Hancock UCC Weekly Messenger for September 6, 2026

I cannot be idle, the fields are so white, And numberless sheaves will be lost; They perish for want of more reapers to save—How awful to think of the cost!

Then away to the work I will go And join in the reaping of grain, And back from the harvest with beautiful sheaves I’ll come with rejoicing again.

Join us at Tidal Falls each Sunday morning through September at 7:00 a.m. for a 25-30 minute contemplative service grounded in the prayer books of J. Philip Newell. All are welcome! Thank you Nancy Gourlie & Robin Stratton for leading these services.

This Sunday we will share Holy Communion. For those who will receive the sacraments at home, please prepare a piece of bread or a cracker, and a cup of juice or wine and join us at the table. Also, we will be receiving monetary donations or non-perishable food items, toiletries, & pet food for Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry.

The Meditation Group is back in our Sanctuary on Friday mornings at 9:00 led by Alison Boden. All are welcome! Reach out to Alison with any questions. (aboden3321@gmail.com, 609-865-3236)

During the month of September we will be receiving the OCWM offering. Together we are a bold witness to God’s extravagant love for all. We share resources to bring our vision to life. Gifts from congregations like ours to OCWM Basic Support make it possible for our Conferences and the National Ministries to strengthen local churches and leaders and engage us in mission beyond our community. Envelopes are available at the back of the Sanctuary.

Our meetings are open to all. You are welcome to attend in the Fellowship Hall or by Zoom. Ask Vicky for the Zoom link, if you need it.

September meetings:

Christian Ed will meet Friday, September 4 at 12 noon

The Budget Committee will meet Wednesday, September 9 at 10:30 am

Deacons will meet Friday, September 11 at 4:30 pm

Trustees will meet Wednesday, September 16 at 11 am on Zoom only

Outreach will meet Thursday, September 17 at 4:30 pm

Council will meet Friday, September 25 at 11 am

Slideshow presentation – Melissa Sinclair, Sangki Oak, and Marcus Oak will be

sharing photos and stories from their summer trip to Thailand and Viet Nam

on Sunday, September 13 during the Fellowship Hour. Prepare to be amazed!

September Birthdays & Anniversaries

07: Rohanna Madigan        08: Tamara Wilson    08: Jane Coffin         

09: Parker Fuller           11: Norman Bamford          14: Roger & Denise Chandler     15: Nancy Cooledge         15: Priscilla Hirschenhofer           16: Jamie & Gina Tansey                19: Tony Burkart           20: Dianne Eckhardt    20: Jim Singletary

On September11 at the Hancock Historical Society, 11 Captain Bill Road,  Tobey Crawford will present the History of the Singing Bridge. The Museum opens for exploration at 6 PM on the evening of programs. Programs start at 7 pm.

BINGO BASH

The Christian Ed board invites you to our Fall Intergenerational Event: On September 20, from 4-6pm we will host a potluck supper and Bingo! Small prizes will be given for each Bingo scored. (No money needed) Team up with your child or friend, or play on your own. Mark your calendar now for this fun party!

The First Congregational Church of Blue Hill, located at 22 Tenney Hill, will host a special concert featuring acclaimed singer-songwriter Caroline Cotter on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The concert will benefit The Dolly Fisher Emergency Fund. The fund, founded in 2008, provides critical food, utility and heating assistance for neighbors facing hardships on the Blue Hill Peninsula. The concert will take place in the church's historic main sanctuary.

Cotter, a Maine-based artist who has played over 1,000 shows across 46 states and 19 countries, will deliver an afternoon of indie-folk music rooted in themes of human connection, gratitude, and wanderlust. In 2025, she spent months crisscrossing the US, two months touring in Germany, two months performing at The World Expo as an artist in residence in Osaka, Japan, and a month touring through Italy on an “End of War Peace Tour” with her WWII era banner Gibson in honor of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. She plans to release her fifth album, “The Answer,” in October.

"We are thrilled to welcome Caroline Cotter to our sanctuary for an afternoon of incredible music that serves an urgent purpose," said Lisa Durkee, Pastor of The First Congregational Church of Blue Hill. "The funds raised from this concert will provide immediate, practical support to our neighbors on the Blue Hill Peninsula."

Tickets are $20 when purchased in advance online at carolinecotter.com/shows and will also be available at the door for $25, cash only, please. Caroline's music and more information can be found at carolinecotter.com. Direct donations to the Dolly Fisher Emergency Fund may be made by visiting the church website at bluehillcongregational.org or calling the church office at 207 374-2891.

The First Congregational Church of Blue Hill is a historic and welcoming faith community located in Blue Hill, Maine. Dedicated to spiritual growth, inclusivity, and active outreach, the church regularly hosts community programs, musical events, and charitable initiatives to support the well-being of the Hancock County region.

