Andrew Harris preaches 

 Join us before worship around 6PM for light refreshments, fellowship, and music from the band! 

Dear Hancock Friends,

Our building project, which has been slower than any of us would have liked, is nevertheless making real and visible progress. We are increasingly confident that by Christmas, all construction will be substantially completed. We all share in the frustration of not yet having access to all parts of the building. We ask for everyone's continuing patience over the next several months as the completion of this project nears.

This project has been carefully shepherded along by our Building Committee, and especially by Joan Rutila and Lisle Swanson, who have been in the building nearly every day. It is truly not possible for the congregation to express enough thanks to them for their efforts. The project is accomplishing everything that we agreed to do, and we remain within our budget.  

Now that renovations become visible, we are struck by the great contrast between the newly improved areas and those left untouched. This is inevitable, and can be addressed only with time and additional funds. Rather than focusing on what is undone, and wishing that it too could be improved, let us marvel at the huge improvements being made. Let us keep our eyes on the prize and give thanks that so much has been done, and to our hard working volunteers and staff, who have worked so steadfastly under trying circumstances. We all look forward to a day in the new year when we will rededicate to the glory of God our beloved and improved church home!

Paul Shupe, Senior Minister

Yvette Kirby, Moderator

Brian Keeping, Vice Moderator

EDUCATION AND FELLOWSHIP 

This year the First Thursday Discussion Group will meet twice a month.  So the group will be renamed to the First and Third Thursday Discussion Group.  Our first meeting will be October 2, 2014 at 10 am in the Pearson room.  The book we will be discussing is "God Is Not One:  The Eight Rival Religions That Run The World" by Stephen Prothero. The Hancock library has two copies of the book. The first session will cover at least the intro and chapter one. You don't have to attend all sessions.  Come to as many as you can, even if you have not read the assignment, for a lively discussion.  Contact:  Lois Smith Martin smithmartin224@verizon.net781-270-0304.

In God is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World, New York Timesbestselling author of Religious Literacy and religion scholar Stephen Prothero argues that persistent attempts to portray all religions as different paths to the same God overlook the distinct problem that each tradition seeks to solve. Delving into the different problems and solutions that Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Confucianism, Yoruba Religion, Daoism and Atheism strive to combat, God is Not One is an indispensable guide to the questions human beings have asked for millennia-and to the disparate paths we are taking to answer them today. Readers of Huston Smith and Karen Armstrong will find much to ponder in God is Not One.

• Second Sunday of each month - We'll listen to the hopes and concerns of all who join us
• Third Sunday of the month - We'll offer a chance to learn more about the work of Hancock and of the United Church of Christ
• Fourth Sunday of the month - We'll share together the hopes and concerns of our lives and join in prayer together

We invite one and all to join us as we Listen, Learn and Pray.

-Paul, Alex, Pam, Nancy and Andrew

Pastor's Class continues on Sundays at 8:30am in the Pearson Room. Paul Shupe has returned to leading the class. Special thanks to Craig Zaehring and Adult Ed for leading the sessions over the summer!

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Last Saturday, 7 hardworking members from Redeemer, First Baptist, Lexington Methodist, Pilgrim, and Hancock harvested 218.5 lbs of produce! That's four carts!

Come join us! No experience needed. Hancock is scheduled to next work:

Sat, 9/27, 8-9:30am

Sat, 10/4, 8-9:30am

Sat, 10/18, 8:30-10am

Sat, 10/24, 8:30-10am

MUSIC

The Junior Handbell Choir is moving their rehearsals to Wednesdays starting September 24th, 5:30-6:30 PM.  

Junior Handbells, led by Associate Music Director Marilyn Becker, is open to children entering 3rd through 5th grade. No musical experience is necessary. READ MORE HERE.

We are going to fill the spots from Hancock first before we advertise outside of our church, so if you would like to reserve a spot for your child, or if you have questions, please email Marilyn at marilyn.becker@hancockchurch.org.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Alex is looking to put together a leadership team from the congregation. This group will be assisting Alex in planning, evaluating, and promoting The Well.  

All that's needed is a willing spirit and a love of worship! Alex will be providing tutorials for all team members! If you'd like to serve on this team or have any questions, please let Alex know. READ MORE HERE. 

IN MEMORIAM