Fifth Sunday in Lent. Hancock United Church of Christ, Congregational. Hancock Covenant of Welcome. We welcome all who seek to know God.

Transcription

1 Hancock Covenant of Welcome We welcome all who seek to know God. Fifth Sunday in Lent 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. Paul Shupe, Senior Minister paul.shupe@hancockchurch.org Mark Morgan, Director of Music mark.morgan@hancockchurch.org Pam Cochrane, Acting Minister of Faith Formation pam.cochrane@hancockchurch.org Alex Shea Will, Acting Minister of Congregational Care alex.will@hancockchurch.org Marilyn Becker, Associate Director of Music marilyn.becker@hancockchurch.org Nancy Rottman, Student Minister nancy.rottman@hancockchurch.org Andrew Harris, Student Minister andrew.harris@hancockchurch.org Church Office Phone: (781) Hancock Community Prayer: (781) Hancock United Church of Christ, Congregational 1912 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA March 22, 2015 Church Office Hours: M-Th 9:00-4:00 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. Morning Worship 10:00 am Evening Worship 6:15 pm

2 Life together is the theme of our Lenten Journey. Sunday mornings we will focus on where we have come from, dedicate our new building, and then begin to look ahead to the twin tasks of caring for one another and caring for others in need. On Sunday evenings, Well will build on tradi onal Lenten themes, following the Lec onary Gospel readings. This Sunday in the morning, Alex Shea Will preaches The Serving Community. We ll focus on the work of our community in the world: open, affirming, mutually suppor ng, and reaching out to all. In the evening at Well, Paul Shupe preaches on John 12:20 26, All Things Die Before New Life Comes. 2 L E N T Other Lenten Offerings Centering Prayer and Medita on Wednesday Evenings at 7 8pm in the CE Commons from February 25th to March 25th. Pam Cochrane facilitates an opportunity to learn and hone personal prayer prac ce. This week, as we conclude our look at Lament, and its place within our Chris an lives individually and communally, we turn to the Paschal Mystery as the framework for the cycle of life, death, resurrec on, and new life that we repeat throughout the seasons of our lives. In his book The Holy Longing: The Search for a Chris an Spirituality, Ronald Rohlheiser presents the Paschal Mystery as a process we go through any me we address the losses in our life, whether the ways of being are like our youth or our health, or of a beloved one. Good Friday reminds us to acknowledge our deaths, our losses. Easter Sunday is for claiming our births, what is new. The Forty Days between Easter and the Ascension is crucial. This is the wilderness. This is the period of me that is cyclical and takes as long as it takes for each individual. This is the period of me when we grieve, when we use the prayer of lament as a way of acknowledging what is real and true in our lives and having expressed it, are able to turn again toward God and remember God s saving ac on in the world. Accep ng new life we then live the Ascension by le ng go of what was, by refusing to cling to what was and le ng it ascend and bless us. Only then are we ready to receive the Spirit and begin living the new life we have been given and in fact are already living. In the light of the cross, the alterna ve is anything but hopelessness. On the contrary! There is every scriptural indica on that we are called to change who we are into the kingdom of God. Where change is possible, new resurrec ons loom! ~from In Search of New Resurrec ons, Kneeling in Jerusalem by Ann Weems. HOLY WEEK March 29 Palm Sunday Morning Worship, 10am: We mark the last week of Jesus' life, from the triumphant Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem through his arrest and trial, to his death on the cross. Join us a er worship for Palm Sunday Brunch! Evening Well, 6:15pm: We celebrate Palm Sunday. where we ll share the more uncommon stories of Holy week. April 2 Maundy Thursday The Maundy Thursday Service celebrates Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples. We ll share a light supper, Communion, reflec on, and prayer at 7pm in Clark Hall. April 3 Good Friday Using scripture and candlelight, we face the difficult story of Jesus' death on Good Friday. This moving service includes readings by Confirma on Class and music from the River Rock Band at 7pm in the sanctuary. EASTER WORSHIP, April 5 6am Sunrise Service It has become a tradi on to gather atop the hill at the Old Belfry (behind Hancock Church) for a simple Easter Sunrise worship service of singing, scripture, communion, and sharing the names of loved ones who have died. Park in the Cary Library lot, and climb the pathway across Clarke St. Dress warmly for the spring sunrise. 9am & 11am Morning Worship Two full worship services are held in the sanctuary for Easter Sunday! Our Chancel Choir is joined by brass quartet and mpani for a fes ve morning of music, including our annual singing of the Hallelujah Chorus! Children worship with their families. Childcare provided for infants and toddlers. Coffee Hour will be held at 10am between services. No Well SPECIAL EASTER CELEBRATION, April 12 Please join us the Second Sunday of Easter on April 12 for a special Gospel Night at Well, 6:15 in Clark Hall. The New England Gospel Ensemble provides a night of rousing music to celebrate the resurrec on! 15

