Hancock UCC Weekly Messenger for January 4, 2026

We who walk in darkness deep, now see the light of morning. The mighty God, the Prince of Peace, a child to us is born. Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away our sin. Behold the Lamb of God, the life and light of men.

The Choir is on hiatus until Lent.

The Meditation Group will meet Friday morning, January 2nd at 9:00 am in the Fellowship Hall. Reach out to Alison Boden with any questions. (aboden3321@gmail.com, 609-865-3236) All are welcome!

Pastor TJ will be on vacation in Wisconsin from December 25 - January 8, 2026.

Jeff Jeude will lead our worship service on January 4th,

with Alison Boden offering Holy Communion.

Sunday we will share Holy Communion.  For those who will receive the sacraments at home, please prepare a piece of bread or a cracker, and a cup of juice or wine and join us at the table. Also, we will be receiving non-perishable food items, toiletries, and pet food for the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. Envelopes are available at the back of the Sanctuary for monetary donations as well.

The Homework Club will resume Thursday, January 8th. The bus will drop the students off at the church, and parents pick them up at 4:30 pm. This group is open to ALL students.

Our meetings are open to all. If you would like to attend a meeting, please let Vicky know and she will provide the Zoom link, or you are welcome to attend in person. Our meetings are held in person and virtually on Zoom.

Christian Ed will meet on Wednesday, January 7 at 12 noon

Deacons will meet Friday, January 9 at 4:00 pm

Trustees will meet on Wednesday, January 14 at 4 pm, virtually only

Outreach will meet on Thursday, January 15 at 4:15 pm

Council will meet on Friday, January 16 at 11 am

Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:

Our prayers remain with Alex & Savannah and Andrew & Tamara, and with Tyler Crabtree and his family. We ask prayers for Sarina’s Dad who is recovering from a major stroke.  And we ask for prayers for Norm Bamford recovering from a mini stroke. We pray for David, Brian, Donald, Kenny V, Brad, James, Marie, and Jane of Golden Acres. Prayers for Yvonne; Jeanne’s brother Clem, Kate W.; Mike & Carol; Dexter B.; Cynthia W.; Judith C.; Eleanor A.; the Raymonds; Hollis & Debbie; Bruce’s sister Lynn; Patrice’s step-sister Patricia; Kirk; Ruth; Herbie Lounder; Sandy Phippen; Jonathan Holmes; Sue Davies; Sue Davenport; Kenny Stratton & Joy & David & Lori & Melissa; Debbie & Lincoln & Aaron & Ashley & Brielle. Prayers for all in Hospice Care. Prayers for all that are unsafe, unhoused, hungry & in need of care & compassion. Prayers for individuals and families affected by addictions. Prayers for all caregivers. Prayers for those who are grieving loss or change or experiencing family conflict; and prayers for all that is in your heart…

January Birthdays

06: Erin Ehrlenbach Collins   07: Sally Bryant    07: John Wood    

09: Rebeckah Philio     12: Myrna Coffin        15: Ben Wildes     

22: Chris Potter           21: Jackie Hunt           21: Carol Skinner       

23: Avabelle Havey        25: Holly Harriman     29: Jen Remick

From Our  Maine Conference

Reflections from CM Marisa for the start of 2026:

May we who follow the words and example of Jesus, heed this profound message from a parable that Jesus spoke in the Gospel of Matthew as we reflect on 2025 and anticipate 2026:

Jesus says to each and all of us,

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

And we may ask, a bit perplexed, “When did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”

And Jesus’ simple and profound words echo in our hearts,

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these siblings of mine, you did for me.”

Beloved, contemplate and pray on this message from Jesus, a message that is crucial to how we see ourselves as people of God.

Listen with open hands of prayer, ask for guidance to act with purpose and conviction, love with an extravagance that that comes from God and fills us every day of 2026:

Feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, provide for the poor, welcome all who are shunned and marginalized, lift up the oppressed.

I am your servant and your partner as we together bring the realm of God to our corner of the earth in the Maine Conference and all of Maine.

     Marisa

 Be kind and compassionate to one another,

forgive each another,

just as in Christ God forgave you.

                                             Ephesians 4:32