Hancock UCC Weekly Messenger for March 3, 2024
In this bread there is healing,
in this cup there's life forever.
In this moment, by the Spirit,
Christ is with us here.
Upcoming services, meetings, events, and opportunities
Join us for Worship in our Sanctuary or on Zoom at 10:00 a.m.,
or watch the recording later on Facebook or YouTube
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 822 2425 2518
Passcode: 755650
Find us at Hancock UCC | Hancock ME | Facebook or
on YouTube at Hancock UCC - YouTube
This Sunday we will welcome Liz McGough to preach the good word of Pilgrim Lodge for us. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear what is happening at camp this summer and beyond.
Come for church - and stay for the ice cream social!
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 as we do on the first Sunday of every month.
Our meetings are open to all. If you would like to attend a meeting, please let TJ or Vicky know and they will provide the Zoom link, or you are welcome to attend in person.
Deacons will meet Friday, March 8th at 3:00 pm in person and on Zoom.
Trustees will meet Wednesday, March 13th at 12 noon on Zoom.
Council will meet Friday, March 15th at 11:30 a.m. in person and on Zoom.
Dear Friends and Family,
The Crabtree Family will hold a Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Steven Crabtree on Monday July 29th at 4 pm at 864 Point Road, Hancock Maine. We invite you to stay for food and drink after the ceremony. We look forward to seeing you and sharing memories about Steve.
With love, Shona, Tyler, Dwight and Carolynn Crabtree
Lenten Wednesday Study Group
Join Pastor TJ for C.S. Lewis and the Delightful, Diabolical Daring of Lent:
A Lenten Companion to “The Screwtape Letters.”
We will enjoy soup & bread at noon while listening to comedic actor John Cleese read
C.S. Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters,” followed by discussion from 12:30 – 1:30.
Study guides are in the back of the Sanctuary or available electronically.
Holy Week Services
We will hold a Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service on Thursday, March 28th at 7:00 pm. An Easter Sunrise Service will be held as well as the regular 10:00 am Worship Service on Easter Sunday, March 31st. Watch your Weekly Messenger for more information on these services.
Upcoming March Birthdays and Anniversaries
05: Bruce and Patrice Alexander 12: Tom Severance
13: Zachary Spaulding 15: Harry Lounder III 15: Nick Davis
20: Vivian Foss 21: Eveline Thorsen 21: *Savanna Havey
23: Linc Ehrlenbach 28: Pam Bowie
Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:
Prayers for the people of Lewiston and all of Maine; Prayers for the world, suffering loss and grief in Israel, Palestine, Ukraine, Russia, and so many other ongoing wars and conflicts. Prayers for the family of Vicky’s brother-in-law, Buster who died on Monday, February 26th, prayers especially for his wife Wanda. Prayers for Renata’s family on the death of her Aunt Lore in Seattle on Saturday. Prayers for Joyce Cornwell, scheduled for TLIF spinal fusion surgery in Portland on Wed. March 6th; Bruce’s sister, Lynn, waiting diagnosis from a biopsy; Sally’s friend, Sue Barger who recently received a cancer diagnosis; for David and Cynthia’s daughter-in-law Hannah's father, Mike Lundrigan who received a liver transplant Monday. Prayers of thanks and gratitude also for the donor's family as they grieve the loss of their loved one. Prayers for Cynthia’s Aunt Barbara, and William, all receiving Hospice Care; Mary Angela’s mother Caroline, Ron & Kathy; Bob & Karen; Ruth; Sally’s sister Martha & her husband John; John Wood; Everett’s brother Darrell; Doris; Jim Snyder; Kenny Houghton; Jonathan Holmes; Sue Davies; Nancy & John & Jonas; Pat & Penny; Sue Davenport; Austin’s cousin Danny; Liz & Jim; Debbie & Lincoln & son-in-law Aaron, daughter Ashley, and granddaughter Brielle; Coulter; Kenny Stratton; Joy & David & Lori; Sandy Phippen; Betty & her step-daughter Mollie; Debbie & Hollis & Holly and Debbie’s Aunt Linda Reed; Patrice’s niece Erica; Amy Nickerson; Tom & Judy’s son Andrew & family; Prayers of strength and healing for all awaiting diagnoses and for all recovering from surgeries & procedures; Prayers for all that are unsafe, unhoused, hungry & in need of care & compassion; Prayers for all individuals and families experiencing addictions; prayers for all caregivers; and prayers for all that is in your heart…
A Letter from the Dean of Maine School of Ministry
Rev. Dr. Malcolm Himschoot
Praying Together
Recently the deans and directors of several Regional Theological Education Programs (RTEPs) in the United Church of Christ gathered for a time of prayer. These programs have some differences. Some are incorporated within UCC conferences and some are a part of existing seminaries. Their common similarity involves a certificate model for UCC lay education and MIDs in rural/remote locations who are engaged in “non-traditional” preparation and formation for authorized ministry. With various histories but some shared purpose, leaders came together in prayer.
People go into this work of theological education for the life of the church who are motivated – maybe even mystically motivated – by invisible possibilities which lie beneath the surface where not everyone looks to see. The whole notion of “call” is part of that invisible work of the Spirit. Equipping people to respond to that call is part of the work of the whole church together. Congregations help form people in ways of communication that make leadership meaningful. Theological educators work to enrich interpretation in a sacred tradition that has gone on for millennia. Mentors ask good questions and guide key moments of discernment. A community of learners shapes emerging possibilities with one another in this moment.
And all of this happens in surprising ways. For those on Maine’s islands, byways and inland outskirts, in remote areas or unincorporated townships, it would be easy to overlook God’s call. Instead, some of us go about asking the question: “Is God calling?” We collaborate with others, and we encourage Committees on Ministry in their discernment, to identify and to activate faithful and creative people whose answer is, prayerfully, “Yes.”
When RTEP leaders met recently, Rev. Dr. Stephanie Perdew with the Damascus Project (WI and MN Conferences) offered the following prayer: “How shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:14-15)
Gracious God, we come together in this time and place as we guide your people, as we seek to prepare those who have discerned a call to preach and to shepherd your church.
Build up our work together on behalf of the United Church of Christ; allow for the sharing of wisdom and the inspiration of our mutual ministry.
We pray for our learners, for those stepping out in faith to become equipped to serve and to proclaim.
Guide us as we cast a vision for preparation for ministry which has integrity, depth, breadth and purpose, rooted in history and grounded in faith.
Bless your church and the new paths we are walking together.
We pray in the name of Jesus and in the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
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