Where did the time go?
I suddenly realized this morning that when I first took Lydia and Abe to the farmer’s market, they were only four and three years old. Now, our youngest daughter Hannah is already about to turn six.
My family and I love our local farmer’s market – fresh vegetables, lovely handmade crafts, beautiful flowers, live music, sweet aromas, and most of all… familiar faces! Joyce and I always encounter someone we need to see at that moment – sometimes a person we just met the other day at church, other times someone we haven’t seen in a long time.
We listen. We talk. We share our lives.
I see Jesus in the marketplace.
As I look around, the song “People Need the Lord” comes to mind:
Everyday they pass me by
I can see it in their eyes
Empty people filled with care
Headed who knows whereOn they go through private pain
Living fear to fear
Laughter hides their silent cries
Only Jesus hearsPeople need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
When will we realize people need the Lord?
This week has been peaceful externally, but internally, I have walked through a rough valley. Yet God’s Word and His people have sustained me.
I can’t wait to gather and worship together with you this Sunday.
May the Lord fill your hearts with new hope as you turn to Him and trust Him.
"Busy Bags"
Busy Bags are available for children to enjoy during the service. Please return them afterward. Feel free to write your name on a nametag and use it each time you come.
The Good Book Club
Looking for a summer read and meaningful conversation? Join us for The Good Book Club, meeting every Wednesday at 9:00 AM at the Co-Op. We had a wonderful first gathering this week, and there’s still room for you to join us!
This summer’s book is Life – the autobiography of Pope Francis. Books are still available for $10. See Pastor Victor to get your copy and be part of the discussion. All are welcome!
Updated Dog Policy – Effective July 1
We love and value your pets. However, in accordance with new church insurance requirements and liability concerns, only officially trained service animals and emotional support animals will be permitted inside the church building.
All such animals must be clearly identified with a harness or vest indicating their role. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Outreach Opportunities
In June:
Hodgdon UMC raised $417 for the Fire Department and $274 for The Well.
Houlton UMC gave $281.90, and Mars Hill UMC gave $100 to Hope Christian School in Bethlehem.
Thank you for your faithful generosity to bless others near and far.
July Mission Focus:
Hodgdon UMC: Supporting the Dorcas Sisters Mission in Danforth
Houlton & Mars Hill UMC: Partnering with Homeless Services of Aroostook
730 Prayer Movement – This Week’s Focus
Pray for lay servants and church leaders.
Pray for victims of flooding in Texas.
Pray for those struggling with addiction.
Coffee Hour Update (Houlton UMC)
Starting in July, Coffee Hour is before worship, 10:15–10:45 AM. Worship will still begin at 11 AM. This new rhythm allows us to enjoy fellowship and enter worship fully present. We’ll try this for July and August and continue if it feels right.
Life Review Project – “Faithbook”
Each week, we’re sharing real-life stories of faith from our church family.
Read the stories here: faithbook2025.blogspot.com
Worship Servants
| Date | Hodgdon | Houlton | Mars Hill |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 13 | Greeter: Duane & Bonnie Quint Liturgist: Jill Quint | Greeter: Robert Victor & Jon Scott Liturgist: Mary Taylor Coffee Hour: Bob & Angela Cowperthwaite | Greeter: Children & Youth Liturgist: Dale Blanchard |
| July 20 | Greeter: Carolyn Benn & Sandra Malone Liturgist: Paula Lilley Coffee Hour: Clint & Lorinda Cushman | Greeter: Marion Collins Liturgist: Jacob Hotham Coffee Hour: Cynthia Forbush & Linda Maraya | Greeter: Children & Youth Liturgist: Bonnie Anderson |
Happy Birthday!
July 16: Melanie Wilson
July 17: Paula Lilley
July 18: Galen Benn
July 19: Carl Crawford
Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar
July 14: Church Supper Planning Meeting [HD], 9 AM
July 15: Cluster VBS Planning Meeting (Zoom), 7 PM
July 16: The Good Book Club @ Co-Op, 9 AM
July 18: Gardiner Bible Study, 10 AM
July 18: Hodgdon Church Supper, 4–6 PM
July 20: Family Worship & Coffee Hour [HD], 9 AM
July 20: Gardiner Music Service, 2 PM
July 21-24: UM Korean Clergy Family Conference
July 25-31: Pastor Victor and family on vacation
August 5: Women’s Retreat at Linda’s camp
August 14: Cluster VBS at Jack & Cynthia’s camp, 10 AM – 4 PM
Prayer List
Dennis Anderson, Nathan Anderson, Janie Andrews, Bob & Jo-Ann Barton, Carolyn Benn, Debbie & Anthony Benn, London Booker, Reita Briggs, Sue Carr, Lorinda Cushman, Duane Eldridge, Ann Folsom, Jan Footer, Jack Galda, Al Higgins, Brian Ketchum, Austin McAfee, Jean Merritt, Beverly Nickerson, Richard Sherwood, Dotty Smith, Tina Smith, Mark & Abby Swallow, John Trask, Melanie Wilson, Debbie Wordwell, Karen Young
Thank you for being such a vital part of our beloved community. God bless you!
Pastor Victor
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