Hancock United Church of Christ, Congregational
1912 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington MA 02421 | www.hancockchurch.org

Hancock
Weekly
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Submission Guidelines

The Hancock Weekly is distributed every Wednesday, around noon. The submission deadline is that same Wednesday at 9am. Please send them to Jane Park, jane@hancockchurch.org.


Submissions for the Sunday Bulletin are due the Wednesday prior, as well. Submissions to the Sunday Bulletin should be sent to Krystal Neale, krystal@hancockchurch.org.

Please include: Title, Copy text (if it's over 100 words, the rest will be linked to the website), Contact information, and Image as an attachment. 
Watch From Home

Thanks to our TV Ministry, you can watch our morning services at home, purchase a DVD, or watch all of our sermons on Youtube!
Children's Program
Every Sunday at 10:20 a.m.

November 2nd
All Age Event in Clark Hall

Celebrating Heifer International the kids will decorate animals shaped cookies, share in activities and host coffee hour. Parents are invited to bring a baked good to share.

Reminder: from 2-4 on the 2nd, Heifer invites the community to celebrate with a living market, animals, music and birthday cake. Open to all!

November 9th, 16th, 23rd
We welcome the kids to Chapel Time and activities exploring the
story of Abraham and Sarah seeking God. (Genesis 12:1-4)

November 30th
The First Sunday of Advent
All children and youth join in the annual Advent Wreath Making Workshop in Clark Hall.
Children's Program
Every Sunday at 10:20 a.m.

November 2nd
All Age Event in Clark Hall

Celebrating Heifer International the kids will decorate animals shaped cookies, share in activities and host coffee hour. Parents are invited to bring a baked good to share.

Reminder: from 2-4 on the 2nd, Heifer invites the community to celebrate with a living market, animals, music and birthday cake. Open to all!

November 9th, 16th, 23rd
We welcome the kids to Chapel Time and activities exploring the
story of Abraham and Sarah seeking God. (Genesis 12:1-4)

November 16th
Children will return to worship for the final procession of gifts.

November 30th
The First Sunday of Advent
All children and youth join in the annual Advent Wreath Making Workshop in Clark Hall.
Hancock Youth Group (HYG)
Every Sunday at 7 p.m.

Confirmation Class is offered to Youth in 9th grade, at 5 pm on Sundays.

For youth in grades 7-8, we also offer an Our Whole Lives sexual health class which meets at 7 pm on Sundays. 
 
For more information contact Pamela Cochrane, Acting Minister of Faith Formation, pam@hancockchurch.org.

Save the dates  

Nov 20
First and Third Thursday Discussion Group

 

Nov 21

Hancock Game Night

 

Nov 22
A Joyful Noyse: The Christmas Rose

Nov 23

Boy Scout Wreath Pick Up  Dana Allen Walsh Installation

Nov 25
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

 

Nov 26-27

Church Offices Closed

 

Nov 29

Adam Dobbs Memorial Service

 

Nov 30

Hanging of the Greens

Dec 7
Manger Sunday
Holiday Fair

Celtic Christmas @the Well

 

Dec 4

Thursday Discussion Group

 

Dec 8

Poinsettia Order Deadline

 

Dec 14

Advent Cantata

 

Dec 15

Blue Christmas

Theology on Tap

 

Dec 16

Alex Shea Will ECC

 

Dec 19

Morning Glories Holiday Concert

 

Dec 21

Holiday Bells Concert

 

To see all weekly activities and locations, please view our online calendar. (We recommend the "agenda" view.)

class schedule

Pastor's Class
Sundays, 8:30am in Kathie Stuart
Pearson Room Sessions
2nd, 3rd, 4th Sundays at 11:15am
December sessions:
12/14 & 12/21
First and Third Thursday
Discussion Group

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.

Next session is Dec. 4 at 10am in Pearson.
Theology on Tap
Next meeting: 
December 15, 7:30pm
Theology on Tap (ToT) has changed it's meeting day to the 3rd Monday of every month. ToT is an "off campus" program that meets monthly at Orlean's in Davis Square. This group is aimed towards adults age 21-35.
IN WORSHIP
Sunday morning worship | 10am

Pam Cochrane preaches

Mark 13:24-37

 

Gather in the narthex right after worship to join us in the Hanging of the Greens! Contact alex@hancockchurch.org if you have any questions.

 

Evening Worship @the Well | 6:15pm
 Join us before worship around 6PM for light refreshments, fellowship, and music from the band!

Alex Shea Will preaches
MINISTER SEARCH
Help Us Find a Second Minister
Fill out this Questionnaire!
 

The Search Committee is currently asking each member to share with us their thoughts about the qualities and abilities that you believe to be important or essential in our next Second Minister. Click Here for the survey.

