FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANYJanuary 28, 2018, 10:00 a.m. Hancock United Church of Christ, Congregational •1912 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA

photo by Daniel Olah, unsplash.com

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† GATHERING TOGETHER TO PRAISE GOD †MOMENT FOR REFLECTION

This morning we reflect on the relationship which binds us together, and makes of us a congregation. It is called a covenant. A mutual pledge to walk with one another, and to be with and supportive of one another, come what may. In Congregational tradition, the formation of a covenant is the mutual decision of free people to bind themselves in relationships of caring and concern, to learn together, to discern to-gether, to work together for the common good. Covenant is an ancient word, but it has ever-new applications, as the people of God choose to be together, through thick and thin, with one another, no matter what. Just as God covenants with us to be our God, and we to be God’s people, so we covenant with one another, to be with and for and beside one another.

GATHERING MUSIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Plaster Posaunes Brass Ensemble

PRELUDE

HANCOCK PRAYS

If you have come this morning with a joy or concern that you would like to have included in the morning prayers, please fill out a Hancock Prays card that you will find on the back of the pew in front of you. Read it carefully, remembering that our worship services are televised and live-streamed over the internet. Pass the card to the center aisle nearest you during the singing of the Opening Hymn. The Ushers will collect the cards and bring them to the ministers.

CALL TO WORSHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Andrew Harris

One: I have chosen to be with you: to walk and work and worship with you.Many: We have chosen too: to walk and work and worship together.

One: This is our covenant, to be together in the service of God.Many: This is our covenant: to be together in the service of others.

One: While we are are many,Many: God makes us one.

One: Thankful that God has made us one congregation,Many: Let us worship God together!

Service of Worship

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*OPENING HYMN . . . . . . . . . Our God, Our Help In Ages Past . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #80

WORDS OF WELCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev . Dr . Paul Shupe

JANUARY CELEBRATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev . Dr . Paul Shupe

GATHERING SONG . . . . Come On, Children, to the Gospel Feast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #S-3

Leader: Come on children to the gospel feastaLL: Gather 'round, gather 'round!

Leader: Jesus welcomes all, the little and leastaLL: Gather 'round, gather 'round!

This is where we sing and prayRead God’s word on this glad day

Come on children to the Gospel feastGather ‘round, gather ‘round.

CHILDREN’S TIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David C . Clark

Prek-5th grade will have classes this morning. JYO for 6th & 7th grades will meet in the Commons. There is OWL for 8th & 9th grades in the Upper Room.

† GIVING THANKS TO GOD †

THE MORNING OFFERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emelia Attridge

OFFERTORY . . . Lo, What An Entertaining Sight . . . Topsfield, by Jacob Kimball (1761-1826)

Chancel ChoirLo! What an en-ter-tain-ing sight are brethren who agree; Whose hands with cheerful hearts unite in bonds of piety.

When streams of love from Christ the spring Descend to ev'ry soul, And heav'nly peace with balmy wing, with balmy wing

Shades and be-dews the whole, Shades and be-dews the whole.

'Tis like the oil, divinely sweet, On Aaron's rev'rend head, the trickling drops perfum'd his feet, and o'er his garments spread.

Service of Worship

*Congregation standing—some may wish to remain seated

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'Tis pleasant as the morning dews that fall on Zion's hill, Where God His mildest glory shows, His glory shows,

And makes his grace distil And makes his grace distil.

*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

† THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE †

CALL TO PRAYER . . . . . . . . . .Spirit of the Living God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .#281

PASTORAL PRAYER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rev . Barbara Callaghan

A TIME OF SILENT PRAYER

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 temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the king-dom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

ANTHEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ubi Caritas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ola Gjeilo (b . 1978) Chancel Choir

(sung in latin)Where charity and love are, God is there.

The love of Christ has gathered us together.Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Let us revere and love the living God.And from a sincere heart let us love one another. Amen.

Service of Worship

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† THE GOOD NEWS IS PROCLAIMED †

THE HEBREW BIBLE READING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Acts 2:43-47

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

A CONTEMPORARY RESPONSE . . . . The Salem Church Covenant (1629) . . . (unison)

We covenant with the Lord and with one another and doe bynd our selves in the presence of God, to walke together in all his waies, according as he is pleased to reveale himself unto us in his blessed word of truth.

THE SERMON . . . . . . . . . "The Big Football Game" . . . . . . . . . . . Rev . Dr . Paul Shupe

CLOSING HYMN . . . . . . God, We Thank You For Your People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .#378

BENEDICTION

*PASSING THE PEACE

POSTLUDE

Today’s Flower oFFering

The chancel flowers are given in loving memory of her parents’ anniversary by Elizabeth & Russell Schutt.

