What Do People in Their 20s Want from Church?
The book Defiant Hope, Active Love (edited by Keuss) shares the findings of the Pivot NW Research group. Surprisingly, their answers were very traditional. Young adults said they found Scripture, prayer, worship, and communion most meaningful. They also long for intergenerational connection and authentic relationships.
Yesterday, it was beautiful to see Elizabeth bring a handmade cheering poster to Lydia and Abe’s soccer game. Parents, family, friends, and teachers—everyone joined together, cheering as one. We felt a true sense of community.
In that moment, Hebrews 12:1 came alive. We are here because someone once mentored us and cheered for us. And now, we can do the same for others—we can “pay it forward.”
My prayer is that as we gather this Sunday, we may feel that same sense of belonging—whether you’ve been here for decades or are visiting for the first time. May God build among us a community that is alternative, loving, and Christ-exalting.
Outreach Opportunities
Lending Library & Food Pantry
Hodgdon UMC is launching a new relationship-building outreach: a Lending Library and Food Pantry. How will it work? As a pilot program, we plan to open the church once a week, offering coffee and refreshments. People can borrow books, take food items as needed, and—most importantly—share conversation and fellowship.
Our first opening will be Saturday, October 4, from 10 am–12 pm, hosted by Jennifer and Jill. If you’d like to join in this meaningful ministry, please contact Jennifer at 592-6531. We also welcome donations of nonperishable food. Thank you for your partnership!
Monthly Mission Project
Throughout September, we are blessing our local animal shelters. We invite donations of pet food (canned or dry), cat litter, cleaning supplies, and monetary gifts. Together, let us share Christ’s love with all of God’s creatures.
Fall Outing
Have you heard of Tekαkαpimək Contact Station?
Located in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (Stacyville, ME), about an hour from Houlton, “Tekαkαpimək” means “as far as one can see” in the Penobscot language. From there, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Mt. Katahdin.
This new center welcomes visitors to explore the monument’s mountains, rivers, wildlife, and night skies while also honoring the rich culture and heritage of the Wabanaki people.
All four church families are invited on Friday, October 3 at 12:00 pm. We’ll meet at the Houlton UMC parking lot and travel together. (Patten folks will meet us at the station.)
Timeline:
12:00–1:00 — Drive to Tekαkαpimək Contact Station
1:00–3:00 — Outing
3:00–4:00 — Return home
Please RSVP so we can plan. If you need a ride or would like to carpool, let me know. Looking forward to journeying together!
Life-Together Group Update
Our study on 1 Corinthians has begun! Over 13 weeks, we’ll explore church life and discipleship—growing in faith, connecting with others, and deepening our walk with Christ. All are welcome to join anytime.
Hodgdon: Wednesdays at 3:15 pm (church)
Houlton: Tuesdays at 10 am (church, women’s group)
Mars Hill: Wednesdays at 10 am (Anderson’s home)
Life Review Project – Faithbook
God’s grace is like a diamond’s facets—we see His glory through each person’s story. The more we know God’s people, the more we know God. So far, 31 saints from our four churches have shared their testimonies.
You can read these stories at: faithbook2025.blogspot.com
Celebrations
Birthdays
Sep 22 — Kate Pyle
Sep 23 — Sarah Howe
Sep 23 — Angie Wotton
Sep 26 — Glynn Porter
Sep 27 — Sue Carr
Anniversaries
Sep 21 — Bob & Jo-Ann Barton
Sep 22 — Jack & Pam Galda
Sep 23 — John & Nina Trask
Updated Dog Policy
We love the joy pets bring! However, only officially trained service animals (with vest or harness) are permitted inside our church buildings. Thank you for your understanding.
Worship Servants
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| Hodgdon | Houlton | Mars Hill |
Sep 21 | Greeter | Jacob Lilley & Collin Lilley | Bob Lyons & Jerry Wilson | Children & Youth |
Liturgist | Rue Geishecker | Angela Cowperthwaite | Dale Blanchard | |
Coffee Hour | Carolyn Benn & Sandra Malone | Cynthia Forbush & Susan Haskell |
| |
Sep 28 | Greeter | Carolyn Benn & Sandra Malone | Robert Victor & Mark Jackins | Children & Youth |
Liturgist | Jill Quint | Cynthia Forbush | Gaye Cronkite | |
Coffee Hour |
| Love Feast Potluck (SPRC) |
|
Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar
Sep 21 — Family Worship & Coffee Hour [HD]
Sep 21 — Gardiner Music Service, 2 PM
Sep 23 — “Women of Witness” (WOW) [HT], 10 AM
Sep 23 — Together Tuesday [HT], 3:00–4:15 PM
Sep 24 — Life-Together Group [MH], 10 AM
Sep 24 — Life-Together Group [HD], 3:15 PM
Sep 26 — Gardiner Bible Study, 10 AM
Sep 26–27 — Church Yard Sale [HD], 9 AM–3 PM
Sep 27 — Administrative Council [HT], 9 AM
Sep 28 — Family Worship & Love Feast [HT]
Oct 3 — Dream Team [HT], 10 AM
Oct 3 — Fall Outing (Tekαkαpimək Contact Station), 12–4 PM
Oct 4 — Lending Library & Food Pantry [HD], 10 AM–12 PM
Oct 7 — “Women of Wonder” [HD], 3 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, Melanie Wilson, Debbie Wordwell, Richard & Donna Wolverton, Karen Young, Kailynn
Pastor Victor
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