Hancock UCC Weekly Messenger for February 1, 2026 

What does the Lord require

for praise and offering?

What sacrifice, desire

or tribute did you bring?

Do justly,

love mercy,

walk humbly with your God.

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.

YOUR INVITATION TO A DAY OF WITNESS from Ellsworth Area Ministers 

Join pastors and their congregants, including Pastor TJ at 1:00 P.M., MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2 at the Somesville Union Meeting House, 1136 Main St, Mt Desert, ME.

As you well know, in addition to Feb 2 being Groundhog Day, it is the 40th day after Christmas, celebrated in many of our churches as the festival of the presentation of the infant Jesus at the Temple. What better day to present the message and spirit of love to all of Downeast Maine? And what better way to do that, than for all the clergy and congregants of Downeast Maine to stand united in witness to Jesus' love for ALL God's children, in bold rejection of violence against "the least of these?"

An open testimony of song and silent prayer on the front lawn of SUMH will begin the proceedings at 1:00 to 1:30 pm, Monday, February 2, followed by a session of sharing ideas, strategies and plans, indoors, 1:30 – 2:30 pm. The church has generously offered to supply coffee and tea following, in their Parish House.

We have created a new YouTube channel. Please follow us on the new site by clicking on this link and subscribing. https://www.youtube.com/@HancockUCC-c7w (The original site will be discontinued soon.)

 One of our church members, Gina Tansey, is offering a Workshop on Compassionate Conversation on Thursday, February 5th from 10:30 am to 12 noon (on Zoom). This 90 minute workshop “will offer a brief, experiential introduction to Compassionate Conversation based on the work of Marshall Rosenberg and his book titled “Non-Violent Communication”. Gina will “guide us in learning about practicing relationship skills that foster a greater sense of connection between humans, rather than disconnection, whether those humans are your family, your neighbors, your fellow church members, or even yourself.. Please join us on Zoom, February 5th and connect with us.” If you are interested, please sign up for the workshop,with Nick Davis at ndavis9940@gmail.com or Vicky at hancockmaineucc@gmail.com . Vicky will send the link to the registrants.

Liturgist & Refreshment Sign-Up Sheet:

There are still many spots where your help is needed! Please, as you are getting your coffee and enjoying your snacks, take a moment to sign up to be our Liturgist or provide a snack to be enjoyed after the morning service. Thank You!

The Meditation Group meets Friday mornings, at 9:00 am in the Fellowship Hall. Reach out to Pastor TJ or Alison Boden with any questions. All are welcome!

(revtjmack@gmail.com, 207-323-6743 or aboden3321@gmail.com, 609-865-3236)

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 Wednesday, February 4th at 12 Noon

Deacons will meet on Friday, February 13th at 4 pm

Trustees will meet on Wednesday, February 18th at 4 pm via Zoom

Outreach will meet Thursday, February 19th at 4:30 pm

Council will meet on Friday, February 20th at 11 am

Calling all bell ringers. Wouldn’t it be great to have handbells ringing on Easter? I need ringers. We can practice on Sundays after church. Please call Pat Summerer at (203) 522-2781 if interested. Thanks

Dear Community Members,

Age-Friendly Sullivan invites you to join us for our next monthly meeting. We hope you’ll start your morning with good company, helpful information, and a chance to connect with neighbors on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the Sullivan Town Hall – 1888 US Hwy 1, Sullivan, Maine.

• 8:30 AM – Social time & refreshments

• 10:00 AM – Guest Speaker

Our February guest speaker will be Meghan Milliard, Care Coordination Specialist with the Family Caregiver Program at the Eastern Area Agency on Aging (EAAA).

Meghan will offer an overview of EAAA’s Family Caregiver Programs, which provide essential support for those caring for loved ones. These services include:

•  Information and assistance

•  Caregiver respite services

•  Support groups

This session will be especially valuable for anyone currently providing care or preparing to support a family member in the future.

EAAA has long been a trusted partner to Age-Friendly Sullivan, offering vital resources to many in our community. Their mission is to ensure that older adults, caregivers, and adults with disabilities across Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Washington counties have access to the information and support they need to remain healthy, engaged, and connected.

Our monthly meetings, held on the first Wednesday of each month, are open to all residents of Sullivan and surrounding communities. They offer a welcoming space to learn, exchange ideas, and strengthen the connections that make Sullivan such a caring, age-friendly place to live.

We hope you’ll join us for this informative and supportive conversation.

Warm regards,

Kimberly Brooks - Coordinator, Age-Friendly Sullivan

kimberlybrooks.afs@gmail.com or (907) 441-8144

Pastor TJ is going on Sabbatical

Our Deacons are planning with Pastor TJ for her upcoming sabbatical in July, August, and September of this year. While TJ is volunteering at Pilgrim Lodge in July, seeking refuge in Wisconsin during the month of August, and hiking and traveling on the Eastern Seaboard in September, our congregation will be led by Rev. Hannah Mondrach who is an active member of our Sunrise Association.

