4/26/26 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 26, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. – Fourth 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
Generous God, thank you for the gift of this new day. Help me to watch for your signs and wonders in the world today, and fill my heart with gladness and generosity,
that I may generate good will wherever I go. Amen
* Indicates when we stand in body or spirit during the service.
Announcements
Prelude With Verdure Clad from “The Creation” F.J. Haydn
Welcome
Introit Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us (v. 1) B. 252
Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need your tender care; In your pleasant pastures feed us, for our use your folds prepare. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have bought us, yours we are; Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have bought us, yours we are.
*Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 23)One: The Good Shepherd is the gate. Let us enter with thanksgiving and praise!
Many: The Shepherd restores our souls, satisfies our needs, and leads us on the right path.
One: The Good Shepherd is the gate. Let us live with courage and conviction not fear and timidity.
Many: Through valleys and storms, chaos and confusion, threats and concerns, the Shepherd comforts us with power and strength, love and compassion, hope and peace.
One: The Good Shepherd is the gate. Let us worship in the presence of the Holy One!
Many: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives. Let us dwell in God’s presence forever!
*Passing the Peace and Lighting Peace & Justice Candle
*Hymn Lord of All Hopefulness R. #444
Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
whose trust, ever childlike, no cares could destroy,
be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.
Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,
whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,
be there at our labors, and give us, we pray,
your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.
Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,
your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,
be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,
your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.
Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,
be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.
*Invocation (in unison)
God who is Shepherd, Gate, and Way, we join together as a community in your presence and in your protection. Shield us from apathy and isolation. Fortify us against resignation and despair. Nudge us toward justice and righteousness in your name. As we gather to worship you, may we be transformed by your love, strengthened in grace, and rooted in faith for your glory and your kin-dom come. Amen
Children’s Message
Scripture Psalm 23 and John 10:1-10
Special Music Awake,Thou Wintry Earth Dutch Carol K.K. Davis
Message Rev. TJ Mack
*Hymn My Shepherd, You Supply My Need R. #88
My Shepherd, you supply my need; most holy is your name;
in pastures fresh you make me feed, beside the living stream.
You bring my wandering spirit back when I forsake your ways;
you lead me, for your mercy's sake, in paths of truth and grace.
When I walk through the shades of death, your presence is my stay;
one word of your supporting breath drives all my fears away.
Your hand in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread;
my cup with blessings overflows, your oil anoints my head.
Your sure provisions, gracious God, attend me all my days;
O may your house be my abode, and all my work be praise.There would I find a settled rest, while others go and come;no more a stranger or a guest, but like a child at home.
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 – Our God has prepared a table before us and our cup overflows. Let us give generously from our common wealth, as our way of praising God and giving to those in need.
Offertory My Jesus, I Love Thee Tune Gordon/ Stephen Aber
*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
Holy and generous God, you have anointed us and we are yours. Bless these tithes and offerings that they may become green pastures and still waters for any and all who need your comfort and restoration. Amen
*Hymn We Cannot Own the Sunlit Sky R. #461
We cannot own the sunlit sky, the moon, the wild-flowers growing,
for we are part of all that is within life’s river flowing.
With open hands receive and share the gifts of God’s creation,
that all may have abundant life in every earthly nation.
When bodies shiver in the night and, weary wait for morning,
when children have no bread but tears, and war-horns sound their warning,
God calls humanity to awake, to join in common labor,
that all may have abundant life, in one-ness with their neighbor.
God calls humanity to join as partners in creating
a future free from want or fear, life’s goodness celebrating.
That new world beckons from afar, Invites our shared endeavor,
that all might have abundant life and peace endure forever.
*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 Trumpet Tune John Stanley
(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 – Mary Angela Davis & Tamara Wilson
Liturgist – Peggy Karns
Audio-Video Support – Patrice Alexander
Office Administrator – Vicky Espling
Settled Minister – Rev. TJ Mack
The Body of Christ – You
Resources:
Silent Prayer, Offering Prayers - Feasting On the Word
Call to Worship, Invocation – 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.
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