Fouth Sunday in Lent Communion Sunday Scout Sunday

Transcription

1 Hancock Covenant of Welcome We welcome all who seek to know God. We believe that, although we are many members, we are one body in Christ. We have been called as well as challenged by God to respect and reconcile our differences. We recognize and love each individual as a child of God. We welcome, respect, support, and lovingly encourage people of every race, ethnicity, creed, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, and physical and mental ability to join us on our journey of faith. This faith journey indeed calls Hancock Members not to be silent in the face of prejudice, injustice, and exclusion, but to express our faith, in word and deed, for justice and inclusiveness for all humanity. As Paul wrote to the Galatians, In Christ there is no longer Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one. Fouth Sunday in Lent Communion Sunday Scout Sunday Paul Shupe, Senior Minister paul.shupe@hancockchurch.org Barbara Callaghan, Minister barbara.callaghan@hancockchurch.org Nancy Rottman, Congregational Care Coordinator nancy.rottman@hancockchurch.org Mark Morgan, Director of Music mark.morgan@hancockchurch.org Andrew Harris, Student Minister andrew.harris@hancockchurch.org David Clark, Student Minister david.clark@hancockchurch.org Marilyn Becker, Associate Director of Music marilyn.becker@hancockchurch.org David Price, Student Minister david.price@hancockchurch.org Church Office Phone: (781) Church Office Hours: M-Th 8:30-4:30, F 8:30-3:00 Hancock Community Prayer: (781) Emergency Pastoral Care Phone: (929) Hancock United Church of Christ, Congregational 1912 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA March 6, 2016 Morning Worship 10:00 am Evening Well 6:15 pm For bulletin announcements, corrections, or suggestions, office@hancockchurch.org To conserve trees and your pledge dollars, consider sharing your bulletin. Please recycle.

