Hancock UCC Weekly Messenger for June 28, 2026

Enter, rejoice, and come in. Enter, rejoice, and come in. Open your ears to the song. Open your hearts ev'ryone.

Enter, rejoice, and come in.

Don't be afraid of some change. Don't be afraid of some change. Today will be a joyful day; enter, rejoice, and come in.

Our Monteux student musicians for this Sunday will be Benjamin Stayner (Cello) and Juan Florez (Violin).

Benjamin Marten Stayner is a conductor, music director, and multi-instrumentalist from Youngstown, NY. After receiving a Bachelor of Music in Music Theory from The Hartt School and a Master of Music in Conducting (Musical Theatre & Opera) from Ithaca College, he spent three years music directing and conducting musical theatre around the country. Benjamin has collaborated with Broadway-level talent such as David Archuleta, Josh Strickland, and Felicia Finley. He has studied conducting with Edward Cumming, Glen Adsit, and Christopher Zemliauskas. In masterclass, he has worked with Tito Muñoz, Michael Jinbo, and Carl Topilow. Benjamin is currently working toward a Master of Music in Orchestral and Choral Conducting at the University of Connecticut, studying with Paul McShee and Jamie Spillane. As part of his assistantship, he teaches fundamentals of music theory and ear training, assists with undergraduate conducting classes, and serves as the Assistant Conductor of the UConn Symphony Orchestra and Concert Choir.

Juan Florez is a violinist and conductor from Miami, Florida. He was recently named a Conducting Fellow for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and was admitted to the Jacobs School of Music to pursue his D.M.A. in Orchestral Conducting. He is currently the founding Artistic Director of the Collective Chamber Orchestra, and started building a robust conducting presence for himself by leading the Tegucigalpa Symphony Orchestra in performance, the ensemble of the capital of Honduras, and the Orquesta Filarmónica de Honduras. Most recently, he won the Gold Prize at the 2025 Georges Bizet International Music Competition, and was the principal conductor for the Festival Internacional La Centro in Guatemala City, Guatemala. He is also a violinist for the Jacksonville Symphony, the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, and the Coastal Symphony of Georgia, and has had previous performances with major orchestras, such as the New World Symphony and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, where he was inspired by Gustavo Dudamel to study conducting. Juan has completed his bachelors’ degree in Violin Performance from the University of Florida and a Masters of Science in Management geared towards Arts Administration at the Hough Graduate School of Business. Simultaneously, he also completed a master’s degree in Orchestral Conducting under the direction of Dr. Tiffany Lu. Juan also studies with her at the Pierre Monteux School for Conductors.

Rev. Hannah Mondrach will lead our worship services on July 5, 12, and 19th while Pastor TJ is on her Pilgrim Lodge sabbatical. Rev. Hannah will also be “on call” for pastoral visits. Outside of ministry, Hannah is a science teacher at MDI High School (teaching Chemistry and Outdoor Science), the Training Officer for MDI Search and Rescue, an Ultimate Frisbee coach, clarinetist, cyclist, world traveler, and mother to her goldendoodle Appa. Within ministry, she is the pastor for Worship in the Wild, an outdoor ministry in partnership with the Somesville Union Meeting House and the Sunrise Association of the Maine UCC. The goal of the ministry is to reconnect people to Creation through tangible experiences in nature. Worship in the Wild meets at a different trailhead twice a month, and participants engage in conversation and community as they hike, with a short reflective worship service along the way. Current worship experiences are in the MDI area, but Hannah is looking to expand to the entire area served by the Sunrise Association. Let her know if you know of a good walking or hiking spot!

Next Sunday, July 5th, will be our first Sunday back at Tidal Falls this summer. Join us at 7:00 a.m. for a 25-30 minute contemplative service grounded in the prayer books of John Philip Newell. No experience needed. All are welcome! Thank you to Nancy Gourlie and Robin Stratton for volunteering to be our leaders this summer.

Angela Absher is back and the Meditation Group is meeting at the Hancock Point Chapel on Friday mornings  at 9:00 am for the summer. All are welcome! Reach out to Pastor TJ or Alison Boden with any questions. (revtjmack@gmail.com, 207-323-6743 or aboden3321@gmail.com, 609-865-3236)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Our meetings are open to all. Please let Vicky know if you want the link to attend via ZOOM.

Upcoming July meetings:

Council will meet Friday, June 26 at 11 am.

