Hancock UCC Weekly Messenger for August 4, 2024

O help us stand unswerving against war's bloody way, where hate and lust and falsehood hold back Christ's holy sway; forbid false love of country that blinds us to his call, who lifts above the nations the unity of all.

Upcoming services, meetings, events, and opportunities

On Sunday, August 4th, Pastor TJ will lead the service and our guest lay preacher, Peter Schay will deliver our message during the morning worship service. Peter resides in Burlington, NC, and works as a cybersecurity operations manager, having 52 years of professional experience in information technology and consulting. His extended family has owned a home on Jellison Cove Road in Hancock since the late 1980s.

Peter has been an active member of UCC churches in Illinois, Massachusetts, Connecticut and North Carolina. He is currently chair of the Board of Trustees at United Church of Chapel Hill, NC, which he joined in 2014. He has also been active in the UCC above the local church, serving as a lay member on the Committees on Ministry of the Fairfield West Association (Southern New England Conference) and Eastern North Carolina Association, a member of the Executive Committee of the UCC Southern Conference, and as a voting delegate from the Southern Conference to the UCC 2023 General Synod.

Peter has a BS from Yale University, MS from Northwestern University, and MBA from Boston University.

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 Trustees will meet on Wednesday, August 7th at 12:00 noon.

Deacons will meet Friday, August 9th at 3:00 pm in person and on Zoom.

The Outreach Committee will meet Thursday, August 15th at 4:15 p.m..

The Hancock Point Chapel offers a weekly meditation on Fridays at 9 AM. They 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 there are guest speakers. The goal is friendship and happiness. All leave in silence. Do come…

Pastor TJ will be in Wisconsin from August 10th - 23rd. She is grateful for the week of vacation followed by a week of working from WI remotely. Your calls, texts, and emails are always welcome. 

On Sunday, August 11th, our guest minister is Rev. Dr. Alison Boden. Alison, a member of our congregation, is a UCC minister who has just concluded a 33-year career as a college chaplain and professor at Bucknell University, the University of Chicago, and Princeton University. Alison and her family have had a home in Hancock for 25 years, and she is thrilled that it is now her full-time residence. This fall Alison will begin working with two faith-based organizations, The Rose Castle Foundation, which does training in reconciliation skills, and the World Student Christian Federation, a global organization that supports Christian university students.

On Sunday, August 18th, we will be recognizing those members celebrating a significant anniversary as a member of our church during the worship service. Pastor TJ will lead this service from Wisconsin along with help from those in the sanctuary.

Also on Sunday, August 18th, we will be having our annual church picnic at Tidal Falls, 4:00-6:00 pm. Bring a dish to share and enjoy the beautiful view and good food with good friends.

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.

Low key show opening at the Crocker House Monday August 5th from 5-6 pm. Recent Paintings by Renata Moise and a few by the late artist William Moise. Show runs through August. All welcome!

Upcoming August Birthdays and Anniversaries

01: Antonio Blasi & Renata Moise           01: Bruce & Sheila Denny-Brown

08: Gary & Jeanne Edwards        09: Denny Doucette   

15: David Wildes & Cynthia Wood      19: Doug Kimmel & Ron Schwizer

14: Amelia Ashmore       23: Gerry Mehl      24: Cynthia Wood

25: Austin Crowley-Dunn         29: Nick & Mary Angela Davis

Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:

Prayers for 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, 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; 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

 A Letter from our Associate Conference Minister

Rev. Sam Houser

Watching the Olympics, where athletes from diverse backgrounds come together to compete and celebrate their unique gifts, I have been reminded of the profound unity that can arise from embracing diversity. The Olympics showcase a remarkable array of cultures, languages, and traditions, all converging to form a global community united by a shared passion for sport and excellence.

So it is true of the ways Christ calls us to embrace and celebrate our differences while striving for unity within the Body of Christ. Just as the athletes compete with integrity and support one another, we are invited to live out our faith by valuing the rich tapestry of diversity within our congregations, our communities, and the world.

I hope to remain inspired by the Olympics. To deepen the commitment to inclusivity and solidarity. Just as each athlete as well as each team brings their own story and strength to the Games; each human within the Maine Conference as well as each church brings unique perspectives and gifts to the table. By recognizing and uplifting these differences, we can build a stronger, more vibrant Conference that reflects the unity and love Christ exemplifies. And that spirit of inclusiveness and mutual respect, honoring the diverse expressions of our faith and fostering a community where all are celebrated and valued is one that I am excited to be participating in.

Blessings in the ministry.

Reverend Sam Houser

(she/they)

Associate Conference Minister