July - August 2012 Newsletter
From the Minister

A few of you spoke to me about the front page article entitled “Got Faith?” which appeared in the Bangor Daily News in mid May.  The article addressed religious affiliation in Maine (or the lack there of!).  One bright spot amongst an otherwise dismal state of affairs, the article pointed out, was the growth of the Pentecostal Holiness Church from 29 members to 174 total members in Maine over the last decade, or 500 percent growth.

The writer Phyllis Tickle (who, by the way, is coming to Ellsworth on August 24-25 as part of the 
Downeast Spiritual Conference – see brochure/registration on vestry bulletin board) says that the early centuries of Christianity were the time of the Father, the Reformation was the time of Son, and these days might well be the time of the Spirit.  According to Acts 2 it is the nature of the Holy Spirit to descend freely, to blow where it will, to empower people beyond our humanly imposed boundaries.  Could it be possible that the huge growth of Pentecostalism, particularly in the Southern hemisphere, could be seen as a modern “time of the Spirit”?                 
—Keith

Habitat Update

We are nearing the end of work on our Habitat house for the Alley family.  Church volunteers have put in over 1700 hours, and the family is nearing its 200 mark.  The final push is on!!  Please come forward and call Phil Devenish (422-6445) to work on one of the remaining few Saturday mornings.  If you cannot physically work, please ask someone who can.  WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER.            
—Phil Devenish
 
Trustees

Thankfully, the repairs and renovations at the parsonage are coming to an end. Delivery and set up of the kitchen appliances will happen imminently.  We were able to take advantage of rebates ($90.00) for the newly purchased “energy-star” refrigerator and dishwasher as well as recycling rebates ($100.00) for the two old refrigerators in the parsonage garage to defray some of the costs.  Also, the parsonage exterior has been power-washed and hot-waxed so now shines as it hasn’t for a long time. The result is a lovely, freshly-painted (on the inside) and re-done home for a new minister.

The Trustees are now planning in earnest for the Trustees’ Yard Sale, held in conjunction with the Church Fair on Saturday, August 4, 2012.  We are looking for folks with trucks to help transport yard sale items first thing (6 am – 8 am) that morning, to work during the sale (8 am – 2 pm) and importantly to help clean up at the end (1 pm – 2:30pm).  Please contact Linda or Dennis at 422-6294 to volunteer. We promise that you will have fun and either get to say hello to people you rarely see or meet new folks…or maybe both. We can’t do it without you!
—Linda King, Chairperson

Stewardship

Ben Carr and Phil Devenish are the chairs for our stewardship drive this year.  Given our current situation, both financially and in regard to searching for a new settled minister, they have made two proposals: (1) For the first time in many years (perhaps ever?), we plan to have an 'Every Member Canvass.'  Phil and Ben will be contacting folks to form a team to make a PERSONAL CALL ON EVERY MEMBER AND FRIEND of the church during the fall to ask for their support.  (2)  The team will also ask EVERYONE TO PLEDGE and not merely to give an offering into the plate when they attend.  We want to RECONNECT with EVERYONE and to stress SHARED RESPONSIBILITY for the support of our church, especially at this important juncture. 
—Phil Devenish

Bean Supper

 HEAR YE, HEAR YE—COME ONE, COME ALL to the Church Bake Bean Supper, which will be held, July 14, 2012, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM.  Bake beans, cole slaw, hot dogs,  American chop suey, vegetarian chili, homemade rolls and pies will be on the menu.  All you can eat for just $7.00 for adults and $4.00 for children under the age of 12.

Come out and support your church.  Bring your friends and tell your neighbors.  This will be the only supper this summer to raise needed money for the church!  Another one will be held in the fall.

A sign up sheet is in the Vestry for all who wish to help by donating items or helping that evening.

Any questions, call Priscilla Hirschenhofer at 422-3649.

Council

Council, at its meeting on June 21, 2012, approved a non-binding ballot to be distributed to members and friends.  This ballot is the result of the congregational meeting held on June 13, 2012 to discuss church finances as well as budget considerations and role of the parsonage in the search for a new minister.  Please note that the ballot included with this newsletter needs to be returned via mail or to the church by July 11, 2012.  More information on this subject is also included with this newsletter.

We regret to report that Roslynne Lowry, our President and member of the Pastoral Search Committee, has tendered her resignation for personal reasons.  Roslynne has been very generous with her time, energy and commitment to our church.  We are most grateful and will miss her very much.

