Life Together - Dec 12

Peace to you,

Do you ever have those moments when you just want to avoid people or obligations? 

I do. Yesterday was one of those days for me. I woke up without much enthusiasm, heading to the hospital for some lab work. On my way, I noticed a homeless woman sitting at the door. Often, when she sees me, she asks for something - sometimes small, sometimes more demanding. Today, I told her I was on my way to the lab.

After the lab work, I saw her waiting again. I thought, “I’m just not in the mood today,” and tried to slip out another door to avoid her. But almost immediately, I felt the Spirit grieving in me. I stopped and prayed, “God, help me. Give me strength.” And I went back. She just needed a little favor - a ride. Something small, yet it reminded me of how God calls us to be present, even when we feel weary.

Later in the afternoon, I found myself in a bit of a self-pity party, feeling unmotivated. I prayed again, and God gently reminded me of those in distress around me. Along with prayer, I acted, making tomato soup and preparing cards. By the end of the day, my heart felt lighter, grateful, and more open. My prayer continues to be that God shapes me into an "O.A.T." follower of Christ: Open, Available, and Teachable.

I share this with you because this Sunday we celebrate Consecration Sunday at Houlton. It’s more than an annual event or a financial stewardship campaign. It’s a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect, and rededicate our lives as God’s stewards - not only of our finances, but of all we are and all we do. During the service, we will have the chance to submit our “commitment card” as an expression of that dedication.

In Mars Hill, we will have a simple and meaningful Christmas pageant this Sunday; for Hodgdon and Houlton, the pageant will be next Sunday. May this Christmas season be transformative for us as we hear again the story of Christ’s birth and seek to live out his sacrificial love in our lives.

Have a blessed weekend. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!


In Christ's Love, 

Pastor Victor 

"A Gift of Interwoven Love"

"For the love of Christ urges us on… he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them." (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

Dear Church Family,

My grandfather, my hero, would sometimes say in his 90s, with a soft sigh, “It’s hard to live each day" ("하루하루 사는 게 힘들어"). Today, I heard a similar sentiment from Rev. Lee.

But here is the amazing thing: he still smiled. Though he admitted life’s difficulty, he continues to pour himself out. He is still thinking about our church and caring for others. There is no self-pity party, no giving up. I am simply amazed by that resilient love and joy. 

Today's visit with Rev. Lee was particularly meaningful because I delivered a very special gift: a prayer shawl crafted by a beautiful mother-and-daughter team, Liz and Lisa Taylor.

Liz learned crocheting from her daughter and has spent years lovingly gifting these shawls to people needing comfort across many states. Unfortunately, with age, her hands could no longer manage the yarn.

Upon sorting through her mother's belongings, Lisa found this specific shawl - mostly completed, but not quite finished. Knowing how much prayer her mother had poured into those initial stitches, Lisa couldn’t just toss it aside or unravel it. Instead, she picked up her mother's work right where she left off and finished it, adding her own prayers with every knot she tied.

Love begets love. It is the most powerful force in the world because only love can change a heart from the inside out. I pray that this agape love - the selfless devotion of the Taylor family, the unwavering commitment of Rev. Lee, and most of all, the ultimate sacrifice of Christ - may continue to spread like powerful, comforting ripples among us and extend far beyond our walls.

Thank you for the countless ways you share your love. Stay well, stay safe, and be encouraged.

In Christ's love, 

Pastor Victor

Sunday Afternoon Tea (Dec 7, 2025)

Peace to you.

This week, the Holy Spirit spoke to me in a very personal way.

By nature, I tend to be a “truth-teller” or a “fixer.” I see a problem, analyze it, and explain what I believe will help. Earlier this week, I pointed out a few things to Joyce, thinking I was being helpful. But the result was painful. She felt hurt, and my words did not bring the support or encouragement I intended.

As I sat with Scripture afterward, the Spirit gently revealed how deeply I need Jesus’ daily counseling - his truth, yes, but also his tears and his compassion. I was reminded of people I have unintentionally wounded in the past, moments when I thought I spoke truth but lacked love.

Last May, I had the privilege of interviewing Rev. Kwan Lee and listening to his life story. What moved me most was his prayer life. Each morning he prayed, “Lord, help me not to hurt anyone today—not through my words, my actions, or even my silence.” And each night he prayed, “Lord, if I’ve wronged anyone today, knowingly or unknowingly, please forgive me.”

At the time, I didn’t fully understand why he prayed that way. But now, I am beginning to see. Even our best intentions, without the guidance of our Wonderful Counselor, can cause more harm than help.

