Hancock UCC Weekly Messenger for August 25, 2024
Where charity and love prevail,
there God is ever found; Brought here together by Christ’s love,
by love are we thus bound.
Sunday, August 25th we will move our 9:30 worship service outdoors. Join us at the Sam Ball Farm (618 Point Rd) as guests of Jodie Kimmel. Bring your own lawn chair or use a chair provided by the church.
The Union Congregational Church of Hancock, United Church of Christ will hold a special congregational meeting on Sunday, September 1st, 2024 immediately following the 9:30 morning worship service for the following purposes:
1. To vote on a permanent time for the worship service on Sunday mornings, (A) year round at 9:30 a.m. or (B) 9:00 a.m. on the Sundays between Memorial Day and Labor Day and 10:00 a.m. the rest of the year.
2. Any other business to come before the congregation.
Jeanne Edwards, Clerk
August 15, 2024
During the month of September we will be receiving Our Church’s Wider Mission offering. This is one of the 5 for 5 offerings received by the Maine Conference throughout the year. OCWM provides funding from congregations for Conferences and the national ministries of the United Church of Christ (wider and local church ministries, justice and witness ministries, general ministries, and pension boards). Envelopes are available in the back of the Sanctuary or notate your desired donation on the memo line of your check, Every little bit helps!
Saturday movie matinee, August 24th at the Hancock Historical Society 11 Captain Bill Road.
We have a cool movie for you this week!!!
“ HARVESTING ICE IN NEW ENGLAND “
A video showing this near-forgotten New England industry.
Hundreds of ships sailed south each year packed with ice for southern ports.
Show starts at 1:15 pm Museum is open 1-3 pm
Free admission-AC-Comfortable Chairs
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.
The Outreach Committee will meet Thursday, August 29th at 4:15 p.m.
The Trustees will meet Sept. 4th at noon in person and on Zoom
The Budget Committee will meet Friday, September 6th at 12:30 pm.
Church Council will meet Friday, September 6th at 11:30 am.
Deacons will meet Friday, September 13th at 3:00 pm
WIC of Hancock and Washington Counties (Women, Infant, & Children) is hosting its
3rd Annual Community Baby Shower in Ellsworth on Saturday, September 7th.
The Outreach Committee has chosen WIC as their focus for August. If you are able and desire to do so, please consider making a donation of diapers, baby wipes, baby wash, or an infant outfit. Cash donations are also welcome, and Tamara and her WIC team will do the shopping for you. Items can be left at the church, dropped off at the WIC office at the Mill Mall in Ellsworth, or pick up arrangements can be made. We are grateful for the support and the giving hearts of our congregation. Please reach out to Tamara at 207-460-4148 with any questions you may have.
We will hold a Celebration of Life for William Pinkham on Thursday, August 29th at 2:00 pm. Please continue to hold his housemates and the staff of Golden Acres in your prayers.
We will hold a Celebration of Life for Peggy Emigh on Thursday, September 5th at 2:00 pm. Please continue to hold his housemates and the staff of Golden Acres in your prayers.
