Hancock UCC Weekly Messenger for July 7, 2024
What equips us for this call? Are we able? Not at all!
Yet the call is clear. We know: where God sends us we must go,
trusting nothing of our own, trusting we are not alone.
Where then is the strength we need? In our weakness, Lord, we see: your great strength comes shining through; all we need is found in you. Grace sufficient, overflows. You have sent us. We will go.
Upcoming services, meetings, events, and opportunities
Join us for Worship in our Sanctuary or on Zoom at 9:30 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
Our Monteux student musicians for Sunday morning will be Ashley Wu, violin, and Evan Thornton, violin.
Ashley Wu is a graduate of the University of Florida with a B.M. in Music in Combination with an Outside Field, a B.S. in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience, and a minor in Statistics. She began studying piano and violin at ages 5 and 7, respectively, and has performed with orchestras in the United States and Europe as a soloist and ensemble member. Ashley is a member of ensembles such as the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and UF Symphony Orchestra, led by conductors such as Dr. Mattew Wardell, Edward Leonard, and Dr. Tiffany Lu. She regularly pursues opportunities to perform new music and has premiered several chamber works by emerging composers at UF. This fall, she is beginning a Masters of Applied Data Science at Carnegie Mellon University.
Evan Thornton, a dedicated violinist at the University of Florida, has cultivated his passion for music since the age of 6. Currently pursuing a major in Music Performance and a minor in Event Management, Evan envisions merging his musical expertise with leadership skills by pursuing a Master of Science in Management at the same institution. Beyond his musical pursuits, Evan enjoys watching movies, going for runs, and exploring diverse music genres. With his blend of musical talent and keen interest in management, Evan hopes to create unforgettable experiences both on and off the stage, leaving a lasting impact wherever his journey takes him.
Sunday we will share Holy Communion. For those who will receive the sacraments at home, please prepare a piece of bread or a cracker, and a cup of juice or wine and join us at the table. Also, we will be receiving non-perishable food items, toiletries, and pet food for the
Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry as we do on the first Sunday of every month.
During the month of July, we will be receiving the Neighbors in Need (NIN) Offering. This is one of the 5 for 5 offerings supported by the Maine Conference. NIN is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the US. One-third of the offering supports the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). Two-thirds are used by the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants.
All are welcome to join in a shared book group between the Point Chapel and Hancock UCC communities. We will meet at the Hancock church at 10:00 – 11:30 am on Wednesdays July 17, 24, and 31. Our book will be Refugia Faith, description below. It can be ordered on Amazon. Please send any questions to Alison Boden (aboden3321@gmail.com) or Mandy Schumaker (mandy@mandyschumaker.com).
Refugia Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonders, and the Healing of the Earth explores how Christian spirituality and practice must adapt to prepare for life on a climate-altered planet.
Refugia (reh-FU-jee-ah) is a biological term describing places of shelter where life endures in times of crisis, such as a volcanic eruption, fire, or stressed climate. Ideally, these refugia endure, expand, and connect so that new life emerges.
Debra Rienstra applies this concept to human culture and faith, asking, In this era of ecological devastation, how can Christians become people of refugia? How can we find and nurture these refugia, not only in the biomes of the earth, but in our human cultural systems and in our spiritual lives? How can we apply all our love and creativity to this task as never before?
By weaving nature writing, personal narrative, and theological reflection, Rienstra grapples honestly with her own fears and longings and points toward a way forward--a way to transform Christian spirituality and practice, become a healer on a damaged earth, and inspire others to do the same.
The Hancock Point Chapel offers a weekly meditation on Fridays at 9 AM. We begin with a lightly guided non-denominational meditation followed by a few minutes of discussion and ending with another 20 minutes of meditation. The program is led by Angela Absher who has been a Hancock Point Chapel participant all her life. She has also taught English and studied Buddhism with Thrangu Rinpoche in his monastery in the Himalayan mountains of Nepal. Now and again we have guest speakers. Our goal is friendship and happiness. We leave in silence. Do come…
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.
Pastoral Relations Committee will meet Friday, July 5 at 9:00 a.m. in person and on Zoom.
Deacons will meet on Friday, July 12 at 3:00 p.m. in person and on Zoom.
The Outreach Committee will meet on Thursday, July 18 at 4:15 p.m. in person and on Zoom.
Council will meet on Friday, July 19 at 11:00 a.m. in person and on Zoom.
Sunday, July 21 we will be celebrating “camp Sunday”.
Come dressed as if you were at camp and we will be singing some camp songs.
Sunday, July 28 we will have our Annual Joint Service with the Hancock Point Chapel.
For this service only, worship will be at 10:00 a.m. at the Chapel. Participants from both congregations will assist with the service and Pastor TJ will deliver the message.
Our annual Church Fair, Yard Sale, and Silent Auction will soon be here on Saturday August 3rd. Please save the date. We need lots of help and donations to make our biggest fundraiser of the year a success. It's a very important event in the life of our church and we can't do it without you!
In particular, the Silent Auction needs gift certificates from your favorite stores and restaurants, paintings, artwork, unique one-of-a kind items, high-end small appliances and sports equipment, and donated services to create auction excitement and high bids. The Silent Auction consistently brings in a lot of money and we need your help to be successful again this year. Please coordinate your donations with David Wildes (422-3739).
The Monteux School will present a Free Children’s Concert Thursday, July 11 at 10:30 a.m. The concert will be held at Forest Studio 42 Melody Lane in Hancock. Come join us, there will be fun for the whole family!
Upcoming July Birthdays and Anniversaries
05: Sarina Brooks 08: Joey Espling 14: Brookelin Harriman
18: Zachary & Aimee Spaulding 23: Aaron & Ashley Johnson
19: Patrice Alexander 21: Mike & Pat Summerer 24: Bob Courchesne
25: Phoebe Devenish 27: Joy Stratton 28: Robin Long
28: Jen & Artie Ashmore 31: Matthew & Rachel Umphrey
Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:
Prayers for Bruce’s sister Lynn, Sally’s friend, Sue Barger; Judith C.; Dr. John; Yvonne. Prayers for Herbie Lounder; Ira; and Cathy C. Prayers for Cynthia’s Aunt Barbara, and Jenny and William at Golden Acres, all receiving Hospice Care. Prayers for Ruth; Marie; Joyce; Doris; Mary Angela & Nick’s son Joshua; Ron & Kathy; Graham; Jim Snyder; Brandon Perry-Hudson; John Wood; Jonathan Holmes; Sue Davies; Nancy & John & Jonas; Sue Davenport; 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; 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 the people of our nation and of our world experiencing escalating wars, conflicts, and disasters. Prayers for all individuals and families experiencing addictions; prayers for all caregivers; and prayers for all that is in your heart…
From the Anti-Racism Resource Team
At the annual meeting in 2022 of the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ, the attendees voted for a resolution to support Wabanaki tribal sovereignty.
Wabanaki stewardship of the land benefits all
I am creating an email list of those folks who would like to be kept up to date on opportunities to support Wabanaki sovereignty, and other salient news relevant to this cause. I invite all those of you interested in receiving this information, please send me your contact information - name and email address, and I will place on this mailing list. You can then begin receiving these regular updates, and also last minute calls to action. Thanks. Rich Stuart - richstuart20@gmail.com —phone number (542-4453).
From Our Maine Conference
WELCOME TO OUR NEW ASSOCIATE CONFERENCE MINISTERTHE REV. JOHN FISCUS
JOINING US ON AUGUST 15, 2024
Rev. John Fiscus (he/him/his) comes to the Maine Conference after serving nearly ten years as Pastor and Teacher at Peace United Church of Christ in St. Cloud Minnesota. Prior to being clergy, John served the churches he attended in multiple ways. He has served on boards of churches with 600 members and offered the good news to four beautiful souls in a Colorado farm community. During his tenure in St, Cloud he served the community on several volunteer Boards and as a community member on the Ethics Committee of Saint Cloud Hospital. In addition to his work at the church, John served the Conference as Chair of the Open and Affirming ministry team and has just finished a six-year term on the Committee on Ministry that serves the entire conference.
