Hancock UCC Weekly Messenger for December 22, 2024
Mary, song of holy wisdom
sung before the world began:
Faithful to the Word within you,
as you bore God's wondrous plan.
During the month of December, we will be receiving the Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross Offering. This is an annual UCC offering that expresses our thanks to retired and active UCC pastors and lay church workers and their families facing emergency financial need, providing direct assistance to supplement pensions, help with the cost of medical insurance, and thank you gifts at Christmas. Envelopes are available in the back of the Sanctuary and in the Fellowship Hall.
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, December 24th, we will have a Candlelight Service at
7:00 PM featuring readings and carols. Pastor TJ is looking for a few people (children, youth, or adult) to volunteer for non-speaking parts during the Christmas liturgy.
Do you have an extra Nativity Set that the church could borrow for Christmas Eve? Something larger than the traditional 7” or 8” table top version would be ideal. Let Pastor TJ know…
Pastor TJ will be on vacation for one week starting December 25th. Rev. Nick Davis will be preaching December 29th in her absence. Thank you, Nick!
Our meetings are open to all. If you would like to attend a meeting, please let Vicky know and she will provide the Zoom link, or you are welcome to attend in person. Our meetings are held in person and virtually on Zoom.
Trustees will meet on Wednesday, January 8 at 12 noon
Outreach will meet on Thursday, January 9 at 3:14 pm
Deacons will meet Friday, January 10 at 4:00 pm
Christian Ed will meet on Sunday, January 12 following worship
Council will meet on Friday, January 17 at 11:15 am
As your Boards and Committees are meeting for the first time this year, please let Vicky know who the Chair and Council Representative will be. Thanks!
Join us for lightly guided meditation at 9:00 a.m. on Fridays in our Sanctuary.
The Holy Birth
By Jane Lennon
It’s the time of merriment,
with Christmas oh so near,
the news of the holy child’s birth
that lasts throughout the year .
A star from the heavens
that shines as bright as day,
to tell of Jesus’ coming
on the blessed Christmas day.
A beautiful babe born
to a holy pair.
Mary and Joseph
gazed down on Jesus’ face.
The animals bowed their heads
to view and speak to them.
For they possessed a special gift
the present yet to see
For we are blessed
and carry the pure love he bestowed.
So please be grateful
this time of year.
Hear music of the angels,
be kind to one another, gentle on the wing,
to be a part of Christmas,
and all the joy that it brings.
December Birthdays and Anniversaries
27: Jennifer Ashmore 30: Keith & Pam Bowie
January Birthdays and Anniversaries
06: Erin Ehrlenbach Collins 07: Sally Bryant 07: John Wood 07: Peter & Sally Bryant 09: Rebeckah Philio 12: Myrna Coffin 15: Ben Wildes 22: Chris Potter
16: Everett & Vicky Espling 21: Jackie Hunt 21: Carol Skinner
23: Avabelle Havey 25: Holly Harriman 29: Jen Remick
Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:
Prayers for the Lounder family as they celebrate the life and grieve the death of C. Earnest Page who passed away early last week. Prayers for Vicky, Everett, Joey and Xyerra. Prayers for Ron & Kathy and their brothers Joe and David. Prayers for Donald B.; Kenny V.; Orrick; Brian; and Jane of Golden Acres. Prayers for Sally M.; Everett’s sister Libby; Judith C.; Eleanor A.; Ira; Don and Heather; Bruce’s sister Lynn; Sally’s friend, Sue Barger; Cathy C.; Herbie Lounder; Ruth; Marie; Doris; Jim Snyder; Jonathan Holmes; Brandon Perry-Hudson; John Wood; Sue Davies; Sue Davenport; Liz & Jim; Kenny Stratton & Joy & David & Lori & Melissa; Debbie & Lincoln & son-in-law Aaron, daughter Ashley, and granddaughter Brielle; Sandy Phippen; Amy Nickerson; 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 all caregivers; and prayers for all that is in your heart…
From our Associate Conference Minister – Rev. John Fiscus
Tis the week before Christmas,
And all through the state,
Every pastor is working,
To make worship great...
Chrismon’s were hung
on the trees with great care
In hope that these symbols,
will Christ's great love share.
The mangers are ready
to receive God's shared light.
Lamb, shepherds and wise men,
All huddled in tight,
We started with hope,
Our anchor in place
Lighting first candle,
Receiving God's grace.
Then onward we journeyed
and add the second,
We abide with Peace.
Where justice is reckoned.
As we began to feel the joy
Purple now yielded to Rose...
To acknowledged the vessel
That divine spirit chose.
Now, Before the starlight
marks our way
We are invited to linger
at last in great love,
Floating down to us
like a winged dove...
Our journey through Advent,
Is time well spent
It helps us frame
why Jesus was sent.
Hope, peace, love and joy
our tasks never quite done,
yet knowing it’s how our battles
Are now to be won...
As we listen on Christmas
In the silent night,
Return to knowing
all can be made right....
As these verses end,
Our renewed journeys now begin
Time to carry God's love
to all kith and kin...
Merry Christmas to all,
From our hearts to yours
As blessings flow
through all our church doors…
Before the dawn
of Christmas Day
Rev. John Fiscus
From our Conference Minister – Marisa Laviola
Beloved of the Maine Conference,
In response to the uncertainty in our country with the entrance of the new administration this January, our General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ—Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson—has written a pastoral letter to all members and friends of the UCC. All Conference Ministers have endorsed this letter. I am in full support of the message. I pray that you gain solace and strength through these words. If you wish conversation, I am available to you. Click on the link below.
Blessings on each and all, Beloved. Deep prayers for a truly hope-filled and loving Christmas,
CM Marisa
Comments