Friday, October 24, 2025

Life Together - Oct 24

 

“Even in laughter the heart is sad, and the end of joy is grief.” (Proverbs 14:13)

Peace to you.

This week has been an emotional one for many in our church family. Even as we rejoice and celebrate birthdays with Debbie and little Hannah today, our hearts ache for those who have lost loved ones so suddenly. We hold the Brown family, the Guy family, the Ewing family, and all who are grieving in our prayers.

This afternoon, I had the privilege of sitting with Lenny and Mary, listening to their life stories. It’s hard to believe that Lenny will turn ninety next March, and Mary is already ninety-five. Yet they remain active, joyful, and deeply connected, doing life together.

They shared many stories — of work, faith, dancing, music, and love — but one message stood out to me: be content and find joy in simple things.
You can read their full stories here:

Their stories echo the wisdom of Ecclesiastes — to enjoy life and remember God, for every day is a gift.

So today, as we gather around our tables, let’s hug a little longer, say “I love you” one more time, and treasure each moment we have together. May our funeral services and Sunday worship this weekend become times of both gratitude and celebration, remembering the One who holds us all.

Have a peaceful weekend.

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🤝 Outreach Opportunities

 

Monthly Mission Project

In October, we are supporting Bridge to Hope, which helps local families in the County undergoing cancer treatments by providing assistance with travel, lodging, gas cards, and related expenses. 

 

Angel Wheels – A Ride Ministry (Houlton UMC)

We are looking for a few angels who can offer a ride to some of our Gardiner friends who wish to join us for Sunday worship. If you’re able to help, please let Linda Maraya or Pastor Victor know. Thank you for sharing Christ’s love in this simple but meaningful way!

 

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 Saturdays 10 am-12 pm with coffee and refreshments, where neighbors can borrow books, pick up food, and enjoy fellowship.

 

UM Cluster Music Service

On Sunday, November 9, at 3:00 PM, all Methodist churches in our cluster will come together for a joyful Cluster Music Service at Houlton UMC. The service will feature the Houlton Community Chorus and Community Handbell Choir, along with a pick-up choir, band, worship dance, and Psalm readings. It promises to be a celebration filled with music, praise, and joy. A potluck fellowship will follow, and everyone is warmly invited to join in the singing, worship, and fellowship!

 

Life-Together Group Update

Our study on 1 Corinthians has begun! All are welcome to join anytime!

©      Hodgdon: Wednesdays at 3:15 pm at church

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

               Fridays at 10 am at the Gardiner

©      Mars Hill: Wednesdays at 10 am at church

 

Life Review Project – “Faithbook”

God’s grace is like a diamond’s facets—we see His glory through each person’s story. You can read these stories at: faithbook2025.blogspot.com


Happy Birthday!          

Oct 27 Linda Maraya   

Oct 30 Liz Anderson    

Oct 31 Grace Stewart

Nov 1 Pete Howe

 

Happy Anniversary!

Oct 27 Don & Jennifer Metzger

Oct 29 Roland & Marjorie Graham


🐾 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

Oct 26

Greeter

Carolyn Benn & Sandra Malone

Bob & Angela Cowperthwaite

Children & Youth

Liturgist

Paula Lilley

Amanda Howe

Gaye Cronkite

Coffee Hour

 

Love Feast Potluck

(Outreach Com)

Nov 2

Greeter

Don & Jennifer Metzger

Marion Collins & Chuck Taylor

Children & Youth

Liturgist

Don Metzger

Jack Forbush

Andy Anderson

Coffee Hour

 

Cynthia Forbush


Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar

©      Oct 26: Family Worship & Love Feast [HT], 11 AM

©      Oct 26: Community Chorus [HT], 12:30 PM

©      Oct 28: Women of Witness [HT], 10 AM

©      Oct 28: Women of Wonder [HD], 3 PM

©      Oct 28: Together Tuesday (Harvest Party), 3:00–4:15 PM

©      Oct 29: Backpack for Kids [HT], 9 AM

©      Oct 29: Life-Together Group [MH], 10 AM

©      Oct 29: Life-Together Group [HD], 3:15 PM

©      Oct 30: Community Handbell Choir [HT], 3:15–4:15 PM

©      Oct 30: Lay Servant Preaching Class [HT], 6 PM

©      Oct 31: Gardiner Bible Study, 10 AM

©      Oct 31: Dream Team [HT], 10 AM

©      Nov 1: Holiday Bazaar [HD], 9 AM-2 PM

©      Nov 2: All Saints Sunday (*Daylight Saving Time Ends)

©      Nov 3: Kingdom Men (County Rd Baptist), 6 PM

©      Nov 4-6: “4 Every Generation” Conference (Pastor Victor)

©      Nov 5: Administrative Council [HD], 4:15 PM

©      Nov 9: Family Worship & Coffee Fellowship [MH], 9 AM

©      Nov 9: Cluster Music Service [HT], 3 PM

©      Nov 30: Combined Service [HD], 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, Jack Galda, Heidi Geishecker, David Guy, 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

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