4/19/26 Bulletin
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
April 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. – Third Sunday of Easter
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 839 3635 9115
Passcode: 776780
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
Holy Stranger, at times we do not recognize you. We have inherited beliefs that narrow our perception. We rely on you, O God, to help us expand our understanding of the Sacred among us. Stretch us, that we might grow in faith. Challenge us, that we might deepen our commitment to love’s strange ways. Amen
* Indicates when we stand in body or spirit during the service.
Announcements
Prelude Now Winter Fades from Sight J.S. Bach
Welcome
Introit ‘Tis the Gift to Be Simple (Simple Gifts) R. #207
Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free, / 'tis the gift to come down where we ought to be, / and when we find ourselves in the place just right, /
'twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained, / to bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed,
to turn, turn, will be our delight / ‘til by turning, turning we come round right.
*Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 116)
One: We call upon the name of the Holy One who hears our cry and responds to our prayer. What shall we return to the Holy One for all the blessings we receive?
Many: We will call upon the name of the Holy One for as long as we live. One: The Holy One has been our Companion in suffering and our Comforter in anguish. What shall we return to the Holy One for their presence among us?
Many: We will serve the Holy One and be companions and comforters for God’s people.One: The Holy One has given a new covenant of salvation, redemption, and restoration for the world. What shall we return to the Holy One for the gift of covenantal love?
Many: We will declare the goodness of God with praise and thanksgiving. Hallelujah! Bless the name of the Holy One!
*Passing the Peace and Lighting Peace & Justice Candle
*Hymn Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether R. #318
Draw us in the Spirit's tether, / for when humbly in your name, / two or three are met together, / you are in the midst of them; / Alleluia! Alleluia! / Touch we now your garment's hem.
As disciples used to gather / in the name of Christ to sup, / then with thanks to God the giver / break the bread and bless the cup, / Alleluia! Alleluia! / So now bind our friendship up.
All our meals and all our living / make as sacraments of you, / that by caring, helping, giving, / we may be disciples true. / Alleluia! Alleluia! / We will serve with faith anew.
*Invocation (in unison)
Living God, you are the fire that burns within us. You open our hearts to your presence, revealed in word and song, in hospitality and friendship, in sacrament and presence. Open our minds again so that we may recognize you when you meet us in unexpected moments. Let us encounter you in every phase and movement of worship that we might know you and love you more than before we gathered. And, may that love burn brightly like the sun cutting through the gloom of the storm to inspire us to go on with renewed hope and spirit. Amen
Children’s Message
Scripture Luke 24:13-35
Special Music In the Bulb There is A Flower Natalie Sleeth Red 493
Message Rev. TJ Mack
*Hymn Jesus, Sovereign Savior B. #255
Jesus, Sovereign, Savior, once for sinners slain, / crucified in weakness, raised in power to reign, / Dwelling now immortal, endless in your days, / unto you be glory, honor, blessing, praise.
Faithful ones, communing towards the close of day, / desolate and weary, met you on the way. / So, when sun is setting, come to us and show / your truth, and within us make our hearts to glow.
In the upper chamber, followers, in fear, / gathered sad and troubled, there you did appear. / Christ , be present with us, bid our sorrows cease; / breathing on us, Savior, say, "I give you peace."
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 – Let us give glory to the Living God by offering gifts to meet the needs of our community and to manifest the love of God in us. Amen
Offertory Rise, My Soul, and Come Away Spring/ Sacred Harp/ Robert Powell
*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
Generous God, we pray that these gifts will bring glory to your name and bless your creation through good stewardship, Spirit-led discernment, and generous love. Amen
*Hymn Christ the Lord is Risen Today R. #205
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! / Mortal tongues and angels say: Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! / Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply: Alleluia!
Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia! / Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Dying once, he all doth save, Alleluia! / Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!
Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia! / Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia! / Christ has opened Paradise, Alleluia!
Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia! / Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia! / Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
Hail the Lord of earth and heaven! Alleluia! / Praise to thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia! / Hail the Resurrection, thou! Alleluia!
*Benediction
*Sung Benediction May the Blessing of God R. #346
May the blessing of God go before you. May her grace and peace abound. May her Spirit live within you. May her love wrap you ‘round. May her blessing remain with you always. May you walk on holy ground.
Postlude Spanish Chant Arr. Robert Lau
(Please remain seated for the Postlude)
If you are visiting with us today, please sign our Guest Book
in the back of the sanctuary.
Contact Us
Vicky – hancockmaineucc@gmail.com – 207.422.3100
Jennifer – treasurer@hancockucc.com
TJ – revtjmack@gmail.com – 207.323.6743
Support our Church Financially
Please visit Hancock (Maine) UCC on Facebook or our 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)
Many thanks to those who make this service possible –
in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
Music Minister – Debbie Riley
Deacons – Doug Kimmel & Pat Summerer
Liturgist – Carol Skinner
Audio-Video Support – Ron Schwizer
Office Administrator – Vicky Espling
Settled Minister – Rev. TJ Mack
The Body of Christ – You
Resources:
Silent Prayer - enfleshed: Liturgy that Matters
Call to Worship, Invocation, Offering Prayers - UCC Worship Ways
The New Century Hymnal (B.) Hymns of Truth and Light (R.)
Copyright © 1995 The Pilgrim Press Copyright © 1998 First Congregational
Church of Huston, Texas
"Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License #A-738532. All rights reserved.
'Tis The Gift To Be Simple (Simple Gift)
Words and Music - ©1975 Shawnee Press
Contributors: Joyce Merman, Traditional Shaker Song
Draw Us in the Spirit's Tether
Music - ©1957 Oxford University Press
Contributors: Percy Dearmer
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
Words - ©1992 Pilgrim Press, The
Contributors: Charles Wesley
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