Hancock Weekly 
The Official Newsletter of Hancock Church
Worship With Us
Sunday, March 22
Fifth Sunday of Lent

Morning Worship, 10am
Alex Shea Will preaches on the freedom and joy found in service.
Baptism Celebration

Evening Worship @the Well
6:15pm in Clark Hall
Paul preaches on John 12:20-26. The labyrinth will be available for walking.
IN THIS ISSUE...
Editor's Note. As we approach Holy Week, we hope you'll take advantage of some of our Lenten Offerings, like tonight's Meditation with Pam Cochrane. The Annual Palm Sunday Brunch hosted by Parish Life is also coming up and could use some help. Also, please note the deadline for the HYG Mission Trip to Kentucky is fast approaching! 

If you are new to Hancock, please read our welcome message and general information HERE.

The Hancock Weekly is a newsletter distributed every Wednesday afternoon. The submission deadline is that same Wednesday at 9am. Read submission guidelines HERE.
A scene from Pastor's Class, every Sunday at 8:30am.
Photo courtesy of Paul Topalian.
Hymnal Dedication

Our new hymnal is at the printer and will be in our pews later this spring! You have the opportunity to dedicate a hymnal in honor/in memory of someone you love.This dedicatory bookplate will be placed in the inside cover of the hymnal as a reminder of your gift for all those who will use that hymnal in worship each week. In addition, your gift will help with the purchase of all of the hymnals for the sanctuary. For an additional fee, you can also purchase a personal copy of the hymnal for your use at home. Just fill out THIS FORM. Hard copy forms will be available during coffee hour. Please fill out one form per hymnal. 

 
Paul Shupe Sabbatical Leave
Paul's long-delayed sabbatical leave will begin on 
April 6, and last until the end of June.  Alex Shea Will and Pam Cochrane will continue to serve as our Acting Ministers during that time.  You can read a letter from Paul HERE.
Lenten Offerings
Thank you to everyone who took part in the Lenten Retreat. Please join us tonight for Centering Prayer & Meditation with Pam Cochrane. Upcoming Lenten Events include Palm Sunday and our annual Palm Sunday Brunch! Please take a look at all the Lenten Offerings below as we look forward to Holy Week!

Centering Prayer & Meditation

Tonight, 7-8pm

Meets Wednesday Evenings during Lent in the CE Commons


The first half hour will be silent centering prayer time, and the second half hour will be open to quiet meditation and reflection time. Pam Cochrane, Acting Minister of Faith Formation, will facilitate the sessions. This is an opportunity to learn and hone your personal centering prayer practice. All are welcome to one or all sessions.   

 

Dedicate an Easter Lily!

Each year, the Sanctuary is filled with beautiful Lilies on Easter morning in memory of those loved by members of the congregation at Hancock. Dedicate an Easter Lily to a loved one in your family by returning this form by Monday, March 23rd. The suggested donation for each memorial plant is $10. ORDER ONLINE HERE. 

 

Palm Sunday Brunch!
Please join us immediately following our Palm Sunday Service (March 29). If you are able to cook or bake for Palm Sunday Brunch, please contact Carol Puschak at (781) 863-8635 or cpuschak@msn.com. Free will donation will be accepted.  

  

(Photo of the feast created by the Children's Program in honor of One Great Hour of Sharing.) 

 

 

HOLY WEEK

 

March 29

Palm Sunday

Morning Worship, 10am: We mark the last week of Jesus' life, from the triumphant Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem through his arrest and trial, to his death on the cross. Paul Shupe preaches and Bells play in worship! Join us after worship for Palm Sunday Brunch! Evening Worship @the Well, 6:15pm: We celebrate Palm Sunday, and Pam preaches on Mark 1:1-11.  

  

April 2

Maundy Thursday

The Maundy Thursday Service celebrates Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples. Communion, reflection, and prayer at 7pm in Clark Hall.

 

April 3

Good Friday

Using scripture and candlelight, we face the difficult story of Jesus' death on Good Friday. This moving service includes readings by Confirmation Class and music from the River Rock Band at 7pm in the sanctuary.

 

EASTER WORSHIP, April 5

6am Sunrise Service

 It has become a tradition to gather atop the hill at the Old Belfry (behind Hancock Church) for a simple Easter Sunrise worship service of singing, scripture, communion, and sharing the names of loved ones who have died. Park in the Cary Library lot, and climb the pathway across Clarke St. Dress warmly for the spring sunrise. 

