Life Together - Nov 15

 

My parents just celebrated their 50th anniversary.

As I look back, I see so many twists and turns. There have been ups and downs, laughs and tears, celebrations and crises in our family, in church, and in relationships.

In my mind, my parents always seem to be in their 40s - young, strong, healthy, and dependable. Yet in the blink of an eye, I find myself now in my mid-40s. The older I get, the more often I ask, “What would my parents do?” I am thankful that I can still text or call them with my questions. But I also know a day will come when I can no longer do that in real time.

This morning my children and I had our weekly FaceTime call with my parents. I learned my dad has been struggling with heart issues. He looked weary and tired, but he still smiled and said, “All is well.” I smiled back, but my heart ached.

This week I have been meditating on Psalm 23 for Sunday’s message. David’s prayer has felt alive, more personal and more real than before.

Whether we are walking on the clouds or through the valley, our Shepherd is enough. And for me, I am grateful to be surrounded by faithful brothers and sisters in Christ.

This Sunday, Hodgdon Church celebrates Family Worship Sunday with Coffee Fellowship at 9 AM. Mars Hill meets at 9 AM, and Houlton at 11 AM. (Livestream link: https://youtube.com/live/8DNPbXJdW7s?feature=share)

May the Shepherd of our souls bless you and keep you. Love you all.

​

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

🤝 Outreach Opportunities

Monthly Mission Project Updates

This November, our cluster mission project is the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ Tree for the St. Apollonia Festival of Trees! Let’s fill it with gift cards—be creative and support local businesses! Your gifts will help provide free dental care for children in our County. Please bring your gift cards by Sunday, November 23.

We (Houlton) are also launching a “Good Neighbor Fund” to help support our new Soup Kitchen ministry and other local care needs in our community.

Our December mission partner is the Salvation Army! We will have the joy of being bell-ringing angels – Houlton on Saturday, November 29 (sign-up sheet available on the welcome table), Hodgdon date to be announced. We will also bless local families through the Angel Tree project. Stay tuned for more details.

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.

 

Combined Service Update

On November 30 at 10 AM at Hodgdon, our four sister churches will gather for worship and to celebrate the first Sunday of Advent together! After the service, we’ll share in a Love Feast potluck fellowship. This is a great opportunity to bring family and friends. Come and worship together!

 

Happy Birthday!        Happy Anniversary!

Nov 18 Sirong Wang     Nov 19 Richard & Donna Wolverton

Life-Together Groups

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 the Andersons

 

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

 

Worship Servants

		Hodgdon	Houlton	Mars Hill
Nov 16	Greeter	Jacob Lilley & Collin Lilley	Sharon Lyons & Jerry Wilson	Children & Youth
	Liturgist	Rue Geishecker	Marion Collins	Dale Blanchard
	Coffee Hour	Perry & Paula Lilley	Cathy Hutchinson & Jerry Wilson
Nov 23	Greeter	Carolyn Benn & Sandra Malone	Mark Jackins & Cathy Hutchinson	Children & Youth
	Liturgist	Jennifer Metzger		Gaye Cronkite
	Coffee Hour		Cynthia Forbush

 

Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar

©      Nov 16: Family Worship & Coffee Fellowship [HD], 9 AM

©      Nov 16: Gardiner Music Service, 2 PM

©      Nov 18: Women of Witness [HT], 10 AM

©      Nov 18: Women of Wonder [HD], 3 PM

©      Nov 18: Together Tuesday [HT], 3:00–4:15 PM

©      Nov 19: Backpack for Kids [HT], 9 AM

©      Nov 19: Life-Together Group [MH], 10 AM

©      Nov 19: Life-Together Group [HD], 3:15 PM

©      Nov 20: Community Handbell Choir [HT], 3:15-4:15 PM

©      Nov 20: Lay Servant Preaching Class [HT], 6 PM

©      Nov 20: Gardiner Bible Study, 10 AM

©      Nov 21: Harvest Party for Seniors [HT], 12 PM

©      Nov 22: Administrative Council [HT], 9 AM

©      Nov 29: Salvation Army Bellringing [HT] at Marden’s

©      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, Duane Eldridge, Jack Galda, Heidi Geishecker, Heidi McGary, Brian Ketchum, Austin McAfee, Jean Merritt, Beverly Nickerson, Kerry Quint, Robin Quint, Richard Sherwood, Carol Sloat Smith, Dotty Smith, Mark and Abby Swallow, Liz Taylor, Melanie Wilson, Debbie Wordwell, Richard & Donna Wolverton, Karen Young, Kailynn