“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
(1 Timothy 4:8, NLT)
Peace to you, dear friends.
I hope you are well.
The other day I had the joy of watching Grace run in her cross-country meet in PI. At the starting line, I saw the faces of all the runners—nervous, eager, full of anticipation. Minutes later, I watched them cross the finish line one by one. Their results weren’t decided “on the spot” but by the practices, day after day, behind the scenes. Grace and her team train faithfully.
Isn’t our spiritual life much the same? Recently, without any clear reason, I found myself in inner turmoil—more anxious, more irritable, impatient, questioning meaning and purpose, even more withdrawn. I realized I was walking through what people call a midlife crisis.
Storms like that will come to all of us—some small, some large. When they do, we cannot simply stand firm “on the spot.” We need a foundation already built. For me, my lifelines are praying the Psalms, journaling, gardening, jogging, biking, reading, and memorizing Scripture. These are basics, yes, but they are also the channels where God’s grace meets me. There is no magic wand, no shortcut—only the steady spiritual practices that root us in Christ. And I trust that when the storm rises, God's grace and God’s family will sustain me.
So whether you are in green pastures or walking through the valley, you are invited to join us this Sunday. May we encourage one another as we gather to worship and fellowship in Jesus’ name. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Faithbook: Life Review Project
Can you guess who said this?
“Music has also been part of me. Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto moved me deeply. Before my stroke, I even learned to play parts of it. Since then, I’ve had to adapt, practicing tirelessly, working around limits. Determination is essential—practice a thousand times if you must. That is how life is lived: persistence with joy.”
This week I had the privilege of listening to Chet Husted’s life story. You can read his story, along with others from our “Patten saints,” here: faithbook2025.blogspot.com
Outreach Opportunities
In August we gave thanks for the many ways our church family served:
Hodgdon: $209 to Hope School students (with help from Sunday School)
Houlton: $230 to the Backpack for Kids ministry
Mars Hill: support for the Community Cupboard
Thank you for your generous partnership in Christ’s mission!
For September, we’ll bless our local animal shelters. Please consider donating pet food (canned or dry), cat litter, cleaning supplies, or monetary gifts. Together, let us share Christ’s love with all God’s creatures.
Prayer Update for Dan & Linda Schall
We give thanks that Linda’s surgeon was able to remove all the cancer. She is regaining strength and has follow-up scans ahead. Please continue to hold Linda and Dan in prayer, and if you’d like, send a card of encouragement to:
P.O. Box 272, Zelienople, PA 16063
Life-Together Groups
Our Fall Bible Study will focus on 1 Corinthians, exploring church life and discipleship. This 13-week journey invites us to grow in faith, connect with one another, and deepen our walk with Christ.
Hodgdon – Wednesdays, 3:15 pm, church
Houlton – Tuesdays, 10 am, church (women)
Mars Hill – Wednesdays, 10 am, at the Andersons’
All are welcome!
Updated Dog Policy
We love the joy pets bring, but only officially trained service animals (with vest or harness) are permitted inside church buildings. Thank you for understanding.
Worship Servants
|
| Hodgdon | Houlton | Mars Hill |
Sep 14 | Greeter | Duane & Bonnie Quint | Bob & Angela Cowperthwaite | Children & Youth |
Liturgist | Perry Lilley | Jerry Wilson | Bonnie Anderson | |
Coffee Hour |
| Cynthia Forbush & Susan Haskell |
| |
Sep 21 | Greeter | Carolyn Benn & Sandra Malone | Bob Lyons & Jerry Wilson | Children & Youth |
Liturgist | Rue Geishecker | Cynthia Forbush | Dale Blanchard | |
Coffee Hour | Carolyn Benn & Sandra Malone | Cynthia Forbush & Susan Haskell |
|
Happy Birthday
Sep 14 – Susan Laurence
Happy Birthday, Susan! We love you.
Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar
Sep 14 – Sunday School Teachers’ Mtg [HT], 12 pm
Sep 14 – Community Chorus [HT], 12:30 pm
Sep 16 – “Women of Witness” (WOW) [HT], 10 am
Sep 16 – “Women of Wonder” [HD], 3 pm
Sep 16 – Together Tuesday [HT], 3:00–4:15 pm
Sep 16 – Trustees [HT], 6 pm
Sep 17 – Life-Together Group [MH], 10 am
Sep 17 – Administrative Council [MH], 11:15 am
Sep 17 – Life-Together Group [HD], 3:15 pm
Sep 19 – Gardiner Bible Study, 10 am
Sep 19 – “Love & Meals” (Senior Meals), 11:30 am
Sep 21 – Family Worship & Coffee Hour [HD]
Sep 21 – Gardiner Music Service, 2 pm
Sep 27 – Administrative Council [HT], 9 am
Sep 28 – Family Worship & Love Feast [HT]
Oct 3 – Dream Team [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 & Abby Swallow, Liz Taylor, Melanie Wilson, Debbie Wordwell, Richard & Donna Wolverton, Karen Young, Kailynn.
Pastor Victor
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