Belong

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At Hancock United Church of Christ, belonging is as important as believing. What holds us together is not that we all agree on what we believe, but rather our covenant of membership: we all belong to one community together.

Jesus once asked his disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” Our believing and our belonging is our answer to this question. To belong to Hancock means that each of us seeks to strengthen our beliefs, and we do this through several important practices: We worship together, seeking to understand God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit through prayer, preaching, singing and witnessing. We study and learn as we are able: reading the Bible, engaging in Christian Education programs, talking and sharing faithfully with each other. We engage in good works together, reaching out to the sick and the lonely, the poor and the powerless. We gather together for friendship, fellowship and kindness toward one another.

Welcome Letter

Dear Friend,

Welcome to Hancock Church! I can’t know in advance precisely what you might be searching for in a church community, and yet I’m oddly confident that you will find it here in our vibrant congregation. There are many ways to approach faith in God, and so we worship in a variety of ways, with music for many ears. Each of us is blessed with gifts and talents that can be shared with others in ways that build community and friendships, and it’s likely that your uniqueness will be a gift to us. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be of service to others, and we provide many opportunities for you to find your way to help. And our faith brings us deep and lasting joy, so that in our life together we laugh and cry together, and are strengthened for life in the process.

I’d love to know what has brought you here, to our website, or to our front door. Please feel free to contact me with your questions, and if you’d like to schedule a time for conversation and coffee, I’d welcome the chance to get to know who you are, and what God is doing in your life.

Hancock Church welcomes all, strives to listen, loves to learn, and believes in justice and peace. Come, be a part of our community. Come just as you are. Engage at your own pace. Ask your questions. Share your story. Welcome!

Blessings,

Barbara Callaghan

Senior Minister of Hancock Church

 

 

 

 

 

Worship

What Does Morning Worship Look Like Now?

We are so grateful to be able to worship indoors in our beautiful sanctuary again! Having gone from having to worship virtually only, to outdoor worship and a recorded broadcast worship, to now meeting indoors with a recorded broadcast, worshiping indoors feels like a huge step. We want to make sure everyone knows what to expect when they walk through our doors.

 

We will continue to broadcast morning worship live via LexMedia and Youtube, Sundays at 10:00am. Should you have any questions or concerns about morning worship, please contact Office@HancockChurch.org.

 

Masks are currently optional in all spaces of the church. We will still have masks and hand sanitizer for you at the church. After worship, we usually have coffee hour in Clark Hall.

 

During our offertory, we will collect offerings in brass plates as usual. If you would be more comfortable, there is also a lock box for your donation after the service. We encourage you to utilize whichever option is most comfortable to you. We can also accept morning offerings via mail, online, or through text.

 

At the end of worship, we will invite everyone to pass the peace. There are many ways to pass the peace of Christ, and we ask that everyone be mindful and respectful of varying boundaries and needs for Covid safety. A wave or an air hug are always safe and welcome options.

 

We are still able to offer communion on specified Sundays, but we now use individual peel packs. Each peel pack comes with a mini-cup of grape juice and a wafer. They can be picked up with your bulletin as you enter the sanctuary, and we will take communion together during the service once a month.

For over 150 years, Hancock Church has lived into our calling of loving, caring for, and serving our brothers and sisters. We do that today through knitting prayer shawls, making phone calls, delivering meals, and, of course, praying – just to name a few. It’s easy to think of congregational care as a set of tasks, but it’s really about a way of life in covenant. In a world that encourages us to keep our heads down and keep moving, congregational care invites us to slow down and look around. We might be surprised what we learn about ourselves and our faith when we incorporate simple acts of loving kindness into our lives.

Here at Hancock, we have a small group of 5-7 people who coordinates this important ministry. However, everyone in the congregation, whether member or friend is part of the Congregational Care team.

That’s right: We’re all called to care for one another. However, you might want to volunteer for a specific activity. Here are a few of the ministries here at Hancock:

How Can We Support You?