Service of Worship

*Congregation standing—some may wish to remain seated

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ash wednesday worship

The season of Lent opens on Wednesday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m., with an Ash Wednesday worship service of confession, silence, music and prayer. Wearing ashes is an ancient symbol of humility and confession, a visible reminder of our daily need receive the forgiving love of God.

Please join us in the Chapel for a quiet, reflective time. The music will be soft and gentle, drawing from the traditions of Taize and Iona. Come and confess

honestly, accept ashes or a blessing, and know that God's forgiving grace is poured out for you.

150Th hisTory publicaTion

Hancock’s history has been updated for the first time in 50 years! The new publication is available now from the church office and in the narthex on Sundays. At the 11:00 hour on January 28th in the Pearson Room. Yvette Kirby and Sue Rockwell will share some interesting (and occasionally curious) archival items that did not make it into the book.

learning how To share your TesTimony

Again this year in the season of Lent, we will be hearing the testimonies of some of our members and friends during worship. Have you ever thought that you’d like to share your testimony of where you see God at work in your life? If so, please plan to join Paul and Barbara for a training session, after worship on Sunday, February 4 at 11:15 a.m. in the Pearson Room.

We’ll learn what makes for a powerful testimony, what is appropriate to share and what is best left private, and then work together to shape your

testimony. If you have questions, contact either Paul or Barbara. If you think you are ready, or if you’d like to learn more, please join us.

grieF group

For anyone experiencing grief and seeking conversation, mutual support, and community, Grief Group continues on the following Sunday evenings at 6 pm after The Well in the Pearson Room: 2/11, 3/4, 4/8, 5/6, 6/3

Please contact Emelia Attridge (emelia.attridge@hancockchurch.org) or David Clark (david.clark@hancockchurch.org) if you have any questions.

Announcements

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wiTh love, oscar and sTeve: a valenTine's cabareT

Sunday, February 11 at 2:00 p.m. in Clark Hall

Join us for an intimate afternoon of love songs by two Broadway legends: Oscar Hammerstein II and Stephen Sondheim. This cabaret style show reunites Mark Morgan and Jean Danton (Music from the Time of Downton Abbey), accompanied by pianist Sarah Troxler. Featured will be songs from West Side Story, The King and I, South Pacific, Into the Woods, Company, and many more. A perfect afternoon with your special someone! $15 suggested donation at the door.

collecTion For bosTon healThcare For The homeless

Since 1985, the mission of Boston Healthcare for the Homeless has remained the same: to provide or assure access to the highest quality health care for all homeless men, women and children in the greater Boston area. We believe it has been and continues to be medicine that matters.

BHCHP's targeted, compassionate management of limited resources yields everyday successes that are a living tribute to the ideals of a just society.

Learn more about this amazing organization on Sunday, February 11 in a presentation by Billie Starks, member of the BHCHP Behavioral Health Team, after Morning Worship. We are collecting the following items to donate to BHCHP to help their patients get through the winter months:

• Gift cards to grocery stores, Target, etc.• Hats, gloves, mittens, scarves (new or gently used/clean)• Coats and jackets (new or gently used/clean)• Socks (wool or cotton)• Long underwear

Questions? Please contact Sarah Keeping (sarah.keeping@gmail.com).

Announcements

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Radio FRee VeRmont comes To lexingTon!Saturday, February 3rd at 7 p.m. At Mark and Lisa Sandeen’s home10 Brent Road, Lexington, MA

Join us for a fun and humorous party inspired by Bill McKibben’s latest book, Radio Free Vermont. We’ll be serving Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and local craft brews—all featured in Bill’s humorous fable about Vermont seceding from the Union.

We’ll celebrate that small and local is often better than huge and global… with local cheese, wine, ice cream and good friends. Feel free to bring your favorite local treats. We’ll have plenty of ice cream!

To RSVP: contact Lisa Sandeen at sandeen.lisa@gmail.com or (781) 863-8785.

Jyo choir seeking new members

Our new JYO choir seeking new members for the winter/spring season. All kids in grades 6-8 are invited to join. Rehearsals take place on Sunday mornings at 11:15, BUT the dates for rehearsals have not yet been scheduled. If interested, please e-mail Mark Morgan at mark@hancockchurch.org so we can get organized in the next week or so.

chancel choir seeking alTos!The Chancel Choir is seeking altos to join us for this winter/spring season. The Choir is a terrific place of community and music making that takes place each Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. in the Choir Room. They sing 3 Sundays of the month and have several special music events lined up for this spring including the Lexington Interfaith Choral Festival, Gospel Sunday in June, and our big 150th Anniversary concert

with orchestra in May! Other voice parts are encouraged to join as well. You can sing weekly, for a set period of time that works with your schedule, or for our special projects. For more information contact Mark Morgan, Director of Music at mark@hancockchurch.org, or just show up on a Thursday night!