2 Gathering Together To Praise God MOMENT FOR REFLECTION Today marks the beginning of UCC Women s Week. This coincides with other denomina onal and secular observances of Women's Week including Interna onal Women's Day on March 8. Throughout the Bible and throughout me, women have rarely been portrayed in the fullness of their lived experience in the world and in faith. Many of women s deepest concerns, fears, weaknesses, and needs are not addressed in the biblical tradi on, and indeed their unique perspec ves, strengths, and gi s are rarely brought to bear in biblical teaching. This morning we will take a fresh look at a familiar story, The Return of the Prodigal Son, searching for Mother God s fresh wisdom for us as we consider women s experience of separa on and reconcilia on. PRELUDE Suite I in D: La Flamande E. Jacquet de la Guerre CALL TO WORSHIP One: Come, all you who have strayed, you have wandered far from Love s presence. Many: We come, hoping for uncondi onal welcome, for acceptance that heals us. One: Come, all of you who are hungry, and thirsty, and worn out. Many: We come, seeking shelter and nourishment from the One who created us. Her embrace is always wide enough, her well deep enough, her harvest boun ful enough for all of us. One: Come, all of you who doubt, and worry, and hesitate. Many: We come trus ng that the God who knows us inside out, loves us beyond all doubt. We give thanks and praise that this is so! *OPENING HYMN We Yearn, O Christ for Wholeness #395 The text of this hymn was wri en by Dosia Clarkson, who was inspired by a sermon by UCC minister Harold Wilke who was born without arms. WORDS OF WELCOME A REFLECTION ON SCOUTING Sumner Gubisch, Troop 119 Senior Patrol Leader PRAYER OF INVOCATION Andrew Harris GATHERING SONG Walk With Me Walk with me, I will walk with you And build the land that God has planned Where love shines through (repeat) 2 * Congregation standing some may wish to remain seated Sunday March 6 8:30 am Pastor s Class in PEAr 8:30 am Choir Rehearsal in SANC 9:00 am Stewardship Commi ee in RM :00 am Morning Worship Communion and Scout Sunday in SANC 10:20 am All Ages Children s Program 10:20 am JYO Sandwich Making in KITCHEN 11:00 am Fellowship Hour in DR 11:15 am Hancock Choristers in RM :15 am JYO Choir in RM :15 am Nomina ng Commi ee in CONF 11:15 am Lenten Book Discussion in PEAR 5:30 pm Soup and Bread Supper in DR 6:15 pm Well in CLAR 7:00 pm HYG in UR 7:00 pm OWL in KS Monday March 7 9:30 am Project Group in CONF 10:00 am Monday Morning Book Group in PEAR 1:30 pm Skyloom in KS 7:30 pm Deacons in PEAR Tuesday March 8 10:00 am Staff Mee ng in CONF 11:00 am Staff Worship Planning in CONF 7:00 pm Chris an Service Commi ee in PEAR 7:00 pm Adult Chris an Educa on Commi ee in LIB Wednesday March 9 9:00 am Submission Deadline for Hancock Weekly 1:15 om Consort in KS 7:00 pm Carillon Rehearsal in BELL Thursday March 10 6:30 pm Girl Scouts/ Susan von Heuene in RM 208 The Week Ahead 6:30 pm Boy Scouts in CLAR, KS, RM 205 7:00 pm Finance Commi ee in CONF 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal in CHOR, SANC Friday March 11 9:30 am Morning Glory Bell Ringers Saturday March 12 9:00 am Pruden al Work Day CLAR, SANC, CONF, CHAP, NARTHEX, and DR a er 11 am 10:00 am AA Mee ng in DR 2:00 pm Eagle Court of Honor in CLAR, SANC 3:00 pm Plaster Posaunes Brass Group in CHOR 5:00 pm CE Family Movie Night in CE COMMONS Sunday March 13 8:30 am Pastor s Class in PEAR 8:30 am Choir Rehearsal in SANC 9:00 am Stewardship Commi ee in RM :00 am Morning Worship in SANC 10:20 am Children s Program in CE Wing 10:20 am JYO in UR 11:00 am Hancock Choristers in RM :15 am JYO Choir in RM :15 am Nomina ng Commi ee in CONF 11:15 am Lenten Book Discussion in PEAR 1:00 pm Memorial Service of Ed Hamlin in SANC 2:00 pm Memorial Service Recep on in CLAR 5:30 pm Soup and Bread Supper in DR 6:15 pm Well in CLAR 7:00 pm Caregiver s Dinner in WILS 7:00 pm HYG in UR 7:00 pm OWL in KS LOCATION KEY BELL Bell Room CHAP Chapel CHOR Choir Room CLAR Clark Hall CONF Conference Room DR Dining Room RM205 Room 205 KS Kathie Stuart LIB Po er Library PEAR Pearson SANC Sanctuary WILS Wilson UR Upper Room To schedule an event or rent space, contact the Church Office at office@hancockchurch.org or call The complete Hancock calendar is available at calendar. 19

3 CHILDREN S TIME David C. Clark A er the gathering, all are invited to Clark Hall for an all age event and sandwich making for the Outdoor Church of Cambridge. The Junior Youth Organiza on kids (JYO grades 6th, 7th, 8th) will return to worship for communion. Childcare is provided for children age three and younger in the Infant/Toddler Room. Parents may pick up children a er worship in Clark Hall or the Infant/Toddler Room. Giving Thanks To God MOMENT FOR MISSION Rosie s Place Meg Weston THE MORNING OFFERING Paul Shupe OFFERTORY Come We Who Love the Lord (WEBSTER) Arr. by Carol Barnett The Chancel Choir from The Southern Harmony, 1835 Come, we who love the Lord, and let our joys be known: join in a song with sweet accord and thus surround the throne. Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God; but servants of the heavenly King may speak their joys abroad. The God that rules on high, that all the earth surveys, that rides the sky and calms the roaring sea. Carol Barne is a prominent American choral composer based in Minnesota. She is the composer of The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass that the choir shared in worship alongside the band Monroe Crossing in *THE DOXOLOGY S-23 (The words and music may also be found in the supplement at the beginning of the hymnal.) Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below, Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost *PRAYER OF DEDICATION Paul Shupe 18 ANNOUNCEMENTS 3