Deacons will meet Friday, July 10 at 4:30 pm

Trustees will meet Wednesday, July 15 at 11 am

Outreach will meet Thursday, July 16 at 4:30 pm

Council will meet Friday, July 17th at 11 am

July Birthdays:

01: Alison Boden       02: Joyce Cornwell    05: Sarina Brooks        

08: Joey Espling        14: Brookelin Harriman          19: Patrice Alexander

24: Bob Courchesne           25: Phoebe Devenish         27: Joy Stratton

28: Robin Long

Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:

Prayers for all God’s creation, that peace may prevail here and around the world. Our prayers remain with Aaron & Ashley, Lincoln & Debbie, Alex & Savannah, Andrew & Tamara, Tyler Crabtree and all of their families. We pray for all those who live and work at Golden Acres. Prayers for Bobby, recovering from a stroke. Prayers for Tracey Arsenault and Joe MacKay as they both await test results. We pray for all those who are saddled with grief, ancient or new; and for Charlotte and others struggling with depression. We pray for Clifford Manchester; Betty Johnston; Sonny & Gerry; Sarina’s dad James, Scott; Dean; David; Don; Dexter B.; Cynthia W.; Judith C.; Hollis & Debbie; Bruce’s sister Lynn; Kirk; Ruth & Peter; Patrice’s step-sister Patricia; Herbie Lounder; Sandy Phippen; David Mack; Sue Davies; Sue Davenport; and James B. Prayers for all in Hospice Care and for all caregivers. Prayers for all that are unsafe, unhoused, hungry & in need of care & compassion. Prayers for individuals and families affected by addictions. Prayers for all caregivers. Prayers for those who are experiencing family conflict; and prayers for all that is in your heart…

Thanks to your support, the Acadian Community Woman's Club awarded six $1000 dollar scholarships in 2026 to Schoodic residents pursuing education beyond high school. Money for this comes from three summer sales. Thank you. The first of the three pie sales is this Saturday, June 27. Look for us under the tent in the parking lot of Winter Harbor Provisions starting at 8 AM.  

Lesley Robinson writes, “While I won't be packing Comfort Cases in my shed this summer, I am going to do a pajama drive for pjs to include in Comfort Cases for children in Maine. My hope is that if each person who sees my flyer (see below), buys one pair of pajamas, then we will have a great donation and make a significant impact. Pajamas can be donated at locations indicated on flyer, or brought to the Fellowship Hall and Sue Croteau will get them to Lesley. Thanks!

Hi Friends,

I am reaching out on behalf of the MEUCC Social Action Committee (SAC). We are putting together a social justice resolution to be presented at the MEUCC Annual Meeting this fall. The focus of the resolution is on the rights and treatment of immigrants in Maine.

We are looking for "real" people's stories in an effort to create an authentic resolution that will resonate with people in our conference.  Stories of community prejudice, experiences with ICE and law enforcement, and family trauma due to deportation are all stories we want to hear.

If you or someone you know has a story to share, please pass my contact information (see below) to them. I would be both grateful and humbled if people would be willing to share their personal stories with me.

The Social Action Committee (SAC) would keep names and places confidential to protect those involved.

Friends...your help with this would be most appreciated. Many thanks!

Yours in faith,

Kathy Woodside    Email: woodsidekat@gmail.com

MEUCC Social Action Committee Member

85 Ridgeway Drive

Bar Harbor, Maine

Home phone: 207-288-5160           Cell phone: 207-266-4660

During the month of July, we will be receiving the Neighbors in Need offering. NIN is a Special Mission Offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion in the United States, with one-third of the offering given to the Council for American Indian Ministries and the remaining two-thirds supporting UCC justice ministries. Envelopes are available at the back of the Sanctuary. Thank you for your support and generosity! This is one of the 5 for 5 offerings supported by the Maine Conference.

The First Congregational Church of Ellsworth, 2 Church Street, will hold a Public Roast Pork Dinner on Saturday, June 27 from 5-6:30 pm. The cost of the meal is $12 per person, children under 5 eat for free. Meals include potato, vegetable, salad, roll, beverages, and homemade pies.

Hancock Point Chapel Sunday Service Schedule (10:00 a.m.)

July

●       05: Reverend Susan Moran (Minister at Large)

●       12: Douglas Cornman (Sunbeam Director) &   

      Erica Hutchinson (Chief Development Officer),  

               Maine Seacoast Mission

●       19: Rabbi Lorin Troderman (Adas Yoshuron Synagogue)

●       26: Joint service with Union Congregational Church of Hancock; Rev. Dr. Alison Boden (Deacon, Hancock UCC)

August

●       2: Reverend Jarrett Kerbel (Rector, St. John's Episcopal Church, Bangor)

●       9: Reverend Elaine Hewes (Saint Brendan The Navigator Episcopal Church) – Communion served

●       16: Rev. Dr. Barbara Callaghan (Senior Minister, Hancock UCC, Lexington, MA)

●       23: Reverend Stan Moody, Ph.D. (Retired Emeritus, Columbia Street Baptist Church)

●       30: Reverend James Gertmenian (Minister Emeritus, Plymouth Congregational Church) – Communion served 

From the Maine Conference

Upcoming Leadership and Continuing Education

Rev. Dr. Malcolm Himschoot, Dean – Maine School of Ministry

The Maine School of Ministry affordably and accessibly shares theological education for the life of the church. The church means everybody! Lifelong learning and leadership development go together as people grow deeper in faith and understanding, take more risks in asking questions, practice sacred community, and invite participation in life with God.

This Fall Semester, MESOM is offering two courses. A practical course in Leadership is offered for those living into the responsibilities of pastoral ministry in a congregation. An introductory course in Bible is offered for anyone interested in the New Testament. Each semester different courses are offered. Take a look: https://www.maineucc.org/mesom/

Leading With Clarity in Anxious Times 

ONLINE Tuesdays (6:00-8:30):

Sep 15 / Sep 22 / Sep 29 / Oct 13 / Oct 20 / Oct 27 / Nov 10 / Nov 17 / Dec 1 / Dec 8

We're living in a moment of heightened cultural anxiety—political polarization, climate crisis, and rapid social change are creating pressure in every organization. Conflict erupts and anxiety spreads like wildfire. Leaders are seemingly caught in the middle, pulled in every direction, trying to keep everyone happy while losing their own sense of purpose. What if there was a different way to lead?

This course introduces Bowen Family Systems Theory. You'll learn to recognize the automatic patterns that drive anxiety and reactivity in a congregation, and discover how to lead with non-anxious presence even when chaos surrounds you. Drawing on the work of Edwin Friedman, Roberta Gilbert, and Peter Steinke, this course combines leadership theory with self-reflection, and practical application with concrete tools for leading with courage and calm.

For MESOM credit or for continuing education for clergy, Todd Weir has developed a short course in Bowen Family Systems Theory. Far from theoretical, this skillset can be a lifesaving framework for growing one’s self in ministry, by understanding emotional systems in families and congregations. Participants will develop capacity for differentiated, non-anxious leadership through theory, self-reflection, and practical application. Participants will enjoy gaining a solid understanding of core principles, engaging tools to evaluate ministry contexts and bring a congregation to maturity of purpose, developing the habits of a non-anxious self, and recognizing scriptural and theological resonance across generations.

Introduction to New Testament: Gospels and Acts

IN PERSON – Augusta – Saturdays (9:00-3:30):

Sep 19 / Oct 17 / Nov 14 / Dec 5

This course introduces students to the historical, literary, and theological study of the New Testament, with particular attention to the four Gospels and the Book of Acts. Students will look at the formation of the New Testament canon, texts, and translations. We will examine the relationship of the Gospels and Acts to both the Old (or First) Testament and the New Testament epistles, most of which were written before the Gospels. Attention will be given to the historical and cultural context in the First Century, and a history of the reception, interpretation and translations of the text with a look at feminist, African-American, Indigenous, Latinx, and non-Western contexts. Through this course, students will gain a deeper understanding of the life, ministry, teachings, and death and resurrection of Jesus, and the formation of the Church through the Gospels and Acts. Students will become familiar with various interpretive methods and tools for further study, and the application of the Scripture in practical ministry settings.

For curious learners growing in insight and wisdom, Paul Day has designed a course to combine academic knowledge with the practical use of the scriptures in settings such as worship, preaching and Bible study.

Interested in either course? Or both courses?

Find out more and register by Aug. 21st at MESOM’s website: https://www.maineucc.org/mesom/

Maine Ministerial Relief Society (MMRS) 

Authorized ministers of the Maine Conference who have faithfully served or are currently serving our congregations are eligible for assistance for themselves, a spouse, and dependent children when in financial need through the Maine Ministerial Relief Society (MMRS). Widowed spouses may also apply. These funds are intended for one-time emergency needs such as an accident or illness, emergency travel expenses to care for family, or other unexpected emergency needs. Funding for these grants is provided by an endowment held in the Consolidated Trust of the Maine Conference.

For more information on MMRS or to request assistance, please contact our Conference Minister, the Rev.  Dr. Marisa Laviola.

All conversations are strictly confidential. mlaviola@maineucc.org; 207-616-6704