Hancock UCC Weekly Messenger for February 9, 2025

We are fishers of men for Jesus, we are fishers of men for Jesus, we are fishers of men for Jesus, out on life's big sea. 

Pastor TJ is on family leave in Wisconsin. Even though we miss her, we are very grateful for those who have stepped up to cover for her while she is away.

This week, we welcome to the pulpit Sarina Brooks. Sarina is a student in the Pathways Theological Education Program working toward a Certificate in Ministry and is a Member in Discernment in the Sunrise Association of the Maine Conference. She enjoys gardening, decorating and other creative projects, construction projects, cooking, being outside in God’s wondrous natural world, spending time with her cute kitties, family and friends and reading. Laughter and joy are a part of her everyday language, and she believes both can heal a world of woes. Sarina is passionate about being of service and serving others on behalf of the Holy. 

During the month of February, we will be receiving the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. OGHS provides sources of clean water, food, education, health care, small business micro-credit loans, advocacy, resettlement for refugees and displaced persons, emergency relief and rehabilitation as well as disaster preparedness and response. Every little bit helps!

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.

The Trustees will meet Wednesday, February 12 at 4:00 pm, virtually only

The Outreach Committee will meet Thursday, February 13 at 4:15 pm

Deacons will meet on Friday, February 14 at 3:00 pm

Christian Education will meet Sunday, February 16, after Worship at 11:15 am

Council will meet on Friday, February 21 at 12:30 pm

Join us for lightly guided meditation at 9:00 a.m. on Fridays in our Sanctuary. All are welcome!

Sunday, February 9th, after church, Brandy Brooks will provide training on when and how to administer Narcan. Those who attend will be provided with both Narcan and educational resources.

February and March tentative Supply Clergy

February 16 – Rev. Joel Krueger & Rev. Dr. Kate Winters

 February 23 – Sarina Brooks, Student Ministry Intern (Sarina’s last official day with us)

March 2 – Rev. Cynthia Priem

March 9 – Rev. Dr. Kate Winters & Rev. Joel Krueger

March16 – Rev. Nancy Johnston

March 23 – Rev. Dr. Kate Winters & Rev. Joel Krueger

March 30 – Rev. Cynthia Priem

Hancock Grammar School is looking for mitten and glove donations for children ages 5 to 10. If you have any to donate, please bring them into the office or you may drop them off at Nurse Mary’s office at the school.

February Birthdays and Anniversaries    

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 Peter and Sally Bryant, family and friends as they mourn the loss of Peter’s sister, Peggy Amstutz, who passed away Monday, February 3rd.

Prayers for Chris, Pam and Rhonda as they mourn the loss of their mother, Sandra Libby who passed away on Tuesday, February 4th.

Prayers for Pastor TJ, her Dad, Don, Mother, Carol, and her siblings; and  prayers for Pat’s daughter, Mary Shannon-Riley. Prayers for Donald B.;  Kenny V.; Orrick; Brian; and Jane of Golden Acres. Prayers for Judith C.; Eleanor A.; Ira and Ginny; Don and Heather; Bruce’s sister Lynn; Sally’s friend, Sue Barger; Herbie Lounder; Ruth; Marie; Jim Snyder; Jonathan Holmes; 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; those who are grieving; and prayers for all that is in your heart…

Handy Woman for Hire!

Personal care; Food preparation and cooking; Shopping;

Gardening; Interior and Exterior Painting

Contact Lori Stratton

loristrattonjones@gmail.com

From the Maine Conference, United Church of Christ

A Letter from our Conference Minister Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola

Beloved,

Over the last few weeks as we have been hearing and trying to digest how we as followers of Jesus are called to respond to the many unfortunate, demeaning, shunning, and even cruel policies coming out of the new administration. I would dare to say that Christendom is at a crossroads. Indeed, how do we followers of God’s will, manifested through Jesus’ life and teaching, speak, act, and lean into our faith? Up until very recently our evangelical siblings have been the mouthpiece for Jesus’ message. I would dare to say that a shift is here that puts mainline Christians on a path to be the mouthpiece for Jesus’ message.

We all know by reading scripture how Jesus wants his followers to be in this world: to boldly encourage care for the least, last, lost; to speak for mercy to each and every one; to clothe, feed, visit, welcome with a wideness that is born in heaven that is brought down to earth. The words of the Gospel written and witnessed over 2000 years ago are as relevant, as needed, as essential to how we live, especially in the dawn of 2025.

I realize some would say I am venturing into the political sphere by naming the political entity of the administration in Washington. I have heard from some who say this, and I have welcomed conversation with each and all. I welcome conversation from anyone who is offended or feels excluded at the reading of my words. That is not my intention. I hope in my deepest heart that in the diversity of expressions of faith from clergy and laity in the Maine Conference, we can have conversation. And I hope the conversation will lead to us coming together to act for God’s will, taught to us through the Gospel.

And as we ponder, contemplate, pray over the scriptures of Jesus in the Gospels, let’s ask ourselves “how do we now live?” And perhaps we can do this together—in our churches, in our associations, with ACM John or with me.

I will end on a personal note. During these past few weeks my spirit has been troubled. My heart hurts every time I read one more shunning of God’s beloved people. This past Sunday I had the honor of sharing worship with one of our churches. I was deeply blessed by the choir’s introit from Micah 6-8:

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the LORD require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly[a] with your God.

I know this is what God requires of me. I invite you to ponder one, two, or all three of the elements of the Prophet’s message. It’s a familiar verse that we’ve heard many times.

Sometimes, with wonder and prayer, God brings new understanding and inspiration. My prayer for all of us:

What do you require of each of us and all of us together? How, O God, how Jesus, how Spirit of the Risen Christ, do you hope we will manifest what you require?

With deep love and blessing to each and all,

   Marisa