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
January 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
– Installation of Officers, Board and Committee Members
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 Meditation
“In the midst of Winter, there was within me, an invincible Summer”
-Albert Camus
* Indicates points in the service when we stand in body or spirit
Announcements
Prelude Morning Has Broken Gaelic Melody/ Arthur Frackenpohl
Welcome
*Introit Gathered Here B. #742
Gathered here in the mystery of this hour, gathered here in one strong body,
gathered here in the struggle and the power, Spirit draw near.
*Call to Worship (Iona Community)
Leader: God of God, Light of Light, true God of true God,
ALL: WE BLESS YOU.
Leader: Object of the Magi’s search, subject of an old man’s song, fulfillment
of the Baptist’s preaching,
ALL: WE BLESS YOU.
Leader: Mary’s son, Joseph’s son, God’s only son,
ALL: WE BLESS YOU.
*Passing of the Peace (ASL) and Lighting of Peace & Justice Candle
*Hymn Enter, Rejoice, and Come In B. #73 Enter, rejoice, and come in. Enter, rejoice, and come in.Today will be a joyful day; enter, rejoice, and come in.
Open yourself to the song. Open yourself to the song.Today will be a joyful day; enter, rejoice, and come in.
Open your hearts everyone. Open your hearts everyone.Today will be a joyful day; 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.
Enter, rejoice, and come in. Enter, rejoice, and come in.Today will be a joyful day; enter, rejoice, and come in.
*Invocation (in unison) :
Holy God, when Jesus was baptized in the Jordan the heavens opened, the Spirit descended, and your voice affirmed your love in Jesus for the healing of the human race and all creation. By water and word you lovingly invite us into this same life-giving mission. May your Spirit, moving like a stream of water flowing from its source, work in us this day to realize your vision of a world made new in Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Children’s Message
Hebrew Scripture Isaiah 43:1-7 Gospel Reading Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Special Music Tell Me the Old, Old Story Evangel/ Doane/ Powell
Message “Immersion in the Work of Ministry” Rev. Dr. Nick Davis
*Hymn I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry B. #351
I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old.I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.
I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well;I’ll be there in case you wander off and find where demons dwell.
When you found the wonder of the Word, I was there to cheer you on;You were raised to praise the living God, to whom you now belong.Should you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one,I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk till rising sun.
In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young,I’ll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I’ve begun.When the evening gently closes in, and you shut your weary eyes,I’ll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise.
I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old.I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.
Installation of Lay Leaders
Greeting and Introduction
One: This morning, we raise up and celebrate the diverse gifts of our members in the life of the church. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them.
All: There are different ways of serving, but the same God is served.
One: There are different abilities to perform service, but the same God gives ability to each of us for our particular service.
All: The Spirit’s presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all.
One: Christ is like a single body, which has many parts.
All: It is still one body even though it is made up of different parts.
One: If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it; if one part is praised, all the other parts share its happiness.
Presentation and Covenant
One: These people have been called by God, in accordance with the faith and order of this church, to serve among us. They have accepted their call and are before us in witness to
their willingness to serve.
OFFICERS
President – Nick Davis
Vice President – David Wildes
Clerk – Vicky Espling
Treasurer – Jennifer Ashmore
Assistant Treasurer – Renata Moise
Stewardship Director – Ron Schwizer
Assistant Stewardship Director – Renata Moise
BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Those beginning new terms are italicized.
Church Council, Members at large: Sally Knapp, Peggy Karns, Nick Davis
Board of Deacons: Doug Kimmel, David Wildes, Vicky Espling, Nick Davis, Mary Angela Davis, Everett Espling, Sally Knapp, Alison Boden, Ron Schwizer
Board of Trustees: Peggy Karns, Doug Kimmel, Mike Summerer, Mary Beth DiMarco, Lincoln Ehrlenbach, Ron McGlinchey
Board of Christian Ed: Tamara Crowley, Mary Angela Davis, Jennifer Ashmore,
Nick Davis, Pat Summerer, Andrea Bernard
Board of Outreach: Jeanne Edwards, , Barbara Reeve, Jodi Kimmel,
Tamara Crowley, Carol Skinner, Dianne Eckhardt
Pastoral Relations Committee: Mary Angela Davis, Ron Schwizer, Mike Summerer,
Alison Boden, Robin Long, David Wildes
Music Committee: Phoebe Devenish, Ruth Dietze, Priscilla Hirschenhofer.