Here at Hancock, we walk our spiritual paths together, and cherish each other. As our Congregational Care Team gears up for the fall season, we want to know how we can be supporting you.How we can be praying for you, supporting you practically, and walking alongside you better? Let us know by filling out this form.

Ride Ministry

Anyone who attends one of the worship services at Hancock knows how important it is to worship in a community. Some of our members are only able to attend worship when they are driven by someone else. To help facilitate this ministry we use Sign Up Genius, an online based platform that allows church members and friends to register their availability to drive someone on upcoming Sundays.

If you’re someone who needs a ride, please don’t hesitate to email: care.coordinator@hancockchurch.org.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Prayer shawls are tangible signs of God’s love, knitted by members and friends of Hancock Church. They are given to those who are mourning, ill, facing or recovering from surgery, or dealing with a particular hardship. They are also given on the occasion of someone’s baptism. If you would like to knit and pray, reach out to the congregational care committee for yarn. You can also get some patterns or just use your favorites!

Visitation/Phone Call/
Card Writing Ministry

Whether one is unable to leave their home due to mobility difficulty or temporary illness, a “check-in” from a loving face and listening ear can make the world of difference. Here are Hancock, we encourage and empower one another to make occasional phone calls and visits. While it may sound intimidating, it’s much easier than it sounds! Just imagine yourself welcoming a visit or call: What expectations would you have if someone just reached out to “check-in?” You’d likely just feel grateful. By taking part in this ministry, you can give that gift to someone else.

Sunday Flower Ministry

Have you ever wondered what happens to those beautiful flowers after every Sunday morning service? They are broken into small bouquets and delivered to members and friends of our congregation! Like the prayer shawls, they represent a sign of God’s love and are sure to brighten up someone’s day. Those involved usually sign up for one Sunday a year. It’s a great ministry for a family to do together!

Memorial Reception Ministry
“Hancock Angels”

Have you ever attended a memorial service here at Hancock? After the service, everyone is typically invited to gather for a memorial reception. These receptions are prepared by members of Hancock Church – we like to call them the “Hancock Angels.” While this ministry isn’t always in the spotlight, it is so important to grieving families.

Caregivers Support Ministry

Are you currently, or have you previously, cared for an aging or ill parent, sibling, spouse or other loved one? If you feel alone, know there are countless others at Hancock in the same situation. We invite caregivers, past and present, to come together monthly for a meal and fellowship. Some months are programmed, others are more informal and “check-in” oriented. Past topics have included tips on winter preparation and estate planning. If you would like to join us, send an email to the congregational care coordinator by clicking here.

Lay Minister

How To Use the Lay Minister Program

In 2022, Hancock had its first Commissioning of Lay Ministers! Nine church members went through a specific training with Barbara and Rachel, and they can now visit other church members and offer communion. “Use your gifts and talents that you might be a blessing to the people you meet and care for.”

Want to connect with a Lay Minister? :

Want Communion brought to your home?

Questions? Contact Rachel@HancockChurch.org or Sue@HancockChurch.org. Pastors will respond as soon as able, or contact Rachel and/or Sue directly. Sue is usually unavailable Fridays and Mondays.

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

    At Hancock we worship God, together in communal worship as well as in our individual faith practices. Trusting in God’s grace, we believe our worth is God-given, not earned or achieved. From this place we seek to worship in ways that are intellectually honest and relevant to the world in which we live, listening to the still speaking God and to one another with both head and heart.

  • Walk our spiritual paths together

    We walk our spiritual paths together, without judgment, honoring where each of us is in our journey, and supporting and encouraging each other along the way. Questions and doubts are welcome. Through lifelong learning we seek to feed the spiritual hunger in each of us with all that Christianity has to offer. We equip our children and youth with a foundation of faith and love that can adapt and sustain them as they grow.

