UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF HANCOCK We respect tradition — and we welcome inclusive language about people and expansive language about God.Please pray using words most meaningful to you. Open and Affirming of ALL God’s Children

October 22, 2023 – Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost This service will be in-person and on Zoom at 10:00 (Recorded for Facebook and YouTube)

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82224252518?pwd=aEd4WENqcjFHakFTcVFyQnltNzl1UT09 Meeting ID: 822 2425 2518 Passcode: 755650 The first pew in front of the pulpit has books and quiet activities for people of all ages. Please find something that suits you, take it to your pew, and return it after the service. Silent Prayer Spirit of Life, grant us the discernment to distinguish between shallow positivity and the riches of joy that surround us: Joy that neither shies away from pain nor pacifies us with short-term distraction. But joy that gives us the courage to face the struggles of our shared lives with the sustenance we need. May laughter and pleasure, beauty and the freedom you have given us be a source of strength, empathy, and creativity in all we do. Amen

* Indicates points in the service when we stand in body or spirit Announcements Prelude Fantasy on “Holy Manna” Columbia Harmony/ H.S. Livingston Jr. Welcome *Introit God of Grace and God of Glory (vs. 1) R. #477 God of grace and God of glory, on your people pour your power; now fulfill your Church’s story; bring its bud to glorious flower. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour, for the facing of this hour. *Call to Worship One: Let’s thank the Lord, for the Lord is good. All: God’s love endures forever. One: Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or fully declare God’s praise? All: Blessed are those who act justly, who try to do what is right. Our God is worthy of our Praise! One: Remember us, O Lord, when you show favor to all people, that we may enjoy your blessings. All: Let us worship God, who blesses us with infinite love and abundant grace. Amen *Passing of the Peace (ASL) and lighting Peace & Justice Candle *Hymn Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness B. #286 Refrain: Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness calling and free, Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, wind, wind on the sea. You moved on the waters, you called to the deep, then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep; And over the eons you called to each thing, "Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings." Refrain: Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness calling and free, Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, wind, wind on the sea. You swept through the desert, you stung with the sand, and you goaded your people with a law and a land; When they were confounded by their idols and lies, then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes. Refrain: You sang in a stable, you cried from a hill, then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still; And down in the city you called once again, when you blew through your people on the rush of the wind. Refrain: You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes, from the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams; Our women see visions, our men clear their eyes. With bold new decisions your people arise. *Invocation (in unison) Gracious God, we gather to worship you today with hearts full of joy and appreciation for the beauty of your diversity and extravagant welcome. We invite your Holy Spirit to this space to celebrate your goodness and presence in our gathering time together. Prepare our hearts to receive what you have for us today. Amen Children’s Message Hebrew Scripture s Isaiah 4:1-13 NRSVUE Christian Scripture Luke 40:1-13 NRSVUE Special Music A Gladsome Hymn of Praise “Southern Harmony”/ Austin Lovelace Message Rev. Ruth Martin *Hymn I Sing a Song of the Saints of God B. #295 I sing a song of the saints of God, faithful their whole lives through, who bravely labored, lived, and died for the God they loved and knew. And one was a doctor, and one was a queen, and another a shepherd in pastures green: they were saints of God, if you know what I mean, God, help to be one, too. They loved their God and they lived that love. It was loving that made them strong. They did what was right, for Jesus’ sake, lived justly their whole lives long. And one was a prophet, and one was a priest, another was slain by a fierce wild beast: there is no earthly reason, none in the least, why I shouldn’t be one, too. They lived not only in ages past, there are hundreds of thousands still. The world is filled with living saints who choose to do God’s will. You can meet them in school, on the road, or at sea, in a church, in a train, in a shop, or at tea: for the saints are folk like you and like me, and I mean to be one, too. 295 Prayers of the People – Sharing Joys & Concerns Our Father (Creator, Mother) who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen Lead me Lord, lead me in thy righteousness, make thy way plain before my face. For it is thou Lord, thou Lord, only, that makest me dwell in safety. Invitation to Offering – All we have comes from you, O Lord. So, we give our offerings and tithes with generous hearts in thanksgiving for all you do for us. May these gifts given today offer hope in proclaiming and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ our Savior with all the world. Offertory Songs of Hope arr. Lani Smith *The Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Amen *Prayer of Dedication (spoken in unison) Take our offerings and tithes, O God, bless them that they may be used to share your love and blessing in our community and the world. May these offerings provide for the least of these needs and the proclamation of your word to those seeking hope. Amen *Hymn Breath on Me, Breath of God B. #292 Breathe on me, Breath of God, fill me with life anew That I may love the way you love, and do what you would do. Breathe on me, Breath of God, until my heart is pure, Until with you I will one will, to do and to endure. Breathe on me, Breath of God, stir in me one desire: That every earthly part of me may glow with holy fire. Breathe on me, Breath of God, so shall I never die, But live with you the perfect life of your eternity. *Sung Blessing Go With Us, Lord R #336 Go with us, Lord, and guide the way through this and every coming day, That in your Spirit strong and true our lives may be our gift to you. *Benediction Postlude Harvest Home Gilbert Martin (Please remain seated for the Postlude) If you are visiting with us today, please sign our Guest Book in the back of the sanctuary. Stewardship Update: We're getting closer to meeting our budget goal of $73,000 in stewardship support for next year's church budget but we're not there yet! 28 received pledges total $63,394 so far. Please help us achieve our goal by getting your pledge card returned to the church as soon as convenient. Contact David Wildes at 422-3739 with any questions. Thank you very much for your prompt attention to this very important matter. Support our Church Financially Please visit Hancock (Maine) UCC on Facebook or our new webpage www.hancockucc.com or visit this link to our PayPal account: paypal.me/hancockucc or mail offerings to: Union Congregational Church, PO Box 443, Hancock, ME 04640 (Attention: Treasurer) Contact Us hancockmaineucc@gmail.com treasurer@hancockucc.com revtjmack@gmail.com 207.422.3100 207.323.6743 Many thanks to those who make this service possible – in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Music Minister – Debbie Riley Guest Preacher – Rev. Ruth Martin Deacons – Pat Summerer & Vicky Espling Liturgist – Peggy Karns Audio-Video Support – Ron Schwizer Office Secretary – Vicky Espling Settled Minister – Rev. TJ Mack The Body of Christ – You Resources enfleshed, liturgy that matters, and Worship Ways @ ucc.org "Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License #A-738532. All rights reserved.

God of Grace and God of Glory

Words and Music - ©PD Public Domain

Contributors: Public Domain

Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness

Words and Music - ©1978 J. Manley Publishing

Contributors: James K. Manley

I Sing a Song of the Saints of God - GRAND ISLE

Words - ©1929 Morehouse Publishing

Contributors: Lesbia Scott

Breathe On Me, Breath of God

Words and Music - ©1998 Beckenhorst Press, Inc.

Contributors: Edwin Hatch, Lloyd Larson

Go with Us, Lord

Words - ©1990 Hope Publishing Company

Contributors: Mary Jackson Cathey