Life Together - Nov 21

 

There is a Korean saying, “제 코가 석자다.” In English we might say, “I have enough on my plate myself.”

Today we hosted our Harvest Party for seniors in the greater Houlton community. Usually, we deliver gourmet meals to our seniors each month, but this time we decided to invite them to church and celebrate together.

As I looked around, I noticed that many of our volunteers were carrying heavy burdens, caring for loved ones, facing health concerns, making difficult decisions, or simply feeling overwhelmed. Yet, in the midst of their own struggles, they still came to serve with love. And in serving, there was deep joy.

It reminded me of the story of the Good Samaritan. When a law expert asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus responded with a story. The priest and the Levite had “bigger fish to fry,” pressing concerns of their own. But the Samaritan, a man despised by the Jews, stopped and cared for a wounded stranger. His sacrifice brought life and healing to both. Jesus then said, “Do this, and you will live.” It is a holy mystery.

As we come to Thanksgiving Sunday, we will explore this well-known story from a fresh angle and consider what true generosity really means.

Please join us for worship: Hodgdon (9 AM), Houlton (11 AM), and Mars Hill (9 AM).

You may also worship with us online through the Houlton service: https://youtube.com/live/aEI0pTPz1Iw?feature=share

The service bulletin is attached.

Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving. Love you all.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

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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!

 

🤝 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.

 

Our December mission partner is the Salvation Army! We will have the joy of being bell-ringing angels at Marden’s:

©      Houlton: Nov 29 (Sat), 10 AM – 4 PM

©      Hodgdon: Dec 13 (Sat), 9 AM – 1 PM

 

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)

We are beginning with a simple pilot effort. Instead of inviting people inside, we will place food boxes and bags of potatoes in front of the church with a welcoming sign for our neighbors. This Saturday at 8 AM, everything will be set out for anyone in our community who may need it.

 

Happy Birthday!        Happy Anniversary!

Nov 24 Chet Husted           Nov 24 David & Cathy Hutchinson

Nov 24 Chris Anderson

Nov 29 Casey Tarr

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 23	Greeter	Carolyn Benn & Sandra Malone	Mark Jackins & Cathy Hutchinson	Children & Youth
	Liturgist	Jennifer Metzger	Angie Wotton	Gaye Cronkite
	Coffee Hour		Cynthia Forbush
Nov 30	Greeter
	Liturgist
	Coffee Hour	Love Feast Potluck Fellowship

 

Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar

©      Nov 27: Thanksgiving Day

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

©      Nov 30: Combined Service [HD], 10 AM

©      Dec 5: Dream Team [HT], 10 AM

©      Dec 9: Staff Parish Relations Com [HD], 9 AM

©      Dec 10: Administrative Council [HD], 4:15 PM

©      Dec 12: Staff Parish Relations Com [HT], 9 AM

©      Dec 12: Outreach Com [HT], 10 AM

©      Dec 12: Holiday Concert [HT], 7 PM

©      Dec 13: Salvation Army Bellringing [HD] at Marden’s

©      Dec 20: Christmas Party [HD], 5:30 PM

 

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, Brian Ketchum, Austin McAfee, Jean Merritt, Beverly Nickerson, Beth Peterson, 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