2 Introduction. You may come to one, or to them all, or just to the ones that you choose. We hope to see you in Lent!

Transcription

1 Lenten Brochure 2014

2 2 Introduction For more than a thousand years, Christians have been setting aside forty days before Easter (not including Sundays) and calling it the season of Lent. It is viewed as a time for reflection on our faith, and for repentance and change from the habits and practices that separate us from God and from others. In Lent, our focus naturally turns inward, as we reflect on our own lives, and our true needs. In this Lenten season at Hancock, we ll engage this classic discipline by looking together at the extended block of Jesus teachings that have come to be called the Sermon on the Mount. It can be found in the gospel of Matthew, filling chapters five, six and seven. For each Lenten Sunday, the sermon will explore his words from the Sermon on the Mount on a particular theme or topic. On the Monday evening following the sermon, a Learning in the Living Room gathering will take place in the home of Hancock member. At these events, discussions or activities will allow us to explore the themes in more detail. Paul, Dana, Pam, Alex, Becca and Nancy will all be involved in leading these events. You may come to one, or to them all, or just to the ones that you choose. We hope to see you in Lent!

3 Lenten series Dates 3 March 5 Ash Wednesday Worship at 7pm in the Kathie Stuart Room. Embark with us on the journey of remembrance, as we revisit and retell the stories of Jesus life and teachings. March 9 First Sunday in Lent March 10 First Learning in the Living Room March 16 Second Sunday in Lent March 17 Learning in the Living Room March 23 Third Sunday in Lent March 24 Learning in the Living Room March 30 Fourth Sunday in Lent March 31 Learning in the Living Room April 6 Fifth Sunday in Lent April 7 Learning in the Living Room April 13 Palm Sunday Worship begins with a palm procession for children of all ages, then we will trace the arc of the disciples behavior: Shouts of Hosanna, Seeds of Doubt, Blustered Courage, Caught Napping. April 17 Maundy Thursday Worship at 7pm in Clark Hall. Celebrate Jesus Last Supper with his disciples. April 18 Good Friday Worship at 7pm in the Sanctuary A special service led by the confirmation class where we face the difficult story of Christ s death. April 20 EASTER CELEBRATIONS Easter Sunrise Worship at 5:45am at the Old Belfry Morning Worship at 9am & 11am in the Sanctuary Easter Well at 6:15 pm in Clark Hall

4 4 March 9, 2014 First Sunday of lent blessed behaviors Actions such as extending mercy, making peace, being meek, bring blessings to us, and make us blessed examples for others. Paul preaches on Matthew 7:1-5 Hymn Sing The choir sings a beautiful contemporary setting of Simple Gifts; and Isabelle Plaster, Suzanne John, and Marilyn Becker share their instrumental gifts with us.

5 March 10, 2014 Learning in the Living Room Havruta Conversations in Pairs 5 On my office wall hangs a large and lovely needlework depiction of the opening verses of Jesus Sermon on the Mount. A beloved aunt has turned some of the most jarring and complicated of Jesus teachings into folk art. Known as the Beatitudes, these verses make startling claims: We re blessed when we mourn? The meek shall inherit the earth? Those who hunger for justice will be satisfied? Common sense and our own human experience suggests otherwise. Can we make sense of these strange teachings? How can we lean into these teachings, trusting them and thereby reaping the promised rewards? Discussion led by Paul

6 6 March 16, 2014 second Sunday of lent true treasures Don t store treasures on earth, where moth and rust corrupt and thieves steal, but lay up treasures in heaven. Dana preaches on Matthew 6:38-48 The Women of the Chancel Choir sing Mendelssohn s Lift Thine Eyes. The Hancock Carillon and Morning Glories bell choirs will also play.

