*Photo: “An Ending, A Beginning” (Last picture with Lydia and Abe – August 23, 2025)
Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” (Matt. 14:28, NRSV)
It’s time.
It always feels bittersweet to help my older children pack up their school things and drop them off. All the memories of our summer together pass before my eyes like a flash. There is always a little void, but my heart is deeply grateful to see them beginning to fly and thrive.
Change is hard. Today I was comforted by the story of Peter walking on the water. It reminds me that we cannot walk on water unless we first step out of the boat. Letting go—especially of those we love most—is never easy. But God calls us forward in trust.
Now in worship we are moving into Acts 8, where the early church faced transition and scattering. Yet God turned their crisis into an opportunity for revival. I sense the same hope for us today—our church is on the move, stepping into a new season together.
The church has always been on the move because God is always at work. I look forward to being guided with you into this next season.
May the Lord bless you and your family as you begin this new school year!
Classical Piano Recital – This Sunday!
Sunday, August 24 at 2:00 PM
Piano Classics Through the Musical Ages
Presented and performed by Grace Han, Chet Husted, and Susan Laurence
Combined Service – Next Sunday!
Join us on Sunday, August 31 at 10:00 AM at Stetson Memorial UMC.
All four churches will gather to worship and praise God in a music-filled, Spirit-filled service of celebration for all ages, featuring worship dance, a pick-up choir rehearsal at 9:30 am, and a special offering for the Laos Sunday School Mission. A Love Feast Potluck Luncheon will follow.
If you need a ride or would like to carpool, please let Pastor Victor know. Come and be part of this joyful day!
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!
Combined Church Conference
Hodgdon, Houlton, Mars Hill, and Stetson Memorial (Patten) will gather on Saturday, September 6, at 1:00 PM at Houlton UMC.
This will be more than an annual business meeting—it will be a time to reflect on three important questions:
Who are we?
Who is our neighbor?
To what is God calling us?
Come, let us build God’s community together.
Life-Together Group Update
This fall, our Bible Study will focus on 1 Corinthians, exploring church life and discipleship. This 13-week study begins the week of September 8. All are welcome to grow in faith, connect with others, and deepen your walk with Christ.
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.
7:30 Prayer Movement – This Week’s Focus
For the new school year—teachers and students
For small group ministry
For being a disciple and making disciples
Life Review Project – “Faithbook”
Each week, we share real-life stories of faith from our extended church family.
Read the stories here: faithbook2025.blogspot.com
Worship Servants
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Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar
Aug 24 – Grand Piano Dedication Concert, 2 PM
Aug 27 – 7:30 Prayer Meeting [HT], 7:30 PM
Aug 29 – Gardiner Bible Study, 10 AM
Aug 31 – Combined Service @ Stetson Memorial UMC, 10 AM
Sep 3 – Administrative Council [HD], 3 PM
Sep 6 – Combined Church Conference @ Houlton, 1–2:30 PM
Sep 9 – Women of Witness (WOW) [HT], 10 AM
Sep 9 – Together Tuesday [HT], 3:00–4:15 PM
Sep 10 – Life-Together Group [MH], 10 AM
Sep 10 – Life-Together Group [HD], 3:15 PM
Sep 11 – Life-Together Group [HT], TBD
Sep 12 – Staff Parish Relations Com [HT], 9 AM
Sep 12 – Outreach Com [HT], 10 AM
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 and Abby Swallow, Liz Taylor, John Trask, Jerry & Melanie Wilson, Debbie Wordwell, Karen Young
Pastor Victor
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