Photo by Amir Shamsipur on Unsplash TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY February 23, 2020, 10:00 a.m. Hancock United Church of Christ, Congregational •1912 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA Vision, Mission, and Values

OUR VISION: Inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus, we are changing the world through love, compassion, and courage. OUR MISSION: In the revolutionary spirit of our Christian faith, we invite you to join us as we • worship God with all our hearts and minds • walk our spiritual paths together • cherish one another • build community in a diverse world • protect the earth • work for the common good

OUR VALUES: faithfulness inclusion compassion gratitude integrity generosity humility vulnerability courage

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 the 10:00am worship. If you’d like to learn more about our church community and activities, please take the flier hanging in the pew. You may also view the second half of this bulletin for upcoming events and announcements. We encourage you to fill out the fellowship pads found at the ends of each pew. 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: [email protected].

Child care is available each Sunday. Today, it will begin at 9:30am in the nursery and toddler room. All children and youth are invited to worship with their families and to come forward for the Children’s Gathering.

www.hancockchurch.org

2 Service of Worship

MOMENT FOR REFLECTION Next Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, the Christian season of Lent will begin: forty days (excluding Sundays) to prepare ourselves for Holy Week, remembering the death and resurrection of Jesus. Lent begins with ashes, a reminder to us that without the animating spirit of God within us, we are but dust, and that to dust we will return. Today, however, our worship begins not with the ashes of a fire gone cold, but with the dazzling bright light of God transfiguring the appearance of Jesus before the eyes of his disciples, Peter, James and John. They see him shining, the Light of the world, a preview of the resurrection. Stunned, but not into silence, Peter suggests memorializing the event with permanent structures. Instead of permitting the shrine, Jesus instructs them to tell no one of the event, until after the resurrection. How often our faith comes in pairs that seem polar opposites: ashes and light, death and life, permanent structures and animating experience. This morning we explore this polar nature of our faith, making room for concern and joy, worry and hope, chaos and creation.

PRELUDE

WORDS OF WELCOME ...... Paul Shupe

CALL TO WORSHIP...... Susan Clinkenbeard

One: On his way to Jerusalem to face his greatest trials,

Many: Jesus went up a mountain, and brought with him Peter, James and John.

One: And he was changed before them, shining with light as if from within.

Many: And they saw him speaking with Moses and Elijah, symbols of law and prophecy.

One: And then, a voice, an affirmation from God:

Many: “This is my Son, the beloved, with him I am pleased. Listen to him.”

One: What they have heard and seen, so too have we.

Many: Let us listen, for through Jesus, the world is changed by love, compassion and courage. Thanks be to God!

*OPENING HYMN. . O Love How Deep. How Broad, How High. . .inserts on next pg.

*Congregation standing—some may wish to remain seated 3 4 Service of Worship

PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD...... David C Clark & Susan Clinkenbeard Matthew 17:1-9 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

One: This is the Word of God, for the People of God.

Many: Thanks be to God!

5 Service of Worship

*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE All Sing:

*PASSING THE PEACE

FEBRUARY CELEBRATIONS

GATHERING SONG...... Guide My Feet...... verse 1 & 2

1. Guide my feet, while I run this race 2. Hold my hand, while I run this race Guide my feet, while I run this race Hold my hand, while I run this race Guide my feet, while I run this race Hold my hand, while I run this race For I don’t want to run this race in vain. For I don’t want to run this race in vain. CHILDREN’S TIME ...... David C Clark

PASTORAL PRAYER...... Genna Beatty

PRAYER RESPONSE. . . . .Good Look With Favor...... by Ana Hernandez Chancel Choir Good look with favor. Inspire, transfigure, heal us.

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 kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

*Congregation standing—some may wish to remain seated 6 Service of Worship

THE SERMON...... Safe Space, Dancing Spirit ...... Paul Shupe

THE MORNING OFFERING...... Jim Weston and Wendy Tanahashi-Works This week's offering is being given to Greater Boston Interfaith Organization. To learn more, visit www.gbio.org. For details on giving by cash, check, or text, see page 9.

