FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTERMay 3, 2020, 10:00 a.m. Hancock United Church of Christ, Congregational •1912 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA

Photo by Jaka Škrlep on Unsplash

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WELCOME TO HANCOCKWe are delighted that you chose to worship with us today and are strengthened by your participation in our service! While we are sad that we cannot see you face-to-face this week, we are blessed to still be able to worship in a meaningful way. In these next few weeks, we will be having our worship televised and livestreamed via youtube.com/hancockchurch.

In these times, community is more important than ever. Because of this, we invite you all to share your ideas of how best to feel spiritually fulfilled in these times of limited interaction. You can send any thoughts to Hancock Church at 781-862-4220, or email Paul (paul@hancockchurch.org) or Barbara (barbara@hancockchurch.org).

www.hancockchurch.org

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:

Vision, Mission, and Values

faithfulness inclusion compassion gratitude integrity generosity humility vulnerability courage

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MOMENT FOR REFLECTIONIn the gospel according to John, Jesus makes extensive use of a metaphor: “I am the Good Shepherd,” he teaches his disciples, “and you are my beloved flock.” It’s an image that would have had a lot more resonance for first century people than for us here in the twenty-first century. Most of us have no connection with sheep, or with the people who tend to them. The closest most of us get to sheep is when we pull on a wool sweater, or grill a lamb chop. And yet, still the metaphor resonates: we who are vulnerable, guided and protected by one who is strong and who cares deeply about our welfare. It is neither accident nor coincidence that in times of trouble, we find the 23rd Psalm to be most comforting: “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.” In these months of pandemic, we all feel vulnerable. What blessed relief to know that even now, we have a shepherd, one who is strong and who cares deeply about our well-being. The Lord is our shepherd… this is good news indeed.

PRELUDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adagio from Sonata in Eb. . . . . . . . . . . . . by W.A. Mozart

WORDS OF WELCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David C Clark

CELEBRATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David C Clark

*OPENING HYMN . . . . . . . . . . . . . .God is Here . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #253 (1 & 4)

1. God is here! As we your peopleMeet to offer praise and prayer,May we find in fuller measureWhat it is in Christ we share.

Here, as in the world around us,All our varied skills and arts

Wait the coming of the SpiritInto open minds and hearts.

3. Here our children find a welcomeIn the Shepherd's flock and fold;

Here as bread and wine are taken,Christ sustains us as of old.

Here the servants of the ServantSeek in worship to explore

What it means in daily livingTo believe and to adore.

4. Lord of all, of church and kingdom,In an age of change and doubt,Keep us faithful to the Gospel;help us work your purpose out.Here, in this day's dedication,All we have to give, receive;

We, who cannot live without you,We adore you! We believe!

Service of Worship

*Congregation standing—some may wish to remain seated

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PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Clinkenbeard John 10:1-10

“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . God Is Still Speaking

Alleluia, alleluia, God is still speaking, alleluia!Alleluia, alleluia, God is still speaking, alleluia!

GATHERING SONG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Come on, Children, to the Gospel Feast

Come on, children, to the gospel feast.Gather 'round, gather 'round!

Jesus welcomes all, the little and leastGather 'round, gather 'round!

This is where we sing and pray,read God's word on this glad day.

Come on, children, to the gospel feast.Gather 'round, gather 'round!

CHILDREN’S TIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paul Shupe, pre-recorded

THE MORNING OFFERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David C ClarkThis morning's offering will be donated to One Chelsea Fund and the MassUndocuFund. For information on how to give, see page 10.

OFFERTORY . . . . . . . . . .My Shepherd Will Supply My Need . . . arr. by Virgil ThomsonChancel Choir Previously recorded

1. My Shepherd will supply my need;Jehovah is His Name;

In pastures fresh He makes me feedBeside the living stream.

He brings my wand’ring spirit back

When I forsake His ways,And leads me, for His mercy’s sake,

In paths of truth and grace.

2. When I walk thru the shades of death,

Service of Worship

*Congregation standing—some may wish to remain seated

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Thy presence is my stay;A word of Thy supporting breath

Drives all my fears away.Thy hand, in sight of all my foes,

Doth still my table spread;My cup with blessings overflows;

Thine oil anoints my head.

3. The sure provisions of my GodAttend me all my days;

O may Thy house be mine abode,And all my work be praise!