Announcements

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russell school updaTes: January sTories From principal Tamara blake-canTy

A fifth grade teacher noticed one student with shoes that were at least 2 sizes too small. A pair of used winter boots donated by a Hancock family was a much better fit. When the teacher asked “What should we do with the too small shoes?” The student replied, “I should take them home for my little sister, so she can have shoes that fit.”

One homeless family moved into an apartment in early January. Another family is supposed to get into an apartment in February. This second family has a first grader. They have lived in a shelter for 4 years—or over half of the life of the first grader. The teachers at the school helped the

first family furnish their apartment. Tamara has asked if Hancock can help the second family. More on that below.

White boards donated 18 months ago, from the office of a Hancock member, are being put to good use. A few are in classrooms or being used by specialists. The others have been installed in the main hallways and will soon be full of magnetic STEM learning tools. Students will soon be building marble runs, gear boxes, and building things in small groups and learning engineering skills in the process.

In addition, the homeless families at the Russell School were incredibly grateful for the gift cards sent from Hancock in December.

How you can help now:

1. Donate children’s clean, gently used winter clothing—please nothing stained, torn, or dirty. A donation box is outside the dining room.

2. Donate used furniture and kitchen wares to help the homeless family moving in February. Please call Carol Bukys at (781) 674-0339 to donate. A complete list will be available soon. I will arrange to pick up needed items.

3. Continue to donate gently used books, games, and office supplies. These can be left outside the dining room. If you have a large donation, please call Carol for pick-up.

save The daTe! valenTine poTluck dinner

Save the date! On Sunday, February 11 at 6:00 p.m., Hancock Church will be hosting a Valentine Potluck Dinner in the Dining Room. Everyone is welcome—food and fun for all ages! More information to follow.

Announcements

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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 AM and 7 PM, Tuesdays 10 PM. For more information, please visit the Hancock website at www.hancockchurch.org

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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 www.youtube.com/user/HancockChurch

WatCh serviCe live Online at www.lexmedia.org/lptv-livestreaming.html from 10am-11am

Welcome to Hancock!

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sunday, January 288:30am Music Rehearsals9:00am Coffee Fellowship9:00am Bible Study with the Preacher9:00am Marting to Glory9:00am Waffle Church9:40am Joys and Concerns10:00am Morning Worship in Sanctuary10:15am OWL (8th and 9th Grade)10:15am Church School10:15am JYO (6th and 7th Grade)11:00am Choristers11:00am Fellowship Hour11:00am Hancock History Talks11:00am JYO Choir3:30pm Well Music Rehearsal5:00pm Worship @ The Well7:00pm HYG in Upper Room

Monday, January 291:30pm Skyloom7:30pm Cub Scout Pack Leadership Meeting

tuesday, January 308:30am Hancock Weekly Submission Deadline10:00am Staff Meeting11:00am Staff Worship Planning

Wednesday, January 311:15pm Consort7:00pm Carillon Rehearsal7:00pm Girl Scout Service Unit Meeting

thursday, february 16:30pm Boy Scout Troop 1197:30pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal

friday, february 29:30am Morning Glory Ringers

saturday, february 310:00am AA Meeting in Dining Room3:00pm Plaster Posaunes Brass Group

sunday, february 48:30am Music Rehearsals9:00am Coffee Fellowship9:00am Bible Study with the Preacher9:00am Marting to Glory9:40am Joys and Concerns10:00am Morning Worship in Sanctuary10:15am OWL (8th and 9th Grade)10:15am Church School10:15am JYO (6th and 7th Grade)11:00am Choristers11:00am Fellowship Hour11:00am JYO Choir3:30pm Well Music Rehearsal in Clark Hall5:00pm Worship @ The Well in Clark Hall6:00pm HYG Superbowl Party

The Week AheadThe Week Ahead

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 . . .”

Hancock Covenant of Welcome

Paul Shupe, Senior Minister paul .shupe@hancockchurch .org

Barbara Callaghan, Minister barbara .callaghan@hancockchurch .org

Andrew Harris, Student Minister andrew .harris@hancockchurch .org

David Clark, Student Minister david .clark@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

www.hancockchurch.org

Church Office Phone: (781) 862-4220Hancock Community Prayer: (781) 862-6845Church Office Hours: M-Th 9:00-3:00, F 9:00-2:00

For Emergency Pastoral Support: Paul: (781) 698-8953 | Barbara: (336) 558-1242

For bulletin announcements, corrections, or suggestions, email office@hancockchurch.orgTo conserve trees and your pledge dollars, consider sharing your bulletin. Please recycle.