A new year begins.
What better way to begin the new year than to come to church and start with God and God’s people?
This Sunday, we celebrate Epiphany Sunday, remembering the visit of the Magi. As they offered their gifts, may we also place Christ at the center of our lives - not as someone useful, but as someone precious.
During worship, we will also celebrate those who completed reading the New Testament or the entire Bible in 2025. What a joy to give thanks for God’s Word and faithfulness.
The weather has been cold and snowy. Please join me in prayer for those who are sick and recovering. If you are not able to join us in person, you are always welcome to worship online using the link below:
https://youtube.com/live/xLoqqYhLYRM?feature=share
The service bulletin is also attached.
May God richly bless you and your family as you begin this new year. I am truly looking forward to journeying together with you in the days ahead.
Together in Christ,
Hodgdon UMC~Houlton UMC~Mars Hill UMC
January 4, 2026, 9:00 AM
& 11:00 AM
 |
Epiphany Sunday/ Bible Sunday
Prelude Diane Ketchum [MH]
Rue Geishecker [HD]
Susan Laurence & Chet Husted
[HT]
Prelude: In dulci jubilo (BWV 751), J.S. Bach
Antiphon: Grace Han, In dulci jubilo, J.S. Bach (UMH
224)
Hymn of Praise “Sanctuary”
#2164
[HD & MH]
Welcome & Announcements Andy Anderson [MH]
Donald Metzger [HD]
Mark Jackins [HT]
*Call to Worship Psalm 118
*Opening Hymn “We Three Kings” #254 [MH]
“Holy, Holy, Holy” #64 [HD & HT]
Children’s Moment Pastor
Mary [MH]
Pastor Victor [HD & HT]
Joys & Concerns, Blue Christmas Prayer &
Lord’s Prayer
©
In your mercy Hear our prayer!
Anthem MHUMC Choir [MH]
Special Music Jacob Hotham [HT]
Scripture Matthew 2:1-12 Pastor
Mary [MH]
1
Corinthians 9:24-27 Liturgist [HD &
HT]
Message “Three
Men and a Baby” Pastor Mary [MH]
“Why I Run” Pastor Victor [HD & HT]
Unison Prayer UMH
#481
Passing the Peace of Christ (Sign Language)
Communion
Offertory, *Doxology (# 95) & *Offertory Prayer
MHUMC Choir [MH]
Pastor Victor [HD & HT]
*Closing Hymn “Hymn
of Promise” #707 [MH]
“We’ve a Story to
Tell” #569 (1, 3, 4) [HD & HT]
*Benediction
Postlude Ode To Joy from Symphony No.9
Op.125, L. van Beethoven [HT]
Call to Worship: Psalm 118
L: Give
thanks to the Lord because he is good,
P: because his faithful love lasts forever.
L: It’s
far better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust any human leader.
P: All the nations surrounded me, but I cut them
down in the Lord’s name.
L: The
stone rejected by the builders is now the main foundation stone!
P: This has happened because of the Lord; it is
astounding in our sight!
L:
This is the day the Lord acted;
P: we will rejoice and celebrate in it!
L:
Lord, save us!
P:
Lord, please let us succeed!
L: Give
thanks to the Lord because he is good,
P: because his faithful love lasts forever.
Prayer of Saint Francis
Lord, make me an
instrument of thy peace;
where there is
hatred, let me sow love;
where there is
injury, pardon;
where there is
doubt, faith;
where there is
despair, hope;
where there is
darkness, light;
and where there is
sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may
not so much seek
to be consoled as
to console;
to be understood,
as to understand;
to be loved, as to
love;
for it is in
giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning
that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying
that we are born to eternal life. (UMH #481)
Welcome!
We’re so glad you’re here! Whether you’re visiting
or looking for a church home, we hope you feel God’s love and grace today.
“Busy Bags” are available for kids. Please
return them after the service. Nametags are also available. Feel free to make
one and use it each week!