  • Cherish one another

    We cherish one another, and we ask for help when we need it. Authentic and vulnerable, we come together in community, accepting each other as we are, heart and soul, gifts and needs, laughing and crying together, throughout all of life. You are welcome here. You are safe here. We take care of one another at all stages of life, honoring each other’s gifts, abilities, points of view, and graces.

  • Build community in a diverse world

    We believe wholeheartedly that God loves everyone, and we work to live our covenant of welcome every day. We respect other faith traditions, recognizing that the ties that bind us are much stronger than our differences. We actively collaborate with diverse faith communities to advance the common good

  • Protect the earth

    We are inspired by the beauty of the earth, and often experience God personally in nature. We recognize in humility that we are part of the intricate, evolved web of life on earth and not lords over it. We seek to be good stewards of the earth, and commit ourselves to work for sustainability and climate justice to protect the earth and those who are most vulnerable to its degradation.

  • Work for the common good

    We confront the systems and sources of injustice in the world today, including racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, poverty, and selfishness of all kinds. We seek to protect the most vulnerable. We inspire people to embrace love, dispel fear, and be a light in the world.

At Hancock Church, we amplify the voice of progressive faith as we speak to contemporary issues. We read scripture seriously but not literally.  Through God’s love, we are transformed. Thus encouraged, we train leaders to carry this work into the world.

Our Values

Our commitments to

  • love God and one another
  • work for social justice
  • serve others

are rooted in our core values of

  • faithfulness
  • inclusion
  • compassion
  • gratitude
  • generosity
  • humility
  • vulnerability
  • courage
  • integrity

 

COVID-19 Response

Updated Masking/Covid Policy
Given the continuing decline in covid cases, masks will no longer be required in any areas of our building or services. This will include the balcony area and the Sunday evening Worship at the Well services. Individuals are always encouraged and supported in their decisions to wear masks as they need to given their own situation. Covid rates will continue to be monitored and policies adjusted as needed.

COVID Covenant for Church Sponsored Events

This covenant represents the baseline requirements of hosting and attending a Hancock sponsored event either within the facility or anywhere outdoors including on the grounds of Hancock Church. This covenant reflects our mission goals of Working for the Common Good and Cherishing One Another.

If you or individuals in your group are not able to affirm the statements listed below, or do not intend to follow these statements when gathering, Hancock Church will not be able to accommodate you at our church facility at this time.

In order to cherish one another when utilizing the facilities and grounds of Hancock Church, I will not knowingly put others at risk by agreeing…

  1. I will always wear a face mask.
  2. I will maintain appropriate social distancing (at least 6 feet).
  3. I will wash my hands/use hand sanitizer often.
  4. I will stay home if I am not feeling well, or know I have been exposed to COVD-19 within the past 14 days.
  5. I will contact the church immediately if I, or someone in my household tests positive or becomes presumptive positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of being present at our building.
In deciding whether to attend an event, we all must make our own best decision while keeping in mind our choices impact others. Since levels of risk tolerance can be very different, even among friends, we pledge to support each other and not take it personally, pass judgment upon, or question the reasoning of another Hancock member who chooses not to participate in person.

Guidelines for Outdoor Events

Requests for church sponsored outdoor gatherings will be handled on a case-by-case basis through the church office. Adhering to the guidelines listed here is required for all groups meeting on church grounds:
  1. Participants must agree to abide by the Hancock COVID Covenant for Church Sponsored Events.
  2. Permission must be obtained from the Hancock office to limit access to one group at any given time. All events must be on the master calendar.
  3. A list of attendees must be recorded and shared with the church office no later than the following business day.
  4. Please account for set up and clean up time when making your reservation to prevent overlap of groups which could make social distancing hard. DO NOT arrive before or stay after your scheduled time.
  5. No building access – including bathrooms and kitchen except by church staff.
  6. No use of church equipment or supplies except by church staff.
  7. All trash must be taken away – no use of dumpster.
  8. No sharing of food/ beverages. People may bring their own.
  9. No group singing. No brass or wind instruments.
  10. No smoking and no alcoholic beverages.