There would I find a settled rest(While others go and come),

No more a stranger or a guest,But like a child at home.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David C Clark

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

CALL TO PRAYER . . . . . . . . Hear Our Prayer, O God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .#278

Hear our prayer, O God, hear our prayer, O God;Incline your ear to us, and grant us your peace.

PASTORAL PRAYER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Clinkenbeard

A TIME OF SILENT PRAYER

Service of Worship

*Congregation standing—some may wish to remain seated

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THE LORD’S PRAYEROur 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.

THE SERMON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Now and Then . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David C Clark

GATHERING WORDS (responsively)One: We gather now at the table of Christ, seeking mercy, forgiveness, joy and peace. We remember that this is his table, and so we say, Come from the north and come from the south, come from the east and come from the west. Come regardless of age or race or sex or creed or orientation or identity. Come not because you must, but because you may.

Many: Come because it is our Lord’s table, and he bids us come.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION (responsively)One: We remember that on the night He was betrayed, Jesus sat at table with His disciples, and when they had eaten, He took the bread, and He blessed it and broke it, and He gave it to them saying,

Many: “Take and eat. This is my body, broken for you. Eat of this bread as often as you will, and remember me.”

One: After they had shared the bread, he took a cup, and he blessed it, and he gave thanks to God, and he poured it out for them and said,

Many: “This is the cup of the new covenant, poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sin. Whenever you drink of it, remember me.”

One: These are the gifts of God...

Many: ...for the people of God. Come, let us share the feast!

COMMUNION

COMMUNION MUSIC . . . . . . God is my Shepherd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. DvorakAbigail Bowling, soloist

Service of Worship

*Congregation standing—some may wish to remain seated

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*CLOSING HYMN . . . . . Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing . . . . . . . . . #333, vvs 1 & 2

Lord, dismiss us with your blessing;fill our hearts with joy and peace;Let us each, your love possessing,

Triumph in redeeming grace:Oh, refresh us, oh, refresh us,

traveling through this wilderness.

Thanks we give and adoration for the gospel’s joyful sound;

May the fruits of your salvation in our hearts and lives abound:

Ever faithful, ever faithfulto the truth may we be found.

*BENEDICTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David C Clark

BENEDICTION RESPONSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . God Be With You Till We Meet Again

God be with you ‘til we meet again,Loving counsels guide, uphold you,With a shepherd’s care enfold you:God be with you ‘til we meet again.

*PASSING THE PEACE

POSTLUDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Toccata in F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by D. Buxtehude

Copyright Information"God is Here!" Words: Fred Pratt Green. Music: Cyril V Taylor, ©1970 Hope Publishing Co. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE. #A-729105. All rights reserved.

"Come on Children, to the Gospel Feast" Words & Music: Mark Morgan ©2014 Hope Publishing Company. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE. #A-729105. All rights reserved.

"My Shepherd will Supply my Need" Music: Virgil Thompson ©1947 H.W Gray/Jubilate Music Group. Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE. #A-729105. All rights reserved.

Service of Worship

*Congregation standing—some may wish to remain seated

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Cherish one Another

Join Us for Virtual Coffee Hour Following Morning Worship!Join us immediately following Morning Worship for virtual coffee hour via Zoom! Here's how to participate! To join by video:

• Download the Zoom app on your phone, tablet, or computer that you will use for the conference. A non-handheld device is best.

• Click "Join a meeting." Then enter the Meeting ID Number: 835-957-432, followed by your name.

• Select "Join with Computer Audio." A picture will appear if your camera is enabled. Use your device settings to enable the camera if there is no picture.

To join by phone:

• Dial 646-558-8656.

• When prompted, enter the Meeting ID Number, 835-957-432, followed by #.

Hancock Home cHurcH

In the earliest days of Christianity, church happened in homes where small groups of the faithful met to encounter God. And now, in these days of social distancing, the home has once again become the center for spiritual life. Hancock Church continues to gather and be the church, but in new and

surprising ways. So, we want to hear from you all—send us pictures and videos of what church-from-home looks for you! We’d love to see kids joining David for the children’s moment, pictures of your communion elements, and folks in their Sunday best—even if that looks more like pajamas these days!

We’ll be sharing some of your submissions with the Hancock community and featuring them in future worship services. Check the Weekly for a link to send your pictures and videos to a Google drive folder.

