Hancock UCC Weekly Messenger for January 28, 2024
One body, One spirit One faith, One hope
One love above all loves, through the Father of all
One voice singing praises, One people, One Lord
One body, One spirit through the Father of all
Upcoming services, meetings, events, and opportunities
Join us for Worship in our Sanctuary or on Zoom at 10:00 a.m.,
or watch the recording later on Facebook or YouTube
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 822 2425 2518
Passcode: 755650
Find us at Hancock UCC | Hancock ME | Facebook or
on YouTube at Hancock UCC - YouTube
Installation of Officers and Members of Boards and Committees will take place at our 10:00 Worship Service on Sunday, January 28th. Please plan to attend.
As the Boards and Committees meet for the first time in the new year, please remember to let Vicky know who the new Chairs and Council Representatives will be. Thank you.
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.
Council will meet Friday, January 26th at 11:30 a.m.
On Saturday, January 27th we will be hosting Chris Ross in concert. The doors will open at 6:00 p.m, music at 6:30 p.m. We are suggesting a donation of $20 at the door. Chris has written and recorded several albums and regularly performs throughout Maine and New England. He is an award winning Hancock native and the son of Renata Moise.
Sacred Conversations on Gun Control – Saturday, Feb. 10th from 10:00-11:30 a.m.
at Hammond St. Congo Church in Bangor. Join Pastor TJ?
Lent begins on February 14th. All are welcome at our Ash Wed. Service of Soup and Prayers at Noon in our Fellowship Hall. We would love one or two people to volunteer to make soup.
Lenten Study Group begins Wed. Feb. 21st
Join Pastor TJ for C.S. Lewis and the Delightful, Diabolical Daring of Lent:
A Lenten Companion to “The Screwtape Letters.”
Let TJ or Vicky know if you are interested. Start time to be determined by participants.
Upcoming February Birthdays and Anniversaries
January 29: Jen Remick
February 02: Lucy Ashmore 03: Roberta Scott 03: Liz Awalt
08: Cynthia Johnston 08: Miranda Devenish 09: Phil Devenish
10: Jack Hirschenhofer 10: Ethan Hunt 12: Xyerra Harriman
13: Amy Philio 15: David Stratton 16: Will Stephenson
18: Sara Beth Denoncourt 21: Pat Summerer 24: Heath Hudson
25: Michael Hodgdon 27: Antonio Blasi
Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:
Prayers for the people of Lewiston and all of Maine; Prayers for the world, suffering loss and grief in Israel, Palestine, Ukraine, Russia, and so many other ongoing wars and conflicts. Prayers for Cynthia Wood’s Aunt Barbara and Sylvia Monteux, both receiving Hospice Care; Ron & Kathy; Bob & Karen; Ruth; Sally’s sister Martha & her husband John; Everett’s brother Darrell; Doris; Jim Snyder; Kenny Houghton; John Wood; Nancy & John & Jonas; Vicky’s brother-in-law, Buster; William; Sue Davies; Jonathan Holmes; Sue Davenport; Coulter; Austin’s cousin Danny; Liz & Jim; Debbie & Lincoln & son-in-law Aaron, daughter Ashley, and granddaughter Brielle; Kenny Stratton; Joy & David & Lori; Sandy Phippen; Betty & her step-daughter Mollie; Debbie & Hollis & Holly and Debbie’s Aunt Linda Reed; Patrice’s niece Erica; Amy Nickerson; Tom & Judy’s son Andrew & 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 all individuals and families experiencing addictions; prayers for all caregivers; and prayers for all that is in your heart…
Celebrate MESOM Sunday
and Give to Theological Education for the Life of the Church
The Maine School of Ministry runs five classes a year for anyone who wants to learn more about theology, including the heritage, practices, and possibilities of Christian faith. Our classes are taught by passionate practitioners and scholars of ministry, with experience across the globe and around the state. We match advanced certificate students in our program with mentored practice internships, and contribute to leadership development across the United Church of Christ.
Each February the local churches of Maine are encouraged to take a collection and make a contribution toward MESOM on or near MESOM Sunday, Feb. 25th . Individuals are invited to give as well! This day on the UCC worship calendar is a day to lift up church vocations and theological education, and lend prayerful support to all that makes learned leadership possible. If your congregation would like to host a speaker or guest preacher in February as part of this initiative, please contact Dean, Malcolm Himschoot: mhimschoot@maineucc.org. We arrange an available volunteer in advance, and provide information to be used in your church newsletter/website/social media.
After dedicated part-time study, earning 18 single-course credits over the course of six years, a MESOM certificate graduate last year was ordained by one of our associations. This Member in Discernment had done everything necessary to demonstrate competencies for authorized ministry using “The Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers.” Theological education – including history, ethics, Bible, preaching, pastoral care, worship, and leadership – was part of that process. In every generation the church calls forth leaders. Why? To call forth the calling of the church.
During those same years, a student whose passion was learning and teaching collected MESOM classes one at a time, not for purposes of authorization, but for faith development. Everything she learned, she carried into her local church with infectious delight.
Another student recently took intro classes at MESOM, then felt curious enough to rearrange her life to go to seminary. Dozens more people heard about the Maine School of Ministry and began to take MESOM classes that fit with their existing life and schedule – not because they could say why exactly, but because they felt called to deepen their spirituality, understanding, and practice of faith.
Each of these stories show the gifts and successes of regional theological education.
MESOM offers learning in community, accompanying people in rural and remote locations with affordable, accessible opportunities. As adult learners, some students reclaim Christ-shaped faith from fundamentalism. Some test inherited traditions against 21st century realities. Some use MESOM classes to shape a personal path of devotion. Some pursue a path of service in and on behalf of the United Church of Christ.
The Maine School of Ministry thrives because of a legacy of enthusiastic support among ministers, educators, and innovators; a culture of listening for God’s call across our geographic and socioeconomic landscape; and congregations passionate about the life and leadership of the church. With in-kind support from the Conference, the School raises its own budget through grants, contributions, and tuition. Each year, each and every supporter of MESOM makes inspiration a reality. Thank you for being part of it!
Rev. Dr. Malcolm Himschoot
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