Fifth Sunday in Lent. Hancock United Church of Christ, Congregational. Hancock Covenant of Welcome

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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. Fifth Sunday in Lent 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) For bulletin announcements, corrections, or suggestions, office@hancockchurch.org To conserve trees and your pledge dollars, consider sharing your bulletin. Please recycle. The Sheepgate Jan Richardson Hancock United Church of Christ, Congregational 1912 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA March 13, 2016 Morning Worship 10:00 am Evening Well 6:15 pm

2 Service of Worship Gathering Together To Praise God MOMENT FOR REFLECTION The second Sunday in March is o en celebrated as Amistad Sunday in the United Church of Christ. In 1839, aboard the slave ship Amistad, a rebellion took place, as the captured African slaves bound for Caribbean slave markets escaped their irons and seized control of the ship. A emp ng to return to Africa, they were duped by the Spanish navigator, who instead brought them ashore in Connec cut. A long legal ba le ensued in US Courts. Were their ac ons noble and jus fied acts of freedom, or mu ny and piracy on the high seas. Ul mately the Supreme Court freed the slaves. The incident proved galvanizing for the Congrega onal Churches of New England, who not only responded to the cap ves with food and educa on during their imprisonment, but who also became vigorous workers for the aboli on of slavery in the United States. During this season of Lent, as we focus on the discipline of confession before God, we pause on this Sunday to confess that the legacy and weight of slavery is with us s ll, and to remember the witness of the Amistad to strengthen us for the struggle for equality for all God s people. PRELUDE CALL TO WORSHIP ONE: We gather together to worship God, who has spoken throughout the ages, and called people into freedom and jus ce. MANY: God s ll speaks today, and as a community, we desire to listen, and to respond in faith. ONE: For God s help in ages past, MANY: Thanks be to God! ONE: For God s on going revela on of wisdom and truth, MANY: Thanks be to God! ONE: For God s promise to walk with all of God s people into a bright new world of peace and jus ce, MANY: Thanks be to God! *OPENING HYMN Our God, Our Help In Ages Past #80 WORDS OF WELCOME PRAYER OF INVOCATION David C. Clark MINISTRY OF MUSIC Song of the Spirit Derek Hayes Marting to Glory Bell Choir 2 * Congregation standing some may wish to remain seated 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 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 12:00 pm Ed Hamlin Memorial Service Recep on in CLAR 1:00 pm Memorial Service of Ed Hamlin in SANC 5:30 pm Soup and Bread Supper in DR 6:15 pm Well in CLAR 7:00 pm Caregiver s Dinner in PEAR 7:00 pm HYG in UR 7:00 pm OWL in KS Monday March 14 9:30 am Project Group in CONF 1:30 pm Library Commi ee Mee ng in LIB 1:30 pm Skyloom in KS 3:00 pm Lilies Deadline 7:00 pm Pruden al Commi ee Mee ng in CONF 7:00 pm Boy Scouts Adult Commi ee Mee ng in CE Commons 7:30 pm Endowment Commi ee in RM 205 Tuesday March 15 10:00 am Staff Mee ng in CONF 11:00 am Staff Worship Planning in CONF 7:00 pm Standing Commi ee in PEAR Wednesday March 16 9:00 am Submission Deadline for Hancock Weekly 1:15 pm Consort in KS 6:30 pm Cub Scouts Den Mee ng in CE Commons 7:00 pm Carillon Rehearsal in BELL 7:00 pm Welcoming and Membership Commi ee Mee ng in PEAR Thursday March 17 11:30 am Memorial Garden Commi ee in CONF The Week Ahead 12:30 pm LICA at Grace Chapel 6:30 pm Boy Scouts in CLAR, KS, Rm 205 7:30 m Chancel Choir Rehearsal in CHOR, SANC Friday March 18 9:30 am Morning Glory Bell Ringers Saturday March 19 All Day Palm Sunday Brunch Set Up in CLAR 9:00 am Boy Scouts YLT Leadership Training in CONF 10:00 am AA Mee ng in DR 11:00 am HYG Confirma on Mini Retreat in UR 1:00 pm Band Rehearsal Recording in DHOR 2:00 pm Memorial Service of Dwight Vibbert in SANC 3:00 pm Memorial Service Recep on in CLAR 3:00 pm Plaster Posaunes Brass Group in CHOR Sunday March 20 All Day Palm Sunday Brunch Set Up in CLAR 8:00 am Bells in Worship 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 Palm Sunday in SANC 10:20 am Children s Program in CE Wing 10:20 am JYO in UR 11:00 am Palm Sunday Brunch in CLAR 11:15 am Hancock Choristers in RM :15 am JYO Choir in RM :15 am Nomina ng Commi ee in CONF 12:00 pm Recording Project in CHOR 1:00 pm Reserved for Soundbleed in SANC, CHAP 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 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 We've Almost Met Our Goal Help Us Over the Finish Line! Our Kickstarter campaign to fund the recording of a studio album by the River Rock Band has reached people all over the country and is now just $1000 short of its goal! Help us cross the finish line by clicking on this link on our website or on Facebook! Remember we don't get ANY of the money unless we reach our goal! And if we exceed our goal, we just get to spend that much me making the album even be er! So help support us today, and click on the "like" bu on to share the word about the great music at Hancock with your friends! DEADLINE: March 15th! March Calendar March 14 Lily Orders Deadline March 28 Offices Closed GATHERING SONG Service of Worship Walk With Me Walk with me, I will walk with you And build the land that God has planned Where love shines through (repeat) Order for the Sacrament of Bap sm Baptized this morning is Jaxson James Orr Born April 5, 2015 The son of Douglas Richard Orr and Nicole Kristen D Ameilio Sponsored by Kimberly Orr, his aunt, and Jonathan Haerer, his uncle WORDS OF WELCOME (responsively) LEADER: Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we gather now to celebrate the gi of grace in the sacrament of bap sm. PEOPLE: There is one body and one Spirit. There is one hope in God s call to us. There is one Lord, one faith, one bap sm, one God, Creator of us all. LEADER: Bap sm is the sacrament through which we are united with Jesus Christ, and given part in Christ s ministry of reconcilia on. In bap sm God works in us the power of forgiveness and the renewal of the Spirit, and the knowledge of the call to be Christ s disciples always. PEOPLE: This is the water of bap sm. Out of this water we rise with new life, forgiven of sin and one in Christ, members of Christ s body. SCRIPTURE READING Mark 10:13-16 (responsively) LEADER: They were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them: PEOPLE: Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the realm of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the realm of God like a child shall not enter it. LEADER: And Jesus took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands upon them. PRESENTATION OF WATER FOR BAPTISM INVITATION TO THE FAMILIES 18 ANNOUNCEMENTS 3

4 4 Service of Worship QUESTIONS AND AFFIRMATIONS LEADER: Parents, do you desire to live and grow with Jaxson in the covenant community of Jesus Christ? PARENTS: We do. LEADER: Will you strive to learn from the wisdom of the prophets; doing jus ce, loving mercy, and walking humbly with your God, helping Jaxson to do the same? PARENTS AND GODPARENTS: We will, with the help of God. LEADER: Will you seek an apprecia on for the life and teachings of Jesus, in concert with an apprecia on for diverse religious tradi ons, helping Jaxson to do the same? PARENTS AND GODPARENTS: We will, with the help of God. LEADER: Will you honor the faith ques ons that arise throughout life, and will you help Jaxson do the same? PARENTS AND GODPARENTS: We will, with the help of God. LEADER: Will you remember and help Jaxson to learn that faith is a journey and that God s love is available to you each day? PARENTS AND GODPARENTS: We will, with the help of God. CONGREGATIONAL ASSENT (responsively) LEADER: Jesus calls us to make disciples of others, and to offer them the gi of grace in bap sm. On behalf of the Chris an church in every place, do you who witness and celebrate this sacrament promise your love, support and care to Jaxson as they live and grow in Christ? PEOPLE: We promise our love, support and care. PRAYER OF BAPTISM BAPTISM OF JAXSON JAMES ORR PRAYER FOR THE BAPTIZED Children and the Junior Youth Organization will now attend classes in the CE Commons. + Giving Thanks To God + THE MORNING OFFERING Andrew Harris OFFERTORY Kyrie from A Gospel Mass By Robert Ray Chancel Choir In the name of the Father, in the name of the Son, In the name of the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Three in One. Oh Lord, have mercy, kyrie eleison 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... 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. (The labyrinth should be walked in stocking feet. No shoes, no bare feet. Thank you!) ANNOUNCEMENTS 17

5 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. LAST WEEK IN CE... The children of Hancock gathered in Clark Hall for this month s All Ages to hear and learn the story of the Prodigal Son! Three sta ons around the hall led children through the parable. Through storytelling, a team building game, and a cra, kids talked about the themes of forgiveness, uncondi onal love, what home means to them, and coming to terms with mistakes. Thank you to Andrew, Sue, Kim, and Lucy for leading! Service of Worship Oh Lord, have mercy on me, Send us a Saviour, set my soul free. Give us Your word and teach us to pray. I want to praise and serve You always. Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob look down, have mercy upon us. Oh Christ have mercy, Christe eleison. Oh Christ have mercy on me. Send us Your comfort, grant us Your Peace. You are the way, the truth and the light. I love you more each day and each night. Jesus the rock of salva on, the light of the world have mercy upon us. Oh Lord have mercy, Kyrie eleison Oh Christ have mercy, Christe eleison Oh Lord, have mercy. *THE DOXOLOGY S-29 (The words and music may also be found in the supplement at the beginning of the hymnal.) From North and South and East and West, May God s eternal name be blessed! Alleluia! Alleluia! Till everywhere beneath the sun, Thy kingdom come Thy will be done. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! *PRAYER OF DEDICATION The Prayers of the People CONGREGATIONAL CALL TO CONFESSION #403 Lord, I Want to Be a Christian verses 1 and4 CONFESSION Loving God, we ask forgiveness for all who par cipated in the buying, selling and profi ng from the sale and labor of the Amistad cap ves and millions of Africans transported and enslaved on planta ons in North and South America. Teach us, O God, to appreciate the rich diversity of the human family. Teach us to share our resources and to respect the dignity of all your children. Help us to work with you for the well being of your crea on, that the fortunes of all your peoples may be restored. TIME OF SILENT CONFESSION 16 ANNOUNCEMENTS 5

6 Service of Worship WORDS OF ASSURANCE 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 Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound! #401 John Newton ( ) commanded a slave ship for six years before he renounced slavery and became a minister. He wrote many hymn texts, but this is by far his most famous. PRAYERS FOR OUR HANCOCK COMMUNITY Andrew Harris 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. The Good News Is Proclaimed THE EPISTLE READING Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. THE SERMON Echoes of the Amistad Paul Shupe *CLOSING HYMN We Shall Go Out #S-28 BENEDICTION *PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST POSTLUDE The Good Friday Walk for Sharing Around 40 years ago, Tu s Medical School conducted a study published in the Boston Globe, which showed children in some states were suffering brain damage due to hunger and poor nutri on. Hancock members and friends have been very generous over the years and a number of them have walked as well. 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. For more informa on call /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 Missing Men's Black Coat? Did you pick up the wrong coat by accident last Sunday? Please check! This coat has a pair of tex ng gloves in the pocket. Contact Russ or Thank you! 6 ANNOUNCEMENTS 15

7 Palm Sunday Brunch Palm Sunday Brunch is just around the corner March 20th and we hope you can a end! Parish Life has a delicious spread planned for you (French Toast, scrambled eggs, sausage, mac n cheese, Caesar salad, fruit, bagels, sour cream cake...). There are fun opportuni es aplenty for you to help us. Just follow this link palm to signup online. Or you can contact Beth Schu. ; ) Thank you! Caregiver s Dinner The next Caregivers' Dinner is coming up this Sunday at 7pm in the Pearson Room. Anyone who is caring for a loved one is invited to join us for dinner, fellowship, and mutual support around the ups and downs of caregiving. If you are interested or need more informa on, please contact Nancy, our Congrega onal Care Coordinator, at nancy@hancockchurch.org or by calling the church office.. A Message from John Carroll I wish to thank the members and friends of Hancock who contributed to the wonderful gi my wife Laura and I received for the birth of our son Cole. He is home now, and we are ge ng used to being a new family! Thank you so much for your kindness. Service of Worship 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 their parents, Harold and Shirley Beal, by their children, Marcia Cronin and Bruce Beal and their families. 14 ANNOUNCEMENTS 7

8 Welcome to 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 8 ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS 13

9 Fellowship Time After Worship While many have enjoyed the full feast that our Parish Life Commi ee has been providing at Coffee Hour a er worship on Sunday mornings, the burden of providing it has become too much for a small commi ee, no ma er how dedicated, to carry. We've had five or six people essen ally hos ng a weekly party for more than 100 guests. It's too much to ask. Remembering that the purpose of the post worship gathering is to enjoy conversa on and fellowship with one another, and a er much discussion, we've decided to go back to basics beginning on Sunday. Coffee and cool drinks for all ages will be provided in the Dining Room, with food embellishing communion Sundays and special events. Anyone who would like to bring food to share is invited to do so. Coffee, food treats and cool drinks will be served each Sunday in the CE Commons, so that our children will be able to refuel a er Faith Forma on classes. We thank the Parish Life Commi ee for all they have done, and for the work that lies ahead as they create warm and convivial space in which to gather and talk. We extend our sympathy to the friends and family of those who have passed away recently. A Memorial Service for Ed Hamlin will be held in the Sanctuary of Hancock Church on today at 1:00 PM. Prior to the Memorial Service, around 12:00 PM, a Memorial Recep on will take place in the Clark Hall. Please remember our former Senior Minister Peter Meek in your prayers. Peter had surgery on Tuesday, having been diagnosed with lung cancer. We pray for healing and courage for him. Sunday March 13, a er morning worship in Pearson we will read Between the World and Meby 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 12 ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS 9

10 Dear Hancock Family, Thank you all so much for the outpouring of cards and love you have sent our li le family. We are all doing well, and Eliza is looking forward to being introduced to her church family very soon. We are wishing you a con nued meaningful lenten season. Much love, Barbara, Kate, Eliza and our puppy Cuzco 10 ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS 11