Last Sunday, August 18th, we recognized 17 Long-Term Members. Those who were recognized were:
20 years 25 years 30 years 35 years
Zachary Hunt Ethan Hunt Erin Collins Peggy Karns
Jackie Hunt Wayne Johnson
Rebeckah Philio
Amanda Schaefer
45 years 50 years 65 years 78 years
Mary Beth DiMarco Betty Johnston Gertrude Haskins Kenny Stratton
Herbie Lounder Sally Knapp Sandy Phippen
Marcia Nowell Liz Singletary
Dear Hancock UCC friends,
Thank you for helping me remember my years as a member of this church! When Robin asked me if I'd like to say something in church on Sunday, I couldn't think of anything. But I think the story of how and why I joined the church 45 years ago might interest you. I had graduated from college and was volunteer teaching in a Catholic school in South Texas and needed to be connected to a "home" church. Since I didn't plan to return to New Jersey, I spoke with Rev Sue (Clague) Davies about joining my grandmother's church here in Hancock and she supported me. Through all of my moves to different communities, jobs, and denominations over the years, this church has anchored me in my faith. I've never (yet) been a year-round resident of Hancock, but this community has been there to support and challenge me, offer peace and lots of friendship all of my adult life. I am so grateful for that! –-Mary Beth DiMarco
Upcoming September Birthdays and Anniversaries
02: Sandra Libby 02:*Chris* Nowell 07: Rohanna Madigan
08: Tamara Crowley 08: Jane Coffin 09: Parker Fuller
11: Kenny Stratton 14: Roger & Denise Chandler 15: Nancy Cooledge
15: Priscilla Hirschenhofer 16: Jaimie & Gina Tansey
19: Tony Burkart 19: Joey & Morgan Espling
20: Dianne Eckhardt 20: Cliff Manchester 20: Jim Singletary
Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:
Prayers for Don and Heather; Graham and his parents, Joey and Morgan; 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 receiving Hospice Care. Prayers for Jane; Ruth; Marie; Joyce; Doris; Ron & Kathy; Jim Snyder; Brandon Perry-Hudson; John Wood; Jonathan Holmes; Sue Davies; Sue Davenport; Austin’s cousin Danny; Liz & Jim; Debbie & Lincoln & son-in-law Aaron, daughter Ashley, and granddaughter Brielle; Sandy Phippen; Kenny Stratton; Joy & David & Lori; Betty & her step-daughter Mollie; Debbie & Hollis & Holly and Debbie’s Aunt Linda Reed; 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 the people of our nation and of our world experiencing escalating wars, conflicts, and disasters. Prayers for all individuals estranged from family members; prayers for all individuals and families experiencing addictions; prayers for all caregivers; and prayers for all that is in your heart…
From Our Maine Conference
2025 Budget Hearing Opportunities
for all Clergy and Laity of our conference
This is a revised invitation as there were a few adjustments that were needed. If you have already registered using the previous invitation, please re-register again. Sorry for the inconvenience.
The Maine Conference UCC Board of Directors will be holding the 2025 Budget Hearings
via Zoom!
There are three opportunities scheduled to help in trying to accommodate everyone's busy schedules.
Thursday, September 5th, 10AM - 12 PM
Monday, September 9th, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday, September 11th, 3 PM - 5 PM
Register for the one that fits your schedule best!
Below you can find the registration link to the hearings. Once registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to join the meeting.
Preliminary Budget will be available soon!
A Note from our Associate Conference MinisterRev. John Fiscus
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
I will not assume that the prophet Jerimiah’s prophetic promise is about me or the current moment of time I find myself. One year ago, Maine and being the Associate Conference Minister were not on my radar. I was however feeling the spirit move in my life. Change and new purpose were needed. My discernment of what was coming leaned into my belief that God is still speaking to us and still calling us in what the Apostle Paul called sighs too deep for words. I needed to be receptive to listening to the yet unknown.
I believe, there is room for all of us in this bubble of new and unknown. Church in the Twenty-first is changing and challenging. We all have an opportunity to be present in our listening for the sighs. As I come to know the churches, pastors, and parishioners of Maine I will be leaning into the role of listener more than any another. I want to hear your plans, hopes, and fears. I want to sit with you and listen. I do believe that God has plans for us all. My calendar is still very open (I know that should not be said aloud), and would love invitations to be present in your churches. My heart is filled with joy in this moment as we embrace knowing and listening together.
One final request, be gentle on me. First Nations names of cities and places are a learning curve for me always. I have lived West, South, and North but this Eastern reality is new. I have called Mountain Dew, Soda, Coke or Pop at various times in my life. I will figure out the Maine nuances in time. I will adapt but my “r’s” will be hard until I know better. Life is a grand journey and this new sojourn is such a blessing.
Peace and Grace,
Reverend John Fiscus
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