may be taking hold, but Lexington's Interfaith Garden is still reporting a fruitful growing season. As of September 21st, 1,380 pounds of fresh, nutrient-rich produce have been delivered to the Lexington Interfaith Food Pantry. Just 256 pounds are needed to exceed 2012's record-breaking harvest!

The garden is conveniently located near the Battle Green in Lexington Center and parking is available at First Parish Church. No prior experience is needed.