7 March 17, 2014 Learning in the Living Room Book on Giving 7 How does giving of our time, talents, and treasures impact our spiritual life? How do we make decisions about who to give to and why? In our gathering together, we ll discuss the importance of giving, the impact it makes on our lives, and how we can feel that our gifts make a difference (regardless of the amount). Our discussion will be based off the provocative and prophetic book, How to Save a Life by Peter Singer. Discussion led by Dana

8 8 March 23, 2014 third Sunday of lent prayer Jesus counsels not to make a show of prayer, but to pray in humility, and offers what we call the Lord s Prayer as the exemplar. Paul preaches on Matthew 6:5-15 The Men of the Chancel Choir sing the spiritual Steal Away and a haunting Jewish prayer, Avinu malcheinu.

9 March 24, 2014 learning in the living room labyrinth and other forms of prayer 9 Are you looking for a fresh and interesting way to deepen your spiritual practice during Lent and beyond? Have you ever tried walking meditation or centering prayer? Labyrinth walking, or praying with your feet is an ancient spiritual resource that has reemerged in churches and public spaces. The 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. Walking the labyrinth is a metaphor for our own spiritual journey. It is a journey to our own center and back again out into the world. Come journey and pray with Pam and Nancy on Monday, March 24th at 7:30pm in the Kathie Stuart room. The only equipment required is your open mind, your prayer intentions, and your stocking feet! Discussion led by Pam and Nancy

10 10 March 30, 2014 fourth Sunday of lent ask, seek, answer Jesus promises that when we ask of God, we will receive, and if we knock, closed doors will be opened for us. Dana preaches on Matthew 7:7-11 The choir sings a stunning motet by Allesandro Scarlatti, and Emily Thorner and Mark Morgan sing a duet.

11 March 31, 2014 learning in the living room deeper longings 11 We often hear the refrain, ask and you shall be answered, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened unto you. Do you ever feel like God is silent? Are there questions unanswered weighing on your heart? Come explore our deeper longings together. We will explore these questions together and individually through words, imagery, and forms. Discussion led by Becca

12 12 april 6, 2014 fifth Sunday of lent do not worry Jesus teaches about anxiety and its corrupting impact on our lives, counseling trust in God instead. Jesus taught his disciples not to worry, not to let anxiety govern their lives. Yet often it seems as if telling someone not to be anxious is like telling the tide not to come in: a desired outcome, but not one likely to be fulfilled. But what is anxiety? Where does it come from? And how can it be resisted? What actions, what practices, can we engage that will keep anxiety from reigning in our lives? Paul preaches on Matthew 6:25-34 The Chancel Choir premieres a new piece by our own Marilyn Becker, Help Me, Lord. The Hancock Choristers, children s choir, help lead us in worship.

13 april 7, 2014 learning in the living room Finding Sabbath in the Storm 13 You ve probably read that passage from Matthew s Gospel that implores us not to worry because of the freedom of the birds of the air and lilies of the field. While it s beautiful in theory - it s dang hard, isn t it? Together we ll walk with PC(USA) minister MaryAnn McKibben Dana, and her book Sabbath in the Suburbs, to explore how we might introduce real and lasting Sabbath into our family lives as a key to taking up Christ s call to battle anxiety. While one doesn t need to read the book before our group time, it is very much encouraged! Pastor MaryAnn is a relatable writer with practical advice for any family. Discussion led by Alex

14 14 april 20, 2014 easter celebrations Easter Sunrise Worship at 5:45 am at the Old Belfry Gather outside for a simple service of singing, scripture, and sharing the names of loved ones who have died. Morning Worship at 9am & 11am in the Sanctuary A traditional Easter Celebration through word and music. The Chancel Choir is joined by brass quartet and timpani for a festive morning of music including our annual singing of the Hallelujah Chorus. Well at 6:15pm in Clark Hall On Easter the River Rock Band will play a rousing night of music to celebrate the resurrection, includig the spiritual Ain t No Grave.

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16 ask. seek. knock. HANCOCK, UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, CONGREGATIONAL 1912 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington MA (781) NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S.POSTAGE PAID BOSTON, MA PERMIT NO