 

9am & 11am Morning Worship

Two full worship services are held in the sanctuary for Easter Sunday! Our Chancel Choir is joined by brass quartet and timpani for a festive morning of music, including our annual singing of the Hallelujah Chorus! Children worship with their families. Paul Shupe preaches on Mark 16:1-8. Childcare provided for infants and toddlers. Coffee Hour will be held at 10am between services. 

 

No Worship @the Well   

 

SPECIAL EASTER CELEBRATION, April 12

Please join us the Second Sunday of Easter on April 12 for a special Gospel Night at Worship @the Well, 6:15 in Clark Hall. The New England Gospel Ensemble provides a night of rousing music to celebrate the resurrection! 
Help Wanted!
We just need 1 more family!

Sascha Dornhardt, former seminarian, visits with 12 High Schoolers from Bochum, Germany this year! They will be here from Mar 28 - Apr 10. If you are interested in hosting a youth, please contact Andrew Harris or Pam Cochrane for more information.

It's a Great Time to Join Choristers!

Our children's choir, The Hancock Choristers, begins new music this Sunday--it's a great time to join! Choristers is open to all kids in grades 1-5 and meets on Sundays from11:15 to noon in Room 212. It is a fun, fast paced place  for kids to learn about music, singing, and to share their gifts with the congregation. Any questions, call or e-mail Director of Music Mark Morgan at 781-862-4220 ext 212 or mark@hancockchurch.org

Seeking Sopranos and Altos for Easter and Cantata Sundays!

The choir is seeking sopranos and altos to sing with the choir for Easter, our Cantata Sunday (Bernstein's Chichester Psalms on May 3rd) or to sing with us regularly! Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings at 7:30 in the Chapel. Our singers range from very experienced to those who haven't sung in years--there's a place for everyone! No auditions, no pressure, and great fun! Everyone grade 9-adult is invited. If interested, contact Mark Morgan, Director of Music, at mark@hancockchurch.org or 781-862-4220 ext 212.
March Events and Activities
As we make our way through March, there are still many fellowship, education, and service opportunities! Won't you join us?

hancock game night
The next Hancock Game Night has been scheduled for Friday, March 27 at 6pm! Bring your favorite games, bring your family, and bring your friends, because we are having another game night at Hancock! We welcome and encourage everyone to join us. The fun starts at 6 pm in the CE Commons (the open area in the Children's Education Wing). Contact Scott Griffith at isb.scooter@gmail.com for more information.

Join members of the Prudential Committee on Saturday, March 28 from 9-1pm for an indoor/outdoor work day. No special skills required...just the desire to roll up your sleeves and join friends of Hancock working on some maintenance, cleaning, and repair projects inside and outside the church. Join us for part of the time or for the entire morning. Check in at the Pearson Room when you arrive to see what needs to get done. For more information, contact Susan McClements, skmcclements@gmail.com.

On March 28th, twelve youth and four youth leaders will arrive in Lexington from Bochum, Germany. Led by former Hancock Seminarian, Sascha Dornhardt the group is very excited about their travel to the states, meeting Hancock youth and experiencing Lexington and Boston sites. We have planned an exciting week of fellowship, learning and exploration. The 2015 Student Youth Exchange is an opportunity for us to learn from each other and share stories of our Christian faith during Holy Week.  Hancock Church will be the group's home base during the day and host families will offer accommodations for the youth.

 

DEADLINE REMINDER: HYG Kentucky Registration is due March 27th. The required documents include: Kentucky Permission Form 2015, HYG Registration Form 2014-15, and the HOMES Consent Form (link to PDF on website). If you have any questions about registration, please contact Jane Park. Any other questions regarding the trip can be answered by Andrew Harris.    

 


(Photo of the church sign in Neon, KY. Courtesy of Becca Lockwood.)


First and Third Thursday Discussion Group will continue discussing God Is Not One on March 19 at 10am in the Pearson Room. Pastor's Class meets every Sunday at 8:30am in Pearson, but please note there is no class on Palm Sunday (March 29).

Year-round, Hancock Church supports the ministries and women of Rosie's Place in Boston. If you are interested in volunteering to cook and serve a meal, please contact LaurenBShifflett@gmail.com. We also collect and deliver pantry items to the Lexington Food Pantry every week. Once a month we help distribute food. For more information, please contact Scott Griffith, isb.scooter@gmail.com or (509) 710-5371.
May Events and Activities
SAVE THE DATE! Hancock's 9th Annual Woman's Retreat will be May 1-2 at Friendly Crossways in Harvard, MA. All women, all ages, are invited! Friendly Crossways offers a country setting where the apple blossoms will be in bloom and the evening will be perfect for an outdoor bonfire. Pam Cochrane will lead the retreat. To learn more contact pam.cochrane@hancockchurch.org or READ MORE HERE.
Committee Updates
Seeking Applications for the Good Samaritan Fund! 

