SPOTLIGHT

The voices for this program will be divided into two choirs, with each calling back and forth to each other and coming together to form a grand chorus. The instrumental forces for this program will include baroque violins, various sizes of viols, baroque flutes, voice flutes, soprano recorders and harpsichord.  The instruments will be divided into two orchestras, each supporting one of the two choirs, and positioned to bring out the echoing, or antiphonal, nature of the mass.

There is a lot of buzz about this new book. Like or dislike; agree or disagree; come and join the conversation! 

"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."

UPCOMING EVENTS 

Come lift your spirits and embrace the Advent season by participating in a beloved Hancock tradition: Manger Sunday.

During morning worship on December 8, we will process to the manger with gifts for those less fortunate. Hancock, along with 40 other churches and groups in the greater-Boston area, delivers the gifts to City Mission Society's Christmas Shop distribution center in Winchester. CMS requests the following new, unwrapped items for families in need:

• Winter coats, sweaters and sweatshirts (large sizes especially)
• Hats, mittens, gloves and scarves
• Socks and underwear
• Blankets and backpacks
• Toys, games, and books for all ages
• Gift cards from Target, Marshalls, Walgreens, CVS, Kohls, Walmart, Stop and Shop, Shaw's and other merchants

Volunteers are needed to help deliver the gifts to Winchester after the service on Sunday, December 8 from 12:30pm-1:30pm, and to help sort items at the Christmas Shop on 

December 8, 3-5pm

Please contact April Julich Perez (aprilpomme@yahoo.com) for information or if you would like to help.  

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

• Please follow the directions of our ushers.
• Please do not bring winter coats into the sanctuary; coat racks are available in the upstairs hallway and in the Chapel off the narthex.
• Please remember that sitting close together means that others get to be a part of this special Sunday.

Stewardship Update 

Thank you to all who gathered for Commitment Sunday, joining in community to celebrate Hancock, giving with delight and pledging financial support to continue to do God's work at Hancock in 2014.

What happens now? We wait with anticipation as each individual and family reflects on what Hancock means to them, and prayerfully considers their pledge for the upcoming year.

Please pledge to help support Hancock ministries. We are all stewards, making a choice to give of our time, our money and our talents to further God's work on earth through worship, learning, caring for each other, helping those less fortunate, and caring for the health of our planet.  

Blessings in this season of Advent,

The Stewardship Team

Bess Deck, Robin DiGiammarino, Skip Irving, Manuel Navia

3 Ways To Give: 

Thank you for contributing to Hancock Church via a stock donation. With year-end fast approaching, please note that stock contributions need to be transferred into Hancock's Fidelity account by Thursday, December 19th in order for the trades to settle by year-end. Please keep that deadline in mind as you consider making a stock contribution during the month of December. Should you have any questions, Kim Gladstone, Financial Administrator, can be reached at 781-862-4220 or at financial.administyrator@hancockchurch.org. Thank you!

Earlier this year Hancock received a note from Renee Liabraaten regarding IRA transfers that may be of interest for those who are 70-1/2 and over and who are considering donations to Hancock or other charitable organizations in 2013.  

The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the "Act") extended the ability for IRA owners to make qualified charitable distributions (QCDs). The Act extended for 2012 and 2013 the ability for IRA owners age 70-1/2 or older to make tax-free gifts of up to $100,000, including the required minimum distribution (RMD) amount, from their IRAs directly to a qualified charity. Unlike 2012 QCDs, which could still be made in January 2013 under the Act, 2013 QCDs must be made by the end of this calendar year.  

Although IRA owners will not receive a tax deduction for the charitable gift, they pay no tax on the amount gifted from the IRA to the charity. This provision has been popular because it can satisfy the IRA's RMD without a tax consequence to the IRA owner. Anyone taking advantage of this opportunity should consult with their tax advisor about tax reporting for the QCDs.

 EDUCATION & SMALL GROUPS