Ron Schwizer, previously our Vice President, is now our President.  The Nominating Committee will be looking to fill the office of Vice President in the near future.

Upcoming events in the life of our church to look forward to are the dedication of the Alley Family Habitat for Humanity (date to be determined) that our church has sponsored and the Church Fair and Yard Sale on August 4, 2012. 
-Linda King, Council Chairperson

29 May 2012,

Dear Linda,

Please accept my resignation as President of the congregation.  With much prayer and counseling I have decided to leave the church due to personal reasons.  I will miss all of you as you all have become my church family here in Maine. No matter where else I attend church in Maine, UCC Hancock will always be dear to me. 

I have also submitted my resignation from the pastoral search committee to Ron Schwizer effective as of today.  I will forward to you the letter I have written for the congregation meeting on 13 June 2012.

Please know that all of you are very dear to me and I will always hold the church and its member close to my heart.

In Christ,
Roslynne Lowry

Deacons

The Board of Deacons voted at their June meeting to discontinue the 8:30 AM service for the summer of 2012. This service was popular with a few hardy early risers.   With attendance dropping over the last few years, the Deacons decided to eliminate the service this year and reconsider the decision next year.

At the June meeting, the Board of Deacons recommended that the Council negotiate a contract with Keith Bowie to extend his interim ministry for another six months. Keith and Pam have been welcome additions to our congregation.

On Sunday, June 24th, the children who have been part of our Sunday School presented Mr. Frank (Dorsey) and Mr. Chris (Potter) with two coffee mugs; decorated by the kids with their initials and some very fancy designs!   The children were asked what they liked best about Sunday School and Tamara Crowley shared their responses:  they loved the crafts, stories and games, but touched everyone's heart when they said they knew Mr. Frank and Mr. Chris loved them because of how their voices sounded when they talked to each child.  What a precious memory for each of those children!  We are deeply grateful, beyond words, for the wonderfully rich program these two men have given these children.  Thank you Frank and Chris; you are the absolute best!    
—Judi Crowley

Announcements

Our annual church pot luck picnic will be held at Tidal Falls on Sunday August 19th at 4 p.m.  It’s a time to sit back and relax toward the finish of what is usually a very busy summer for most of us.  Please note the date on your calendar and invite family and friends to come along.  Bring a chair and food to share and enjoy the company of our summer friends and neighbors.  Please call David Wildes (422-3729) with any questions.

The Music Fund supports the honorarium for to the musicians from the  Monteux School, annual organ and piano maintenance, and music supplies for the choir. Please consider making a special contribution for these needs by noting "Music Fund" on the check or envelope to show your appreciation for the Church's music program.

Summer yoga classes will be held on Thursdays during July and August from 8:30 -10:00 AM in the church vestry.  The instructor is Mary Seward, a Kripalu certified yoga instructor. Please being a mat, light blanket, and a firm pillow.  Wear comfortable clothes.  The cost is $10. Beginners welcome.

The Hancock Boy Scouts still need your returnable cans and bottles to help fund their many activities.  Seven Scouts are attending Camp Roosevelt this July, and a trip to Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin is planned for August.  Your bottle and can donations help make these activities possible.  Please call David Wildes and Cynthia Wood at 422-3739 to arrange a pick up.

Church Fair and Yard Sale

 Church Fair and Yard Sale will be held Saturday, August 4th from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.  Our 2012 church budget calls for $7,000 to be raised that day.  For that to happen, your support and participation is vital.  Of course, we need items that are in good condition and that work to sell.  Used freezers, refrigerators, wood stoves, and furniture seem to sell well.  We don't want any clothes.  We request no televisions or computer equipment, as it costs us money to dispose of these if they don't sell.  (We will accept them only if you agree to take them back if they don't sell.)

The individuals listed below have volunteered to coordinate the various tables and would appreciate your assistance with providing items for sale and also with helping on the day of the fair:

Second Time Around—Gertrude Wildes 422-3539
        Quality linens, knick-knacks, glass, china, silver, brass, copper, small appliances.

Kitchen Cupboard—Beryl Crosby 422-6492, Priscilla Hirschenhofer 422-3645, Joanne Estey 422-9963
        Homemade breads, rolls, cakes, pies, jams & jellies, muffins, cookies, candies and other delectable foods.

Coffee Klatch—Sally Knapp 422-3568
        Coffee and Betty Lewis' doughnuts.  The best there is!

