SPOTLIGHT

Ringers of all ages will present pieces such as Greensleeves, God Rest you Merry Gentlemen, Coventry Carol, Wexford Carol, and more holiday favorites. Join us to experience the magic sound and visual sparkle of the bells which are sure to lift your spirits.  

Admission is free. 

UPCOMING EVENTS 

Seeking Hancock Givers  

To those families and individuals who are still considering making a pledge: You matter. Please join your fellow Hancock friends and family by making a faith filled promise to give in 2014. All gifts and all amounts are gratefully received.

By pledging, we all learn to give intentionally and as a priority in our busy lives. Since Hancock is part of the congregational tradition, there is no outside funding from a central office or institution sending money to our church. Our dollars help to fund everything we do. 

We are seeking all Hancock friends and family who have yet to make a faith filled promise to support Hancock in 2014.In the three weeks since Commitment Sunday, 162 individuals and families pledged to financially support Hancock ministries in 2014. Last year, 241 pledges were submitted to support Hancock ministries. Now is the time to send in your pledge information.

3 Ways To Give: 

 Blessings in this season of Advent,

The Stewardship Team

Bess Deck, Robin DiGiammarino, Skip Irving, Manuel Navia  

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

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.

[This is the third in a series of communications about Hancock's Endowment, its uses, and the many ways which gifts can be made.]

Last Sunday we had a Wonderful Manger Sunday and Happy Holiday Fair! Many Thanks are in order for all the events and celebration!

Thank you for your gifts on Manger Sunday!

If you'd like to volunteer at the Christmas Shop in Winchester, please contact April Julich Perez (aprilpomme@yahoo.com). Hancock's allotted time is December 14, from 10 am to 12 pm. 

The Hancock Holiday Fair Team wants to thank all who did their Christmas shopping at our 13th annual Holiday Fair. Despite the dislocation and heavy traffic experienced - we brought in about $17,000 which will directly benefit the 21 non- profits who participated this year. We especially want to thank our many volunteers who helped in the organization, set-up and staffing of tables.  

As always, we rely on our excellent office staff and custodial support to keep things running smoothly - thanks to Dan, Bill, Renaldo, and Jane and Tamara for their much-needed help. We would really appreciate any ideas or feedback anyone might like to share with us to help us in planning next year's Fair.

We can be reached by email.

Thanks again!

CeCePotter, Janet Woit and Sandra Shaw

 EDUCATION & SMALL GROUPS