The Christian Service committee is seeking applications for projects to be supported by Hancock's Good Samaritan Fund. This fund is set up to lend support to all members young or old in their fundraising efforts as they embark on missions, volunteer projects, or travels. Recipients are asked to share their experiences with the Hancock greater community by writing an article with photos for the Hancock Herald, offering a presentation of the special event, or blogging about the their experience.  If you are planning a project and are interested in support from the Good Samaritan Fund, please contact alex.will@hancockchurch.org.


Where were you born?
The Potter Library Committee has posted a world and USA map for all to add a pin on the location of where you were born. It is located on the wall bulletin board adjacent to the library room. It is already showing how diverse our community is, so please add your headcount, too! It is making interesting reading for all ages.

From the Potter Library
The Potter Library is once again in place for your use. Do check out the table of FREE books and help yourself. These books are duplicates, out of date, unused donations, or no longer suitable for our Hancock collection. Available for a limited time only. 
HANCOCK YOUTH GROUP
MARCH EVENTS

Mar 1
Welcome back from vacation! Upper Room, 7pm

Mar 8
Rededication Ceremony! All Youth are encouraged to attend morning worship and the Potluck dinner at 5pm, followed by Worship @the Well and Ice Cream Sundae Sunday in the Upper Room at 7pm.

Mar 15, 22
Upper Room, 7pm

Mar 28-29
Upper Room, 6pm
March 28th-29th Lock-In Bake-a-thon with our German friends @ 6pm! We will be staying overnight in the Upper Room, making baked goods, talking about our countries and cultures, and of course playing games and watching movies.

JUNIOR YOUTH ORGANIZATION
MARCH EVENTS

Mar 1
Youth join in worship and make sandwiches for the Outdoor Church of Cambridge, along with messages of care and love for the homeless men and women of Boston.

Mar 8
All Youth in Worship

Mar 15, 22
Lenten Program - Stories of Jesus' life, ministry. Walk through Holy Week while exploring symbols and practices of Lent, including the Labyrinth.

Mar 29
Palm Sunday
All youth stay in worship

Palm Sunday Brunch

CHILDREN'S PROGRAM
MARCH EVENTS

Mar 1
All Age Event in Clark Hall: One Great Hour of Sharing Feast

A special program celebrating our One Great Hour of Sharing offering to be collected Mar 15. We'll share stories, create a feast, and sing "God's Counting on Me, God's Counting on You." Parent volunteers are needed!
Email Pam Cochrane if you'd like to help!
 
Parents may pick up children after worship in Clark.

Mar 8
Rededication Celebration
All Children & Youth stay in Worship. Childcare provided.

Mar 15, 22
Chapel Time and Activity Centers: Walking With Jesus From the Jordan to Jerusalem

Mar 29
Palm Sunday
All Children and Youth stay in Worship!

Palm Sunday Brunch

Each week we invite adults to join in the children's activities as project leaders and helpers. Look for the sign-up sheets in the CE Commons area or contact CE Co-chairs Sarah Kuli and Sara Felton.
 
Infants and Toddlers
Childcare is provided for children age 3 and younger in the Infant/Toddler Room each Sunday beginning at 9am.
CONTACT US!
Church Offices
(781) 862-4220
office@hancockchurch.org

Sr. Minister Paul Shupe
paul@hancockchurch.org

Acting Minister of 
 Faith Formation 
 Pam Cochrane
pam@hancockchurch.org

Acting Minister of Congregational Care 
 Alex Shea Will
alex@hancockchurch.org

Student Ministers
Andrew Harris
andrew@hancockchurch.org
&
Nancy Rottman
nancy@hancockchurch.org

Welcoming & Membership Committee Chair Al Bukys
albukys674@gmail.com

Children's Education 
Co-chairs
Sarah Felton
sarah@manasas.com
&
Sarah Kuli
sarahkuli@comcast.net

If our offices are closed, and you are in need of immediate pastoral assistance, please dial our pastoral care number 

(929) 500-1912.

 

 

The Labyrinth will be a part of Youth Activities for Lent.


HANCOCK UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
1912 MASS AVE
LEXINGTON, MA  02421
(781) 862-4220 | hancockchurch.org