Book Nook—Al Higgins 266-9291 and Bill Reeve  667-3997
        Books of all kinds.  Puzzles, board games, records, VHS cassettes, CD's, DVD's also gratefully received.

Green Thumb—Johanna Bazzolo 422-6274 and Dianne Eckhardt 422-3601
        Fresh produce, garden and houseplants, herbs, and cut flowers.

Snack Bar—Laura Cooper 422-8223, Marcia Nowell 422-3107, Sally Bryant 422-2626, and Cookie Thelen 422-6808
        All the fixings for a great lunch!  Crab rolls, chicken salad and homemade deserts are our specialties, along with hot dogs, sodas and tea.  Cash donations are needed to purchase crab meat and other food supplies.  Designated envelopes are available at church.

Jewelry—Bee and Jean Foss 422-3136 and Betty Denniston 422-6443
    Baubles and beads, old and new.  Ladies, clean out your jewelry boxes.

Silent Auction—David Wildes 422-3739 and Steve Cooper 422-8223
    Unique items for sale that deserve special attention and interest.  These may include quality antiques, paintings, gift certificates, donated services and other one-of-a-kind items.

STORAGE AND DROP OFF – Charlie and Betty Lewis have again generously offered to store items in their garage.  Please don't leave anything without first making arrangements with them.  Phone:  422-6257.  Address:  303 Point Road (the big house).

TRANSPORTATION – On the morning of the Yard Sale and Fair (starting about 6 AM), we'll need several pickup trucks to transport items from the Lewis' garage to the church.  If you can volunteer your time and truck for this, please let Linda King, 422-6294 know.  After the event is over (2 PM), we need  help taking items to the recycling center, transfer station, and Goodwill in Ellsworth.

The Church Fair and Yard Sale is a busy and important day in the life of our church.  The money raised is an essential part of our church budget.  Your support is needed.  Please call David Wildes at 422-3739 with any questions or suggestions.

Learn How to Make Bread and Pecan Rolls!
 
Master baker Roberta Scott has again graciously offered to host two bread making classes at her home in Sullivan.  You choose the date, either August 11 or August 25.  Each session will begin at 9:30 am.  All the ingredients will be provided.  Just bring bread pans or 8X10 or 9X12 pans for rolls.  Plan on baking your dough at home as her oven space is limited. The cost of the class is $20 and all the proceeds go directly to the church to help with our summer fundraising activities.

Last year's class was a big hit and fun for all.  Don't miss out on an entertaining and lively learning experience.  A sign up sheet will be posted in the vestry.

Birthdays & Anniversaries

July 8:  Joey Espling
17, 1993: Ray & *Cynthia* Johnston
18, 2009: *Zachary* & Aimee Spaulding
22, 2006: Scott & *Erin* Collins
23, 2008: Aaron & *Ashley*Johnson
28, 2007:  *Harry* & Sarah Lounder III
31, 2009:  Matthew & *Rachel* Umphrey

August 1, 1964:  Bruce & Sheila Denny-Brown
11, 1998:  Antonio Blasi & Renata Moise
15, 1992:  *David* Wildes & *Cynthia* Wood

Our Condolences go out to the family of Lyall Dean who passed away June 19, 2012.

Summer Services 2012 Hancock Point Chapel, 10 am

July 1: Rev. Scott Planting, Executive Director of the Maine Seacoast Mission.

July 8: Rev. Timothy Boggs, St. Albans Episcopal Church, Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

July 15: Rev. Malcolm Hughes, Retired Minister, St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church and S.P.G. Missionaries.  
Service of Holy Communion to follow.

July 22: Rev. Dr. Marvin Ellison, Professor of Christian Ethics, Bangor Theological Seminary.
 
July 29: Ann Holmes Redding, Former Episcopal Priest, Founder of Abrahamic Renewal West, practicing Muslim.

August 5: Rev. Susan Moran, Minister of Unitarian Universalist society, Rockport,  Maine.
Children’s story will be part of this service.

August 12:  Rev. Jill Saxby, Executive Director, Maine Council of Churches.  
Service of Holy Communion to follow.

August 19:  Rev. Robert Grove-Markwood, President, Bangor Theological     Seminary.
Annual Meeting of the Hancock Point Chapel Society to follow.

August 26:  Rabbi Darah R. Lerner, Rabbi, Congregation Beth El, Bangor, Maine.