Ex-officio members: Debbie Riley, Pat Summerer
Nominating Committee: Doug Kimmel, Peggy Karns,
Ron Schwizer, Vicky Espling, Alison Boden
Delegates to UCC: Vicky Espling, Patrice Alexander
Alternate Delegates to UCC: Mary Angela Davis, Pat Summerer
One: Sisters and brothers in Christ, it is an honor to be entrusted with responsibility for particular service in the ministry of the church, whether gathered or scattered.
Having prayerfully considered the duties and responsibilities of your ministry, are you prepared to serve, with the help of God?
Individuals: I am.
One: Do you promise to exercise your ministry diligently and faithfully, showing forth the love of Christ?
Individuals: I do, relying on God’s grace.
One: Members of this household of faith, you have heard the promises of our brothers and sisters in Christ who have answered God’s call to service. Let us express our intention to live in covenant with them, with these words of affirmation.
All: We gather in celebration of the joy that is ours to be partners with you in the service of Jesus Christ. We promise to love you, honor your leadership, and assist you so that together we may be a faithful community.
One: Let us pray. Eternal god, you have called these people to serve you in this household of faith. Send your Holy Spirit on them that they may serve among us with honor and faithfulness. Help them to be diligent in their duties that your church may prosper in the mission you place before it. May their example prove worthy for all of us to follow, as we are united in Christ’s ministry, to the glory of God.
All: Amen.
One: In the name of Jesus Christ, and on behalf of the people of the Union Congregational Church of Hancock, of the United Church of Christ, I rejoice to announce that you are installed in your respective positions. To each of you, we extend our hearts and hands in Christian love.
All: Thanks be to God.
Prayers of the People – Sharing Joys & Concerns
Our Father (Creator, Mother) who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, 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
Leader: As people who have passed through the waters of baptism, let us make our grateful offering to God our Redeemer.
Offertory Behold That Star Spiritual/ Robert Thompson
*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)
*Hymn I Am the Light of the World B. #584 Refrain:“I am the Light of the World!
You people come and follow me!”If you follow and love, you'll learn the mysteryof what you were meant to do and be.
When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone.When the sages and the shepherds have found their way home,
the work of Christmas is begun!
Refrain:
To find the lost and lonely one, to heal that broken soul with love,To feed the hungry children with warmth and good food,To feel the earth below the sky above!
Refrain:
To free the prisoner from his chains, to make the powerful care,To rebuild the nations with strength and goodwill,to see all God’s children everywhere!
Refrain:
To bring hope to every task you do, to dance at a baby's new birth,To make music in an old person's heart,and sing to the colors of the earth!
Refrain:
*Benediction
*Sung Benediction Go, My Children, with My Blessing B. #82
Go, my children, with my blessing, never alone.
Waking sleeping, I am with you, you are my own.
In my love’s baptismal river I have made you mine forever.
Go, my children, with my blessing, you are my own.
Postlude Cold December Flies Away Trad. Catalonian Carol/ Giamanco
(Please remain seated for the Postlude)
If you are visiting with us today, please sign our Guest Book in the back of the sanctuary.
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
Many thanks to those who make this service possible –
in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
Guest Minister – Rev. Dr. Nick Davis
Music Minister – Debbie Riley
Deacons – Mary Angela Davis and Vicky Espling
Liturgist – Mary Angela Davis
Audio-Video Support – Ron Schwizer
Office Administrator – Vicky Espling
Student Ministry Intern – Sarina Brooks
Settled Minister – Rev. TJ Mack
The Body of Christ – You
Resources, adapted
"Feasting On the Word: Worship Companion. Liturgies from Year C, Volume 1"
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.
Gathered Here
Words and Music - ©1990 MennoMedia Inc.
Contributors: Phil Porter
Enter, Rejoice, and Come In - Harmonization
Music - ©1993 Pilgrim Press, The
Contributors: The New Century Hymnal
I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry
Words and Music - ©1985 John Ylvisaker
Contributors: John Ylvisaker
I Am the Light of the World
Words and Music - ©1969 Desert Flower Music
Contributors: Jim Strathdee
Go, My Children, with My Blessing
Words - ©1983 Concordia Publishing House
Contributors: Jaroslav J Vajda
Kommentare