Hancock UCC Weekly Messenger for March 31, 2024
When Jesus wept, the falling tear in mercy flowed beyond all bound;
when Jesus groaned, a trembling fear seized all the guilty world around.
Upcoming services, meetings, events, and opportunities
Holy Week Services
Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service, March 28th at 7:00 p.m.
Easter Sunrise Service, March 31st, 6:30 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery (behind Hancock Grammar School), followed by a breakfast at 7:30 a.m. in the church Fellowship Hall,
and our traditional Easter Worship Service at 10:00 am in the sanctuary.
Zoom link for Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday 10:00 a.m.
(We will not be livestreaming the Sunrise Service.)
Meeting ID: 822 2425 2518
Passcode: 755650
Find us at Hancock UCC | Hancock ME | Facebook or
on YouTube at Hancock UCC - YouTube
Choir rehearsals are Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m. All are welcome. Please, join us!
Planning for Life’s Inevitable Surprises
Most of us like to be in control of our lives. What happens when we lose the illusion of control?
Planning now can help ensure your desires are honored later.
Planning now removes unnecessary burdens placed on your loved ones in times of grief.
Session One - Myrna Coffin will share some of the lessons learned while she (and Steve) navigated unfamiliar territory after he suffered a life-changing health event.
We will have some important documents available – and brainstorm future session topics.
Join us for soup and discussion on Thursday, April 11th from Noon - 2:00 p.m. at the church.
Save the Date: Saturday morning, May 4th, 2024
The Sunrise Association will hold its Spring Meeting at Pilgrim Lodge.
An option for overnight camping will be available on Friday, May 3rd.
Breakfast and lunch options are available on Saturday.
Let’s mix business with pleasure and gather together at our beloved camp.
Installation Service & Reception
Installation Service for Minister of Faith Formation, Kiah Baxter Sunday, May 19th @ 3 p.m.
at the Bar Harbor Congregational Church UCC; 29 Mount Desert Street; Bar Harbor.
More details to follow closer to the date.
Upcoming April Birthdays and Anniversaries
04: Don Baril 09: Jane Bradley
14: Dennis & Linda* King 19: Linda King
19: Keith Bowie 21: Mary Beth DiMarco
21: Peggy Emigh 22: Betty Johnston
26: John & Chris Wells 30: Ruth Butters
Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:
Prayers for the people of Baltimore, Maryland, Lewiston and all of Maine; Prayers for the world, suffering loss and grief in Israel, Palestine, Ukraine, Russia, Sudan, and so many other places experiencing ongoing wars and conflicts. Prayers for Bruce’s sister, Lynn, Sally’s friend, Sue Barger and Ginny Hamm who all recently received a cancer diagnosis; Prayers for Cynthia’s Aunt Barbara, William and Caroline (both at Golden Acres) and Breck V. all receiving Hospice Care. Prayers for Mary Angel’s mother Caroline, Joyce Cornwell; Ron & Kathy; Ruth; Sally’s sister Martha & her husband John; Brandon Perry-Hudson; John Wood; Doris; Jim Snyder; Coulter; Jonathan Holmes; Sue Davies; Nancy & John & Jonas; Sue Davenport; Austin’s cousin Danny; Liz & Jim; Debbie & Lincoln & son-in-law Aaron, daughter Ashley, and granddaughter Brielle; 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…
If you would like to send Brandon a card or note, the address is:
Brandon Perry-Hudson
7 Shank Painter Road
Provincetown, MA 02657
A Letter from the Director of Pilgrim Lodge
Liz Charles McGough
During this Holy Week as spring seeks to emerge in our state of Maine, we are invited to reflect on a new season in our lives – both literal and figurative – as we consider the meaning of Easter.
Today, I share with you an update from Karen Steelhammer, who is entering a new season in her life as she has announced her retirement from her role at Pilgrim Lodge and as a member of the staff of the Maine Conference United Church of Christ.
Karen Steelhammer will retire from the Office Administrator / Registrar position at Pilgrim Lodge. While we will deeply miss Karen, it is with incredible gratitude that we celebrate all that she has contributed in nearly two decades of service to Pilgrim Lodge. Karen joined the team in 2005 and her last day will be July 31, 2024.
Karen has been steady, calm and effective in her work throughout her long tenure at Pilgrim Lodge and supported camp through many celebrations and seasons of transitions. Karen was part of Pilgrim Lodge’s 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2006 and provided capacity for the transformative work of the Pilgrim Lodge Capital Campaign and the resulting building projects at camp, including the construction of Quitobaquito. During the two summers of closure due to the pandemic, Karen held the operations of Pilgrim Lodge together so that camp would be ready to reopen and welcome us back in 2022. For many families or folks from churches, Karen is the voice of Pilgrim Lodge when calling the office to register a camper, ask about scholarships or review questions about camp. For campers, Karen is one of the first faces they see in the registration line as they sign-in to camp. For staff and volunteers, it is Karen who welcomes them and gets them moving in the right direction. It is humbling to consider how many lives Karen has touched during her tenure at camp as she has so gracefully done the work to make camp possible for hundreds and hundreds of people.
Please make a point to reach out to Karen (ksteelhammer@pilgrimlodge.org) in the months ahead to share your appreciation for all she has accomplished and for the spirit she brings to our camp community.
It is Karen’s work behind-the-scenes that makes the manifestation of the ministry of Pilgrim Lodge possible. So often, it is our quiet unsung heroes who work with commitment and humility who are the backbones to our ministries and programs. Please share your appreciation with Karen and the unsung heroes in your life. With gratitude, Liz Charles McGough Pilgrim Lodge Director
Jump Start Workdays
Jump Start Work Days to open camp for the season:
When: April 26th-28th, Fri to Sun - Weekend:
Who Can Go: Campers Entering Grades 6 & Up
Event Fee: Free
No Charge - Donations Accepted
Raking leaves, stacking wood, clearing brush, floating docks, sweeping floors, washing windows…there’s so much to do to clean up PL after the winter and get ready for summer!
We need your help, and there’s something for everyone to do!
Please let us know, calling 207-724-3200 or emailing ksteelhammer@pilgrimlodge.org, if you plan to attend.