Earlier this week in Monday Morning Coffee, I shared about the importance of our spiritual weekly rhythms—keeping the Sabbath wholly. But BJ’s is more of a daily rhythm: Breathe, Journal, and Say gratitude.
Breathe. We breathe constantly without thinking, but here I’m talking about a deep, intentional breath—an intentional pause, a step back. It’s prayer. It’s creating space for the Spirit. Breathe in, breathe out, listen to God, talk to God.
Journal. Not everyone loves writing, and that’s okay. Journaling isn’t about having a gift for words—it’s about slowing down, connecting the dots, and gaining clarity. It gives us a record we can return to later, adding new insights along the way.
Say gratitude. We know giving thanks is good. But when we actually express it, it’s like putting on a “gratitude filter” over our vision. Complaints and despair have a hard time growing in the soil of gratitude.
Practicing BJ’s membership may seem small, but it makes a difference. This morning, I met a new church family at Houlton UMC. They had recently moved from Oklahoma. I asked, “What brought you to our church?” He said that while driving by, he saw our church’s encouraging sign. Since then, he began praying for our church—and eventually started worshiping with us.
Some days, we may feel like what we do is small. But it matters to God. So let’s invite God—or better yet, join Him in His work, for He is already at work around us.
Today’s church sign says on one side, “Never, never, give up.” On the other side, “Always hope in God.” Amen and amen.
Gardiner Music Service – This Sunday
It’s the third Sunday—Gardiner Sunday! Come and make a joyful noise. We’ll encourage each other in song. All are welcome. Today at 2 PM at Gardiner Health Care dining hall.
Outreach Opportunities – August Mission Focus
Hodgdon UMC – Hope School in Bethlehem (West Bank)
Houlton UMC – Backpacks for Kids
Mars Hill UMC – Community Cupboard
Thank you for joining in God’s life-giving work!
Next Combined Service
Sunday, August 31 at 10:00 AM at Stetson Memorial UMC.
All four churches will gather for worship and praise, followed by a Love Feast Potluck Luncheon. Need a ride or want to carpool? Contact Pastor Victor.
Updated Dog Policy – Effective July 1
We love the joy pets bring, but only officially trained service animals (with vest or harness) are allowed inside our church buildings. Thank you for understanding.
Music in August
Today, August 15 | 5:30–7:00 PM – Monument Park
Houlton Community Chorus & Bertrand Laurence & Friends – music for all ages! Bring a chair and a friend.Sunday, August 17 | 7:00–9:00 PM – Dyer Brook
Christian concert with Kelly O’Mara & Friends. Come for an uplifting night of worship, faith, and community. (1025 Dyer Brook Rd.)
730 Prayer Movement – This Week’s Focus
Pray for the church—revive us again!
Pray for the next step, the next vision from God.
Pray for peace.
Life Review Project – “Faithbook”
Each week we share real-life stories of faith from our church family.
Read them here: faithbook2025.blogspot.com
Worship Servants
| Date | Hodgdon | Houlton | Mars Hill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 17 | Greeter: Jacob & Collin Lilley | Greeter: Cathy Hutchinson & Marion Collins | Children & Youth |
| Liturgist: Jill Quint | Liturgist: Angela Cowperthwaite | Liturgist: Dale Blanchard | |
| Coffee Hour: Duane & Bonnie Quint | Coffee Hour: Marion Collins | ||
| Aug 24 | Greeter: Carolyn Benn & Sandra Malone | Greeter: Bob & Angela Cowperthwaite | Children & Youth |
| Liturgist: Rue Geishecker | Liturgist: Angie Wotton | Liturgist: Gaye Cronkite | |
| Coffee Hour: | Coffee Hour: Chuck & Mary Taylor |
Happy Birthday!
Aug 17 – Mark Elkins, Rusty Henderson, Ben Folsom
Aug 19 – Shirley Ward
Happy Anniversary!
Aug 20 – Brian & Diane Ketchum
Aug 22 – Bob & Angela Cowperthwaite
Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar
Aug 17 – Family Worship & Coffee Hour [HD], 9 AM
Aug 17 – Gardiner Music Service, 2 PM
Aug 17 – Kelly O’Mara Concert (Dyer Brook), 7–9 PM
Aug 20 – The Good Book Club @ Co-Op, 9 AM
Aug 20 – Hodgdon & Houlton SPRC with DS (Zoom), 4 PM
Aug 20 – 730 Prayer Meeting [HT], 7:30 PM
Aug 21 – Mars Hill SPRC with DS (Zoom), 4 PM
Aug 22 – Gardiner Bible Study, 10 AM
Aug 22–23 – Hodgdon UMC Yard Sale, 9 AM–4 PM
Aug 23 – Administrative Council [HT], 9 AM
Aug 24 – Grand Piano Dedication Concert, 2 PM
Aug 31 – Combined Service @ Stetson Memorial UMC, 10 AM
Sep 6 – Combined Church Conference at Houlton, 1–2:30 PM
Prayer List
Dennis Anderson, Nathan Anderson, Janie Andrews, Bob & Jo-Ann Barton, Debbie & Anthony Benn, London Booker, Reita Briggs, Sue Carr, Lorinda Cushman, Duane Eldridge, Ann Folsom, Jan Footer, Jack Galda, Brian Ketchum, Austin McAfee, Jean Merritt, Beverly Nickerson, Richard Sherwood, Carol Sloat Smith, Dotty Smith, Tina Smith, Mark & Abby Swallow, Liz Taylor, John Trask, Jerry & Melanie Wilson, Debbie Wordwell, Karen Young.
Pastor Victor
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