Hancock UCC Weekly Messenger for July 27, 2025

Lord, listen to your children praying,

Lord, send your Spirit in this place;

Lord, listen to your children praying,

Send us love, send us pow'r, send us grace.

The Choir will practice on Sunday, July 27 at 9:20 a.m. We will have a combined choir with the Hancock Point Chapel.

 CALL TO CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: The Union Congregational Church of Hancock, United Church of Christ will conduct a special congregational meeting on Sunday, August 3, following worship for the following purposes:

1.) To consider a motion for the Trustees to employ Contractors for two jobs.

a.) New Metal Roof on the Parsonage.

b.) Painting the Sanctuary Ceiling.

2.) The plan is to launch a fund drive in September to cover the cost (approx. $20,000)

3.) Any other business to come before the congregation.

Vicky J. Espling, Clerk                                                                                          July 11, 2025

During July and August in addition to the 10:00 Worship Service in our Sanctuary, Pastor TJ and a small contingent of volunteers are offering an alternative contemplative service inspired by John Philip Newell prayer books. These outdoor Sunday services will begin at 7:00 a.m. at Tidal Falls (rain or shine) and are expected to last 25-30 minutes. Please join us!

Our Monteux student musicians for this Sunday will be Juan Florez, violin; Misaki Hall, violin; Noah Stevens, viola; and Ben Stayner, cello

Juan Florez is a violinist and conductor from Miami, Florida. He has completed his degree in Violin Performance from the University of Florida and is currently doing a Masters of Science in Management geared towards Arts Administration at the Hough Graduate School of Business. Simultaneously, he is completing a master’s degree in Orchestral Conducting under the direction of Dr. Tiffany Lu at UF. Juan is currently a violinist for the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, Jacksonville Symphony, 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. He started building a robust conducting presence for himself by being named the principal conductor of the Collective Chamber Orchestra. Recent engagements include leading the Tegucigalpa Symphony Orchestra in performance, the ensemble of the capital of Honduras, as well as the Orquesta Filarmónica de Honduras.

 Misaki Hall is a conductor and violinist based in Louisville, Kentucky. She currently serves as rehearsal assistant of the Louisville Orchestra and conductor of the Kling Chamber Orchestra, one of Kentucky’s string orchestras. As a guest conductor, Misaki has shared performances with the Louisville Civic Orchestra, Louisville Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Orchestra Northern Arizona. In the fall semester of 2023, she served as lecturer and sabbatical replacement for the University of Louisville Symphony Orchestra and graduate orchestral conducting program. As an instrumentalist, she enjoys playing in various ensembles and genres of music. She has performed as a solo jazz violinist with the Count Basie Orchestra as well as the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic and plays as section violinist in regional orchestras of Kentucky, Illinois, and Tennessee. She also performs synthesizer in her psychedelic-rock band, DOOM GONG. 

Noah Stevens Based in the NJ/NYC Metropolitan Area, Noah is in demand as a violist. Notable engagements include his debut performance of Telemann’s viola concerto, a collaboration with the Attacca String Quartet, and playing electric viola with several New Jersey bands. His playing has been broadcast on EWTN, an international television network with over 400 million daily viewers. Noah serves as principal viola for various ensembles, such as the NYC Project Orchestra and the underStaffed Chamber Orchestra. He has composed music for film and dance, and his concert music has been read by critically acclaimed ensembles like Time for Three and the Cavani String Quartet. He recently completed his undergraduate studies at Montclair State University’s John J. Cali School of Music, studying viola with Kathryn Lockwood and conducting with Kyle Ritenauer. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, public speaking, and playing the tuba.

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. Ben 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. Ben 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.

This will be the last Sunday we will be receiving the Neighbors in Need Special Mission Offering. This is one of the 5 for 5 offerings supported by the Maine Conference. Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion in the United States. Envelopes available at the back of the Sanctuary,

Our annual Church Fair,

Yard Sale, and Silent Auction

will soon be here on Saturday

August 2nd. Please save the date.

