Hancock UCC Weekly Messenger for March 26, 2023

By raising Laz’rus from the dead

Thou didst, O Lord, remove our dread

For in his life a glimpse we see

Of wonders in eternity

Upcoming meetings, events, and opportunities

There will be NO Choir practice this Sunday morning. Please come next week, 9:15 a.m. ready to sing for Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. All are welcome.

Palm Sunday, April 2nd at 10:00 am with palms being distributed

Maundy Thursday service Thursday, April 6th at 12:00 noon

Easter Sunrise service at 6:00 am at Riverside Cemetery

Easter Breakfast in the Fellowship Hall following the Sunrise service

Easter Worship service at 10:00 in the Sanctuary and on Zoom

Join us in our Sanctuary at 10:00 a.m. or on our Sunday Worship Zoom link at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88327467219?pwd=Mis3ME4waGE1RmRBN zFXK3VUaDJXdz09

Meeting ID: 883 2746 7219 Passcode: 131738

(Posted later for viewing on Facebook and YouTube)

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.

Lenten Study Group – Wed. evenings at 7:00.

Featuring selected scriptures and Wendell Berry’s Sabbath Poetry of Lent

Join us for a deepening of faith through introspection and discussion…

You need not come to all sessions. Join us whenever you can.

For the month of March, we are collecting new books for children in Hancock County. We love board books- (cardboard,) fabric crinkly books and high-contrast books for babies, books that have different textures, books with nursery rhymes, lift-the-flap books, books that foster attachment, and books about transitions for kids under the age of three, ex: using a potty, going to bed; books about feelings, just to name some. Board books or indestructible books are preferred for this age group so they can enjoy them for years to come! If you need some ideas or prefer to order online, here is an Amazon wish list that will be delivered to the office: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3GU2KAV4MGGXR?ref_=wl_share

Most of these books are between $4-$9. If you prefer a cash donation, we can collect cash and purchase some of these books as well. Thank you so much for your support!

-The Board of Outreach

Meet our congregation:

Your name here… submissions desired. Share your story, please. Do not be shy. Not everyone knows everyone. No one knows everything about anyone. If you have enjoyed reading these brief biographies please share one of your own. Bio’s can be sent to Pastor TJ or Vicky.

Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:

The family and friends of Karen Dickson, who died on March 18th; Gary & Jeanne’s grandson William who was injured in a skiing accident; Sally’s grand-nephew Santi Andrews re: shooting at his school in Denver; Mike and Cindy Merritt; Kate Winters; Annie McCormack; the people of Syria and Turkey; the people of Ukraine and Russia; President Jimmy Carter and his family; Nick’s sister Susan; Gary Edwards; Kenny Stratton; Joy & David; Denny Doucette; Vicky’s Aunt Eleanor; Debbie R.; Graham Espling; Debbie E; Peter Deitze;; Sandy Phippen;

Renata’s sister-in-law Joanne; Linda K.; Judith Crowley; Cheryl and her husband Jeff;

healing prayers for a family seeking solutions to significant mental health issues;

Steve Crabtree; Debbie Maddocks and her Aunt Linda Reed; John Wood; Andrew and Tamara; Austin’s cousin Danny; Kathy’s sister Patti Wotton; Roberta Scott; Nancy; Cynthia;

Betty Johnston; Betty’s step-daughter Mollie; Margaret B; Liz & Jim; Coulter Huyler

Bruce’s sister Lynn; Renata and the women she cares for; Eleanor’s step-daughter Holly;

Tom & Judy’s son Andrew and his family; all individuals and families experiencing addictions; all caregivers; all affected by memory loss; those living with depression and other mental health issues; for all victims and loved ones of violence, those impacted by laws limiting reproductive justice; those experiencing food and housing insecurity; all in your heart…

March Birthdays and Anniversaries:

28: *Pam* Bowie

Contact Us at Union Congregational Church of Hancock:

TJ can be reached by cell phone at 207-323-6743 or by email at revtjmack@gmail.com

Vicky can be reached at 207-422-3100 or by email at hancockmaineucc@gmail.com

Jen can be reached by email at treasurer@hancockucc.com

Easter Plants

Daffodil, Hyacinth and Tulip plants wrapped in foil

will be available to order for the Easter Service.

The plants are available for $12.95.

Please order through Barbara Reeve by Sun, March 26th by completing the order form below, calling 460-0527,

or emailing barb.reeve@gmail.com.

Cash or checks made payable to Union Congregational Church of Hancock will be accepted. Please indicate if you would like to place a plant in church “in honor of” or

“in loving memory of” a particular individual(s).

Name:__________________________________ Phone:______________

Choice of flower(s): $12.95 each

Daffodils __________

Hyacinths __________

Tulips __________

How do you wish to have the bulletin read?

In honor of __________________________________________________

In loving memory of __________________________________________

News from the Maine Conference

Please spread the word: there are so many ways that Pilgrim Lodge makes camp affordable! The “Bring-A-Friend Discount” provides a reduced rate to you and a friend that you bring to Pilgrim Lodge for the first time. Children are eligible for a “Multi-Session Discount” if they register for more than one camp program. Scholarship funds are available! Children and adults are eligible to apply. Don’t let financial barriers stand in the way of an amazing camp experience.

Do You Know That You Are Gifted?

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. Romans 12: 4-7 Do you know that you are gifted? Gifted by the Holy Spirit for the common good? Do you realize that God has given you gifts that are meant for service in Jesus’ name? By Jesus' example? By Jesus' instruction? What, me? No. My Pastor has gifts. Maybe our lay leaders have gifts. But me? How do I even know what gift I have? What does this mean anyway? I have often been asked if I know of a “Gifts assessment inventory.” There are tools that help you to assess. But it all boils down to two questions: · What am I really interested in doing? What do I gravitate toward (even if I may feel inadequate)? What am I good at doing—doing for the common good of people? Now, you may already know the answer to these questions, yet are reluctant to exercise your gifts(s) because you’re unsure of how you can benefit the good of others through your gift(s). Maybe you compare yourself to others. Maybe you’re worried that if you offer your gift for service you will be overwhelmed with the time commitment. You may already be exercising your gift(s) through your local church. Just some examples: music, cooking and baking, helping with the budget, Council leadership, greeting others with warm welcome, worship leadership, maintenance of the church building, care and concern for members of the congregation. I would like to invite you to consider exercising your gifts through conference leadership: Board of Directors, Personnel Committee, Nominating Committee, Resource team for Social Action, Racial Justice. As you read any of these, do they peak your interest? Do you think you may have the abilities? The Governance (Nominating) Committee is currently accepting applications of interest for anyone who may wish to consider serving at the Conference level. There is an application link on this newsletter. Please send your application to me by May 15. The Governance Committee will be deliberating at their June meeting. If you would like to chat about your gifts or conference opportunities, please reach out to me: mlaviola@maineucc.org.

Blessing upon blessing on each and all, Marisa