JOY Weekly: Life Together

*Photo: Andre Derain's At the Suresnes Ball (1903)

Peace to you.

Lately, I’ve been deeply moved by the life of Alexei Navalny, who courageously stood up against Putin’s regime. He was brave, articulate, winsome, and a man of integrity. When I first heard the news that he had been arrested and later killed in prison, my heart sank. “What a waste,” I thought. “He could have mobilized and led so many more people.” I couldn’t understand it.

But after reading his autobiography, I began to see things differently. Perhaps imprisonment was his calling, because his imprisonment became his most powerful pulpit. Through his suffering, millions inside and outside of Russia found the courage to stand for what is right.

Now, let me share a bit of my own story. This week, I attended a conference on intergenerational ministry. The theme was wonderful, but I felt like the man dancing with a taller woman in André Derain’s painting, a bit awkward and out of rhythm, yet trying to keep up with a smile.

When I arrived, I realized I didn’t know anyone. No colleagues from our conference. No Koreans. Many came in groups or with familiar friends. The setting seemed made for social butterflies: upbeat music, round tables, photo booths, and endless invitations to mingle and connect. As an introvert, I found it hard to fit in.

At times, I even wondered if I was truly suited to be a pastor, especially one called to lead children, youth, and intergenerational ministry. But then, one thought came to me: Perhaps this awkward, uncomfortable moment is itself a gift.

I grew up as a pastor’s kid. The church was always my home: safe, warm, familiar. But not everyone feels that way. Many people feel inadequate, unworthy, or painfully out of place when they step into church. Some even feel anxious or resistant.

And perhaps that’s why God called even me to help create a community where those who feel awkward or out of step can find belonging. A place where everyone, no matter how they dance, feels at home in God’s presence.

This Sunday, our Mars Hill Church will celebrate Family Worship at 9 a.m., followed by coffee fellowship. Hodgdon also meets at 9 a.m., and Houlton at 11 a.m. In the afternoon, we’ll gather for a special cluster music service at 3 p.m. in Houlton, followed by a potluck fellowship.

May each gathering be a place where the awkwardly dancing among us feel welcomed, loved, and at home.

So will you join me on the dance floor? :)

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

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Outreach Opportunities

Monthly Mission Project Updates

Thank you, church family, for your generous support in October for Bridge to Hope, helping local families facing cancer—Hodgdon gave $260, Houlton $280, and Mars Hill $90.

For November, our cluster mission project is the “Fruit of the Spirit” Tree for the St. Apolonia Festival of Trees—decorated with gift cards (be creative and support local!) to benefit free dental care for children in our County.

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.

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

Today, 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 Groups

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

Fridays at 10 am at the Gardiner

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! Happy Anniversary!

Nov 10 Jan Beals Nov 10 Rusty & Heather Henderson

Nov 15 Ryder Mattson Nov 12 Chris & Liz Anderson

Worship Servants

		*Hodgdon*	*Houlton*	*Mars Hill*
Nov 9	Greeter	Don & Jennifer Metzger	Mark Jackins & Cathy Hutchinson	Children & Youth
	Liturgist	Perry Lilley	Sirong Wang	Bonnie Anderson
	Coffee Hour		Bob & Angela Cowpethwaite
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

Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar

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, 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

JOY Weekly

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Life Together - Nov 8

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