Hancock UCC Weekly Messenger for August 18, 2024

God, we thank you for our people, roots dug deep within the soil,

hardy spirits, rich in loving, strong for struggle, bold for toil.

Faithful Rock of generations, you whom parents’ parents praised;

here in hope as we remember may our song to you be raised.

Upcoming services, meetings, events, and opportunities

Pastor TJ will be in Wisconsin until August 23rd. She is grateful for the week of vacation followed by a week of working from there remotely. She will be leading the worship service from there on August 18th. Your calls, texts, and emails are always welcome and encouraged. 

On Sunday, August 18th, we will be recognizing those members celebrating a significant anniversary as a member of our church during the worship service. Pastor TJ will lead this service from Wisconsin along with help from those in the sanctuary.

Also on Sunday, August 18th, we will be having our annual church picnic at Tidal Falls, 4:00-6:00 pm. Bring a dish to share and enjoy the beautiful view and good food with good friends.

Our meetings are open to all. If you would like to attend a meeting, please let TJ or Vicky know and they will provide the Zoom link, or you are welcome to attend in person.

The Outreach Committee will meet Thursday, August 29th at 4:15 p.m.

WIC of Hancock and Washington Counties (Women, Infant, & Children) is hosting its 3rd Annual Community Baby Shower in Ellsworth on Saturday, September 7th. 

Many expecting parents don't have the luxury of a baby shower with all the gifts. Many of us can't afford the fun and cool baby stuff. Some of us struggle to afford even the basics. At WIC, we provide support for pregnant and postpartum parents and their babies, in so many ways. This annual event provides the opportunity for families to connect with amazing community organizations and support services and provides them with the chance to "shop" for diapers, infant care items, breastfeeding supplies, and other necessities, at no cost to them.

The Outreach Committee has chosen WIC as their focus for August. If you are able and desire to do so, please consider making a donation of diapers, baby wipes, baby wash, or an infant outfit. Cash donations are also welcome, and Tamara and her WIC team will do the shopping for you. Items can be left at the church, dropped off at the WIC office at the Mill Mall in Ellsworth, or pick up arrangements can be made. We are grateful for the support and the giving hearts of our congregation. Please reach out to Tamara at 207-460-4148 with any questions you may have.

The 2024 Riverside Cemetery Restoration work is underway. Thursday-Saturday August 15th-17th all day we have hired Joe of Grave Stones Matter to work with us at Riverside.

Several down and broken monuments have been identified. Our primary emphasis this year will be on the rows just to your left as you enter the cemetery. I think this may have been the area that had some vandalism damage years ago as some of these look like rudimentary repair work has previously  been performed.

I have also identified 4 down monuments at remote locations to our primary work area that we will attempt to raise this year. If we are as successful as the last two years, we will have restored the vast majority of all repairable monuments at Riverside that were down and broken. Over 30 gravestones!

We welcome any help digging, cleaning etc under Joe’s direction as we embark on this fun way of getting pretty dirty and exhausted. Hope you can join us.  Perhaps even a tailgate wine celebration again this Saturday evening for all involved.

For more information call Bob Foss at 480-335-7709.

Sunday, August 25th we will move our 9:30 worship service outdoors. Join us at the Sam Ball Farm (618 Point Rd) as guests of Jodie Kimmel. Bring your own lawn chair or use a chair provided by the church.

For the month of August, The Crocker House Country Inn, 967 Point Road, Hancock, will be showing recent paintings & small work on salvaged wharf by Renata Moise. Also featuring works by the late William Moise.      

Upcoming August Birthdays and Anniversaries          

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

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

The Union Congregational Church of Hancock, United Church of Christ will hold a special congregational meeting on Sunday, September 1st, 2024 immediately following the 9:30 morning worship service for the following purposes:

1.    To vote on a permanent time for the worship service on Sunday mornings, (A) year round at 9:30 a.m. or (B) 9:00 a.m. on the Sundays between Memorial Day and Labor Day and 10:00 a.m. the rest of the year.

2.    Any other business to come before the congregation.

Jeanne Edwards, Clerk

August 15, 2024

God’s Path

by: Jane Lennon

August 5, 2024

The spirit moves within me

Graces my life each day

The realm of God is endless

Grows stronger every day.

My faith is deeply grounded

From the time when I was small

To grow and become my person

In God’s hands one and all.

Light of heaven shines through us

Fills me with your grace

To know now and remember

Your kind and gentle face.

You helped me find my faith

Want goodness as it comes

To love the Lord quite fully

       Warm smiles for everyone. 😊

For it’s known that you are beauty

And my dreams do come true

Gratitude is so important

              We all must learn from YOU. ❤️ 🕊️

Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:

Prayers for the family and friends of Peggy Emigh who passed away Wednesday, August 14th. Prayers for Don and Heather; Graham and his parents, Joey and Morgan; Bruce’s sister Lynn; Sally’s friend, Sue Barger; Judith C.; Dr. John; Yvonne. Prayers for Herbie Lounder; Ira; and Cathy C.  Prayers for Cynthia’s Aunt Barbara receiving Hospice Care. Prayers for Jane; Ruth; Marie; Joyce; Doris; Ron & Kathy; Jim Snyder; Brandon Perry-Hudson; John Wood; Jonathan Holmes; Sue Davies; Sue Davenport; Austin’s cousin Danny; Liz & Jim; Debbie & Lincoln & son-in-law Aaron, daughter Ashley, and granddaughter Brielle; Sandy Phippen; Kenny Stratton; Joy & David & Lori; Betty & her step-daughter Mollie; Debbie & Hollis & Holly and Debbie’s Aunt Linda Reed; Amy Nickerson; Tom & Judy’s son Andrew & family; Kevin and Vanessa & family. Prayers of strength and healing for all awaiting diagnoses and for all recovering from surgeries & procedures. Prayers for all that are unsafe, unhoused, hungry & in need of care & compassion. Prayers for the people of our nation and of our world experiencing escalating wars, conflicts, and disasters. Prayers for all individuals estranged from family members; prayers for all individuals and families experiencing addictions; prayers for all caregivers; and prayers for all that is in your heart…

From Our Maine Conference

         A Note from our Conference Minister

                       Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola

Welcome!

Our new Associate Conference Minister!

Rev. John Fiscus

John will join our staff today, Wednesday August 14.

His official title is:

 Full Time Settled Associate Conference Minister for Vitality and Transitions

As John settles into his new position, I ask patience and words of welcome. His email is jfiscus@maineucc.org. John’s main portfolio will include search and call, education for the vitality of pastors and churches, resourcing our teams, and eventually resourcing some of our Committees on Ministry. He will also welcome invitations to preach and to otherwise meet the beloved people of our conference. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Blessings, Marisa