We need lots of help and donations

 to make our biggest fundraiser of 

the year a success.  It's a very

important event in the life of our

church and we can't do it without you!

In particular, the Silent Auction needs gift certificates from your favorite stores and restaurants, paintings,  artwork, unique one-of-a-kind items, high-end small appliances and sports equipment, and donated services to create auction excitement and high bids. The Silent Auction consistently brings in a lot of money and we need your help to be successful again this year.  Please coordinate your donations with David Wildes (422-3739).

CHURCH FAIR GREEN THUMB BOOTH

We are looking for donations of perennials, house plants, ceramic, clay and decorative plant pots as well as gardening tools, bird feeders and other gardening/yard related items! If you have questions or need something picked up call Robin at 385-7051.

As most of you know, the Union Congregational Church of Hancock's Church Fair is Saturday, August 2nd. The Kitchen Cupboard is looking for donations of baked goods. This includes whole items such as breads, cakes, and pies as well as items such as fudge, candy, homemade brownies, cookies, cupcakes, squares, etc.

Would you be available and willing to help us out? Items should be wrapped or packaged for sale. We'd love to know the name of your recipe and whether has any special attributes (contains nuts, is gluten free, etc). We would be super appreciative if individual items were individually packaged (in baggies or wrapped). Although we appreciate the effort, please avoid bringing in made-from-boxed cookie/brownies or store-bought items.

If you bake something, items can be delivered to the church the Friday before the fair or early Saturday morning (before 8am). If you have questions or need help with delivery, please feel free to email or call  me.

Many thanks!

Jennifer Ashmore       207-460-4340       jk_ashmore@yahoo.com

Comfort Cases

While Lesley is not packing Comfort Cases in the shed this year, she still continues to help the many children experiencing foster care. Every child deserves to have a pair of pajamas to call their own. If you would like to help, bring a brand new pair (or pairs) of pajamas with the tags still on them to Alberta’s Hair Salon (234 Main St, Ellsworth) or Star 97.7 (409 High Street Ellsworth) in Ellsworth or to the church (and we will deliver). Of course, if you don't have time to shop, donations are more than appreciated. Email lesleyrobinson@comfortcases.org for more information. Deadline for donations is August 25, 2025! Thank you so much for your continued support of Comfort Cases and the children in foster care.

Come Join Us! Poetry newcomers and longtime enthusiasts, you are warmly invited to Poetry on the Point

HP Chapel and Union Congregational Church

August 1st @ 11 am

 Bring your favorite poem to share

 Enjoy a cup of tea with friends and new acquaintances

Hancock Point Chapel lawn

919 Point Road

 Bring a chair!  

Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:

Our prayers remain with Alex & Savannah and Andrew & Tamara; and Tyler Crabtree and his family. We pray for David M,; Donald B.; Kenny V.; Brian; and Jane of Golden Acres. Prayers for  Jim Snyder and all in Hospice Care. Prayers for Cynthia W.; Judith C.; Eleanor A.; Hollis & Debbie; Ira and Ginny; Bruce’s sister Lynn; Sally’s friend, Sue Barger; Herbie Lounder; Ruth; Marie; Jonathan Holmes; Sue Davies; Sue Davenport; Kenny Stratton & Joy & David & Lori & Melissa; Debbie & Lincoln & Aaron, Ashley, & Brielle; and Sandy Phippen. 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; those who are grieving loss or change; and prayers for all that is in your heart…

For the victims of the tragedy in Texas—those who survived and their families, and the families of those who tragically perished. Also hold first responders close as they continue to look for victims. If you wish to donate to relief from this tragedy, go to https://www.ucc.org/what-we-do/wider-church-ministries/global-hope/disaster/, scroll down to the bottom and click on Disaster Ministries Donation Page.

