3/2/25 Bulletin

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

March 2, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. ₋₋ Transfiguration Sunday

Join us on Zoom

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83936359115?pwd=1aQdppqVbvKTZKBi9DQWXgaNVVbhtZ.1

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

Lord Jesus Christ, as morning dawns, be our light in this new day.

Let our lives reflect your glory, our words show forth your goodness,

and our actions shine with your grace. Amen.

* Indicates points in the service when we stand in body or spirit

Announcements

Prelude O Rest in the Lord Felix Mendelssohn

Welcome

*Introit O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright B. #87

O splendor of God's glory bright, from light eternal bringing light,O light of light, light's living spring, O Day of days, illumining.

O true Sun, fiery star, let fall perpetual brilliance on us all;The Holy Spirit’s radiant beam upon our earthly senses stream.

*Call to Worship

One: We seek the presence of God.All: May God’s glory surround us .One: We hunger and thirst for an experience of God’s holiness.All: May God’s glory satisfy and fill our hearts and minds.One: We wait for the mystery of God to inspire us.All: May God’s glory enlighten and energize us.One: Come and worship God!

*Passing of the Peace (ASL) and Lighting of Peace & Justice Candle

*Hymn We Have Come at Christ’s Own Bidding B. #182

We have come at Christ's own bidding to this high and holy place,

Where we wait with hope and longing for some token of God's grace.

Here we pray for new assurance that our faith is not in vain,

Searching like those first disciples for a sign both clear and plain.

Light breaks through our clouds and shadows, splendor bathes the flesh-joined Word,

Moses and Elijah marvel as the heavenly voice is heard.

Eyes and hearts behold with wonder how the Law and Prophets meet:

Christ with garments drenched in brightness, stands transfigured and complete.

Strengthened by this glimpse of glory, fearful lest our faith decline,

We like Peter, find it tempting to remain and build a shrine.

But true worship gives us courage to proclaim what we profess,

That our daily lives may prove us people of the God we bless.

*Invocation (in unison)

God of mystery, we confess that we try to hide from you, because we don’t want to be transformed. We don’t want to be changed. Forgive us for allowing our fears to keep us from knowing you more deeply. Forgive us for the things we do that keep your glory hidden—in our lives and the lives of others. Help us encounter you as you desire. Amen

Children’s Message

Hebrew Scripture Exodus 34:29-35

Gospel Reading Luke 9:28-36

Special Music Blessed Are Ye Faithful Souls J. Brahms

Message Rev. Cynthia Priem

*Hymn Jesus, Take Us to the Mountain B.#183

Jesus, take us to the mountain, where, with Peter, James and John,

We are dazzled by your glory, light as blinding as the sun.

There prepare us for the night by the vision of that sight.

What do you want us to see there, that your close companions saw?

Your divinity revealed there fills us with the self-same awe.

Clothed in flesh like ours you go, matched to meet our deadliest foe.

What do you want us to hear there, that your dear disciples heard?

Once again the voice from heaven says of the incarnate Word:

"Listen, listen everyone, this is my beloved One!"

Take us to that other mountain where we see you glorified,

Where you shouted, "It is finished!" where for all the world you died.

Hear the stunned centurion: "This was God's beloved One!"

We who have beheld your glory, risen and ascended Christ,

Cannot help but tell the story, all that you have sacrificed;

Say with Peter, James, and John: "You are God's beloved One!"

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

Being a disciple of Jesus sometimes feels like a frightening vocation. Even as we place our tithes and offerings in the plates, or we prepare to commit our lives to new spiritual practices during Lent, we may fear that we are not prepared for the commitment we make. Remember, you are a beloved child of God. Fear not.

Offertory Meditation Jacob Arcadelt

*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)

Generous God, receive these gifts, the thanksgiving of our hearts. Use them and us to bring your peace on this earth. Open our eyes to see where you are working. Foster in us a desire to serve. Amen

*Communion Hymn Let Us Break Bread Together B. #330

Let us break bread together on our knees;

Let us break bread together on our knees.

When I fall on my knees, with my face to the rising sun,

My God, have mercy on me.

Let us drink wine together on our knees;

Let us drink wine together on our knees.

When I fall on my knees, with my face to the rising sun,

My God, have mercy on me.

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

Let us pray.

All: We come to Christ’s table where, by Your presence, Holy Spirit, this bread becomes

the grace we need, and the cup offers us the hope for which we long.

Pastor: As we take them up, we call on You to transfigure them into that sacred meal of love which strengthens us to get up and go into our neighborhoods, bringing light to the

shadows, hope for the despairing, healing for the broken, justice for the forsaken.

All: Amen.

Pastor: On the night he was betrayed, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’

Then Jesus took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it,

all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the

forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that

day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’

Distribution of Holy Communion

Post-Communion Prayer

All: Holy God, we have tasted the light of your love and seen your glory at this table. Now, transform us to find your glory in everyone and everything. This we pray in the light of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*Closing Hymn O Wondrous Sight, O Vision Fair B. #184

O wondrous type! O vision fair of glory that the Church may share,Which Christ upon the mountain shows, where brighter than the sun Christ glows!

From age to age the tale declare, how with the three disciples there,Where Moses and Elijah meet, hey with the Christ God’s future greet.

The law and prophets there have place, two chosen witnesses of grace;

The voice of God out from the cloud proclaims the Human One aloud.

With shining face and bright array, Christ deigns to manifest todayWhat glory shall be theirs beyond, who live within God’s loving bond.

And faithful hearts are raised on high by this great vision's mystery,For which in joyful strains we raise the voice of prayer, the hymn of praise.

*Benediction

Pastor: Rise and shine and give God the glory.

All: We stand by the power of the Holy Spirit, and in Jesus’ name.

Pastor: As you go into this week, may God make you radiant with the holiness of God,

transfigured by the glory of Jesus Christ, and shining with the exuberance of the Holy Spirit.

*Sung Benediction Go Now in Peace (2X) R. #347

Go now in peace, go now in peace, may the love of God surround you

everywhere, everywhere, you may go.

Postlude Postlude in D Minor J. S. Bach

(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

hancockmaineucc@gmail.com treasurer@hancockucc.com revtjmack@gmail.com

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. Cynthia Priem

Music Minister – Debbie Riley

Deacons – Alison Boden and Doug Kimmel

Liturgist – Jeanne Edwards

Audio-Video Support – Patrice Alexander

Office Administrator – Vicky Espling

Settled Minister – Rev. TJ Mack

The Body of Christ – You

Resources

Parts of today’s spoken liturgy were adapted from writings by Thom Shuman and www.liturgiesonline.com.au

The New Century Hymnal (B.) Hymns of Truth and Light (R.)

Church of Huston, Texas

"Permission to podcast / stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE,

O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright

Contributors: St. Amrbose, Nikolaus Herman

We Have Come at Christ's Own Bidding - Transfiguration

Contributors: Carl P. Daw, Jr.

Jesus Take Us to the Mountain

Contributors: Jaroslav J Vajda

Let Us Break Bread Together

Words and Music; Text: 10 10 with refrain; Spiritual.

Music: LET US BREAK BREAD.

Contributors: LET US BREAK BREAD

O Wondrous Sight, O Vision Fair - harmonization

Contributors: Presbyterian Publishing

Go Now In Peace

Contributors: Natalie Sleeth

Rev. Teresa (TJ) Mack

3/2/25 Bulletin

Recent Posts

Commenti