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Introduction

For years, Hancock members have supported one another with care and compassion, in lay ministry that supplements the pastoral care offered by our clergy.  No member need feel isolated or alone. The Congregational Care Team would love to hear from you if you want the fellowship and help we provide; if you know someone who might benefit; or if you are periodically available to assist as a volunteer yourself, perhaps delivering some sign of our love to a person needing it – a meal, a flower,  a visit – or otherwise participating, by knitting a shawl or helping a grieving family plan their funeral reception.

Programs

Among the programs of the Congregational Care ministry are the following:

• Prayer Ministry for those in need
• Visitation of Members
• Rides to church
• The Shawl Knitting Ministry, to celebrate baptisms and support the ill or bereaved
• Flower deliveries, each Sunday and at Christmas and Easter
• Meals when needed
• Assistance with Collations (receptions at the church) held after Funerals or Memorial
• The Annual Senior Picnic, generously offered by the Larssen family

Periodically, we also hope to offer programs related to some of the many challenges that can arise:  Living with Mental Illness, Facing Cancer, Depression, Addiction, Grief and Loss, Infertility, Care for the Caregivers, Chronic Disease.

Leadership

Hancock members lead each of these ministries, managing other volunteers on their project.  Joy Fallon, Congregational Care Coordinator, works with the Hancock leaders.

A Message From Joy Fallon

On Labor Day Weekend I preached at Hancock, dreaming with the congregation about the way God sees us -- as individuals and as a church -- knowing all that we’ve been through, all that we face today, and all that we can grow to become.  God knows us better than we know ourselves, and names each of us “Beloved.”

Might you be called to serve others by this God of Love? Does the idea of the Hancock Congregation Care ministry make your heart sing? Fredrick Beuchner, Presbyterian minister and author, captures how we can discern whether we are being called.  Beuchner says that our call arises when we find that our “deep gladness” intersects with a great need in the world. We pay attention when the things that we love to do, that bring us joy, mesh with some need in our community or beyond. There God calls us to minster.

Participating at Hancock in Congregational Care helps me answer a call – it brings me deep satisfaction and serves needs that arise within our church life, in the rough and tumble of this world.   What about you?

Joy Fallon, Congregational Care Coordinator, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it