There will be a Public Baked Haddock Supper at the First Congregational Church of Ellsworth, UCC,  2 Church Street, on Saturday, July 26th. Supper will be served from 5-6:30 p.m. Cost is $12 per person, $25 per family (2 adults, 2 children). Baked haddock, mashed potatoes, carrots, green beans, salad, rolls, homemade pies and beverages (coffee, tea, lemonade).

HANCOCK POINT CHAPEL

Summer 2025 – Services at 10:00 a.m.

July 27:       JOINT SERVICE with the Union Congregational Church of Hancock at UCC

10:00 a.m.

August 3:    Rev. Susan Moran – Intergenerational Service – Unitarian Universalist Society of

                     Rockport, MA

August 10:  Rev. Kristi Zabriskie – Chaplain, The Pines Senior and Assisted Living, Richfield,

                     MI

August 17:  Rev. James Gertmenian – Minister Emeritus, Plymouth Congregational Church,

          Minneapolis, MI   (Communion will be served)

August 24:  Rev. Alice A. Hildebrand – Retired Pastor Deer Isle-Sunset Congregational Church

                     and Women’s and Children's Chaplain at Maine Medical Center in Portland, ME

IN CONCERT

August 9, 2025

  2 p.m.

First Congregational Church UCC

2 Church Street in Ellsworth, Maine

Ben Cosgrove is a nationally known Maine pianist who has contributed music to the Ken Burns documentary The American Buffalo. He creates music that explores themes of landscapes, place, and environment.

 A $5 donation is requested.

For information about the concert, please contact Chris Wilson at 202-538-4606.

bencosgrove.com

August Birthdays and Anniversaries 

08: Gary & Jeanne Edwards  09:  Denny Doucette  11: Antonio Blasi & Renata Moise                     14: Amelia Ashmore       15: David Wildes & Cynthia Wood

19: Doug Kimmel & Ron Schwizer       23: Gerry Mehl                24: Cynthia Wood

25: Austin Crowley-Dunn         29: Nick & Mary Angela Davis

News from the Maine Conference

      A Letter from our Conference Minister

                     Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola

We are back from SYNOD! Who is we? Well me as your Conference Minister. And all of the delegates:

Patricia Boyle-Wight, Sue, Burgess, Mark Fecteau, John Fiscus,

Stacy George, Marraine Kettell, Spencer Law, Stephenie Michaud,

Holly Reid, Allison Smith, Kathy Woodside

And it was at once an exhilarating, faith increasing, exhausting time of prayer, worship, and participation in the denomination’s paramount national gathering that convenes every three years to shape the future of the ministry and mission of the United Church of Christ. Over 750 delegates and 1,000 visitors gathered in Kansas City—representing the diversity of congregations, theologies, and commitments to being the hands and feet of Christ. We celebrated our commitment to being “one as Jesus and God are one”, while respecting our diversity. We were inspired to continue to spread God’s love to everyone, to bring God’s purposes on earth as in heaven; to ensure that peace and justice are offered to all, no matter who or what circumstance.

Our delegates are at the heart of Synod. They vote resolutions, bylaws changes, the budget, and elections of national ministers. Our delegates from Maine will now have opportunities to share their experiences in churches, association meetings, and in this mid-week news over the next several weeks—hopefully bringing all of you closer to the covenant we share with our denomination.

We in the Maine Conference are poised to wonder, pray about, worship together, and support and challenge one another at our Annual Meeting this Fall October 17 and 18 at Pilgrim Lodge. Not much different than SYNOD, we have a commitment and responsibility to begin the crafting of our vision and mission for the next several years. What is the vision that we have for the future of our Conference? How will we have that vision alive through the mission of the conference? We will contemplate— together--through prayer time before the Annual Meeting, and at the Annual Meeting through sharing testimony, prayer, worship, and Bible study.

Annual Meeting registration goes live               

            July 30! Sign up early!!

Blessings to all,

Your partner in Christ,

Marisa