Hancock Weekly 
The Official Newsletter of Hancock Church
Worship With Us
Sunday, May 24
Pentecost!

Morning Worship, 10am
Nancy Rottman preaches!
Children and Youth stay in worship! 

No Evening Worship @the Well
Please join us next Sunday, May 31 for a special Pentecost @the Well!
IN THIS ISSUE...
What's New?  We have a new update from Pam, a hymnal update, a new photo directory in the works, and more dates for the Interfaith Garden! Pastor's Class has finished up for the program year, but Thursday Discussion Group still has two more meetings.

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 different kind of band last Sunday! Scott Martin on tambourine, Mark Morgan on piano, and Marilyn Becker on clarinet! Photo by Paul Topalian.
Memorial Garden

On Sunday, May 31, we will give thanks and celebrate the lives of Hancock members who have recently passed and are being commemorated with plaques in our Remembrance Hall. During the service, we will remember their generous and meaningful contributions to building our foundations of faith and service. Clergy will lead a short prayer service in the newly planted Memorial Garden immediately following the regular Sunday service.

Memorial Day Weekend
On Friday, May 22, the Administrative Offices close at 12noon. On Sunday, May 24, please note there will be no Worship @the Well. On Monday, May 25, the Administrative Offices are closed.

If you are in need of immediate attention during these closings, please call the the Pastoral Care Number: (929) 500-1912.
Staffing Updates

A Note from Acting Minister Pam Cochrane

Hancock Family,

 

Change is upon us, indeed! Come June 30th, my two roles as Director of Faith Formation and Acting Minister will end and you will prepare for the arrival of David Clark, your new student minister and Director of Faith Formation as well as a new Second Minister to join the staff.

 

It has been a privilege to walk with you these past five years and be a part of the transformation that has taken place at Hancock not only in our building but in vision and spirit.

 

I, too, have been transformed wearing many hats at Hancock as your Acting Director of Children's Ministries, Director of Children's Ministries, Hancock Fellow, Seminarian, and Acting Minister of Faith Formation. You have watched me grow into my call to full time ministry and supported me at every step. My experiences at Hancock have shaped me and will guide me. Now entering the search and call process myself, I will seek a call that honors all my gifts and experience.

 

It is with hope and grace, I pray for Hancock's continuing growth and deepening practice of faith so that this sacred place will continue to grow for good rooted on the green in the name of Christ. The possibilities ahead are limitless, so as I have said before, walk boldly, dispel the fear of change and have faith in each other and those called to serve Hancock United Church of Christ. I look forward to celebrating with you all on the 14th and serving through the 28th of June. If I don't find you, I hope you will find me in the weeks ahead, so that I can say thank you and bless you for all the gifts you have shared with me.

 

in faith,

Pam

Pam's Ecclesiastical Counceil will be held at the Congregational Church of Harvard at 7:00 PM on June 3, 2015. The address 5 Still River Road Harvard, MA. 

Note from Acting Minister Alex Shea Will

 

Good People: 

 

As you likely know, we've been on parallel journeys this past year. As you have been discerning who your next settled minister might be, I've been discerning where God might be calling me next. While your search committee has been reading profiles and conducting interviews, I've been sending off my profile and attending interviews. After many months, I'm pleased to tell you that I've discerned where God is calling me next: I've accepted a call to serve as the settled Associate Pastor at South Church in Andover, MA. While I'm thrilled to accept this call and continue my journey, there is still ministry left for us to do together! My last Sunday at Hancock will be on June 14. I'll preach that morning and also at The Well - I pray you'll come to one of those services. Not simply because it's my last Sunday, but rather because I want to tell each of you how thankful I am for the ways you've loved me and taught me how to be a minister. I'm looking forward to the coming month and the work we have left to do.

 

Much love and many blessings,
Alex

Mark Morgan Sabbatical 
Read about Mark Morgan's Sabbatical HERE.

Introducing Our New Student Minister David Clark!
Starting this coming Fall, David Clark will be our new Student Minister and Director of Faith Formation. He'll be working with our youth and young families. Read more about David Clark HERE.
Celebration for Pam and Alex

Celebration June 14th 

On June 14, we will celebrate Pam Cochrane and Alex Shea Will's time at Hancock and the many ways they have contributed to our church community. During morning worship we will express our gratitude, and afterwards we will have a special reception for them.  