OFFERTORY...... Assurance . . . . . arranged by John Ness Beck Chancel Choir based on material by J.S Bach, Phoebe P. Knapp, & Fanny Crosby

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Refrain: O what a foretaste of glory divine! This is my story, this is my song, Heir of salvation, purchase of God, praising my Savior, all the day long; born of his Spirit, washed in his blood. this is my story, this is my song, [Refrain] praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest, watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love. [Refrain]

*DOXOLOGY. . . . From North and South and East and West...... S-29

*Congregation standing—some may wish to remain seated 7 Service of Worship

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION...... Susan Clinkenbeard

*CLOSING HYMN...... Christ Beside Me...... #428

*BENEDICTION...... Paul Shupe

*POSTLUDE

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Today’s Flower Offering Today's Chancel flowers are given in memory of loved ones by the Kelley Family Today's Altar flowers are given in loving memory of our dear friend Shirley Hamblen from the Chmela family. Today's Welcome Table flowers are given by Wim Nijenberg in memory of Caroline Nijenberg.

8 Our Mission is To... Work for the Common Good Morning Offering Inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus, we are changing the world through love, compassion, and courage. —Hancock’s Vision Statement Mission Partner of the Week: When you place a cash donation in the offering plate it will go to the Mission Partner of the Week, a select organization doing God’s work in the world. Many are local or regional organizations whom we’ve worked with for years; all are effective organizations making a difference in people’s lives. These donations are passed directly to the organization and are in addition to the donations included in Hancock’s budget. • All undesignated cash offerings go to the Mission Partner of the Week. • If you write a check, please make it out to Hancock UCC, and note on the memo line “mission” or the name of the organization. • if you need your cash mission donations tracked by the church office, use a pew envelope and fill out your name and check the “Special Offering” box. • If you wish to text your gift by using your Smartphone or tablet: text an amount to 781- 386-0866 and click the link to enter your credit card information and select “Mission”. Last week we donated $493 to the American Medical Resource Foundation. Thank you! Upcoming Offerings: March 1 - Household Goods March 8 - Green Valley/Sahuarita Samaritans March 15 - Bristol Lodge Sustaining Hancock’s Vision: Gifts are also welcome in the Sunday offering plate for Hancock UCC that supports our staff, our building, community outreach and all of the worship and programs at Hancock. • If you give cash, please use a pew envelope and check the box for “Regular Offering” and add your name. Contact the church office if you prefer a set of personalized envelopes to have the church track your cash donations. • If you write a check, please make it out to Hancock UCC and note “Hancock” or “church” on the memo line. • If you wish to text your gift by using your Smartphone or tablet: text an amount to 781-386-0866 and click the link to enter your credit card information and select “Hancock Church”. • If you would like to give electronically with either a credit card or from your bank account go online to: www.hancockchurch.org to sign up.

9 Our Mission is To...

Build Community in a Diverse World

Learn About Household Goods Next Sunday, March 1 Household Goods of Action provides a full range of donated furniture and household items, free of charge, to help people in need make a home. Join us next Sunday, March 1, in the Pearson Room after the morning service when executive director Sharon Martens will introduce us to Household Goods and the good work they do. Through a small army of volunteers, the organization serves a wide range of clients, including the recently homeless, veterans, victims of domestic violence, and refugees, totaling more than 2,500 individuals and families each year.

An Evening with Author Josephine Bolling McCall Join City Mission and Old South Church for an evening with author Josephine Bolling McCall on Friday, March 6 from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Old South (645 Boylston Street, Boston). Ms. McCall will share the moving story of her father's lynching in 1947 and reveal the scheme to cover up his murder. discuss her journey of discovery which challenges our nation to examine and consider the lasting impact of slavery. Her presentation will be followed by a conversation and signing of her book, "The Penalty for Success: My Father Was Lynched in Lowndes County, Alabama." This event is free and open to the public, but you must RSVP online.

Hancock’s Dollars at Work in the World On the bulletin board to the left of Paul’s office, we’ve hung a notebook with thank you notes from our mission partners, sharing their appreciation for Hancock’s support and telling stories of the good work you’ve made possible. Please stop by and browse to see what your generous donations to the offering and to Hancock’s operating budget are accomplishing.

