True or False?

 

Dear Church Family,

I have quick questions for you. Please answer “True” or “False.”

1. Our Dream Team consists of Hodgdon and Houlton church members. (T/F)

2. “Lending Library & Food Pantry” is a one-time mission initiative. (T/F)

3. “Harvest Party” is for senior meals recipients. (T/F)

Now, here are the answers!

As we began our new appointments this past July (Joyce to Patten, and Victor to Hodgdon, Houlton, and Mars Hill), our three churches formed a Dream Team to ensure a smooth transition and foster a stronger partnership through the “Cooperative Parishes” model.

Our Dream Team meets monthly, and beginning in November, Patten will officially join us in sharing resources and working together as one body of Christ. Truly, we are better together!

In our recent Dream Team meeting, we reaffirmed that worship is at the heart of who we are as the Church. We also discussed the importance of each church having its own signature ministry. Together, we agreed to focus on a relational ministry—building relationships that draw people to Christ and His Church—rather than a transactional ministry that simply gives without connection.

Out of this vision, Hodgdon’s “Lending Library & Food Pantry” ministry was born. In the past, we placed a portable food cart and bookshelf outside the church, but unfortunately, everything was taken at once. Yet through the creativity and perseverance of our members, we developed a new idea—to open the church for a few hours each week, welcoming neighbors for coffee, conversation, and access to books and food. This is what relational ministry looks like in action!

To make this ministry fruitful and sustainable, we need your partnership:

1. Pray—that the Lord will prepare our hearts to love our neighbors and draw them to Christ.

2. Share—spread the word about this ministry.

3. Give—donate books and non-perishable food items.

4. Serve—volunteer as a host to welcome guests on Saturdays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., at the Hodgdon Church.

Likewise, in the same spirit of relational ministry, the Houlton Church is planning a Harvest Party for our community seniors. Our Senior Meals program currently serves up to 70 people every third Friday of the month. In November, instead of delivering meals, we will invite them to join us in person for a shared meal, fellowship, and a joyful celebration of the harvest.

May we continue to live out our calling as the light of our community—so that through all we do, God may be glorified.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor