Life Together (March 28)

 

*Photo: "Lenten Soup & Devotion" at Mars Hill UMC (March 26)

Dear Church Family,

How is your Lent going so far?

We’re just about to pass the halfway point of our Lenten journey. As we pause to reflect, I hope this season is offering you moments of renewal.

For me, two practices have been especially meaningful this year. One is reading a daily poem from The Heart’s Time: A Poem a Day for Lent and Easter by Janet Morley. It’s become a refreshing breath of air in the middle of my day—a gentle, thoughtful pause that recenters me.

The other is our Lenten Soup & Devotion gatherings. There’s something powerful in simply being together. Last week, the Mars Hill church family welcomed us with such warmth and generosity, and Pastor Mary’s devotional message was both honest and moving. If you missed it, you can watch it here: Watch Pastor Mary’s Devotional

Looking ahead, our next Lenten gathering will be Wednesday, April 9 at noon at Hodgdon UMC. We’ll be blessed by a special performance from the community handbell choir, and Paula Lilley will lead our devotional time. You won’t want to miss this time of reflection and fellowship.

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UMCOR Sunday

We have heard the devastating news of the recent earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Along with our prayers, there are tangible ways to help.

This Sunday, we observe UMCOR Sunday—a special time to support the United Methodist Committee on Relief, which responds to human suffering both here at home and around the world, all in Jesus’ name. Through our special offerings and prayers, we can join in this lifegiving mission. Please join us this Sunday in making a difference.

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Life Review Project Updates

Have you ever considered questions like:
“If I could leave one important message for my family, what would it be?”
or
“If I could be remembered for one thing, what would it be?”

Wherever we are in our journey, these are sacred questions worth pondering.

The Life Review Project is a meaningful tool to help us reflect, realign, and live with intention. This week, we’ve added two more beautiful stories—Duane’s and Shirley’s. You can read them here: Faithbook: Our Story, Our Song
Take a few moments to read and be inspired!

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Dream Team

I’m excited to share that our combined discernment team—our Dream Team—is now formed. While this is a time of transition, I truly believe it's also a season of opportunity: to grow stronger, more resilient, and healthier as the church God is calling us to be.

Starting in April, this team will meet monthly to pray, discern, and navigate the next steps together as one body in Christ. Our first meeting will be Friday, April 4, at 10 AM at Houlton UMC.

Our team members are:
Duane Quint, Paula Lilley, Jennifer Metzger, Jill Quint, Susan Laurence, Marion Collins, Jack Forbush, Linda Maraya, Andy Anderson, Bonnie Anderson, Sally Sutton, Diane Ketchum, Pastor Mary, Pastor Joyce, and myself.

If you have any questions, ideas, or encouragement to share—please feel free to talk to any of the team members. We are here for you.

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Let’s Celebrate! 

Happy Birthday to...
 Andy Anderson (Mar 30)
 Sawyu Knowles (Apr 1)
 Gregg Bowyer (Apr 1)
 Cathy Hutchinson (Apr 2)
 Jacob Hotham (Apr 3)

We give thanks for your lives and pray for another year full of God’s grace and joy!

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Lastly, I pray that we all experience the oneness of Christ’s body in a fresh way as we celebrate Pulpit Exchange Sunday this weekend.

May God bless your second half of the Lenten journey with grace and peace.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Pulpit Exchange Sunday (March 30)

 

"One flock with one shepherd…"

This phrase leapt off the page during my devotional time this morning.

In John 10, Jesus tells us that He is our Good Shepherd. He calls us by name. He knows us deeply. He goes before us, leading us to places of nourishment. And in the greatest act of love, He laid down His life so that we might have life—and live it to the fullest.

But then, Jesus continues: He has other sheep outside the pen—ones who still need to be gathered. They, too, must be led, and there will be “one flock with one shepherd.”

This truth convicted me. How often do I focus only on those already in my church, my family—those safely within the pen? Ouch. While I am called to faithfully minister to the flock in our three churches, my greater calling is to lift my eyes beyond familiar walls, to care for those still outside.

That’s why I believe our Pulpit Exchange Sunday is a beautiful first step toward this vision. It is a reminder that we are part of something bigger than our individual congregations—we are united as the body of Christ within the United Methodist Church. But my prayer goes even further: that our unity in Christ will not stop within our denomination, but will extend beyond, drawing us closer to brothers and sisters from all backgrounds as one flock under one Shepherd.  

I encourage you to warmly welcome our special guest preachers this Sunday:

• Pastor Sue Brown at Hodgdon,

• Pastor John DeFelice at Houlton, and

• Pastor Tracy Reeves at Mars Hill.

Invite your family and friends. Come with expectant hearts. Let’s celebrate our unity in Christ and be mutually encouraged!

I am the church. You are the church. We are the church—together.

Have a blessed weekend, and please pray for Joyce and me—that we may preach the good news of Jesus Christ joyfully and boldly, as we ought.

I love you all deeply.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Life Together (March 22, 2025)

 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. – James 1:2-3

Dear Church Family,

Peace to you. 

Today’s Upper Room devotion deeply resonated with me. The writer shared her journey of faith through an unexpected trial—a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. It reminded me how easy it is to slip into a "poor-me" attitude when we face challenges.

As our church enters a new season of adjustments, I, too, have felt the pull to dwell on what we might lose—our service time changes, shifts in team ministry with Joyce, and other transitions. But as I meditated on James 1:2-3, I felt the Lord whisper to me, "Stop looking inward at your disappointments and losses. Instead, look around at the bursting life of spring unfolding before you." That gentle nudge lifted my soul.