This morning’s service in Houlton was emotional. As many of you know, Lee’s health took a sudden turn this week. At one point, things were critical. By God’s grace, and through the faithful care of Bertrand, Susan, and their family, he stabilized. When I visited him, he told me he was looking forward to offering his special music on Sunday. He said, “For me, everything can be the last time.”

As he sang “Comfort Ye,” a piece he has offered faithfully for a lifetime. Many in the congregation were in tears, knowing this might be his final time sharing it with us.

He arrived in a wheelchair today, as his strength has been fading. He had to rely entirely on others to carry him up the stairs. Yet he never lost his dignity. When the men lifted him, he thanked us with his warm smile. There is loss, yes. But there is also a joy that runs deeper still.

One service at a time, one day at a time. I am deeply grateful to walk with this beloved community. I am grateful for you. 

In Christ's love, 

Pastor Victor

P.S. If you haven’t had a chance, you may watch the services here:

• Hodgdon Service
• Houlton Service

You can also read today’s message here:
Sunday’s Message – “Wonderful Counselor”

And here is the full interview and life story of Rev. Kwan Lee:
“It Is Well With My Soul” – Life Story of Pastor Kwan Lee

December Mission Project (Mars Hill UMC)

 Dear Church Family,

Peace to you.

This month, our mission focus is the Northern Lighthouse Safe Harbor Youth Shelter in Mars Hill. They serve vulnerable youth with compassion and dignity, and we are grateful for the opportunity to bless them during this Christmas season.

Their current needs include:

• Non-perishable food: mac and cheese, spaghetti and sauce, canned soup, ramen, etc.

• Snack items: fruit gummies, individual snack chips

• Toiletries

• Winter coat (Women’s XXL)

• Winter hats (boys and girls)

• Blankets

• Hygiene products

We will collect donations through December 21, and then we will deliver these gifts as our shared offering of Christ’s love.

Thank you for sharing Christ's love with our neighborhood in such practical and meaningful ways. God bless! 

St. Apollonia Festival of Trees Update

 

Good afternoon, Church Family,

I’m excited to share our church’s contribution to the St. Apollonia Festival of Trees! Many thanks to Melonie, Cheryl, Erica, Carolyn, and Keith for setting up the tree, and to Marie Bagley for the beautiful tree skirt and additional handmade items. Our cluster theme, “Fruits of the Spirit,” shines so brightly!

The gift cards on the tree total over $2,000, with contributions from Hodgdon ($235), Houlton ($175), and Mars Hill ($95). They were generously provided by Hannaford, County Coop & Farm Store, Sadie’s Bakery, McDonald’s, Macy’s, BP Gas, Shell Gas, Walmart, IGA, and many more! 

The 2025 Festival of Trees will be held at the Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) Gym in Presque Isle, ME, from December 5–7. If you are able, please attend and support this wonderful event, which provides dental care for children in our County.

Thank you to everyone who made this outreach possible. Your generosity and prayers are making a real difference in our community!

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Christmas Memorial Poinsettias

 

Dear Church Family,

Grace and peace to you in this holy season.

As we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, we will again fill our sanctuary with beautiful poinsettias in loving memory of those who have touched our lives.

If you would like to honor a loved one this Christmas, you may dedicate a poinsettia in their memory. These flowers will brighten our worship space and remind us of the hope we share in Christ.

*Poinsettia options:

•         Single – $29.95
•         Triple – $36.95
•         Quadruple – $54.95
•         Or, you may bring your own.

Please place your order by December 14. (The sooner, the better.) If you are paying by check, please make it payable to Houlton UMC and write “Memorial Poinsettia” in the memo line. If you bring your own poinsettia, simply let us know the name of the person you wish to remember.

In memory of: _______________________________________

Thank you for helping us create a beautiful and meaningful space for worship this Christmas. May the peace of Christ be with each of you and your families.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

24 Days of Luke

Did you know the Gospel of Luke has 24 chapters? 

If we read one chapter a day starting today, we will finish on Christmas Eve. Luke is especially meaningful because it shares the details of Christ’s birth and his life in ways that touch our hearts. You are warmly invited to join us in this reading challenge.

Also, on Epiphany Sunday, the first Sunday of 2026, we will celebrate those who completed reading the entire Bible or the New Testament in 2025, as encouraged at the beginning of the year. Keep up the great work!

May God’s Word fill us completely, so we may grow in love and kindness toward others.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor