There is an African saying: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
This afternoon, Grace, Esther, Hannah, and I went biking. We started from home, passed through the Riverfront Park trail, crossed the ATV bridge, continued to Foxcroft Road, climbed Derby Hill, and made our way back home. It took 1 hour and 17 minutes—5.19 miles in total.
Along the way, we had to stop and fix a fallen chain, wait for each other, walk up a gravel hill, and take a water break. Finally, we made it. At the end, Grace said, “Dad, it was like Pilgrim’s Progress!” I, too, felt it was a microcosm of life’s journey.
This morning, we had our monthly Dream Team meeting. With Pastor Joyce and representatives from our four churches gathered, we continued our journey together. At times, it feels like progress is slow. Sometimes it feels like we’re going nowhere. Yet, in the end, we are reminded that we are on this journey together and that God is at work among us. We shared our fears and concerns, and we also shared our desires and hopes.
One team member said to me, “Sometimes, as I look around at empty pews, I’m tempted to ask myself, ‘What’s wrong with me?’” But as we prayed together and reflected on Acts 2 and the early church’s core values, we were encouraged that we are on the right path.
Yes, these are challenging times to be the church. In a culture where “bigger and flashier” often seems better, the church is no longer the social hub it once was. Yet people—young and old—still long for spiritual truth, life purpose, and meaningful relationships. This is what we can offer: community, hope, life, and purpose in Jesus Christ. We are called to build this countercultural community, one person at a time.
This Sunday, as we celebrate World Communion Sunday, we are reminded that whether Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, or otherwise—as long as Christ is our head—we are one people, journeying together. Let us come and celebrate together!
For Houlton: Beginning this Sunday, coffee fellowship will return to after the service. We enjoyed our summer experiment of coffee time before worship, but we found that gathering after the service is more welcoming for newcomers and gives us time to stay, connect, and grow together. Please join us!
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 October, we support Bridge to Hope, which helps local families in southern Aroostook County undergoing cancer treatments by assisting with travel, lodging, gas cards, and related expenses. The Cancer Awareness Walk will be held on Saturday, October 18, at Houlton Riverfront Park, with registration at 9:00 AM and the walk beginning at 10:00 AM.
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 the church
Houlton: Tuesdays at 10 AM at the church (women)
Mars Hill: Wednesdays at 10 AM at the Andersons
Happy Birthday & Anniversary!
Oct 5: Jill Quint
Oct 5: Amanda Howe
Oct 7: Bob Lyons
Oct 9: Dan & Emily Lilley (Anniversary)
Life Review Project – “Faithbook”
God’s grace is like the facets of a diamond—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 their 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 |
Oct 5 | Greeter | Donald & Jennifer Metzger | Mark Jackins & Cathy Hutchinson | Children & Youth |
Liturgist | Stacy Ramsey | Mark Jackins | Andy Anderson | |
Coffee Hour |
| Marion Collins |
| |
Oct 12 | Greeter | Duane & Bonnie Quint | Bob Lyons & Jerry Wilson | Children & Youth |
Liturgist | Jill Quint | Marion Collins | Bonnie Anderson | |
Coffee Hour |
| Linda Maraya |
|
Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar
Oct 5: World Communion Sunday
Oct 5: Community Chorus [HT], 12:30–2:30 PM
Oct 7: Women of Witness [HT], 10 AM
Oct 7: Together Tuesday [HT], 3:00–4:15 PM
Oct 7: Women of Wonder [HD], 3 PM
Oct 8: Backpack for Kids [HT], 9 AM
Oct 8: Life-Together Group [MH], 10 AM
Oct 8: Life-Together Group [HD], 3:15 PM
Oct 9: Community Handbell Choir [HT], 3:15–4:15 PM
Oct 10: Staff Parish Relations Com. [HT], 9 AM
Oct 10: Outreach Com. [HT], 10 AM
Oct 10: Gardiner Bible Study, 10 AM
Oct 12: Sunday School Teachers Meeting [HT], 12 PM
Oct 15: Administrative Council [MH], 11:15 AM
Oct 17: Senior Meals [HT], 11:15 AM
Oct 17: Lend A Hand Supper [HD], 4–6 PM
Oct 18: Bridge to Hope Cancer Walk [HT], 9 AM
Oct 18: Pumpkin Party for Kids, Wilderness Pines Campground, 1–3 PM
Oct 19: Laity Sunday
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 & Abby Swallow, Liz Taylor, Melanie Wilson, Debbie Wordwell, Richard & Donna Wolverton, Karen Young, Kailynn
Pastor Victor
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