Hannah’s Bio: Outside of ministry, Hannah Mondrach is a science teacher at MDI High School (teaching Chemistry and Outdoor Science), the Training Officer for MDI Search and Rescue, an Ultimate Frisbee coach, clarinetist, cyclist, world traveler, and mother to her goldendoodle Appa. Within ministry, she is the pastor for Worship in the Wild, an outdoor ministry in partnership with the Somesville Union Meeting House and the Sunrise Association of the Maine UCC. The goal of the ministry is to reconnect people to Creation through tangible experiences in nature. Worship in the Wild meets at a different trailhead twice a month, and participants engage in conversation and community as they hike, with a short reflective worship service along the way. Current worship experiences are in the MDI area, but Hannah is looking to expand to the entire area served by the Sunrise Association. Let her know if you know of a good walking or hiking spot!

There will be an Ecclesiastical Council to examine Carter Baxter as a candidate for Ordination, Saturday, February 7 at 1 p.m. at the Bar Harbor Congregational Church UCC. This is a wonderful opportunity to offer your supportive presence to someone actively discerning God’s call.

Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bonnie Ross and the family and friends of Bill Starkie who passed away recently.

Our prayers remain with Alex & Savannah and Andrew & Tamara, and with Tyler Crabtree and his family. We ask prayers for Sarina and her Dad as he recovers from a major stroke. And we ask for prayers for Norm Bamford recovering from a minor stroke. We pray for David, Brian, Brad, Donald, Kenny V, James, Marie, Charlie, Jonathan and Jane of Golden Acres. Prayers for 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; Morgan; Herbie Lounder; Sandy Phippen; 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…

We are encouraging “card showers” for two members of our church community.

     David Mack has recently spent time in the hospital and is spending time recovering           at Orono Commons.

     Sandy Phippen is living in the Memory Care wing of Orono Commons.

Please send cards of encouragement and good cheer to either or both men at:

     Orono Commons, 117 Bennoch Rd, Orono, ME 04473-3620

February Birthdays

02: Lucy Ashmore        03: Roberta Scott      03: Liz Awalt     08: Cynthia Johnston

09: Phil Devenish      10: Jack Hirschenhofer       10: Ethan Hunt                    

12: Xyerra Harriman     13: Amy Philio            15: David Stratton       

16: Will Stephenson            18: Sara Beth Denoncourt           21: Pat Summerer        

24: Heath Hudson     25: Michael Hodgdon          27: Antonio Blasi

Biddeford Buzz is with First Parish Saco UCC in Maine.

SACO | Local Church claims ICE illegally abducted Father of New Born

January 27, 2026, in a statement released yesterday from the leadership at the First Parish Congregational Church UCC located at 12 Beach St, Saco, the church informed the public of what they are claiming to be an illegal abduction by ICE of one of the members of their congregation. The statement from the church reads as follows:

"This past Sunday, a member of our First Parish Congregational Church of Saco family, Makengo, welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world. She is currently in the hospital, and her mother remains by her side while also caring for their three other children. Unfortunately and unfairly, Makengo cannot be there with his family right now.

While on his way to the hospital with essential items for his family, Makengo was detained and arrested by ICE. This has left his wife alone at the hospital with their newborn and their children during what should have been a time of joy, rest, and healing.

We want to be clear and speak truthfully: Makengo is here legally. His paperwork is in order. He has no criminal record. Makengo is a devoted husband, a loving father, a faithful man, and a cherished member of our church community. He is someone many of us know personally —someone who shows up, serves others, and lives his faith with integrity and kindness.

As a church family, we are coming together to support Makengo and his family during this incredibly difficult time. Funds raised through this GoFundMe will go toward legal fees, bond, advocacy efforts, and direct family support as we work to secure his release and care for his loved ones.

If you are able, we invite you to give. If you cannot give, we ask for your prayers.

And in all things, we ask you to hold this family in your heart.

This is what it means to be church—standing with one another in moments of crisis, offering love, truth, and hope.

Thank you for supporting Makengo and his family."

The church has set up a gofundme that can be viewed here: https://gofund.me/d86b4404d

Please note, at time of publish, The Biddeford Buzz has not been able to independently verify the immigration status of the aforementioned individual.

Thank you, Robin Long, for bringing this to our attention.

 A Message of Love and Witness from our Conference Minister

Beloved,

As we continue to see the unjust practices and cruel abductions of our New Mainers, many of you have expressed to me emotions that range from intense anger to confusion to numbness. Please know I am with all of you in deep prayer, and support in any way I can support.

And I am so grateful: grateful for faith leaders who engage in peaceful protest as we are all called to follow the ways of Jesus to protect all the vulnerable, embrace the stranger

I am so grateful: grateful for each and every member and friend of our conference, who seeks and acts on our prophetic faith

I am so much in awe: awe for God’s work through so many who walk and speak and stand to advocate for the vulnerable, the stranger; who shine God’s light into the darkness of despair and resignation

I am also deeply grieving: grieving for the many who are terrified to leave their homes; to send children to school, to go to work; for those who have been detained and do not know their future for themselves or their children.

Beloved, as we bear witness and pray; as we love in spite of our anger and our dismay; let us especially pray for the sacred works of faith that are being demonstrated, especially (so far) in the Portland area and surrounds into Lewiston and York.

Several faith leaders demonstrated against an increase in DHHS funding—in peaceful protest yesterday at the office of Susan Collins. Nine faith leaders were arrested because they refused to end the protest. Three of those leaders are our pastors: Christine Dyke, Will Green, and Allison Smith. They have posted bail and have been released. Let’s hold them in prayer and support.

And although ICE is not as “robust” in other areas of Maine, let us hold in prayer and support in any way we can, and act in the ways of the Gospel. There are New Mainers throughout Maine and there are abductions, including our Wabanaki siblings.

And finally, Beloved, remember the acts of Jesus. And finally, Beloved, embrace the ways that Jesus would have us travel. And finally, Beloved, remember that advocacy for the poor and marginalized; the shunned and the stranger; did not begin with Jesus. God’s ways were first spoken through the prophets, the progenitors of our faith.

I leave you with words of Paul in the fourth chapter of Philippians: words that call us to rest and then to act:

          Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God,               which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, beloved,[c] whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there isany excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about[d] these things. 

With deep love, solidarity, and witness,

                   Marisa

Be the Light

A Message from Liz Charles McGough, Pilgrim Lodge Director

 “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” – Isaiah 9:2

What a January it has been. Christmas has come and gone and the festivities are over. Most of us have put away the decorations, though our window lights are still up to brighten these cold, dark days of winter for a while longer. This Epiphany, we revisit the words of Isaiah. The prophet was speaking to God’s people during a time of despair. They were suffering from hunger and military defeat. They had lost their way and their focus on God’s teachings. Isaiah was talking to people who were going through a rough time of it as he characterized his people as living in a land of deep darkness. I’m wondering if any of us today might relate to what they felt like? We need only look to the news to find stories of fear, oppression and despair. This past week in Maine, it has been especially tangible. I venture to say we’re going through a rough time of it.

In the world of Pilgrim Lodge, however, January has been an especially joyful month. Registration is open and, as we see folks getting signed up for camp, winter planning takes on a dimension of excited anticipation. This month our Pilgrim Lodge Leadership Team finalized a new vision statement for our ministry. We asked ourselves, “if we are succeeding in our goals as a camp program, how does Pilgrim Lodge change the world?” Here is our aspiration:

“At Pilgrim Lodge we strive to nurture each camper’s sacred journey of self-discovery and to empower them to go forth into the world and engage with the issues of our times with integrity, justice, grace, and love.”

It is our hope that time at camp nurtures a sacred journey of self-discovery. Our campers do team-building activities on our low ropes course, paddle canoes, or read scripture to their peers during chapel. They journey through the woods, make connections and build relationships with new friends, living in a community grounded in the welcome that “all who come in love have a seat at our table.” We are committed to Camp Pride and Pride Across the Ages, our programs that celebrate our God-given identities. We nurture budding leaders through Justice Together: Climate, Identity, Community, our camp program that equips our youth to explore how they can be agents of change in the world. It is a program that we share with The BTS Center that nurtures spiritual leadership in a climate-changed world. As we serve each other food, make each other friendship bracelets, get muddy in the woods together and eat ice cream with someone whose lived experience is different from our own, we are living the Kin-Dom of God in our activities all day long. Through our summer outreach project, we reflect on the question, “how can we use our unique, God-given gifts and talents to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world?” How do we carry what we’re learning at camp to spaces beyond Pilgrim Lodge?

At camp, our vision is to empower our campers to go forth into the world and engage with the issues of our times with integrity, justice, grace and love. If we are doing our work well, camp is not a singular week or weekend retreat, but it is a transformational experience that ripples outward into the world through our campers. Whether or not you have ever been to Pilgrim Lodge, I invite you into that vision today. Isaiah tells us that we will see a great light. As a “God is still speaking people,” I believe that we are called to “be a great light” here and now.

As I search my own heart for how to meet this moment, I have been revisiting the words of Marraine Williamson that I first heard when I was a camper at Pilgrim Lodge:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,

talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other

people won’t feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of

God that is within us.

It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,

we unconsciously give other people

permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,

Our presence automatically liberates others.”

I suggest that we spread love with urgency. In whatever way you are called to do it, I invite each of us to be God’s light in this time and place.

Join us: Pilgrim Lodge 2026 Camp Schedule and Link to Register.

 Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and

abounding in steadfast love

                                         Joel 2:13