3 ANNOUNCEMENTS Paul Shupe Sabba cal Leave Paul s long delayed sabba cal leave will begin on April 6, and last un l the end of June. Alex Shea Will and Pam Cochrane will con nue to serve as our Ac ng Ministers during that me. Hancock Game Night Friday March 27 Bring your favorite games, bring your family, and bring your friends, because we are having another game night at Hancock! We welcome and encourage everyone to join us. The fun starts at 6 pm in the CE Commons (the open area in the Children s Educa on Wing). Contact Sco Griffith at isb.scooter@gmail.com for more informa on. Indoor/Outdoor Work Day Saturday March 28 Join members of the Pruden al Commi ee from 9 1pm. No special skills required, just the desire to roll up your sleeves and join friends of Hancock working on some maintenance, cleaning, and repair projects inside and outside the church. Join us for part of the me or for the en re morning. Check in at the Pearson Room when you arrive to see what needs to get done. For more informa on, contact Susan McClements at skmcclements@gmail.com Student Youth Exchange March 28th Twelve youth and four youth leaders will arrive in Lexington from Bochum, Germany. Led by former Hancock Seminarian Sascha Dornhardt, the group is very excited about their travel to the states, mee ng Hancock youth, and experiencing Lexington and Boston sites. This is an opportunity for us to learn from each other and share stories of our Chris an faith during Holy Week. Hancock Church will be the group s home base during the day and host families will offer accommoda ons 14 for the youth. HYG Kentucky Deadline Reminder Registra on is due March 27th. The required documents include: Kentucky Permission Form 2015, HYG Registra on Form , and the HOMES Consent Form. If you have any ques ons about the registra on, please contact Jane Park. Any other ques ons regarding the trip can be answered by Andrew Harris. Hancock s 9th Annual Women s Retreat Women of all ages are invited to our retreat at Friendly Crossways in Harvard, MA this May 1 2. Friendly Crossways offers a country se ng where the apple blossoms will be in bloom and the evening will be perfect for an outdoor bonfire. Pam Cochrane will lead the retreat. For more info, contact Pam at pam.cochrane@hancockchurch.org Seeking Applica ons for the Good Samaritan Fund The Chris an Service commi ee is seeking applica ons for projects to be supported by Hancock s Good Samaritan Fund. This fund is set up to lend support to all members young and old in their fundraising efforts as they embark on mission, volunteer projects, or travels. Recipients are asked to share their experiences with the Hancock Herald, offering a presenta on of the special event, or blogging about their experience. If you are planning a project and are interested in support from the Good Samaritan Fund, please contact alex.will@hancockchurch.org. Service of Worship Gathering Together To Praise God MOMENT FOR REFLECTION As our Lenten theme of Life Together draws our a en on beyond our new walls to the world around us, it seems only fi ng that we enter the disciples debate about which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. A er all, so much of the world around us seems concerned with this ques on of greatness. Who s the greatest parent? Who s the greatest employee? Friend? Student? Child? The list is seemingly endless. Instead of li ing up that mentality, Jesus challenges the disciples to go out into the world with a spirit of servanthood. How might Hancock as The Serving Community change our lives and break into the world around us? PRELUDE Say Now, Ye Lovely Social Band Traditional American melody, arr. R. Powell CALL TO WORSHIP One: Beyond these walls, the world calls out to us: Love this thing! Be like everyone else! Become the greatest! But in this house of worship, Jesus calls out to us: Many: Love one another. Be yourself. Become the servant. One: We don t gather this morning to hide or escape from the world, but rather to take up freedom from its unyielding expecta ons. Many: Freedom from being the greatest employee, student, or partner. One: Freedom to be the faithful people God truly needs. Many: Praise be to God! *OPENING HYMN Won t You Let Me Be Your Servant? (see page 10) PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST WORDS OF WELCOME PRAYER OF INVOCATION Nancy Rottman MARCH CELEBRATIONS Paul Shupe 3

4 Service of Worship Celebration of Baptism Order for the Sacrament of Baptism Baptized this morning is: Charles William Kelley and Nash Peter Kelley Sons of Olivia and Brian Kelley Godparents: Alicia and Ted Larkin 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. 4 ANNOUNCEMENTS 13

5 Service of Worship 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) PRESENTATION OF THE WATER FOR BAPTISM INVITATION TO THE FAMILIES QUESTIONS AND AFFIRMATIONS LEADER: Olivia and Brian, do you desire to live and grow with your sons 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 Charles and Nash to do the same? PARENTS AND GODPARENTS: We will, with the help of God. LEADER: Will you seek and apprecia on for the life and teachings of Jesus, in concert with an apprecia on for diverse religious tradi ons, helping Charles and Nash 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 Charles and Nash do the same? PARENTS AND GODPARENTS: We will, with the help of God. LEADER: Will you remember and help Charles and Nash 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 Charles and Nash as they live and grow in Christ? PEOPLE: We promise our love, support and care. 12 ANNOUNCEMENTS 5

6 PRAYER OF BAPTISM 6 Service of Worship BAPTISM OF CHARLES WILLIAM KELLEY AND NASH PETER KELLEY PRAYER FOR THE BAPTIZED Following the bap sm, children and youth are invited to Clark Hall for an all age event and will return to worship for the closing hymn. Giving Thanks To God MOMENT OF CONCERN Nominating Committee THE MORNING OFFERING Andrew Harris OFFERTORY Servants of Peace Text by James Quinn Chancel Choir Music by K. Lee Scott Lord, make us servants of your peace; where there is hate, may we sow love; where there is hurt, may we forgive; where there is strife, may we make one. Where all is doubt, may we sow faith; where all is gloom, may we sow hope; where all is night, may we sow light; where all is tears, may we sow joy. Jesus, our Lord may we not seek to be consoled, but to console, nor look to understanding hearts, but look for hearts to understand. May we not look for love s return, but seek to love unselfishly. For in our giving we receive, and in forgiving are forgiven. Dying, we live, and are reborn through death s dark night to endless day. Lord, make us servants of your peace, to wake at last in heavens light. *THE DOXOLOGY *PRAYER OF DEDICATION Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise God all creatures here below, Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost The Prayers of the People THE PSALM Psalm 112 Response (Choir Only) Rejoice in the Lord Always, and again I say rejoice. 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 a stair li 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 ANNOUNCEMENTS 11

7 Service of Worship Praise be to God! Happy are those who fear God, who greatly delight in God s commandments Their descendants will be mighty in the land, the genera on of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in their houses and their righteousness endures forever. They rise in the night as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful and righteous. It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with jus ce. 10 ANNOUNCEMENTS 7 Response For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever. They are not afraid of evil dings; their hearts are firm, secure in God. Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid in the end they will look in triumph on their foes They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; Their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor. The wicked see it and are angry; they gnash their teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked comes to nothing. Response

8 Service of Worship PRAYERS FOR OUR HANCOCK COMMUNITY A TIME OF SILENT PRAYER 8 * Congregation standing some may wish to remain seated Alex Shea Will 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. The Good News Is Proclaimed THE SCRIPTURE READING Luke 22:24-27 Andrew Harris A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. But he said to them, The kings of the Gen les lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. THE SERMON A Strange Freedom Alex Shea Will *CLOSING HYMN God s Counting on Me, God s Counting on You One: When we look and we can see things are not what they should be One: When we look and see things are not what they should be Hopin we ll all pull through, Hoping we ll all pull through, Hopin we ll all pull through Me and you. One: Don t give up don t give in, workin together we all can win One: Don t give up don t give in, workin together we all can win Hopin we ll all pull through, Hoping we ll all pull through, Hopin we ll all pull through Me and you. Pete Seeger Service of Worship One: When we work with younger folks, we can never give up hope KIDS: God s coun ng on me, God s coun ng on you One: When we work with younger folks, we can never give up hope KIDS: God s coun ng on me, God s coun ng on you Hopin we ll all pull through, Hoping we ll all pull through, Hopin we ll all pull through Me and you. One: There s big problems to be solved, let s get everyone involved One: There s big problems to be solved, let s get everyone involved Hopin we ll all pull through, Hoping we ll all pull through, Hopin we ll all pull through Me and you. BENEDICTION POSTLUDE How Firm a Foundation from The Southern Harmony, arr. R Powell Today s Flower Offering The flowers in the pulpit are given in loving memory of Ann Puschak by her son, Tom, and his family. * Congregation standing some may wish to remain seated 9