4 The Prayers of the People CALL TO CONFESSION Create In Me A Clean Heart #279 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me Sung Response Leader: We come before you today, holy and wondrous God, asking you for guidance out of our sin. We li up to you the sickness of our spirits that keep us from truly living within the realm of Divine Love. Many: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me Leader: In the days ahead, challenge us to stand on the side of Holy Jus ce. Do not allow our egos to cloud our eyes from the truth: You need us to be be er to help heal a world broken by greed, pain, and inequity. Many: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me All: Silence This response is by composer Margaret Tucker, who has wri en many hymns, works for bell choir, and choir. She is the Music Director Emerita of First Church UCC in Houston Texas, and is the editor of our hymnal. A TIME OF SILENT CONFESSION WORDS OF ASSURANCE AND PARDON ONE: Friends, in the name of Jesus Christ, I speak words of truth to you: there is more forgiveness in God than there is sin in us. MANY: For the blessed assurance of the ever present love, we give God our thanks and our praise. I am forgiven. You are forgiven. All are made new by the power of God s love! SONG OF ASSURANCE Just As I Am (verses 1 and 4) #410 This is the most famous of the hymns by Charlo e Ellio ( ). Sickly most of her life, she nonetheless had a great crea ve mind and spirit and wrote 150 hymns. PRAYERS FOR THE WORLD Paul Shupe THE LORD S PRAYER Our Father, 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 debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into tempta on, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. 4 ANNOUNCEMENTS 17

5 The Good News Is Proclaimed THE GOSPEL READING Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 Brian Zanin, Troop 10 David Arena, Troop 160 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them. So he told them this parable: There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me. So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the ci zens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were ea ng; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, How many of my father s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands. So he set off and went to his father. But while he was s ll far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But the father said to his slaves, Quickly, bring out a robe the best one and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fa ed calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found! And they began to celebrate. Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fa ed calf, because he has got him back safe and sound. Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with pros tutes, you killed the fa ed calf for him! Then the father said to him, Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found. 16 ANNOUNCEMENTS 5

6 6 THE SERMON On Daughters Lost and Found Nancy Rottman Communion Liturgy INVITATION ONE: God be with you. ALL: And also with you. ONE: Li up your hearts. ALL: We li them up to God. ONE: Let us give thanks to God: Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. ALL: It is right to give God thanks and praise. ONE: Luke, the evangelist, wrote of our risen Savior, who at the table with two of the disciples took bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. Their eyes were opened and they recognized the risen Christ in the breaking of the bread. ALL: In company with all believers in every me and beyond me, we come to this table to know the risen Christ in the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup. THE COMMUNION PRAYER BREAKING THE BREAD, BLESSING THE CUP ONE: Ready now to receive again the great gi s of communion, let us confess our Easter faith: ALL: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. ONE: Come, Holy Spirit, come. Bless this bread, bless this cup, and bless all of us in our ea ng and drinking together, that our eyes may be opened to see the risen Christ among us, and that our hearts might be united with sisters and brothers in every me and beyond me. ALL: AMEN. THE BREAD AND THE CUP ARE SHARED This table belongs to Jesus Christ. Mindful of Christ, and in keeping with our Covenant of Welcome, this table is open to all, regardless of age, race, sex, class, creed, sexual orienta on or physical or mental ability. This is our Savior s table, and all are invited to come. Remembering our covenantal es to one another, we hold the bread un l all are served and eat together. Mindful of our individual rela onship with Christ, we drink the cup as we are served. A er we have shared together, our Junior Youth Organiza on will bring to the table the lunches that they have prepared for our homeless sisters and brothers who worship with the Outdoor Church in Cambridge. The lunches blessed will Lexington Food Pantry As a member of the Chris an Service Commi ee, and the Food Pantry coordinator, I wanted to let you know about the need in our community and ask for your assistance with the Lexington Food Pantry. See and Experience Hancock Church in Ac on at the Lexington Food Pantry Volunteers needed March 12 or April 9 For more informa on on food dona ons or volunteering for upcoming Hancock team dates, please contact: Susan Foley, Chris an Service Commi ee, at s.foley.165@gmail.com Monday Morning Book Group The Monday Morning Book Group meets in the Pearson Room at 10 A.M. We will be con nuing discussions on Good God, Lousy World and Me. Lenten Book Discussion Sundays, March 6 & 13, a er morning worship in Pearson we will read Between the World and Me by Ta Nehisi Coates. Discussion led by Paul Shupe, David Price, and The Rev. Dr. Sandras Barnes of City Mission, who teaches about race at Wheelock College. ANNOUNCEMENTS 15