 

We will also have paper copies of the survey in the Narthex or available by request. Thank you for your input! If you have any questions, please contact Kristine Arena, arenakm@rcn.com or call the church office (781) 862-4220.

MANGER SUNDAY

145th Manger Sunday!
Sunday, Dec. 7th

Come lift your spirits and embrace the Advent season by participating in a beloved Hancock tradition: Manger Sunday. During morning worship on 12/07/2014, 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 (CMS) distribution center in Winchester. Gift suggestions and volunteer opportunities will be available in the upcoming issue of The Weekly and on flyers around church. Please contact Gretchen Tolson (gtolson14@gmail.com) for information, or if you can drive gifts to Winchester on 12/7 after 1pm.  
Driver's Needed for Manger Sunday!
Sunday, Dec 7

After the morning service and Holiday fair (approx. 1 - 1:30pm), some drivers are needed to shuttle the gifts to the collection point in Winchester. The youth will help with loading your vehicle. Please contact Gretchen Tolson at 617-279-3752 or gtolson14@gmail.com. Thanks!

HOLIDAY FAIR

2014 Holiday Fair
December 7 at 11am in Clark Hall
Hancock's annual Holiday Fair is coming in two weeks on Manger Sunday, December 7, 11am-1pm. Here is a different way to share the Christmas spirit with gifts that benefit local, national and international charities. Distinctive handcrafts from Aruna Design, A Thread of Life, Weavers of Varanasi, Bead for Life and many others will inspire thoughtful and unique giving.
Holiday Fair Volunteers Needed!
December 7, 11am - 1pm

Are you looking for an opportunity to get involved at Hancock but perhaps can't make a long-term commitment at this time? Then consider volunteering to help with the annual Hancock Holiday Fair (formerly known as the Alternative Christmas Fair), which this year will be on Sunday, December 7th, from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

 

Learn more about how this annual event comes together by volunteering to help staff a table, greet visitors, direct foot traffic, or help with setup and cleanup. For more information, contact CeCe Potter at 781-862-4765 or see her at the Christmas Cookie Sale table at coffee hour.

Giving Tree Lift Up Lexington at the Holiday Fair

Lift Up Lexington will have a Giving Tree at the Hancock Holiday Fair for the families living in transition. Each gift tag will list a specific toy for a child or a gift card for teens and adults. This is a wonderful way to support the families living in transition at our local hotel with a gift that will mean so much to them and show them the generous Hancock spirit during this holiday season. All wrapped gifts need to be dropped off at Hancock Church by Thursday, December 11th. 

Women's Lunch Place Christmas Cookies
Back by popular demand! The Christmas Cookie Sale, for which we are taking advance orders during coffee hour, benefits The Women's Lunch Place in Boston.

Each $10 you give for a plate of homemade Christmas cookies goes to fund the Birthday Program. Read more here.

Look for our table Sunday at coffee hour to order and pay for your cookies and then pick up your cookies at the Holiday Fair on December 7th. For more information, contact Amy Swanson, CeCe Potter, Lisa Sandeen, Sally Wyman, or Linda Kilner Olivier.
Cookie Sale Bakers!
We welcome more bakers for our fun Hancock community Christmas Cookie Benefit to support monthly birthday celebrations and small gifts for homeless women clients of the Women's Lunch Place in Boston.  If you would like to bake, please email Lisa Sandeen at sandeen.lisa@gmail.com. 

Bakers should plan on making four dozen cookies and delivering them to the church on Saturday, December 6th for our festive cookie plate assembly party. We will keep you posted from there. Lisa Sandeen, Sally Wyman, Linda Kilner Olivier, Amy Swanson,  and CeCe Potter

MUSIC AT HANCOCK 

Celtic Christmas at Worship @the Well
Dec 7, music starts at 6pm
The sound of Irish flute, pennywhistle, guitar, bouzouki, and great voices will fill the night as Hancock Church celebrates a Celtic Christmas. Internationally recognized Celtic musicians Matt and Shannon Heaton will join the Well's resident ensemble the River Rock Band, for an evening of traditional carols in true Celtic style.
Advent Cantata
Sunday, Dec 14, 9:45am

The Chancel Choir, soloists, and chamber orchestra will lead morning worship with a festive cantata for the Advent season. Interspersed throughout our service, our cantatas uplift and inspire the preaching of the Word, frame our prayers, and provide a special worship experience.

Morning Glory Ringers Holiday Concert
Friday, Dec 19, 10am

The Morning Glory Ringers features four octaves of handbells and six octaves of handchimes! This concert time was chosen specially to accommodate senior centers, residential communities, and families that prefer a weekday time. It will feature such well-loved songs as "Silver Bells" and "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire."