John is a second career clergy person. Prior to full time ministry John served over twenty years in management roles in several companies. His experience there was multifaceted and included financial analysis, Human Resources, and training responsibilities. His educational background is varied as well. John has a BS in Anthropology and a BA in History both from Colorado State University, Pueblo. His MDiv was completed at Iliff School of Theology in Denver. He has completed the coursework for his Doctor of Ministry in Prophetic Leadership from Iliff and is still working to complete his final project.
John has lived in Colorado, Texas and Minnesota. He and his husband, Rick are celebrating 28 years as a couple in October of 2024. They are looking forward to a new adventure in Maine. John has made it his goal to discover the best lobster roll in Maine while Rick will seek out the best blueberry pie, muffin, or ale. John looks forward to being a part of the vision and hope the churches of the Maine Conference bring to our world.
A Letter from our Conference Minister
Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola
“Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee”Many of my Sunday mornings are spent traveling around Maine to different churches, and often the way to the church is through back roads. I may not wander through the woods and forest glades, but I roll down the windows and let the sounds of nature and the visions of hills and woods envelop me in “awesome wonder.” And the healing and grace I receive is palpable.
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze—
During my travels, it is not unusual for me to sing along with the birds and breeze, more of my favorite hymns:
“Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; O what a foretaste of glory divine”
And another one of my favorites:
“And he walks with me and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own.”
This past Sunday as I was traveling to Rumford Point and Andover, I was especially needing to take in the beauty around me and “sing my soul” to my God who sustains me. I believe the intensity this Sunday was born out of my deep grief for losing Anne Hodgman—and the blessed assurance that she is in the everlasting arms, cancer free, joyful and playful, as Anne could be when she felt her best. I remember telling her family just before I left from saying goodbye to Anne: “Anne knows where she’s going. She is not afraid. She is good. It is we who need loving arms around us as we are deeply grieved and miss her earthly presence with us.”
Beloved Ones of the Maine Conference, what stirs your soul to sing gratitude to our God who walks with you through mortal and eternal life, who tells you that you belong, who accepts you just as you are—whoever you are in your God-created beauty? Wherever you are on your mortal journey? What moments this summer will you take in the woods and forest glades listening to the birds and feeling the gentle breeze? We all need healing at many moments throughout our mortal lives. What is in your heart that God is yearning to heal?
Praying for and with each and all, as we mourn whatever grief we hold. Praying for and with each and all to deeply know the healing that God offers, as God wraps us in intimate and everlasting arms.
Marisa
MEMORIAL SERVICE
For
ANNE HODGMAN
Friday, July 12 at 1pm,
High Street Congregational Church, Auburn
Anne Hodgman joined the Maine Conference Staff in the Fall of 2001 as a Resource Center Assistant. In the Fall of 2008, Anne became the Director of the Resource Center. After the conference office moved to Augusta in May of 2013, Anne took on the duties of Accounting Assistant which entails processing all of the Conference and Pilgrim Lodge bills, running the bi-weekly payrolls for both, submitting quarterly and annual reports to the State and Federal Governments on behalf of the Conference and Pilgrim Lodge.
In January of 2017, she added Executive Assistant to her duties as the transition away from the Resource Center began. Responsibilities include answering the phones, providing administrative support as needed, coordinates registration for events and the distribution of data, works on annual reporting to the Data Hub/yearbook, provides hospitality, coordinates the arrangements for General Synod delegates, oversees office machine maintenance, office supplies, maintains the Conference calendar, opens and distributes mail, custodial and other duties as assigned.
Anne was a mom to three adult sons, grandmother, to four grandchildren and lived with her husband of 44+ years in Fayette, Maine. She was also a member of High Street Congregational UCC in Auburn where she had served on the Board of Christian Education, Board of Deacons, provided childcare in the nursery, the superintendent of Church School and as the Director of Christian Education for almost twelve years.
Comments