Help us maintain our security on Zoom!In order to maintain our security during Zoom gatherings such as meetings and coffee hours, please be sure that your Zoom account name is reflective of your actual name, first and last. You can change your Zoom name by going to zoom.com and editing your account. Doing so helps us know who and who not to

admit to meetings and gatherings. Thank you!

Our Mission is To...

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Walk Our Spiritual Paths Togethersign up for tHe Hancock Daily!

To connect with Hancock Monday through Friday while we're physically apart, contact church.administrator@hancockchurch.org to sign up for the Hancock Daily! On Monday, we'll offer an entry from the Ministers' Blog; on Tuesday, a

guided meditation; on Wednesday, an invitation to Bible study with the preacher; on Thursday, a weekly prayer; on Friday, our song of the week from Mark.

financial support available for tHose affecteD by coviD-19Your ministers want to be sure it is widely known that we are here for you in many ways during the pandemic. Aside from spiritual and emotional support, please let us know if you are experiencing financial struggles. Many people have lost jobs or had salary reductions due to COVID-19. There are some

funds set aside for financial needs within the congregation. If you need assistance, please get in touch with Paul or Barbara.

upDate on tHe interfaitH garDen

In February, a dedicated group of representatives from over a dozen faith communities gathered to plan the 11th season for the Interfaith Garden. In the first 10 seasons of its life, almost 8 tons of produce was grown and donated to the Lexington Food Pantry and we planned to get going this season on March 21. Then Covid-19 hit.

We decided to push back the public opening of the Garden to after May 4, in accordance with the stay-at-home recommendations from our national,

state and local officials. Fortunately, there is not as much to do in the early weeks. Carla, our head gardener, with some select help, has gotten initial prep work done. Rhubarb is poking through; peas and beans have been planted; asparagus should be up soon; and Carla is waiting on the lettuce seedlings to arrive from LexFarm. In this uncertain time, the Garden finds its own rhythm.

Stay tuned. Remember that we garden through the end of October. When the time is right, there will be plenty of work for our volunteers.

In the meantime, please remember the Lexington Food Pantry. As expected, the demand for their services has grown. Find ways to help at https://www.lexingtonfoodpantry.org/.

Our Mission is To...

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Walk our Spiritual Paths Togethermorning offering

During this time of “virtual church”, please note our updated instructions for participating in the offering.Each week at Hancock we accept an offering of gifts for two purposes:Mission Partner of the Week. Each Sunday we accept gifts for one of our mission partners, 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.Sustaining Hancock’s Vision. Gifts are also welcome in the Sunday offering plate for Hancock Church that supports our staff, our building, community outreach and all of the worship and programs at Hancock. You may make a gift for either in one of three ways:• Through our website. Go to www.hancockchurch.org, click on the Give button in the upper right, and follow the instructions to make a gift by credit or debit card or ACH bank transfer. Be sure to indicate in the dropdown menu whether the gift is for “Mission Partner” or “Hancock Church.”• Send a check. Make it payable to Hancock UCC, and note on the memo line either “Mission Partner” or “Hancock.” Our address is 1912 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington MA 02421.• Text to give. From your smart phone or tablet, text the dollar amount along with "Mission" or “Hancock” to 781-386-0866 and tap the link to enter your credit card information. On April 19, we raised $1152 for Sustainable Harvest International. Thank you! Upcoming Offerings: May 10: Rosie’s Place

May 17: LGBT Asylum Task Force

Our Mission is To...

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Worship God with all our Hearts and Minds

connect witH paul anD barbara via virtual office Hours

Paul and Barbara will be holding virtual office hours. Paul's office hours are on Mondays from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. and Tuesdays from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Barbara’s office hours are Mondays from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Tuesdays

from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., and alternate Thursdays from 9:0 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

To sign up, contact Paul at Paul@hancockchurch.org or 781-698-8953, or Barbara at Barbara@hancockchurch.org or 336-558-1242. You can of course always call or email and talk with us in times outside of these specific hours as well.

bible stuDy witH tHe preacHers on weDnesDays via Zoom

Bible study with the preacher, usually held on Sunday mornings, will now be offered Wednesdays at noon. Paul and Barbara will alternate leading it each week. This will be led via Zoom. Here's how to participate:

To join by video:

Download the Zoom app on your phone, tablet, or computer that you will use for the conference. A non-handheld device is best.