10 Our Mission is To...

Build Community in a Diverse World

GBIO Healthcare Campaign - In District Meeting on February 25 Tuesday, February 25, 2020 from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Hancock United Church of Christ, Temple Isaiah and Temple Shir Tikvah will be hosting a GBIO regional meeting with Massachusetts State Representatives on Tuesday, February 25 from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Hancock Church, 1912 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington. Representative Michelle Ciccolo with constituents from Lexington and Woburn. Representative Ken Gordon with constituents from Bedford and Burlington, and Representative Tom Stanley with constituents from Waltham and Lincoln have confirmed their attendance. As you may know GBIO has a strong interest in bringing affordable and accessible healthcare to all of us in Massachusetts and is focusing this legislative year on addressing: • Lowering the Cost of Prescription Drugs • Eliminating Out-of-Network Surprise Billing and • Establishing Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Parity We are looking forward to constituents coming together from Lexington and surrounding communities to hear the thoughts of our representatives on important healthcare legislation being considered. We would like to also present some of GBIO's concerns and interests in making real progress with healthcare reform. To register for the GBIO meeting on February 25, please contact Daryl Battin (e-mail: [email protected] / Phone: 781-862-3338) or Priscilla Thayer (email: rpthayer@ verizon.net / Phone: 781-894-9575) with your name, home address (for confidential verification of MA legislative district only) and contact information (email / phone).

Save the Date! Hancock Women's Retreat May 1-2 "I know a lot of fancy words. I tear them from my heart and tongue. Then I pray..." ~ Mary Oliver Mark your calendar! Hancock's annual Women's Retreat will be held Friday, May 1 through Saturday, May 2 at Miramar Retreat Center in Duxbury, MA. The retreat will be led by Barbara Callaghan and Genna Beatty, and this year we'll be exploring the theme of prayer and meditation in everyday life.

11 Our Mission is To... Walk our Spiritual Paths Together

Tonight: Mardi Gras Celebration & Panccake Supper! On February 23 at 5:00 p.m., join us in Clark Hall for a special Mardi Gras Evening Worship service and pancake supper! We have invited the members of Pilgrim Church to join us for worship and for dinner. Rev. Reebee Girash, the new Minister of Pilgrim UCC, will be the guest preacher for the evening. The River Rock band will pull out the big brass instruments to bring a New Orleans feel to a spirited service, just before Ash Wednesday. This is an event for all of any age – the young and young in spirit are very welcome! Hope to see you there.

A Message from the Discernment Team We are grateful for the congregation’s blessings and prayers as we start our work of discernment. This will be an effort involving the entire church family. The team will spend the next few weeks on the first part of our charge, which is to develop a position description for our next Senior Minister based on our Mission and Vision Statement. We will then seek out congregational input in March and April to further define the church’s priorities. Please stay tuned for opportunities to participate, and contact us with any questions. Team members: Yvette Kirby (co-chair), Leanne Rodd (co-chair), Carolyn Bell, Kevin Currie, Arthur Daltas, Mat Finch, Tim Jarrett, Barbara Kroft.

Ladies Night Out on February 28 Please join us on Friday, February 28, 7 to 9 pm just to get together and have fun. There will be drinks and snacks. Spread the word. Bring something to share if you would like to. We look forward to seeing you! Where? Lisa Sandeen's home at 10 Brent Rd. in Lexington. Please park on same side of the street to allow through traffic. Questions? Call Lisa (781)863-8785.

12 Our Mission is To...

Worship God with All our Hearts and Minds

Ash Wednesday Worship The season of Lent opens at Hancock Church on Wednesday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m. with a contemplative Ash Wednesday worship service in the Chapel. Wearing ashes is an ancient symbol of humility and confession, a visible reminder of our daily need to receive the forgiving love of God. Come and confess honestly, accept ashes or a blessing, and know that God's forgiving grace is poured out for you.