SAVE THE DATE: The Ecclesiastical Council for Sarina Brooks to be held on September 26th at 1 p.m. at the Centre Street Congregational Church UCC in Machias. This meeting requires a quorum. When we gather as an association for an ecclesiastical council we discern whether or not the individual is ready to receive a formal call to ministry on behalf of the United Church of Christ. It's a big deal...and important work we are doing. We hope you will make the effort to attend. There will be a Zoom option available for those unable to participate in person. The Zoom link will open at 12:30 for the 1:00 pm scheduled meeting that day. Zoom participants will be able to unmute and make comments or put their comments in the chat. The Zoom link will be forthcoming. Some of you may need to copy the link into your browser to initiate the Zoom functionality.

As I enter my final month at Hancock UCC, I am focusing on visiting members and friends of our church community. If you would like a visit, please reach out to me by phone, email, or text so that we can arrange a time that works for you.  ~ Pastor TJ

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 Roberta and her family; for Renata recovering from anaplasmosis; and for Bobby. We pray for Betty Johnston; Sonny & Gerry; Scott; Dean; David; Don; Dexter B.; Cynthia W.; Judith C.; Debbie; Kirk; Ruth & Peter; Patrice’s step-sister Patricia; Sally’s friend Darren; Herbie Lounder; Sandy Phippen; David Mack; Sue Davies; Sue Davenport. 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 mental illness and addictions. Prayers for those who are experiencing family conflict; and prayers for all that is in your heart…

A letter from Liz Charles McGough, Director of Pilgrim Lodge

Dear Friends of Hancock Union Congregational,

 It was a joy to see so many of you at Pilgrim Lodge this season! Relationship between your church and our Outdoor Ministries program is so meaningful.

 I’m excited to share that we’ve had an energizing and purposeful summer! All season, we explored a curriculum written by members of our Outdoor Ministries Team called, “It Only Takes a Spark.” We discussed how each of us has a “spark” that makes us glow. When we combine our sparks together, they have the potential to make a powerful and brilliant light in the world. This programming coincided with the construction of a new sacred space at camp, a Campfire Circle in the woods across from the dining hall. This project was made possible by our Character at Camp grant which additionally helped to fund our first ever Leader-in-Training Program, new low ropes course elements for Challenge programming and team-building, and a curriculum with activities that nurture the character qualities of community-mindedness, integrity, and leadership. As the number of our youth campers continues to rise, we were thrilled to bring them this enhanced programming.

All of this activity took place as we celebrate the 70^th anniversary of Pilgrim Lodge! Through our Outreach Program, we have explored our relationship to the land where our camp is oriented and the stories of history that are woven into the landscape. We asked the question, “how should we support our Wabanaki neighbors as the original stewards of these woods and waters?” We supported two Wabanaki-led organizations this season, as a response to that question: Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness and Speaking Place.

I want to thank you for your financial support of Pilgrim Lodge. Your generosity is a spark that contributes to the collective glow of our camp community and is the foundation for all of this activity and programming. Your giving makes it possible for us to offer a Tiered pricing structure to make camp possible for people of all financial backgrounds while keeping programming vibrant and camp sustainable. I hope you’ll check out this photo album from the summer to see what your support has made possible!

I share with you an excerpt from a poem that was collectively written by campers from Justice Together: Climate, Identity, Community including five of our Leaders-in-Training. The light they shine is spectacular.

Our prayer for Justice?

That everyone has a voice and the ability to use it.

Equal rights for everyone, no matter what their gender or race.

That everyone’s religion be loved equally.

That the screams of the trees are heard.

That fear of change                        

cease being a good enough reason

to uphold the status quo

Hearts free to love,

bodies free to run,

and grow

and thrive….

It’s love in action.

Thank you for being a spark for Pilgrim Lodge! Liz

P.S. Consider joining us for Alumni Day on September 6 to celebrate 70 years of Pilgrim Lodge!

The Maine Conference UCC will be holding the 2027 Hearings for Annual Meeting

Budget, Vision & Mission Statement, and Two Resolutions of Witness, via Zoom!

The final session is scheduled for Thursday, September 10th, 7 PM - 9 PM

Please attend this meeting, if you haven’t already attended one, as we present the budget, the vision and mission statement, and the resolutions for discussion; in preparation for our Maine Conference Annual Meeting. Please read the available information carefully before attending one of these hearings.

VISION STATEMENT: The Maine Conference, United Church of Christ, is called to be a loving and courageous community of faith. We will live out this call by nurturing deep connections with one another and with the world through faithfully participating in God’s inclusive work of love and justice.

