Hancock Weekly 
The Official Newsletter of Hancock Church
Worship With Us
Sunday, May 31

Morning Worship, 10am
Pam Cochrane preaches on John 3:1-17.

Memorial Garden Dedication, 11 am 

Evening Worship @the Well
6:15 pm in Clark Hall
Special Pentecost Worship! Nancy Rottman preaches.
IN THIS ISSUE...
What's New? New updates regarding the celebration of Alex and Pam, Financial Update, and a BBQ on June 14th!

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.

Every Sunday, Marjorie Travis moves the book cart to Clark Hall for our convenience!
Photo by Paul Topalian.


Memorial Garden Dedication, Sun at 11am

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.

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. READ MORE HERE. 


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. READ MORE HERE.

Mark Morgan Sabbatical
My wife, Amy, and I are pleased to announce that we will soon be welcoming a new little boy into our family! His name is Hugh, and he is a beautiful 18 month old living in an orphanage in Shanxi province in China. We have embarked on this adoption proceeding for the past 18 months or so, working with an agency that places children with special needs. READ MORE 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 of Pam Cochrane and Alex Shea Will
Help with Reception, Contribute to Books of Gratitude

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.  

 

Reception Help! 

In appreciation for all Alex and Pam have given to Hancock Church during their ministries here, we will be having a special reception for them after morning worship on Sunday, June 14th. If you would like to bake cookies, contribute cheese and crackers, or fruit to the celebration, please email Faith Fenske at fwf.lex@att.net. We want this to be a very special party!

 

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.

  

Books of Gratitude

We are putting together books of gratitude for Acting Ministers Pam Cochrane and Alex Shea Will. If you wish to express your gratitude for their years of dedicated service to our church, share a memory, or give them your best wishes, please write an email or a card for the gratitude books by June 10th. The special books will be given to them at the reception in their honor on 

June 14, following morning worship.  

 

If you wish to have your card included in Alex's book, please contact Carol Bukys at cfbukys@gmail.com. If you wish to have your card included in Pam's book, please contact Sarah Kuli at SarahKuli@comcast.net. You may also turn in any physical submissions to Jane Park, church administrator.

Hymnal Updates
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 

Financial Update - 2015 Budget
2015 Budget

Budgeted Annual Income              $906,222

Budgeted Annual Expenses           $955,912

Net Deficit                                       ($ 49,690)

 

The 2015 budget has a projected $49,690 deficit. It is still early in the fiscal year, and there is still too much uncertainty in some parts of our budget (such as personnel) to change our outlook on the projected deficit. Income to date has been favorable, but higher expenses have offset some of that and we are about to enter the part of the year when revenue drops off significantly.

 

To avoid ending the year in deficit per our budget, we need to collect 5.5% more income and stay on plan for expenses. Using the seasonal trends on how income generally is received, we can calculate a "glide path" which would result in minimal to no deficit. Thru April we needed income of $332,002. Thanks to those members who have paid their pledges early and to those who have contributed more than pledged. We collected $380,786. Currently we are ahead by $48,784 and this puts us into a favorable position as we head into the summer when donations tend to fall off. In May the goal is to collect $55,419 in revenue to stay on the glide path of matching annual budgeted expenses.

 

Expenses thru April are running approximately $19K higher than budgeted. Some of this is a matter of timing of bills, but a significant portion is due to a variety of unplanned events, such as severe weather (high gas and snowplowing expenses), replacement of decaying windows on the South Wall and urgent organ repairs. Some of these costs (windows and organ repair) will be subsidized by reserve funds.

 

Hancock does not receive any denominational financial support. Financial contributions from members and friends are essential for the continuing operation of the church. Thank you.


Remembrances In Memoriam
We extend our sympathy to the friends and families  of those who have died recently.

Prayers for the friends and family of Bill Simmons, who 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.
June
Interfaith Garden - Help Needed!
June gardening teams are forming and additional volunteer help is needed on:

Tuesday, June 2, 4:30-6pm
Saturday, June 13, 8:30-10am 
Interfaith Garden, located near Lexington Battle Green, donates all of its organically grown produce to the Lexington Food Pantry. Garden volunteer parking is available at First Parish Church. All ages are welcome. No prior experience is needed. Volunteer coordinator and experienced gardener Carla Fortmann guides each gardening session.

Want to give it a try? To sign up, or for more information, contact Laurel Cooley at cooley.laurel1@gmail.com. Also visit interfaithgarden.org.
 
June 1, A Community Conversation on Mental Health
7-9pm, 13 Depot Square
This past year, Lexington residents and employees were trained in Mental Health First Aid, a set of skills designed to help people help their friends and family, and know what to do until professional help is found. Now we invite you to participate in a conversation about what mental health and mental illness mean to you, and what we as a town can do to better support Lexington families. Please contribute to the conversation by sharing your thoughts and stories. Doors open at 6:30 pm for refreshments.

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 4, Last Thursday Discussion Group of the Year!

June 5, First Friday Cooking Fellowship


12 adults and youth joined us in May for the inaugural First Friday Cooking Fellowship! We made a big  pot of chicken noodle soup and made chocolate chip cookies from scratch. It was a great evening of fellowship and care. All are welcome to join us on Friday, June 5 at 6:00 PM in the Dining Room.
 
All you need to bring is yourself and an appetite. For any questions, reach out to
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.

June 14, Kick-Off our Annual Hancock Grills at 5pm at Hancock! 
Every Summer, Hancock members and friends take time each week to gather for food and fellowship. While it isn't quite summer yet, we're getting a bit of a head start! Join us on Sunday June 14 at 5:00 PM in the Hancock Parking Lot for a taste of Hancock Grills. We'll have a tent and some seating provided. Bring something to throw on the grill and we'll get it cooked! After the grilling is done, everyone is invited to stay for the last Evening Worship @the Well at 6:15 PM. For any questions, reach out to Alex@HancockCHurch.org.  
Year-Round Offerings
Thursday Discussion Group
The final Spring session of the Thursday Discussion Group will be Thursday, June 4th.  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.

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.

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.