7 The Good Friday Walk For Sharing Around 40 years ago, Tu s Medical School conducted a study which was then published in the Boston Globe. The study showed that not only were many children in the states of Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia going hungry day a er day, but that they were suffering brain damage as well because of hunger and poor nutri on. That disclosure prompted the founding of The Good Friday Walk for Sharing by a Massachuse s mother and grew from her few dollars from friends earned walking to church, to an organiza on now benefi ng farm coopera ves, schools, day care and nutri on centers, college scholarships, and poverty assistance. Six million dollars has been raised and donated for projects to combat poverty, par cularly among children, in the affected southern states by walkers and their sponsors. Hancock members and friends have been very generous over the years and a number of them have walked as well. 95% of all monies collected go directly to the projects, as administra ve costs are covered by separate membership. Faith Fenske and Harriet Chmela have par cipated in the 20 mile walk on Good Friday for many years and will again this year. They will be in coffee hour with their sign up sheets un l Good Friday. Hancock Tables Fun! Food! Fellowship with Hancock Folks! Sign up now for Hancock Tables. We'll put you and/or your family in a small group of six to nine other Hancock folks. You'll have dinner together, potluck style, in one another's homes, once in March and once in May. It's a great way to get to know some new friends, taste some good cooking, and have a good me. 14 ANNOUNCEMENTS feed our friends this very day. COMMUNION ANTHEM God, Who Touchest Earth With Beauty text by Mary S. Edgar ( ) The Chancel Choir Music By Marilyn Becker God, who touchest earth with beauty, make my heart anew; With thy spirit recreate me, pure and strong and true. Like thy springs and running waters make me crystal pure; Like thy rocks and towering grandeur make me strong and sure. Like the arching of the heavens li my thoughts above Turn my dreams to noble ac on, ministries of love. God, who touchest earth with beauty, make my heart anew; With thy spirit recreate me, pure and strong and true. Amen. Mary S. Edgar was a Canadian author, playright, and hymnwriter. This text has been translated into several languages and has appeared in hymnals around the world. The music is by our own Associate Director of Music, Marilyn Becker. THE PRAYERS OF BLESSING YOUTH: Bless, O God, the meal that we have prepared for our sisters and brothers of the Outdoor Church. Let their bodies be nourished, and their spirits li ed by this meal. And let each of us rededicate ourselves to work for a more just world in which all your children are safe and secure in homes, and are sustained by good food and sheltered by the love of community. ONE: Hear us, O God, as we extend our thanks for the boun ful feast that we have shared with others on this Communion Sunday. ALL: We give thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us at your table by gran ng us the presence of Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another, and send us forth into the world in courage and in peace, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ our risen Savior, Amen. *CLOSING HYMN Be Still, My Soul #95 Li le is known about the woman who wrote the original German text of this hymn other than that she was born in 1697 and was seemingly a ached to the ducal court in Cothen. The translator, Jane Borthwick, was a Scotswoman who translated and wrote many hymns including Come, Labor On. BENEDICTION *PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST 7

8 POSTLUDE Suite I in D: Rigaudon, 2e. Rigaudon E. Jacquet de la Guerre C h u r c h S c h o o l at Hancock Church Hancock Church strives to create a fun and engaging atmosphere to introduce our children to a life of faith! We have weekly church school classes for pre k 1st grade, 2nd 3rd, 4th 5th, and the Junior Youth Org (JYO) for 6th, 7th, & 8th graders. While pre k through fi h grade learn the stories and lessons of the Bible through art, conversa on, and play, the JYO focuses on community service and community building! Pre k through 5th grade meet in the Chris an Ed wing, and the JYO meets in the Upper Room (on the third floor). We also host family events throughout the year to have good, old fashioned fun! Please be in touch with David Clark for more details! Today s Flower Offering The Chancel flowers are given in loving memory of our grandparents by Susan and Manuel Navia. Kickstarter Countdown Begins: 2 Weeks to Go! Top 5 things to Know about Our Kickstarter Campaign for the River Rock Band's Album 5. Deadline is March 15th! 4. We get NONE of the money (and no one pays anything) if we don't raise ALL the money 3. It's super easy to do! Just click the link on our website, Facebook, or weekly ! 2. Will produce an album of terrific music that's great to listen to and share 1. It spreads the word about the great stuff we have going on at Hancock Church! You can help spread the word now by "liking" us on Facebook! Just click the "like" bu on on the Kickstarter page and spread the word! 8 ANNOUNCEMENTS 13