Guidelines for Pastoral Care Visits

At the present time, the Ministers are permitted to visit with Hancock members and friends in person as they feel comfortable. Visits via Zoom, telephone or other media remain the safest, and therefore should be chosen whenever possible.

The following guidelines are to be followed by both the Ministers and the congregants in every in-person visit:

  1. Participants agree to abide by Hancock COVID Covenant for Church Sponsored Events.
  2. The decision of whether or not to meet in person belongs solely to the Ministers. They may choose not to engage in-person visits.
  3. Visits should be with one person or one family at a time.
  4. Outdoor visits are encouraged as much as possible, either at the church or another location. (See Outdoor Events Sponsored by Hancock or on Hancock Grounds listed below)
  5. Visits can be made inside the church using the Wilson Room, staying at least 6 feet apart.
  6. Participants, including ministers, should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before and after any visits, and especially when entering and leaving Wilson Room.
  7. No handshakes, hugs, or laying on of hands are permitted at this time.
  8. Upon request, the Ministers may celebrate communion, but all participants must provide their own communion elements.

Our Stories

Hancock is a vibrant, growing church family whose members and friends come from many walks of life. See what Hancock means to us!

Submit Your Story

I am not the same person I was before Hancock Youth Group (HYG) came into my life. HYG gave me the space to go...

I am not the same person I was before Hancock Youth Group (HYG) came into my life. HYG gave me the space to go through my life transitions all while sharing my ideas, hardships, and most of all triumphs all while being part of a new family. The people that surrounded me in not just HYG, but the Hancock community itself made me feel like I had another home where I could go and be myself. Now in college, looking back on my experiences with the church, being within the loving environment that Hancock creates made me leave more connected with my faith and my inner self. Going forward in life, I will never forget that Hancock laid down a foundation for me to ask questions about my faith, and challenge myself to make the world a better place one day at a time.
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Our young family has one scheduled commitment on weekends: attending Hancock. Our 2- and 4-year-olds are excited to go to “Ms. Debbie’s House”...

Our young family has one scheduled commitment on weekends: attending Hancock. Our 2- and 4-year-olds are excited to go to “Ms. Debbie’s House” and spend time with Debbie and the other childcare staff. Our 8-year-old happily sits with us in the service, listens to the children’s sermon, and loves exploring the building. My husband and I enjoy the sermon, the wide variety of music in the service, and the adult fellowship and small group opportunities. As someone who grew up attending church, Hancock is a place I look forward to attending and am confident that my children will grow up with a strong and questioning faith. I look forward to seeing their involvement in all the church child and youth programming between now and high school graduation.

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One thing that makes Hancock Church special is the outreach that the church does: in the local  community, around the country, or,...

One thing that makes Hancock Church special is the outreach that the church does: in the local  community, around the country, or, especially for me, the relief efforts following the hurricane in Puerto Rico. Tens of thousands of dollars were raised for emergency supplies of food, water, clothing, diapers, toys, generators, and all, to replace what had been lost. And now, an effort to raise money for re-equipping fishermen who lost almost all of their gear in the storm has resulted in “Hancock Fishermen” giving enough to supply equipment for the PR fisherman to again provide food as well as income to their community. How satisfying!

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In the fall of 2018, I learned how passionate our congregation is about Hancock Church. 150 people gave twelve hours of valuable...

In the fall of 2018, I learned how passionate our congregation is about Hancock Church. 150 people gave twelve hours of valuable time to a small group process designed to develop Hancock’s new mission and vision statement. Our 24 group leaders gave even more time as did our writing team. I am overjoyed with our vision statement. Inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus, we are changing the world through love, compassion and courage. I try to ask myself - How am I changing the world?  
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