Special Services

There are many times throughout the year that we worship at other times than Sundays, or have special services during our regular service times. Please join us for a service that speaks to you!

Celebration Sunday–Sunday, September 14th at 10 a.m. at Hastings Park

Our program year kicks off with this joyous service outside at Hastings Park (just west of the church on Massachusetts Ave.) Our River Rock Band plays and the choir sings as we come back together after a summer of travelling and fun. A brown bag lunch provided by our Parish Life team follows the service. 

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service–Sunday, November 23rd at 3:00 p.m. at Temple Isaiah

Hancock is a founding member of the Lexington Interfaith Clergy Association (LICA). Each year, members of the Association lead an interfaith service to celebrate Thanksgiving. The service is hosted by a different member congregation each year. This year, it will be held at Temple Isaiah, 55 Lincoln St in Lexington. Scriptures, readings amd prayers will be shared, and songs will be sung by both the congregation and the Interfaith Choir.

Manger Sunday–Sunday, December 7th at 10:00 a.m. Due to Construction, location is TBD for 2025

An over 150 year tradition, we celebrate the Christmas season with our partners at Coat Boston as we bring gifts to the “manger” that are shared with service agencies throughout the greater Boston area. The choir sings, accompanied by brass and percussion, and we all sing carols during the Manger Procession. Our Mission Fair follows the service. A joyous way to kick off the season!

Blue Christmas–Monday, December 15th at 7:00 p.m. in the Kathie Stuart Room

A quiet and contemplative service for those who might be struggling with the season. Filled with prayers, readings, and quiet carols it is a place of respite in what can be a difficult season for many.

Celtic Christmas, Sunday, December 21st at 10:00 a.m. in Clark Hall

We celebrate the season with music from the Celtic tradition in our morning service, led by guest musicians rooted in that sound. A beloved tradition here at Hancock.

Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24th

5:00 p.m.–Our family service of lessons and carols led by our Chancel Choir, brass, and timpani. The Christmas story is told and carols are sung. The service concludes with a candlelit singing of Silent Night,. Due to construction, this year’s 5:00 service will be held at Temple Isaiah, 55 Lincoln St in Lexington

8:00 p.m.–A beautiful service of lessons and carols accompanied by vocal ensemble and harp. The Rev Dr. Barbara Callaghan will preach. The service concludes with a candlelit singing of Silent Night. This service will be held in Clark Hall at Hancock.

11:00 p.m.–our final service of the night features more contemporary takes on the traditional carols of the season led by our River Rock Band (check out their Christmas CD Canticles for the Turning on all the streaming services!) Communion will be shared and the service concluded with Silent Night and the sounding of the church bell at midnight as we ring in Christmas Day. This service will be held in Clark Hall at Hancock.

Jazz Epiphany, Sunday January 4th at 5:00 p.m.Clark Hall

We wrap up our Christmas season with this special service of Worship at the Well. The River Rock Band and special guests lead us in jazz takes of the songs of the season. Communion and prayers are shared.

Mardi Gras–Sunday February 8th at 5:00 p.m. Clark Hall

We mark the carnival season and the upcoming start of lent with a special Worship at the Well service featuring music from New Orleans performed by our River Rock Band and special guests. A thoroughly joyous, hand clapping, footstomping night of music and worship!

Ash Wednesday, Wednesday February 18th at 5:30 p.m. in the Dining Room

Our season of lent begins with a service and potluck dinner. We share an informal meal together and receive ashes as we begin our journey to Easter.

Palm Sunday, Sunday March 29th Clark Hall

We celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and start our Holy Week journey to Easter with our Bell Choirs, Children’s Choir, and Chancel Choir. An all church brunch follows.

Maundy Thursday, Thursday April 2nd at 6:00 p.m. in the Dining Room

We mark the Last Supper and the events in the Garden of Gethsemane with a simple meal together and intimate service of word and music.

Good Friday, Friday, April 3rd at 7:00 p.m.

Our Holy Week journey reaches its darkest point, as we re-tell the story of the Jesus’ crucifixion through word, ritual, and music. Members of the choir sing music from the renaissance in our candlelit chapel.

Easter Sunday, Sunday April 5th at 10:00 a.m.

Our Holy Week journey concludes with a joyous Easter celebration of the Resurrection. Out Chancel Choir is joined by brass, timpani, and organ as we celebrate and conclude with everyone singing Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus!

Interfaith Pulpit and Choir Exchange, Friday April 24th (time TBA) at Temple Isaiah; Sunday April 26th at 10:00 a.m. at Hancock Church

We have a close relationship with our friends at Temple Isaiah dating back to the 1950’s. Once a year we gather for a weekend of worship together. Our choirs combine and our leaders preach for each other’s congregations. This is a beautiful weekend of interfaith worship, community, and building bridges of understanding. All are welcome.