 

Gift for Pam and Alex 

If you would like to contribute to a gift for them, checks can be made out to Hancock UCC, memo "gift for Pam & Alex." Contributions can be dropped off or mailed to our Financial Administrator Kim Gladstone in the Church Office.

 

Alex's last day is June 14th and Pam's last Sunday is June 28th.
Hymnal Dedication Sunday a Great Success!

Last Sunday we dedicated our new hymnal, Hymns of Truth and Light with a beautiful service highlighting the different kinds of hymns that can be found in the new book. Many thank to all those who helped make the service possible by checking over the new hymnals, placing bookplates, helping with hymnal orders at coffee hour, switching over the hymnal in the pews, and much more! And of course, our thanks to our dedicated and hardworking hymnal committee who worked over two years to bring us to this point: Ann Behravesh, David Kilroy, Barbara Welter, Russell Mann, Marilyn Becker, and Mark Morgan.  

 

Did you know--our new hymnal has a history of Hancock Church? You'll find it at the very beginning of the hymnal. Many thanks to Sue Rockwell for preparing this for us.

 

If you ordered a hymnal for your personal use--please pick it up from the narthex.

 

If you would like a copy of the Pilgrim or Rejoice Hymnals--they will be available for free in the dining room on May 31st and June 7th. Those that have dedicatory bookplates will be separated and in alphabetical order so that you may find any that are attached to your family.

 

If you would like to dedicate one of our new hymnals--we will continue to take orders through June 14th. You'll find the form online, in the office, and outside of Mark Morgan's office in the lower corridor. Help us reach our goal of 30 more hymnals dedications!
2015 Hancock Church Photo Directory

 

A task force has started work on an exciting new project: a 2015 directory for the church, complete with photos of members and friends, and full contact information. A new directory will help us connect with each other more easily, convey Hancock's vibrancy, help welcome newcomers, and eventually a new minister. We need your help to ensure we have current information and a photo of your family to include in the directory.

 

Copies of the church office's current contact list will be available on Sunday in the Narthex and back entry. Look for the green packets! Please review your contact information, then:

1.       Send confirmation that we have your correct contact information OR submit any corrections

2.       Submit a photo of your family

Call the church office to speak with Jane Park or email directory@HancockChurch.org. 

 

We hope you will send a photo of yourself or your family, taken close enough to be a portrait. We will also provide opportunities to have your photo taken at no charge by one of our Hancock member photographers. After worship service on Sundays in May and June, come by the Kathie Stuart Room between 11am and 12pm, or email to let us know you are planning to come. We will make arrangements to photograph at Carleton Willard as well. For more information contact Jane Park, Office Administrator, or Julia Potter at directory@HancockChurch.org 

Remembrances In Memoriam
We extend our sympathy to the friends and families  of those who have died recently.
Bill Simmons died on May 13, 2015 at home. His memorial service will be 
June 6, 2015 at 1:00 PM.

Prayers for the Cochrane & Clark Family as they mourn the death Pam's Dad, Clifford A. Clark, who died Tuesday evening peacefully with his family surrounding him in love at Rivercrest Wellness Care in Concord, MA.
May
May 25, Theology on Tap Is Having a BBQ!

Theology on Tap, our monthly small group for Hancock members and friends under 40, is having a BBQ to end our year! The festivities will begin at 1:00 PM at Alex's condo in Somerville on May 25! If you're thinking about coming, send Alex a note so he knows how much food to get.
June
Interfaith Garden's June News!
Here's a quick look at four June dates to volunteer at Interfaith Garden:

Tuesday, June 2, 4:30-6pm
Saturday, June 13, 8:30-10am
Saturday, June 20, 8:30-10am
Saturday, June 27, 8:30-10am

This is a great opportunity to learn more about vegetables, herb and fruit plants, and gardening. You'll also be supporting the garden's mission to provide fresh, nutritious food to local individuals on limited budgets. All ages are welcome. No prior experience is needed. The garden is located just across Lexington Battle Green. Parking is available at First Parish Church. To sign up for more information, email Laurel Cooley, cooley.laurel1@gmail.com.