Holiday Bells Concert
Sunday, Dec 21, 2pm

The Fourteenth Annual Holiday Concert on Sunday, December 21 at 2pm, features all four handbell choirs at Hancock Church. Ringers from our youngest elementary school choir to our adult advanced Carillon choir will perform on five octaves of handbells and six octaves of hand chimes. The program will include a mix of sacred, contemporary, and traditional repertoire. Both concerts are free and offer a magical experience to jump start your holiday season!

EDUCATION AND FELLOWSHIP 

See Left Side-bar for regularly scheduled classes.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE

Lexington Food Pantry
Food of the Month: Canned Corn
If you have any questions, please contact Scott Griffith, isb.scooter@gmail.com or (509) 710-5371.
Visit Rosie's Place in January
We are starting to plan our January visit to Rosie's Place! If you are interested n volunteering to cook and serve a meal for the women of Rosie's Place, please contact LaurenBShifflett@gmail.com to help choose a Saturday or Sunday afternoon that will fit your schedule!
Can you offer a ride to church in December?
As we prepare for these very full Advent and Christmas seasons, I want you all to know about a new Ride Ministry initiative here at Hancock.

As many of you know, there are members of our congregation who would love to worship with us but can only come when they are driven by friends and members of the church. Can you pick a few Sundays in the coming year to volunteer to drive someone else? If everyone did that, we'd have more than enough drivers for everyone who wanted to come! We're not asking anyone to commit to anything definite, but simply register your potential availability.

You can read more here or go directly to the sign-up form for December here. If you'd like to register your need for a ride, email care.coordinator@hancockchurch.org.
Concord Prison Outreach Holiday Gift Bags
Please bring donations by Dec 7th

Please bring the following items for donation!

bar of deodorant soap (4-5 oz.)  
tube toothpaste (5.8 - 6 oz.)
pad WHITE paper 6" x 9" or 5" x 8"
     100 pages (no wire)
White envelopes #6 3/4 (6 1/2" x 3 5/8")
pair white CREW socks 
     (no tube socks, knee highs or "tennis" socks)
     preferably 5 inches of ribbing or less

bottle (plastic) shampoo (12 -15 oz.)

stick deodorant (no roll-ons, 2.5 oz. or larger) 

   

Please place them in one of the boxes that will be left in the narthex and near Clark Hall. Contact louise4292@earthlink.net with any questions. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Staff Change Announcement

Dear Hancock Friends,

 

Krystal Neale, our Administrative Assistant, is leaving the Hancock Staff. Since March, she has worked through Dana's departure, heavy construction, Paul's summer sabbatical, and has patiently brought us through heaviest term of our interim period. Krystal has found a full-time position in Arlington working for an art restoration studio. Friday, December 2 will be her last day. Please wish her well, as she will be greatly missed!

 

Currently, we are searching for someone to fill this position.


 

Sincerely, the Staff at Hancock Church

Church Offices Closed Nov 26-27
The Church Offices will close at noon today. The Administrative Offices will re-open at regular hours on December 1st. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Poinsettia Dedications!
Order Deadline: Dec. 8th
Dedicate a poinsettia to a loved one in your family by submitting a form no later than Monday, December 8th. Order online or use a paper form available in the narthex.

 

These poinsettias will be delivered to church members who are in the hospital or must stay at home. Please let us know if you would like to volunteer to make a delivery. If you have questions please contact us at 781.862.4220 or office@hancockchurch.org

Alex Shea Will's Ecclesiastical Council
On Tuesday afternoon, our Acting Minister of Congregational Care, Alex Shea Will, was unanimously approved for his Ecclesiastical Council by the Committee on Ministry. The "EC" is the final step before Alex can seek an ordainable call within the United Church of Church.

Alex's "EC" will be held at Hope Central Church, in Jamaica Plain, MA on December 16 at 7:30 PM. Everyone is invited to attend to support Alex as he shares his theology paper with other local churches in the United Church of Christ. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Alex.  
Construction Update 
from the Building Committee

 

Over the past month we have seen several elements of the construction project completed: the first and second floor bathrooms, the second floor handicapped bathroom (next to the Pearson Room), and the Pearson Room kitchenette...

 


 

(Photo by Paul Topalian of the Operating Panel of our elevator)

IN MEMORIAM 

We extend our sympathy to the friends and family of those who have passed away recently.
Remembrances
Our Hancock family was made deeply sad by the death of Adam Dobbs. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, November 29 at 3pm here at Hancock.
HANCOCK UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST | 1912 MASS AVE | LEXINGTON, MA 02421
(781) 862-4220 | hancockchurch.org