Click "Join a meeting." Then enter the Meeting ID Number, 751-145-448, followed by your name.

Select "Join with Computer Audio." A picture will appear if your camera is enabled. Use your device settings to enable the camera if there is no picture.

To join by phone:

Dial 646-558-8656.

When prompted, enter the Meeting ID Number, 751-145-448, followed by #.

weekly sHaring anD prayer every tHursDay

Every Thursday at 11:00 a.m., we will hold a time of sharing and prayer led by your ministers. If you are subscribing to the Hancock Daily, the Zoom link will be emailed to you on Thursday mornings. We hope that you will join us as we continue to find new expressions for the ways in which we cherish one another, and embrace new ways of walking our

spiritual paths together, during in this time. To sign up to receive the Hancock Daily, contact church.administrator@hancockchurch.org.

Our Mission is To...

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Build Community in a Diverse World

sHi — solutions tHat builD on tHe knowleDge tHat environmental Devastation anD rural poverty are inextricably linkeD.

Last year Hancock made a commitment to Sustainable Harvest International (SHI) and the people of the rural, poor farming community of La Concepcion, Honduras, to underwrite the annual $10,000 cost of SHI’s 4-5-year program there. Phase 1 is well

underway. 17 family vegetable gardens were planted, improving diets with nutritious and diverse produce; 13 wood-conserving stoves were installed to mitigate indoor pollution and excess wood burning; and workshops on regenerative agriculture practices are ongoing.

We need to raise about $3000 more to meet our commitment for the current fiscal year (through June 30). A big amount… but we do have a donor who will match any contributions you can make. How do you do that? By sending a check to Hancock with SHI in the memo line, or go to the Hancock online giving page, choose “Mission Partner” from the dropdown menu, and write SHI in the comment line.

Our Mission is To...

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Work for the Common Good

tHank you for Helping cHilDren's room from kimmy inferrera

Dear Hancock Church,

Thank you for helping with my Kingdom Assignment Project from Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Leominster, MA. The purpose was to use my talents and connections to better the world. This project was supported by many people in The Hancock Church, Our Lady of the

Lake Church and my hometown. Thank you for all of the donations both monetary and stuffed animals. Sadly, due to the pandemic many families and children likely have lost a parent or close family members. The Children's Room will help many children with broken hearts. Once this pandemic is over, these donations will be brought to The Children's Room in Arlington, MA to help all of the children. Your generosity will help support many brokenhearted children. Thanks again! ~Kimmy Inferrera

upDate on lexington fooD pantry During coviD-19The Lexington Interfaith Food Pantry continues to serve members of our community facing food insecurity. This includes over 50 new families since the COVID-19 shut down has occurred. The Food Pantry director and her assistant have done an amazing job implementing safe practices for volunteers and clients alike. Thank you to all who have made

donations to the Food Pantry through Hancock's Mission Moment, food donations, and donations of paper and plastic bags. Normally shoppers bring their own bags, but in the new system the Food Pantry fills bags for shoppers and so must have about 225 paper and 150 plastic shopping bags per week during this 'stay at home' period.

If you can help with food donations, they can be left at the Stop and Shop in Lexington in the bin near the exit door. If you wish to make a monetary contribution, please write a check to Hancock Church with "Food Pantry" in the memo line.

These items are frequently requested by clients (take a snapshot for your next shopping trip!): VEGETARIAN SOUPS, CANNED FRUIT, CANNED CORN, CANNED PEAS, CANNED GREEN BEANS, PEANUT BUTTER, CREAMY & CRUNCHY

Thank you! Please pray for those in our community who rely on strangers for nourishing food, and for the Food Pantry leadership who continually strive to get food to those in need within our communities. Questions may be directed to Susan at foodpantry@hancockchurch.org.

Our Mission is To...

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

David C Clark Minister of Children and Families david.clark@hancockchurch.org

Susan Clinkenbeard Congregational Care Coordinator susan@hancockchurch.org

Genna BeattyMinister of Youth and Young Adults

genna.beatty@hancockchurch.org

Mark Morgan Director of Music

mark.morgan@hancockchurch.org

Marilyn Becker Associate Director of Music

marilyn.becker@hancockchurch.org

Kathryn Dominguez Church Administrator

kathryn@hancockchurch.org

www.hancockchurch.org

Church Office Phone: (781) 862-4220Hancock Community Prayer: (781) 862-6845

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.