June 2 (deadline), All Building Users, please submit schedules 

All building users, please submit your room requests for the 2015-16 program year. It would be of great help to us if you could submit your request by June 2nd. You can either fill out this online form, or email Jane Park, jane@hancockchurch.org. Thank you for your help!

 
June 3, Pam Cochrane's Ecclesiastical Council
Our Acting Minister of Faith Formation, Pam Cochrane, was unanimously approved for her Ecclesiastical Council by the Committee on Ministry. The "EC" is the final step before Pam can seek an ordainable call within the United Church of Church. 

Pam's "EC" will be held at the Congregational Church of Harvard at 7:00 PM on June 3, 2015. The address 5 Still River Road Harvard, MA. Everyone is invited to attend to support Pam as she shares her theology paper with other local churches in the United Church of Christ. When you see Pam, be sure to give her your congratulations!

June 5, First Friday Cooking Fellowship
If you're interested in this wonderful ministry opportunity, join us for our next meeting on June 6 at 6:00pm. We're still deciding on what to cook! All are welcome.

June 6, Indoor/Outdoor Work Day

Join members of the Prudential Committee on Saturday, June 6th from 9am to 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, gardening, 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 Conference Room when you arrive to see what needs to be done.  Questions?  Contact Susan McClements at skmcclements@gmail.com.

 

June 13, March with Hancock in the 2015 Boston Pride Parade
Last year, Hancock had 12 marchers for this joyous and faithful event - this was the most we've ever had! While 12 is a great number, a church of our size is capable of sending so many more! Will you help us break our record this year by signing up to march? Alex Shea Will and Sarah Keeping will be leading our group this year. Can I march if I'm straight? It is family friendly? What will we do during the march? Head on over to our webpage to read the answers to these questions and to let us know that you're interested.
READ MORE HERE. 
Year-Round Offerings
Thursday Discussion Group
The final Spring sessions of the Thursday Discussion Group will be Thursday, May 21 and Thursday, June 4.  The group plans to return in the Fall. Thursday Discussion Group meets twice per month at 10am in the Pearson Room. Please join us in reading Common Word: Muslims and Christians on Loving God and Neighbor. Offered by the Adult Christian Education Committee, led by Acting Minister Pam Cochrane.

Pastor's Class
Pastor's Class will resume in early October.

Rosie's Place
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. See above May 3, Cheer on Walkers with Rosie's Place for more volunteer opportunities!

Lexington Food Pantry
Food shopping? Pick up one or more of these items for the Lexington Food Pantry: Cereals, Soups, "Meals in a can" (ie, stew, chili), Canned Vegetables, Canned Fruits, Baked Beans, Canned Tuna Fish, Macaroni and Cheese, Spaghetti Sauce. There are baskets in the narthex entrance, and the back entrance to receive your donations, which are delivered weekly to the pantry.

For Saturday volunteers and food deliverers: In May, the Food Pantry will move to Saint Brigid's.
HANCOCK YOUTH GROUP
Meets in the Upper Room every Sunday at 7pm

JUNIOR YOUTH ORGANIZATION
MAY
May 3
Sandwich Making for the Outdoor Church in Clark Hall

 

May 10
All in worship for Confirmation Sunday

May 17
Classroom discussion in the Upper Room.

May 24
Pentecost
All in Worship!

May 31
Class discussion & project: Into the World With Jesus

Our JYO Leaders are Bess Deck and Wendy Tanahashi-Works.

 
CHILDREN'S PROGRAM
MAY
May 3
All Age Event in Clark Hall
New Life Abounds: Caring for the Created World

May 10 & 17
Chapel Time & Classroom Activities: Into the World With Jesus 

Two Parent Volunteers are needed! Email Pam Cochrane if you'd like to help.

May 24
Pentecost
All in worship!

May 31
Chapel Time & Classroom Activities:
Into the World With Jesus
 

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 ages 3 and younger in the Infant/Toddler Room with Eliza Duncan and teen helpers each Sunday beginning a t9am. Parents may pick up children after worship in the Infant/Toddler Room.
 
CONTACT US!
Church Offices
(781) 862-4220
office@hancockchurch.org

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

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

Director of Music
Mark Morgan
mark@hancockchurch.org

Assistant Director of Music
Marilyn Becker
marilyn@hancockchurch.org

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

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.

 


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