Peacebuilding Through Music Class Starts March 1 How can music contribute to constructive dialogue, conflict transformation and reconciliation? What is unique about music and other arts that can make them particularly effective approaches to peacebuilding? How can the arts help us overcome – or reinforce – bias, stigma, and dehumanization? These questions will be addressed in Peacebuilding Through Music, a new class being taught 3 Sundays March here at Hancock Church. Taught by Dr. Elke Jahns, who taught classes here on Social Justice movements and music 2 years ago, the class will draw on concepts from the fields of conflict resolution, peacebuilding, sociology, cultural diplomacy, and music therapy. Examples in the class will include a world-famous orchestra composed of young Arab and Israeli musicians, a former child soldier from Sudan who raps to spread awareness and peace, chamber groups who perform in Boston area homeless shelters, musicians who help refugees integrate into their new communities, and professional who help incarcerated women write lullabies for their children. Sundays at 11:15 March 1st, 15th, and 22nd in the Kathie Stuart Room

A Joyful Noyse Presents "The Litany of Loreto" on March 8 On Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., all are invited as A Joyful Noyse presents "The Litany of Loreto: Supplications to the Blessed Virgin Mary." This concert, featuring plainchant and two settings for voices and instruments by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, will be performed on period instruments by A Joyful Noyse, Hancock's resident early music group directed by Martins Aldins. Hancock's Minister for Youth and Young Adults, Genna Beatty, will provide historical background and commentary. $15 donation to support the Hancock Music Program.

13 Our Mission is To...

Work for the Common Good

A Sustainable Supper: A Plant-Based Potluck Curious about plant-based eating? Want to learn and share in a fun evening out? On Saturday evening, March 7, from 6-9 pm, join the Faith and Environment Group from the Lexington Catholic Community in a delicious way to counteract climate change. Bring your favorite vegetarian dish (and the recipe). A program following supper, From Field to Fork (and Back Again), will include a panel of experts in sustainable farming, health and nutrition, cooking, and dealing with food waste. For more details see https://tinyurl.com/FIELD-DETAILS. Limited seating. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/FIELD- FORK. For other questions, contact Fran Ludwig at [email protected].

Join Barbara for a discussion about Just Mercy on March 22 Bryan Stevenson was a young lawyer when he founded the Equal Justice Initiative in Alabama, a legal practice dedicated to defending those most desperate and in need: the poor, the wrongly condemned, and women and children trapped in our criminal justice system. One of his first cases was that of Walter McMillian, a young man who was sentenced to die for a notorious murder he insisted he didn’t commit. The case drew Bryan into a tangle of conspiracy, political machination, and legal brinksmanship—and transformed his understanding of mercy and justice forever. Just Mercy is his first-hand account of an idealistic, gifted young lawyer’s coming of age, a moving window into the lives of those he has defended, and an inspiring argument for compassion in the pursuit of true justice. The movie, starring Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, and Brie Larson, was just released in January. Join Barbara on Sunday, March 22, in the Pearson Room after the morning service for a discussion of the book and movie and the issues they raise. If you can, read the book (it is terrific, winner of multiple awards, and 4.8 stars on Amazon!) or see the movie beforehand, but come in any case.

14 Our Mission is To...

Work for the Common Good

A Year of Giving Away the Offering This month marks the one-year anniversary of when we started giving our offering each week to a mission partner or other organization doing God’s work in the world. As a result, thanks to you, we contributed over $63,000 to the following organizations in the last year: American Medical Research Place of Promise Foundation (AMRF) Rosie's Place Basic Needs US Sharing, Inc. Bristol Lodge REACH Beyond Domestic Violence Casa Marianella Refugee and Immigrant Center City Mission for Education and Legal Services Concord Prison Outreach (RAICES), Texas Good Shepherd UCC/Green Valley Rise Above Samaritans, Arizona Sustainable Harvest International (SHI) Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell 350.org HOMES, Inc. UCC Christmas Fund and Veterans International Institute of New England of the Cross Lexington Food Pantry UCC Disaster Ministries Lexington Refugee Assistance Program UCC Neighbors in Need Lexington Unites for Puerto Rico UCC One Great Hour of Sharing LGBT Asylum Task Force UCC Strengthen the Church Outdoor Church United Teen Equality Center (UTEC), Lowell

Thank you!

