Life Together - Sep 27

 

“O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1, NRSV)

Today is the day Joyce returns home.

Though it has only been a short while, it feels like a month. Mothering is often a multitasking job - something that doesn’t come naturally to me. Getting the children ready for school, packing lunches, doing their hair, helping with homework, driving to sports practices… through it all I have grown in appreciation for Joyce and for all women who carry these daily tasks with such grace.

Last night, my children surprised me with a Thank You card. One by one, they shared what they were grateful for - the food I made, the indoor camping, the fun activities we enjoyed together. Their words warmed my heart.

It reminded me of Psalm 136, where God’s people list reason after reason to give thanks - 26 times, each ending with the refrain: “His love endures forever!” As we gather this Sunday, may we also bring our own personal thanks to God in worship.

This week my children asked me, “Dad, how can I help?” I paused and said, “Getting along with each other makes me happiest, and that’s the greatest help you can give me.” And they tried. I believe the same is true in our life together as God’s family: when we love one another well, our Father is glorified.

A quick reminder: this Sunday at Houlton is Family Worship Sunday. Children and adults will worship together, and afterward we’ll share in a Love Feast potluck. Our worship and fellowship are among the best ways we can honor God. Please come and join us!

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 Outreach Opportunities

Lending Library & Food Pantry (Hodgdon UMC)

Hodgdon UMC is launching a new outreach: a Lending Library & Food Pantry! As a pilot, the church will open once a week with coffee and refreshments, where neighbors can borrow books, pick up food, and enjoy fellowship. The first opening is Saturday, Oct. 4, 10 am–12 pm, hosted by Jennifer and Jill. To volunteer or donate nonperishable food, please contact Jennifer at 592-6531.

 

Monthly Mission Project

In September, we’re blessing local animal shelters with donations of pet food, litter, cleaning supplies, or monetary gifts. Let’s share Christ’s love with all God’s creatures!

 

 Church Fall Outing

Join us Friday, Oct. 3, 12–4 pm for a visit to the new Tekαkαpimək Contact Station (Katahdin Woods & Waters, Stacyville). Enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Katahdin and learn about Wabanaki heritage.

 

Meet at Houlton UMC parking lot at 12:00 pm to travel together (Patten folks meet at the station). Please RSVP—rides and carpooling available. Let’s journey together!

 

Life-Together Group Update

Our study on 1 Corinthians has begun! Over 13 weeks, we are exploring 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 at church

©      Houlton: Tuesdays at 10 am at church (women)

©      Mars Hill: Wednesdays at 10 am at Anderson’s

 

Happy Birthday!        Happy Anniversary!

Sep 30 Emily Lilley               Sep 28 Chuck & Mary Taylor

Oct 4 Stacy Ramsey            Oct 1 Blinn & Joan Boone

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

 

 Updated Dog Policy

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!

 

Worship Servants

		Hodgdon	Houlton	Mars Hill
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)
Oct 5	Greeter	Donald & Jennifer Metzger		Children & Youth
	Liturgist	Stacy Ramsey	Mark Jackins	Andy Anderson
	Coffee Hour

 

Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar

©      Sep 28 Family Worship & Love Feast [HT], 11 AM

©      Sep 30  “Women of Witness” (WOW) [HT], 10 AM

©      Sep 30  Together Tuesday [HT], 3:00–4:15 PM

©      Oct 1   Backpack for Kids [HT], 9 AM

©      Oct 1   Life-Together Group [MH], 10 AM

©      Oct 1   Life-Together Group [HD], 3:15 PM

©      Oct 1  Administrative Council [HD], 4:15 PM

©      Oct 3  Gardiner Bible Study, 10 AM

©      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

©      Oct 10 Staff Parish Relations Com [HT], 9 AM

©      Oct 10 Outreach Com [HT], 10 AM

©      Oct 15 Administrative Council [MH], 11:15 AM

©      Oct 17 Lend A Hand Supper [HD], 4-6 PM

©      Oct 18 Bridge to Hope Cancer Walk, 9 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, Melanie Wilson, Debbie Wordwell, Richard & Donna Wolverton, Karen Young, Kailynn  

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor