6/29/25 Bulletin
- treasurer593
- Jul 16
- 8 min read
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
June 29, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. - Third Sunday after Pentecost
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
You speak to us in all things, O God, in the rising of the sun and its setting, in dreams of the night and the encounters of day. Let us know you in the whole of life, in both the blessings and the betrayals of our lives. Heal our hurts and open our hearts that as families and nations we may be faithful to one another. ~ J. Philip Newell
* Indicates points in the service when we stand in body or spirit
Announcements
Prelude
Welcome
*Introit Here We Gather as God’s People R. #383
Here we gather as God’s people with our friends from far and near;
let our voices sound with praises knowing Christ has called us here.
Now we seek and greet each other, now in joy approach our friends.
Here we mingle, bound together as to all our love extends.
*Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 77)
One: Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so great as our God?
All: You work wonders and display your glory. How great is our God!
One: Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so merciful as our God?
All: You redeem your people from generation to generation. How merciful is our God!
One: Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so just as our God?
All: You hear the cries of the troubled and move in righteousness. How just is our God!
*Passing of the Peace (ASL) and Lighting of Peace & Justice Candle
*Hymn Wonderful Words of Life B. #319 Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life;let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of life;Words of life and beauty teach me faith and duty.
Refrain:Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.
Christ, the blessed one, gives to all wonderful words of life;
sinner, wake to the loving call, wonderful words of life;All so freely given, our sure hope of heaven.
Refrain:
Sweetly echo the gospel call, wonderful words of life;offer pardon and peace to all, wonderful words of life;Jesus, only Savior, keep me with you forever.
Refrain:
Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.
*Invocation (in unison)
God who journeys with us, we gather together as we follow you. You have made rough ways smooth. You have parted seas. You have given us strength to climb mountains and courage to traverse valleys. We open ourselves to the heartbreak of caring for the world that you love. We claim hope and joy as our inheritance and portion. We remember that you are with us and give you thanks for the journey. Hallelujah and Amen.
Children’s Message
Special Music
Scriptures 2 Kings 2:1-15 and Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Message Rev. TJ Mack
*Hymn Precious Lord, Take My Hand R. #470
Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, help me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the lightTake my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
When my way grows drear, precious Lord, linger near,when my life is almost gone,hear my cry, hear my call, hold my hand lest I fall;Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
When the darkness appears and the night draws nearand the day is past and gone,
at the river I stand, guide my feet, hold my hand;Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
Prayers of the People – Sharing Joys & Concerns
The Lord’s Prayer For Transgender Awareness
Our Mother and Father, our beloved parent, in whom we move and breathe and have our being, the hallowing of your name shines forth in the diversity of your children. May your peace and love, justice and equality, inclusion and belonging reign here on earth as in heaven. Grant that our transgender loved ones might have their daily needs met—that they might find gainful employment without discrimination; that they might have access to medical care without fear; that they might have their rights and lives protected, and that they might find a loving community to belong to and call their own. Forgive us for the ways that we have fallen short and failed your transgender children. Forgive us for the times we turned away, or did not care; for the times we laughed or judged their unique expression of your image; for the times we have misspoken, asked too much, or failed to hear. As we forgive those who might have failed us. Lead us away from the temptation to be complacent in the face of injustice. But instead give us courage to stand up and stand with your beloved children. For your love and justice is to be made manifest now and 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 – When we give generously of our resources, our gifts witness to God’s abundance, provision, and care. When we give, our gifts demonstrate our appreciation, trust, and compassion to God. Let us give as witnesses of the glory of God and the love of God in the world.
Offertory Pastorale 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 (spoken in unison)
God our Provider, receive these gifts for your creation, for your kin-dom, for your glory. Amen
*Hymn In the Midst of New Dimensions B. #391
In the midst of new dimensions, in the face of changing ways,
Who will lead the pilgrim peoples wandering in their separate ways?
Refrain:
God of rainbow, fiery pillar, leading where the eagles soar,
We your people, ours the journey now and ever, now and ever, now and ever more.
Through the flood of starving people, warring factions and despair,
Who will lift the olive branches? Who will light the flame of care?
Refrain:
God of rainbow, fiery pillar, leading where the eagles soar,
We your people, ours the journey now and ever, now and ever, now and ever more.
As we stand a world divided by our own self-seeking schemes,
Grant that we, your global village, might envision wider dreams.
Refrain:
We are man and we are woman, all persuasions, old and young,
Each a gift in your creation, each a love song to be sung.
Refrain:
Should the threats of dire predictions cause us to withdraw in pain,
May your blazing phoenix spirit resurrect the church again.
Refrain:
*Benediction
*Sung Benediction Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing (vs. 1) R. #333
Lord, dismiss us with your blessing; fill our hearts with joy and peace;
let us each, your love possessing, triumph in redeeming grace:
oh, refresh us, oh, refresh us, traveling through this wilderness.
Postlude
(Please remain seated for the Postlude)
If you are visiting with us today, please sign our Guest Book in the back of the sanctuary.
The church’s Hook & Hastings Pipe Organ was built in 1929 (OP 2577) for the Northern Conservatory of Music in Bangor. It was moved to Bar Harbor and to Hancock Point and was given to the Church by Edward Steinbach (1887–1984). It was installed by Stoddard Smith (of Northeast Harbor) in 1988 and was restored in 2020 by Messrs. Czelusniak et Dugal, Inc., Northampton, MA.
We Welcome our Monteux student musicians this morning,
cellists, Sean Muller and Micah Christiansen.
An adventurous spirit defines cellist Sean Muller’s musical journey, as he constantly seeks fresh and revitalizing experiences. Prior to his university studies, he was assistant principal cellist with the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra for summer tours, which included performances on three continents. At the University of Florida, where he will graduate in May 2026, he currently studies cello with Dr. Steven Thomas. He is an active member of the chamber music program and the University of Florida Symphony Orchestra, serving as the librarian under the direction of Dr. Tiffany Lu. His most recent solo recital showcased repertoire from across musical periods, including Bach’s Cello Suite No. 5, Bartok’s Romanian Folk Dances, and Brahms’s Cello Sonata No. 2. Outside of cello, Sean enjoys playing piano, rock climbing, mountain biking, and SCUBA diving.
Micah Christiansen is a cellist based in Minneapolis, MN, with over 13 years of experience performing in both symphonic and chamber music settings. A recent graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, they earned a BA in Music, Psychology, and Social Work, and served as principal cellist of The Concordia Orchestra. Micah has performed with ensembles such as the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and the Fargo Moorhead Symphony Orchestra, and was a returning participant and competition winner at the Oracle Chamber Music Festival. Passionate about music education, they’ve taught privately and held leadership roles in Concordia College’s chapter of the American String Teachers Association. In addition to their musical pursuits, Micah is currently pursuing a graduate degree in social work at the University of Minnesota and has spent the past year working as a school social worker in a K-8 charter school, where they integrate music and care into community support. They are excited to continue developing their artistry this summer at Monteux.
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)
Contact Us
207.422.3100 207.323.6743
Resources
Call to Worship, Invocation, Offering Prayers - UCC Worship Ways
Many thanks to those who make this service possible –
in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
Music Minister – Debbie Riley
Deacons – Nick Davis & Ron Schwizer
Liturgist – Peggy Karns
Audio-Video Support – Mike Summerer
Office Administrator – Vicky Espling
Settled Minister – Rev. TJ Mack
The Body of Christ – You
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.
Here We Gather as God's People
Words - ©1995 Christian Board Of Publication
Contributors: Daniel B Merrick
Wonderful Words Of Life
Words and Music - ©2024 Stephen DeCesare / Exultet Music
Contributors: Stephen DeCesare, Philip Bliss
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Words and Music - ©1938 Alfred Publishing
Contributors: Thomas A Dorsey
In the Midst of New Dimensions
Words and Music - ©2012 MorningStar Music Publishers / Birnamwood Publications
Contributors: Jeremy Bankson, Julian Rush
Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing
Words and Music - ©pd Public Domain
Contributors: Public Domain
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