9 We extend our sympathy to the friends and family of those who have passed away recently. Long me Hancock member Ed Hamlin has died at the age of 89. We offer our prayers of comfort to his children and grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Hancock on Sunday, March 13, at 1:00 pm. Work Day Saturday, March 12th Join members of the Pruden al Commi ee on Saturday, March 12th from 9am to 1pm for a work day. We have a variety of projects for the day, some requiring specific skills and others just a willingness to roll up your sleeves and join friends of Hancock to keep our building shining. Check in at the Conference Room when you arrive to see what needs to be done. Join us for part of the me or for the en re morning. Special skills you'd like to share on workday or a project you'd like to see done? Contact Susan McClements at skmcclements@gmail.com February Calendar To see all weekly ac vi es, please view our online calendar. (We recommend "agenda view.") Barbara Callaghan Maternity Leave Un l March 20 (minimum). March Calendar March 28 Offices Closed 12 ANNOUNCEMENTS Welcome Service of to Worship Hancock! We are delighted that you chose to worship with us today and are strengthened by your par cipa on in our service! We warmly invite you to coffee and refreshments immediately following worship. Coffee can be found through either of the doors next to the Chancel. If you d like to learn more about our church community and ac vi es, please take the flier hanging in the pew. You may also fill out the Welcome slip in the pew holder, and hand it to one of the clergy or ushers today. We hope that you feel very much at home here and that you will make Hancock Church your church. If you have any ques ons, our Welcoming Commi ee would be happy to help: welcoming@hancockchurch.org. Child care is available each Sunday beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the nursery and toddler room. All children and youth are invited to worship with their families, to come forward for the Children s Gathering, and then recess to the Church School for K 5. Older children are invited to stay in worship or help with younger youth. Large print bulle ns, hearing assist aids, and an elevator are available at Hancock Church. Please ask an usher for assistance. All services are recorded and cablecast locally by LexMedia Cable TV (RCN 3, Comcast 8 and Verizon 35) Sunday 10 AM and 7 PM, Tuesdays 10 PM. For more informa on, please visit the Hancock website at *** SERVICE DVDS AVAILABLE Just fill out the orange form just outside the television studio on the lower level. The cost is $10.00 which can be paid upon ordering or upon pickup at the church. All proceeds go to support the television ministry. HANCOCK CHURCH SERMON IN HD Online at WATCH SERVICE LIVE Online at livestreaming.html from 10am 11am 9

10 Confession During the season of Lent, we will be engaging together in the spiritual discipline of confession. Confession is the simple acknowledgement of complicity with wrong doing. When we confess, we state clearly to God, to our community, and to ourselves, that we have fallen short, made poor choices, or failed to resist thoughts or ac ons that lead to the harming of others. Confession may take any number of forms...read MORE HERE. Holy Week March 20 Palm Sunday March 24 Maundy Thursday Service at 7:30 in Clark Hall March 25 Good Friday Service at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary March 27 EASTER CELEBRATIONS at 6:15am, 9am, & 11am Labyrinth in the Chapel A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. Labyrinths have long been used to enhance prayer and medita ve prac ce. During Lent the mo f of journey is powerful as we recall Jesus journey to the Cross and seek to enrich our own spiritual journey that forms and informs our Chris an faith. Everyone is invited to walk our labyrinth, which will be set up in the Chapel throughout Lent. There will be resources and sugges ons on par cipa ng in this prac ce also available in the Chapel. Labyrinth walking allows us to engage our whole bodies in prayer. It is some mes referred to as praying with our feet. So come, take off your shoes, and ground your Lenten journey in this ancient prac ce. 3/6 Sandwich making for Outdoor Church in the kitchen 3/13 JYO in Upper Room: Con nue Lenten ac vi es & planning for Spring mission focus (please wear socks again). 3/20 JYO in Upper Room: Palm Sunday ac vi es 3/27 Easter Sunday! No JYO! 4/3 Sandwich making for Outdoor Church in the kitchen Note about winter weather: Please assume that JYO will NOT meet in the event of plowable snow s ll on the roads or coming down on asunday morning. Feel free to call Bess to confirm if we are holding class: (781) ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS 11