🤝 Outreach Opportunities
As we begin a
new year, we are invited to live out Christ’s love in practical ways. This
January, our church is supporting Homeless Services of Aroostook, serving
neighbors who need shelter, care, and hope.
You may give
in-kind donations or monetary gifts. Checks may be written to the
church, with “Homeless Services of Aroostook” in the memo line.
Most Needed Items:
* Coffee
supplies
* Paper goods
& plastic utensils
* Personal
hygiene items (no alcohol)
* Towels,
blankets, pillowcases
* Cleaning &
laundry supplies
* Batteries
& garbage bags
* Gift cards
(local grocery or hardware stores)
Thank you for
being the hands and feet of Christ in our community.
Bible Reading
& New Bible Study
On Sunday,
January 4, we will celebrate Epiphany
Sunday and observe “Bible Sunday.”
We will recognize those who have read through the entire Bible or the New
Testament this year. If that includes
you, please let Pastor Victor know.
Beginning in January, a new Bible study—Introducing the
New Testament (D. A. Carson)—will run from January to May. The book cost is
$10. Together, we will explore the whole New Testament and grow in our
understanding of God’s Word.
©
Hodgdon Life-Together: Wed. Jan 7, 3:15 PM
©
Houlton WOW: Tue. Jan 6, 10:00 AM
Houlton Life-Together: Sun. Jan 11, 12:00 PM
© Mars Hill Life-Together: TBD
Happy Birthday!
Jan 5 John Trask
Jan 7 Elizabeth Boyd
Jan 10 Andrew Larson
“Stewardship
Is Discipleship”
Boxed offering envelopes for the new year are now
available for pick-up. As we begin the year, let us continue to build up
Christ’s church through our prayers, our
presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness. Thank you for being a
vital part of the body of Christ!
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 |
|
Jan 4 |
Greeter |
Donald
& Jennifer Metzger |
Mark Jackins &
Cathy Hutchinson |
Children & Youth |
|
Liturgist |
Donald Metzger |
|
Andy Anderson |
|
|
Coffee Hour |
|
Marion Collins & Sharon Lyons |
|
|
|
Jan 11 |
Greeter |
Duane
& Bonnie Quint |
Bob & Sharon
Lyons |
Children & Youth |
|
Liturgist |
Rue Geishecker |
Mary Taylor |
Bonnie Anderson |
|
|
Coffee Hour |
|
Victor Han & Gabriel Grimm |
Love Feast Potluck Brunch |
Ministry & Mission (M&M)
Calendar
© Jan 4: Epiphany Sunday (Bible Sunday)
© Jan 6: Lay Servant Meeting [HT], 9 AM
© Jan 6: Women of Witness [HT], 10 AM
© Jan 6: Together Tuesday [HT], 3 PM
© Jan 7: Backpack for Kids [HT], 9 AM
© Jan 7: Life-Together Group [HD], 3:15 PM
© Jan 7: Administrative Council [HD], 4:15 PM
© Jan 9: Staff Parish Relations Com [HT], 9 AM
© Jan 9: Outreach Com [HT], 10 AM
© Jan 11: Family Worship & Coffee Fellowship [MH]
© Jan 16: “Love & Meals” (Senior Meals) [HT], 11:30
AM
Prayer List
Dennis Anderson, Nathan Anderson, Janie Andrews, Bob
& Jo-Ann Barton, Debbie & Anthony Benn, London Booker, Reita Briggs,
Sue Carr, Bob Cowperthwaite, Duane Eldridge, Jack Galda, Heidi Geishecker,
Brian Ketchum, Lee/Laurence families, Austin McAfee, Jean Merritt, Beverly
Nickerson, Beth Peterson, Barbara Porter, Kerry Quint, Robin Quint, Richard
Sherwood, Carol Sloat Smith, Dotty Smith, Dicki Somers, Mark and Abby Swallow,
Liz Taylor, Corey Toderio, Helen Woods, Debbie Wordwell, Karen Young, Kailynn,
Wilson/Howe families
*We invite you to
use this list as part of your daily prayers. Please let Pastor Victor know if
you would like to add or remove names from the list.
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