15 Our Mission is To...

Cherish One Another

Engage with your Church! In support of our Mission to “Cherish One Another,” the Engagement Team would like to learn more about every member and friend of Hancock so that we can help you connect to a deeper level of engagement with your church. As we get to know one another better and accomplish useful tasks together, we cherish each other, our mission, and our church even more. How will this work? We are asking everyone to let us know what part of Hancock’s Mission resonates most strongly with you, and to commit to serving the church a few hours each year in service of that mission. Getting started is simple: Complete the survey: Follow the link in the weekly or scan the QR code at the top to connect to a brief survey to tell us more about what gives you joy. What do you love to do? What have you done at church before that has felt meaningful to you? When are you available to get involved? We’ll use that information to connect you to a Support Team of like-minded people at Hancock who can use your skills, talents and passion to change the world. Hold on a second. This sounds like you are asking me to join a committee. I don’t have time and I don’t like meetings! We hear you! Support Teams are made for you! Each of our current church committees has a Leadership Team and a Support Team. Leadership Teams break large goals into smaller tasks and reach out to their Support Team for volunteers to perform the tasks. Tasks will vary in time commitment, but all should be able to be completed in a few hours (or less!). Leadership Teams will advertise these requests to Support Team members. If the task looks like something you can do, you offer to help. You only see the requests from the Teams you have expressed interest in supporting. Got it. I already know what Support Teams I want to join. Great! Go to www.hancockchurch.org/serve/ and choose the types of work for which you are interested in volunteering. If you would like us to help you find ways you can deepen your engagement through vital and essential service to Hancock, complete the survey. A Committee Member will follow up with you to confirm next steps. We thank you for being members and friends of Hancock Church.

16 The Week Ahead

Sunday, February 23 Thursday, February 27 9:00am Bible Study with the Preacher 6:30pm Scout Troop 119 9:00am NO Marting to Glory Ringers 7:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal 9:00am Waffle Church 9:30am Infant and Toddler Care Available Friday, February 28 9:40am Prayers with the Choir 9:30am Morning Glory Ringers 10:00am Morning Worship 6:00pm OWL 10:15am Church School 11:00am Fellowship Hour Saturday, February 29 AA Study Group 11:15am No Choristers Rehearsal 8:00am A Joyful Noyse Rehearsal 1:00pm A Joyful Noyse Rehearsal 10:00am AA Meeting in Dining Room 4:00pm Music Rehearsal 10:00am Plaster Posaunes Brass Group 5:00pm Mardi Gras Celebration 3:00pm 6:00pm Mardi Gras Pancake Supper Sunday, March 1 7:00pm Hancock Youth Group 9:00am Bible Study with the Preacher 9:00am Marting to Glory Ringers Monday, February 24 Infant and Toddler Care Available 9:30am Project Group 9:30am Prayers with the Choir 11:00am Hancock Bulletin & Weekly Deadline 9:40am Morning Worship with Communion 7:00pm Hancock Young Adults Bible Study 10:00am Outdoor Church Sandwich Making 7:00pm Pack 137 Committee Meeting 10:15am Church School 7:00pm Standing Committee 10:00am 11:00am Fellowship Hour Tuesday, February 25 11:15am Discernment Team Meeting 10:15am Staff Meeting 11:15am Household Goods Presentation 11:15am Staff Worship Planning 11:15am Lenten Music Program 7:00pm GBIO Meeting 11:15am Choristers Rehearsal 1:00pm A Joyful Noyse Rehearsal Wednesday, February 26 4:00pm Music Rehearsal 9:00am Staff Red Cross First Aid Training 5:00pm Evening Worship 7:00pm Carillon 7:00pm Hancock Youth Group 7:00pm Ash Wednesday Worship

17 Who We Are Inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus we are changing the world through love, compassion, and courage!

We live out our vision by incorporating into our life together the following mission points: We worship God with all our hearts and minds: Worship

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18 Who We Are

For more information on faith formation for ages 0-8th grade, contact David C Clark (david. [email protected]). For more information on our high school and young adult ministries, contact Genna Beatty ([email protected]).

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19 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 Genna Beatty Senior Minister Minister of Youth and Young Adults [email protected] [email protected]

Barbara Callaghan Mark Morgan Minister Director of Music [email protected] [email protected] David C Clark Marilyn Becker Minister of Children and Families Associate Director of Music [email protected] [email protected] Susan Clinkenbeard Kathryn Dominguez Congregational Care Coordinator www.hancockchurch.org Church Administrator [email protected] [email protected] Church Office Phone: (781) 862-4220 Hancock Community Prayer: (781) 862-6845 For Emergency Pastoral Support: Church Office Hours: M-Th 9:00-3:00, F 1:00-4:00 p.m. Paul: (781) 698-8953 | Barbara: (336) 558-1242

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