Hancock UCC Weekly Messenger for December 8, 2024
"I come from heav'n to tell the Lord's decree: a blessed virgin mother you shall be. Your Son shall be Immanuel, by seers foretold, most highly favored maiden."
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 pen-
sions, 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.
At-home Daily Devotional – “Starry Nights: An Advent Devotional Full of Light and Wonder”
Pick your copy up from the tables at the back of the Sanctuary or ask Vicky or Pastor TJ for an electronic version.
The Wreaths Across America convoy leaves Downeast on Sunday, Dec. 8th. It's due at the YMCA in Ellsworth at 9 am so it is anticipated to pass the church in the 8:00 - 8:15 a.m. time frame (this is earlier than we previously announced.) All are invited to gather on our church steps to wave them onward.
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.
The Trustees will meet in person and virtually Wednesday, December 11th at 12:00 noon.
Outreach will meet on Thursday, December 12th at 4:15 pm, in person and virtually.
The Board of Deacons will meet Friday, December 13th at 3:00 pm in person and on Zoom.
Church Council will meet Tuesday, December 17th at 1:30 pm in person and on Zoom.
Join us for lightly guided meditation at 9:00 a.m. on Fridays in our Sanctuary.
Join us for a PotLuck and Christmas Carol Sing on Sunday, December 15th.
Meet in the church Fellowship Hall at 5:00. Bring a dish to share and friends and family to enjoy the meal and Caroling at 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary.
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, December 24th, we will have a Candlelight Service at
7:00 PM featuring readings and carols.
Pastor TJ will be on vacation starting December 25th. Rev. Nick Davis will be preaching December 29th in her absence.
December Birthdays and Anniversaries
10: Ron & Kathy McGlinchey 15: Frank Dorsey
16: Ashley Ehrlenbach Johnson 17: Sue Croteau 18: Barbara Reeve
20: Sheila O’Neill 21: Mary Angela Davis 27: Jennifer Ashmore
30: Keith & Pam Bowie
From November 22nd, 2024 to April 30th, 2025 - we operate an overnight warming center for individuals in Hancock County who are unhoused. Open seven days a week from 4 PM to 6:30 AM, our center offers a warm, safe space along with food and beverages. Everyone is welcome to find comfort and support here. Location: 24 Church Street, Ellsworth, Maine.
We are currently seeking donations of the following products:
Personal Hygiene Products:
Body Wash, Deodorant, Disposable Razors, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Chapstick,
Wet Wipes, Feminine Products
Food Products:
Ground Coffee, Liquid & Powdered Creamer, Sugar, Grab & Go Snacks (granola bars,
breakfast bars, trail mix, fruit cups), Muffins, Non Perishable Food Items, Juice, Milk,
Bottled Water, Plastic Utensils, Paper Plates, Cups, & Bowls, Grocery Store Gift Cards (small amounts)
Miscellaneous Products:
Winter Coats, Hats, Gloves, Scarves, Socks, Underwear (men and women), Backpacks, Hand Warmers, Long Johns, Washcloths, Towels, Rolls of Quarters or Local Laundromat gift cards (for guests)
Additional Way To Support:
We are seeking individuals or organizations to commit to making a meal to feed 25 people - weekly. If interested, please contact Tracy Crossman at 207-412-2288 or Tracy.Crossman@HealthyAcadia.Org
Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:
Prayers for Ron & Kathy and their brothers Joe and David; both receiving treatments for cancer. Prayers for Donald B. and Kenny V., Orrick, Brian, and Jane of Golden Acres. Prayers for Sally M.; Lillian Lounder and Family; Ernest Page and Family; Xyerra; Everett’s sister Libby; Judith C.; Eleanor A.; Don and Heather; Bruce’s sister Lynn; Sally’s friend, Sue Barger; Yvonne; Herbie Lounder; Ira; Cathy C.; 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; 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 all caregivers; and prayers for all that is in your heart…
From the Maine Conference
Justice Leadership Program
4 month cohort starting in January
Do you feel called to work for justice? This online program is for adults interested in weaving social justice into the fabric of their faith in a meaningful and transformative way. Deepen your understanding, learn practical skills, and gain the confidence to take meaningful action through this foundational program. Participants meet weekly. Apply by December 15th.
Scholarships available for UCC members from FaithINFO (inquire upon applying)
A celebration of life will be held for Rev. David Stillman at the Somesville Union Meeting House, UCC on January 11, 2025 at 11:00 am. Please wear bright colors. For those unable to attend, a live stream link will be provided on the church website: https://www.sumhucc.org/
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Pilgrim Lodge summer church camp scholarship fund at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/pilgrim-lodge-scholarship-program
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com
From Our Conference Minister,
Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola
How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is given;
so God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him,
still the dear Christ enters in.
Advent Ponderings:
How do we now live?
Advent is such a vital season for our faith. No matter what is going on around us, we anticipate goodness: hope in the face of hopelessness, peace that passes all human understanding, joy that is fresh and new every morning, love that we cannot push away and cannot draw close: love that just is because.
Ah and the promise that renews each and every year: the promise that reminds us that God is incarnate, that God is intimately with us—approachable, accessible, internal and surrounding, above and below. That for me is what stirs my heart and spirit each year: Emmanuel, God with us! And each year I wonder: how is God calling me to bring God-with-us” to all I encounter?
In my conversations with pastors and lay folk around the conference during the last month, this Advent is a balm that soothes frayed nerves and replenishes weary hearts. Folks have shared with me their anxiety about the unknown of the new politics come January; their fears of vulnerable groups becoming even more vulnerable. And deeply embedded in these conversations is a question that begs an answer:
How do we now live?
As receivers of hope, peace, joy, and love that are amplified this season. How do we share?
As those who contemplate the birth of a babe with no home who becomes a refugee child that flees with parents into Egypt. How do we reconcile our faith with so many refugees in our midst?
As people who have chosen to follow in the footsteps of the babe become human—become adult—who modeled for us how to care for the most vulnerable.
And who are the most vulnerable in 2024, soon to be 2025?
The refugee; LGBTQ+, especially trans children; women whose bodies are being staked out for ownership, the poor and unhomed, the unrecognized and shunned.
And we cannot help but ask:
“How do we now live?”
This Advent feels more intense to me: seeking hope in the midst of hopelessness, knowing peace when there is no peace in the world, knowing joy that is so different than happiness (I may be sad, but God brings me joy), grasping and sharing love that is unconditional.
Beloved, take in all the gifts of this blessed season.
Know that God-with-us brings us hope. God is still with us, and still brings us hope. Know that God-with-us is calling each and all to become the incarnate ones of the 21st century—the hands and feet of this Jesus whom we anticipate with such joy—incarnate ones who do as Jesus did; teach as Jesus taught.
Beloved, may your Advent and Christmas be truly blessed. My God-with-us give you all the love, courage and guidance to be the incarnate of today. May we together discern the question:
How do we now live?
And may we continue the path of Christmas into the new year.
Blessing upon blessing,
Marisa
Christmas Poinsettia Plants
Poinsettia plants wrapped in foil will be available to order for the Christmas Eve Service.
The poinsettias will be $10.00 per plant.
Please place your order with Vicky by Wednesday, December 18th by completing the order form below, calling 207-422-3100 or 207-266-9493, or emailing hancockmaineucc@gmail.com. Cash or checks made payable to Union Congregational Church will be accepted.
Your Name:________________________________________ Your Phone:______________
Please indicate if your poinsettia is in honor of or in loving memory of someone
or multiple someones and how you wish to have this listed in the bulletin.
In honor of ________________________________________________________
In loving memory of ________________________________________________
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