MISSION STATEMENT: The Maine Conference, United Church of Christ, thrives in covenant with our ministries as we discern God’s will. We love all people and care for creation and community by acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.

Resolution On Immigration 2026

A Resolution Countering Christian Nationalism in Government Action & Policymaking

THE PRELIMINARY BUDGET will be available soon

Once registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to join the Zoom meeting.  Register Here to attend this meeting.

Over the past year, the Maine Conference has been engaged in a Capital Campaign to renovate the Farm House at Pilgrim Lodge into a new home for our Conference offices. The goal is $150,000.

This project is about much more than a building. It's about bringing together the ministries of the Maine Conference, Pilgrim Lodge, and the Maine School of Ministry in one place, creating a shared home that reflects who we are: one church, joined together in covenant, mission, and hope. As Conference Minister Marisa Laviola has shared, this move is a tangible reminder that although we are spread across the state, we are one body in Christ.

Renovations are well underway, and each step forward is possible because of the generosity of people throughout our Conference who believe in this vision. Whether you've already made a gift, are considering a pledge, or are learning about the campaign for the first time, we invite you to join us.

Every gift—large or small—helps create a welcoming, accessible, and lasting home for the ministries that support our churches, equip our leaders, nurture our youth through Pilgrim Lodge, and strengthen the work we do together across Maine.

To learn more about the campaign, see the progress of the renovations, or make a gift, please visit: Maine Conference Capital Campaign maineucc.org/capital-campaign

Thank you for your faithful support of the Maine Conference and for helping build a home that will serve generations to come.

A Letter from our MESOM Dean

Rev. Dr. Malcolm Himschoot

Classes and Teachers and Students! Our 15th Year

The smell of pencils sharpening. Fresh new eager faces. Backpacks and water bottles, newly blessed. School supplies and books. It’s nearly fall and Back-to-School season! For the Maine School of Ministry, Back-to-School season brings all the tools of the trade, plus excitement and curiosity, sacred determination, and a spirit of discernment. This is the beginning of our 15th school year, reducing barriers to theological education and accompanying students on journeys of lifelong learning and leadership development. Part-time adult learners bring with them their own life reasons for studying Christian faith and theology more deeply.

Fall semester for MESOM features two instructors offering classes in Bible and Leadership. Paul Day’s class, offered in-person, covers The Gospels and Acts, resourcing a learned introduction to a core part of the New Testament. The class is conducted entirely in English but pays attention to tools and clues to discover ancient context for old Greek words that become new again across centuries and across cultures. Like kerygma, the mystery of Christ’s presence in proclamation. And incarnation – that costly non-shortcut for self-giving love through human presence. Speaking of human presence, Todd Weir’s class offered online by Zoom presents family systems theory through Leading With Clarity in Anxious Times. Those who are pastoring know it is both art and discipline to use oneself to open up the Spirit’s work in community.

In January Term we expect to again offer UCC Polity, History, and Theology – especially for those who are on a Member in Discernment journey or seeking Privilege of Call or Dual Standing in the United Church of Christ. Part of this course will be a standalone workshop for any adult who is interested in learning more about life together in the covenantal freedoms of this denomination.

In the spring semester MESOM will offer one course in Church History and another course in Bible, each an online course taught by a scholar-pastor. Leah Ramsey is offering History of World Christianities online. Kelsey Wallace will further introduce the New Testament by covering the Epistles and Revelation in Hard Questions in Christian Scripture – From Gender to End Times.

Some students prefer pencils and erasers; others prefer electronic tablets or audiobooks. Some have seen many classrooms before and excelled in traditional formats. Others may be so motivated by actions of direct care and creativity, they do not think of themselves as scholars at all. In rich peer environments, diverse gifts are activated – blessed by God for the people of God. Have a great school year!

Here's an opportunity to support Pilgrim Lodge. This is a work session sponsored by the Katahdin Association to prepare the PL campus for our Maine Conference Annual Meeting. Hope some of you can make it....  Kathy Woodside

The Katahdin Association is hosting….so I’m inviting you to join….

Work Session at Pilgrim Lodge - Monday, September 28, from lunch time, to Thursday, October 1st after lunch is finished.  You can come for a day, or two, or all four.  There is no cost for food or housing because our work is valued by the P.L. staff. Those who attend might find themselves helping get meeting spaces ready for the Conference Annual Meeting which will begin the day after we’re done.  Or there may be other work to do.  If you let Bruce know of your interest he will fill you in further as the time gets closer.  For food and space planning, please do check in via email with Bruce. (katahdin.me.ucc@gmail.com)

    **For Monday arrivals bring your own bag lunch and meet us on the porch of Quito. Another group is renting the space til later afternoon and then by dinner it is just us.

Pam & Bruce Burnham  😀👍