Hancock Weekly 
The Official Newsletter of Hancock Church
Worship With Us
Sunday, September 27, 2015

Morning Worship, 10am
Paul preaches on Living as Slaves in Egypt, Exodus 1:8-14.

Special Music by the Hancock Carillon.  
 
Evening Worship @the Well
6:15pm in Clark Hall
Barbara Callaghan preaches about Connection. Please come a little early at 5:30pm to join us for light soup supper in the Dining Room before the Well.
IN THIS ISSUE...
What's New? Nancy Rottman has re-started the Cordon of Prayer for the fall, Indoor/Outdoor Workday is approaching, and there's a new service opportunity: Lex Eat Together! Also, I've added a "Reminders" section at the end for important repeat announcements.

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.
Senior Picnic This Saturday!
For the first time our Annual Senior Picnic will be in our own, fully-accessible Building! So join us on Sept. 26 from 11:30am-1:30pm, for food, fun, and fellowship! Deacons and others will be on-site to help with anyone who needs assistance. Please let us know if you need a ride or can offer a ride to others. RSVP or call the church office with any questions!
Worship @the Well Soup!

 This fall we will serve a simple meal of soup and bread in the kitchen at 5:30 before the Well begins at 6:15 in Clark Hall. All are welcome to come, eat and fellowship together each week as you are able. Donations of $2.00 per person are appreciated if you are coming to dinner. We hope to see you on Sunday afternoon!
Sing at Hancock!

Chancel Choir is Back! Seeking Singers in all Parts!

Our Chancel Choir is back fro another great year and we're looking for more singers in each section--especially SOPRANOS AND ALTOS! Choral singing is great for both the soul and the body (the latter clinically proven!) Even if you haven't sung in years, give us a try! No audition required--just show up on Thursday night at 7:30 in the choir room on the lower level. High school students are also welcome to join us! Singers need not be members of the church or even from our tradition--they just need to have a love of singing and be willing to be part of our friendly community! For more information, contact Mark Morgan at mark@hancockchurch.org or 781-862-4220 ext 212.

Choristers Children's Choir Returns Next Week

Our children's choir, the Hancock Choristers, starts rehearsals on Sunday, September 27th at 11:15 in room 212. All kids grades 2-5 are invited to come and sing! Choristers is a fun place to learn about music, singing, and the church. They sing in church 3-4 times per year and children do NOT need to commit to the entire year to sing. Choristers is led by Mark Morgan and Marilyn Becker. New this year will be a JYO choir for grades 6-8 that will begin rehearsals on Oct. 18th!
We're a Praying Community
Did you know that at Hancock Church we have a Cordon of Prayer? Each week a community prayer is recorded and any Hancock member can listen and join in prayer by dialing 781-862-6845. We use the Cordon to pray for those who have asked for prayers, whether a member of Hancock or not. If you know someone who would like to be added to the Cordon, please call the church office or email our Congregational Care Coordinator, Nancy Rottman, at nancy@hancockchurch.org. Everyone is invited to join the cordon of prayer weekly as part of your personal prayer life. 
Fall Worship!
October 4, Blessing of the Animals
Together, we will celebrate the importance of animals in our lives and give thanks for the wonder of God's creations. Come and bring your pet, stuffed animals, or picture of your pet to Evening Worship @the Well at 6:15pm in Clark Hall.

October 18, Celebration of Student Ministers and Congregational Care
Please note the change of date. Today in morning worship, we welcome Student Minister David Clark and City Mission Society's Seminarian in the CIty David Price into the fold. We will also celebrate the return of Student Minister Andrew Harris, and newly appointed Congregational Care Coordinator Nancy Rottman.
September Events
September 26, Volunteer for the Interfaith Garden 
Interested?  Bring your family, or a friend which makes for more fun!  These dates don't work? No problem, there are plenty of other times when extra hands are needed. To sign up or get more information contact Amy Swanson, amy.swanson.email@gmail.com. No experience needed! Hancock next sends volunteers to the Garden:
 
Saturday, Sept. 26, 8 - 9:30am
Saturday, Oct. 3, 8 - 9:30am
Saturday, Oct. 24, 8:30 - 10am
Saturday, Oct. 31, 8:30 - 10am

September 26, Senior Picnic
See above.

September 26-27, HYG Grotonwood Retreat
Our Hancock Youth Group goes to their annual kick-off retreat!

September 27, Pastor's Class - First Meeting! 
Pastor's Class is a Bible Study led by Paul Shupe, every Sunday morning from 8:30-9:30am. Meet us in the Pearson Room to discuss the thelological issues of the day and how they impact the Hancock Community. This class runs until May. 

September 27, Ordination of Alex Shea Will 
See below. 
October Events
October 5, Monday Book Group
Every first and third Monday at 10 am, Barbara Callaghan will lead this Book Group. This fall we will read Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor. This group will take the place of Thursday Discussion Group.
October 17, Indoor/Outdoor Work Day 
Join members of the Prudential Committee on Saturday, October 17th 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, cleaning and repair projects inside and outside the church.  Check in at the Conference Room when you arrive to  see what needs to be done.   
 
Join us for part of the time or for the entire morning.  Special skills you'd like to share on work day or a project you'd like to see done? Contact Susan McClements at skmcclements@gmail.com. 
 
October 18, Caregiver's Dinner
Anyone who is a caregiver for a loved one is welcome to come and find rest, renewal, and support among fellow caregivers. This group meets every third Sunday, 7-8:30pm in the Pearson Room.


October 21, Lex Eat Together
Lex Eat Together is a newly formed volunteer organization modeled on successful community meal programs in nearby towns. Starting Wednesday, October 21, 2015, a weekly nutritious dinner will be served in the heart of Lexington to ANYONE in need of food and/or companionship. The goal is to provide a healthy, well-balanced meal to all who come to join us in a way that respects the dignity of those we serve.  The Church of Our Redeemer in Lexington Center has graciously agreed to host this weekly meal in the Church's newly renovated Great Hall. For more information go to the Hancock Website, or contact nicoledigginslocher@gmail.com.
 READ MORE HERE. 
 
Alex Shea Will Ordination, Sept. 27


Congratulations to Alex Shea Will who is now the Associate Minister at South Church in Andover. Alex has served in many roles at Hancock Church, first as a seminarian, Congregational Care Coordination, then as Acting Minister of Congregational Care! His ordination will be Sunday, September 27th at 5:30 pm at Hope Central in Jamaica  Plain.



Everyone is Welcome!

The Ordination of
Alex Shea Will
at
Hope Central Church

September 27, 2015 at 5:30pm

Hope Central Church
85 Seaverns Avenue
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Wanted: Wheelchair
Hancock is in need of 2 wheelchairs to help persons with mobility difficulty move within our building. If you have one you could donate to the church, please call for Jane Park at (781) 862-4220. Thank you!
Hancock CD!
We have a assembled a beautiful CD of music from many of the music groups here at Hancock, and it is now available! It includes music from the Choir, Carillon, Choristers, River Rock Band, and A Joyful Noyse.
READ MORE HERE.
2015 Photo Directory
We're still working on it! If you'd like to be a part of the Photo Directory, submit your photo and any directory corrections to Directory@HancockChurch.org.
 Thank you!
READ MORE HERE.


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