CELEBRATION SUNDAY. September 16, 2018, 10:00 a.m. Hancock United Church of Christ, Congregational 1912 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA

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1 Photograph by Brianna Santellan, unsplash.com CELEBRATION SUNDAY September 16, 2018, 10:00 a.m. Hancock United Church of Christ, Congregational 1912 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA

2 MOMENT FOR REFLECTION GATHERING TOGETHER TO PRAISE GOD Welcome to worship on Celebration Sunday as we begin our new church year together! Summer often carries us to distant places, and we are less likely to be gathered together in one place. But now, with fall drawing near, we begin a full year of life together. In addition, this year we begin a the joy-filled process that we are calling Hancock Next, as we discern together what God is calling our congregation to do and be as we seek to change the world through love, and compassion and acts of justice and peacemaking. What a joy to be together! What a joy to seek the presence of God together! What a celebration is in order because God is good, God is still speaking, and together, we can change the world. Welcome! HANCOCK PRAYS Service of Worship If you have come this morning with a joy or concern that you would like the ministers and the congregation to join you in prayer about, please fill out a prayer request at the lectern in the Narthex, located in front of the tree in the corner. The prayer requests will be brought to the ministers during the singing of the first hymn, so please write your concerns as you arrive. Please remember that our services are livestreamed over the internet to all the world, so we speak the names of those for whom we are praying only when we have their expressed permission to do so. The ministers will join you in your prayers throughout the week to come. PRELUDE.... People Get Ready.... Curtis Mayfield River Rock Band People get ready, there's a train a-comin' You don't need no baggage, you just get on board All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin' You don't need no ticket you just thank the lord People get ready, there's a train to Jordan Picking up passengers coast to coast Faith is the key, open the doors for boardin There's hope for all among those loved the most There ain't no room for the hopeless sinner who would hurt all mankind Just to save his own Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner For there ain t no hiding place from the kingdom s throne People get ready there's a train comin' You don't need no baggage, just get on board All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin' You don't need no ticket, just thank the lord 2 *Congregation standing some may wish to remain seated

3 WORDS OF WELCOME... Rev. Paul Shupe CALL TO WORSHIP Service of Worship Solo: If I take the wings of the morning And fly to the ends of the earth I ll awake with the dawning To find you still, still with me. One: Oh God we give you thanks that we have been brought together today from summers of travel, new challenges, milestones, surprises, and hopefully rest. The Choir: If I take the wings of the morning And fly to the ends of the earth I ll awake with the dawning To find you still, still with me. One: We are grateful to see faces we know and love, and faces we don t yet know but love anyway. We are grateful that we are all made one through the love you give that knows no bounds. Many: (singing) If I take the wings of the morning And fly to the ends of the earth I ll awake with the dawning To find you still, still with me. One: As we look to the coming church year we are excited about what you are already doing among us. Let us not shy away from hope and joy. Give us the grace to walk alongside each other in love, and to serve our community with open hearts. Many: (singing) If I take the wings of the morning And fly to the ends of the earth I ll awake with the dawning To find you still, still with me. *OPENING HYMN.... In the Midst of New Dimensions... #363 PRAYER OF INVOCATION.... Genna Beatty and Emelia Attridge PROCLAIMING THE WORD THE SCRIPTURE READING....Jeremiah 29:11-14 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile. 3

4 CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE God of rainbow, fiery pillar, Leading where the eagles soar, we your people, ours the journey Now and ever, now and ever, now and evermore. GATHERING SONG.... Come on Children, to the Gospel Feast....#S-3 Leader: Come on children to the gospel feast All: Gather 'round, gather 'round! Leader: Jesus welcomes all, the little and least All: Gather 'round, gather 'round! This is where we sing and pray Read God s word on this glad day Come on children to the Gospel feast Gather round, gather round. CHILDREN S TIME... David C. Clark There is no Church School, Junior Youth Org, or Our Whole Lives classes this Sunday. Classes begin next week, 9/23, for all grades. Childcare is always available in the Children's Education (CE) wing. PASTORAL PRAYER.... Rev. Barbara Callaghan A TIME OF SILENT PRAYER Service of Worship THE LORD S PRAYER.... #270 ANTHEM.... Glory Bound...music & lyrics by Ruth Moody Taylor Cooper, Lindsay Mingholla, Eliza Potter, Julia Littlefield River Rock Band When I hear that trumpet sound I will lay my burdens down I will lay them deep into the ground Then I'll know that I am glory bound I'll be travelling far from home But I won't be looking for to roam I'll be crossing o'er the great divide In a better home soon I will reside Hallelujah... When I'm in my resting place I'll look on my mother's face Never more will I have to know All the loneliness that plagues me so So I'm waiting for that train to come And I know where she's coming from Listen can you hear her on the track When I board I won't be looking back Hallelujah... 4

5 THE SERMON.... "Not Finished with Us Yet".... Rev. Paul Shupe THE MORNING OFFERING.... David C. Clark OFFERTORY....Praise God with Heart and Voice...Cary Ratcliff Chancel Choir Praise God with heart and voice, Come before him with thanksgiving In him let us rejoice, to him grateful spirits bring; His hand by faith is seen guiding all our days, Praise God, his goodness sing. Earth shouts the praise of God; heavens hum God s hidden wisdom; Life sings his eyes detail, Distant oceans sound his power; Stars storm the void with voice: speak creation s rhymes; Time dances the plans of God. Praise him whose universe bursts bright with quiet meaning, Service of Worship Whose wounded world he gives light for its redeeming; Whose Word has come to us, Spoken in our flesh; Whose mercies our lives refresh. Hurl high our joy in him, sing deep our fresh found gladness. Wing words of grateful span, tell his loving kindness. Thanksgiving we shall bring, hymns of beauty raise, Praise God through all our days. Hurl high our fresh found gladness. Sing deep our joy in God. *DOXOLOGY....#S-29 From North and South and East and West, May God s eternal name be blessed! Alleluia! Alleluia! Til everywhere beneath the sun, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! PRAYER OF DEDICATION *Congregation standing some may wish to remain seated 5

6 Service of Worship CLOSING HYMN.... I Will Trust In the Lord... African American Spiritual I will trust in the Lord, I will trust in the Lord I will trust in the Lord, till I die. I will trust in the Lord, I will trust in the Lord I will trust in the Lord, till I die. Sister, will you trust in the Lord... Brother, will you trust in the Lord Preacher, will you trust in the Lord... BENEDICTION *PASSING THE PEACE POSTLUDE Thanks to today's musicians: The Chancel Choir Members of the River Rock Band with special guests Clint Lee (bass), and Ralph Rosen (harmonica) Today s Flower Offering The chancel flowers are given by Diana Hamlin in honor of her dad, Edward Hamlin's birthday, 9/17/26. Evening Worship at 5 p.m. Tonight Join us for evening worship: sharing, caring, communion, and a rich variety of music from the River Rock Band. Our evening services helps each worshipper bring his or her hopes and needs to God, to share them if they choose, and to hear a message that is powerful and relevant to life together. The River Rock Band, in various formats, brings music that is as new as today and as ancient as faith itself. Always, we share the communion. It's a wonderful and powerful worship event that somehow manages to touch each soul in ways healing and hopeful and good. Join us at 5:00 p.m., in our Chapel! 6 *Congregation standing some may wish to remain seated

7 Announcements Sharing Prayer Requests Each and every Sunday morning you may request that the Ministers and/or the Congregation join you in prayer for a joy or concern from your life. Before the worship services begins, please look for the Prayer Request Station in the Narthex outside of the Sanctuary. It is similar to a stand for holding a guest book. On the "Please Pray For..." sheet, list your name and contact information, your joy or concern, and indicate whether you are requesting public prayer during the worship service, or silent prayer by the ministers. Please note that our worship service is televised, and live streamed on the internet. It is a very public event, and it is important to protect the privacy of those who would not want their needs made known to the whole wide world. Your requests will be brought to the ministers during the singing of our Opening Hymn, and will included in our congregational prayers by the ministers as appropriate. Christian Education Year Begins Sunday 9/23! All Sunday morning classes and groups for children and young people, kindergarten through 9 th grade launch Sunday, September 23 rd! Church School for Kindergarten-5 th graders, JYO for 6 th & 7 th Grades, and Confirmation for 8 th & 9 th graders begin in full force! Join us at 10:00am! Answering the Call for Climate Justice If you were inspired by Rev. Mariama's call for climate justice last week, the Hancock Environmental Action Team is holding a meeting Sunday, Sept. 23, at 9 a.m. before the morning service, to talk about how we can work together to create meaningful change. For anyone who missed last Sunday's service, or would like to listen again, click here to watch her sermon, "A New Birth," on our website. 150 th Celebration Continues! As summer winds down, please put the following dates on your calendar: Sunday afternoon, October 21: All-church Concert Saturday late afternoon/evening, November 3 (note date change): Closing celebration party, with fun for all ages! Contact Julie Duncan to get involved. Friday, November 20: Hancock hosts Interfaith Thanksgiving service The cake float has been retired for the winter and will come out next April for the 2019 Patriots' Day parade! 7

8 New Name Tags! We finally have new name tags!! Many thanks to the Welcoming Committee who has been working hard on finding just the right name tag configuration for our community. This Sunday, September 16, we will roll out the finished product. Name tags will be available for pick up outside of Clark Hall after the 10:00 worship service. Please pick yours up before going into Clark Hall for brunch so that everyone will know who you are. Also, we learned this week that because the name tags use a magnet they are not recommended for anyone who has a pacemaker. But fear not, if you have a pacemaker we will be sure you have a different way to attach your name tag. If you are reading this and you have a pacemaker please be sure to let us know at barbara@ hancockchurch.org so that we can have a name tag ready for you asap. Wednesday 9/19 Church School Service Morning Attention church school families! Join us Wednesday, September 19 th for a morning of service projects around the church! Washing tables, stocking pews, gathering items to be donated, cleaning out unused toys, and others! Acts of service for hands of all sizes! Contact David for more info at david.clark@hancockchurch.org Schedule for the morning: Announcements 9a-9:45: arrive & enjoy some food, juice, and coffee 9:45-10: opening circle and handing out jobs! 10-11:30: service around the church 11:30-noon: closing circle and heading home Hancock Seeks Sextons for Church and Public Events Hancock Church is seeking sextons to provide custodial support for church and public events such as concerts, performances, dinners, memorial services, etc. The sexton will be responsible for ensuring that all reserved spaces are prepared for intended use, setting up and taking down tables and chairs, directing the public attending the event, monitoring building use, assisting with our sound system, cleaning up any spaces used, and securing the building. Work hours will vary Hancock will contact the sexton regarding his/her availability for events. The position pays $20 per hour. This would be a great position for a responsible young adult the minimum application age is 16. If you re interested in applying, please submit a resume and cover letter to Kathryn Dominguez at kathryn@hancockchurch.org. Please feel free to share this position description with anyone you think may be a good fit! 8

9 Announcements Scheduling Changes Among Administrative Staff Please be aware of schedule changes for Hancock s administrative staff. Our Church Administrator Kathryn Dominguez will now be working Sunday Thursday. Our Administrative Assistant Samira al-ayed will be in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons. Due to the many demands on their time, we ask for us much advanced notice as possible when seeking assistance. Any projects with weekend deadlines must be submitted no later than Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. Meet Genna Beatty, Our New Minister for Youth & Young Adults A native of Pennsylvania, Genna moved up to New England to pursue her Masters of Divinity at Yale Divinity School (sorry, Cambridge). Genna is a Member in Discernment with Central Association of Penn Central Conference, and received a B.A. from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania in Communication, focusing in public discourse and performance, with a minor in Psychology, focusing in counselling skills. When she s not agonizing over what to say in a bio, you can usually find her writing and playing music, curled up with a hot drink and a book of poetry, or making the World's Best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. Genna is beyond honored and excited to begin a new adventure with the Hancock community. Meet Suzie Barry, Our New Financial Administrator Suzie comes to Hancock with over 10 years working for churches, most recently in Bedford, MA. A native Lexingtonian and graduate of Bentley University, she lives in Lexington with her husband Mike, has two grown sons, a dog, and two cats. An active member of the Lexington community, in her spare time she likes to garden, bake and read a good mystery novel. 9

10 Announcements Adult Christian Education Book Group The ACE Book Group will meet Monday morning, September 24, to discuss Hallelujah Anyway by Anne Lamott. As one reviewer of the book wrote, "the author offers spiritually enhancing, life-affirming lessons, often punctuated with her signature wit and accessible wisdom. In examining the nature of what it means to be merciful, Lamott treads over a good deal of her inner landscape..." As usual, the Book Group will meet in the Pearson Room, from a.m. 10

11 Hancock Church Handbell Program Family Introduction To Handbells is an 8 week program for elementary school students and their parents to learn basic bell ringing skills through color-coded chords, notes, and games. Marilyn Becker will lead this fun activity beginning Sunday 9/9/18 at 11:15-noon every week (except Columbus Day Weekend), culminating with playing in church on Sunday 11/4/18. Marting To Glory Ringers is an intergenerational handbell choir for elementary school students who read music, and middle school, high school, and adult ringers of all abilities, playing intermediate level music in a fast moving setting. No experience necessary! Everyone will be challenged to their own ability, learning new skills and working as a team to create fun music for church services, concerts, and festivals. Rehearsals are 9-9:50 am two or three Sundays a month. A commitment to be on time and attend a majority of rehearsals is necessary. First rehearsal on Sunday, 9/9/2018. Come to any September rehearsal to try it on for size! The Morning Glory Ringers: This fun-loving group of adult ringers of all abilities plays intermediate level music on Friday mornings 9:30-10:45. No experience necessary! This group is a great opportunity for beginning ringers to be mentored by those with more experience. They prepare music for occasional church services, community outreach programs, and concerts. After rehearsal, members may gather for coffee and social time in the bell room. First rehearsal Announcements on Friday 9/7/2018. Come to any September rehearsal to try out this nurturing group. The Hancock Carillon is an experienced group of high school, college, and adult ringers playing six octaves of bells and chimes at an advanced level. Rehearsals are Wednesdays 7:00-9:00 PM. A commitment to attend all rehearsals (or find a substitute) is expected. The group prepares music for monthly church services, concerts, community outreach programs, and bell workshops/festivals. If you are an experienced ringer willing to commit to a busy ringing schedule and think you might like to try ringing in this bronze level group, please contact Marilyn Becker. First rehearsal Wed, 9/5/2018. Tuesday Evening Skill Building Workshops are for bell ringers from all groups to expand their ringing skills from 7-8:30 pm on 9/11, 10/9, and 11/13. These evenings will be an opportunity for ringers to learn a new skill and practice it alone and then incorporate it in the context of music they are learning in their own rehearsals. If you have a skill that has stumped you or simply want to be able to get to the next level of ringing, this is a great time to work on it. Possible topics could include weaving, changing bells, stopped techniques, ringing faster, 4-in-hand, bass bells, reading ahead, improved sightreading, memorization, music marking, and more. Sign up during bell rehearsal or Cheryl@Kraley.com. Questions: handbells@hancockchurch.org or Cheryl Kraley or Marilyn Becker The Handbell Program welcomes everyone. Church membership is not required. 11

12 Whoever you are, or wherever you are on life s journey, you are welcome here! We worship twice each Sunday. On Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary, our worship is festive, varied, and thought provoking. It is rooted in Congregational tradition, but speaks with a contemporary voice. From September through May, we also worship at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday evenings in our chapel. This is an informal and interactive service, focused on community. Music is important to us. At both our services we sing and play great music from around the world and across the centuries. Our morning service includes music by the Chancel Choir, four handbell choirs, kids choirs, River Rock Band, brass ensembles, and the occasional orchestra! Our Sunday evening service features our River Rock Band. You ll hear a mix of Celtic, bluegrass, jazz, folk, gospel, world and everything in between. Both services include regular appearances by top professional artists in various genres throughout the year. Rev. Dr. Paul Shupe We value thinking and learning. Having questions is not only okay it s encouraged! Come and learn more on Sunday or during the week in a small group. We discuss topics like poetry and spirituality; prayer; the Bible; raising kids today; grief; life in the Sandwich Generation; and aging well. We are convinced that God is still speaking. We try to embody our values. We support each other when we need help. We seek justice, march in the Pride Parade, build houses with Habitat, grow organic veggies for those in need in an interfaith garden, take our high school kids on an annual service trip to Kentucky and support our partners including homeless people in Cambridge, a music program in South Boston and a village in Honduras. M ark M organ, Dir. of M usic Who We Are Barbara Callaghan, Minister We are an open and affirming church, which means we welcome people regardless of sexuality, race or gender identity. We love you, whoever you love. We come from all around the area, not just Lexington. We re also from Acton, Arlington, Woburn, Bedford, Waltham, and Somerville, among other places. Our senior members may live in retirement communities, like the Huntington in Nashua, NH, Brooksby Village in Peabody, Newbury Court in Concord, Carleton Willard in Bedford and Brookhaven in Lexington. 12

13 Marilyn Becker, organist At Hancock we can and do believe in a variety of ways. We take the Bible seriously as a way to understand how God yearns to interact with us but we never read it literally. We celebrate the use of reason, and regard science and faith as equally essential and highly compatible. Each of us is responsible for growing in our understanding of faith and belief, and no member is compelled to agree with any other member. Our ministers do not speak for us, but bear witness to us. We re a growing church. In the past few years, many new folks of all ages and from many different backgrounds have joined us: other Protestants, former Catholics, and those with no prior religious tradition. Many new families find their way to Hancock they are our largest new group. Between morning worship, class time, and youth group in the evening, it is typical to see 50 or more children and youth in our halls on any given Sunday. Hancock Church is alive! From birth to high school graduation and beyond, there is a place for young people to belong here. We offer professional childcare for infants and toddlers along with a robust and dynamic church school for elementary aged children. In middle school we place focus on service, spiritual practice, and the formation of spiritual identity while our high school students explore their faith through friendship, service work, and weekly meetings. For more information on all children and youth programming, contact David C Clark at david.clark@hancockchurch.org. Genna Beatt y, student minister Who We Are David Clarke, student minister Our staff includes four student ministers, a building caretaker, a financial administrator, an administrator and an administrative assistant who ensure that the church offices run smoothly. They assist members of the congregation as needed, and handle a myriad of communications. The church is run by our congregation, who elect the lay leadership team and vote on all important issues, including the budget and the hiring of the ministers. As a congregational church we believe in the priesthood of all believers. We hope you feel the warm Hancock welcome as you spend time with us today! Emelia Att ridge, student minister 13

14 Welcome to Hancock! We are delighted that you chose to worship with us today and are strengthened by your participation 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 activities, 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 questions, our Welcoming Committee 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 bulletins, 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 a.m. and 7 p.m., Tuesdays 10 p.m. For more information, 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 from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. 14

15 The Week Ahead Sunday, September 16 8:30am Music Rehearsals 9:00am Marting to Glory Ringers 9:00am Bible Study with the Preacher 9:30am Infant and Toddler Care Available 9:40am Joys & Concerns 10:00am Celebration Sunday 11:00am Celebration Sunday Brunch 11:15am Family Handbells 4:00pm Music Rehearsal 5:00pm Evening Worship 7:00pm HYG Monday, September 17 9:30am Project Group 1:00pm HYG Parents Meeting 1:30pm Skyloom 7:00pm 150 th Committee Meeting 7:00pm Pack 137 New Parents' Meeting Tuesday, September 18 8:30am Bulletin & Weekly Submission Deadline 10:00am Staff Meeting 11:00am Staff Worship Planning 7:00pm Standing Committee Wednesday, September 19 9:00am Church School Day of Service 7:00pm Carillon 7:00pm Hancock Next Scouting Saturday, September 22 8:00am Interfaith Garden volunteer opportunity 10:00am AA Meeting in Dining Room 2:00pm Plaster Posaunes Brass Group Sunday, September 23 8:30am Music Rehearsals 9:00am HEAT Meeting 9:00am Marting to Glory Ringers 9:00am Bible Study with the Preacher 9:00am Waffle Church 9:30am Infant and Toddler Care Available 9:40am Joys & Concerns 10:00am Morning Worship with Communion 10:15am Confirmation (8 th and 9 th Grade) 10:15am First Day of Church School 10:15am JYO (6 th and 7 th Grade) 11:00am Fellowship Hour 11:00am Small Group Leaders Interest Training 11:15am Church School Open House 11:15am Family Handbells 4:00pm Music Rehearsal 5:00pm Evening Worship 6:00pm Youth Bible Study 7:00pm HYG Thursday, September 20 1:15pm HNS Staff Meeting 6:30pm Boy Scout Troop 119 7:30pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal Friday, September 21 9:30am Morning Glory Ringers 15

16 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. The 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 in Galatians, In Christ there is no longer Jew or Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one... Paul Shupe, Senior Minister paul.shupe@hancockchurch.org Barbara Callaghan, Minister barbara.callaghan@hancockchurch.org David Clark Minister of Children and Families david.clark@hancockchurch.org Genna Beatty Minister of Youth and Young Adults genna.beatty@hancockchurch.org Mark Morgan, Director of Music mark.morgan@hancockchurch.org Marilyn Becker Associate Director of Music marilyn.becker@hancockchurch.org Emelia Attridge Congregational Care Coordinator emelia.attridge@hancockchurch.org Church Office Phone: (781) Hancock Community Prayer: (781) Church Office Hours: M-Th 9:00-3:00, F 1:00-4:00 p.m. For Emergency Pastoral Support: Paul: (781) Barbara: (336) For bulletin announcements, corrections, or suggestions, office@hancockchurch.org To conserve trees and your pledge dollars, consider sharing your bulletin. Please recycle.