When I reflect on this past week, I see God actively at work in our lives and in the life of our church. We shared life together through small groups, Together Tuesday, Backpack for Kids, Life Review interviews, handbell choir practice, senior meals—just to name a few! God is moving among us.

Family Worship Sunday & Love Feast [Houlton UMC]

This Sunday, we (Houlton) will come together as one church family for Family Worship at 11 AM. Young and young at heart will worship side by side in a Christ-exalting, music-filled service featuring our pick-up choir and handbell choir. Afterward, we will continue our fellowship over a Love Feast potluck luncheon. What a joy it will be to celebrate together!

Also, our Community Chorus has resumed under the leadership of Susan Laurence and Rue Geishecker. They meet every other Sunday at 1 PM at our church. If you love to sing, come and be part of this beautiful ministry!

Lenten Soup & Devotion

Our second combined Lenten Soup & Devotion gathering will be this Wednesday, March 26, at noon at Mars Hill UMC. Pastor Mary will lead our devotion time. Come, be nourished in body and spirit.

Baptism & New Membership

Easter is a season of new beginnings! If you are considering baptism or officially becoming a member of our church family, please let Pastor Joyce or me know. We would love to celebrate this sacred commitment with you on Easter Sunday.

Life Review Project

Every life holds a story—beautiful, unique, and worth remembering. This project invites us to reflect on our faith journeys.

This past week, I had the honor of listening to Mary’s and Chuck’s faith stories. I created a new blog to share these reflections: ourstoryoursong2025.blogspot.com. If you would like to share your story, please let me know. I would love to hear yours!

Pen Pal Ministry

We are launching a Pen Pal Ministry to encourage Senior Meals recipients, Backpack for Kids students, Gardiner residents, and more. If you have questions or would like to participate, please see Pastor Joyce.

Pulpit Exchange Sunday

Next Sunday (March 30), our UM cluster will celebrate Pulpit Exchange Sunday, a day to affirm our unity as one body of Christ. Pastor Joyce will preach at Gray Memorial UMC (Caribou), and I will preach at Lidstone Memorial UMC (Washburn). Please extend a warm welcome to our guest preachers:

• Pastor Sue from Lidstone Memorial UMC (Hodgdon)
• Pastor John from Mapleton UMC (Houlton)
• Pastor Tracy from Grant Memorial UMC (Mars Hill)

March 30th is also UMCOR Sunday, a time to support the United Methodist Committee on Relief and its vital work. Your generosity helps provide disaster relief and humanitarian aid to those in need. If you choose to give by check, please make it payable to the church and write "UMCOR" in the memo line. Thank you for your kindness and support!

Happy Birthday!

March 23 – Zach O’Leary
March 24 – Sarah Diette
March 25 – Stephanie
March 26 – Denice Tidd
March 28 – Ben Yeager

Happy Anniversary!
March 24 – Chet & Linda Husted

Wishing you all a joyful celebration and God’s abundant blessings in the year ahead! 

A Prayer for This Week

This morning, my heart is drawn to the last line of Gerald Manley Hopkins' poem:

"Mine, O thou lord of life, send my roots rain!"

Yes, Lord, ours! Send our roots rain! Amen.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

[Important Update] Appointment News

Dear Church Family,

Greetings in the precious name of Jesus Christ!

Yesterday, Joyce and I shared the news of our new appointments during worship, though it was brief. Today, I want to provide more details and share how we arrived at this decision. Joyce is currently away at a Korean women clergy retreat, and I know she will have her own reflections to share in the coming days.

The Facts

For the past ten years, amid denominational challenges and uncertainties, our church has been designated as a Mission Church by the New England Conference, which has covered the pastor’s health insurance (about $22,000 for 2025). However, due to budget reductions at both the national and conference levels, our grant was cut in half this year and will no longer be available next year.

Given this financial challenge, the initial plan from the bishop and cabinet was to appoint me to Houlton and Hodgdon and Joyce to Mars Hill starting July 1, 2025. However, after further budget review, a revised plan was made:

• Houlton UMC will move from a ¾-time to a ½-time appointment.
• I will be appointed to Houlton (½), Hodgdon (¼), and Mars Hill (¼).
• Joyce will be appointed to Stetson Memorial UMC in Patten (½-time).

My Journey of Discernment

When I first heard the bishop’s intended appointment, I experienced a flood of emotions—one wave after another. This was not the path I had envisioned or hoped for. My prayer has always been for our three churches to stand strong, grow, and be renewed. I longed to see the UMC revived, not reduced. Instead, I felt confused, vulnerable, and deeply discouraged.

I was given 24 hours to respond to the appointment. Most of that time, I spent in solitude, meditating on the Gospel of John and seeking God’s guidance. I asked for signs, and He faithfully answered through Scripture:

1. The Calling of the First Disciples (John 1:19-51) – “When you feel God calling you to something this week, follow the call.”
2. Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (John 4:1-42) – “Encourage Joyce and other women to recognize and use their talents in spiritual leadership.”
3. Feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-34) – “To Jesus, whether it’s 5 or 5,000, it makes no difference. He doesn’t ask you to provide everything—only to bring what you have. Offer your five loaves and two fish, and trust Him to multiply it.”

And finally, in John 21, Jesus asks Peter: “Do you love me?” My heart responded, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” And Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” His words cut through my doubts. “Don’t compare yourself to others. You just follow me.”

Moving Forward

Even now, I feel the weight of this transition and the loss of Joyce as my ministry partner in our three churches. It is overwhelming at times, and I still wonder, Am I on the right path? I don’t know what the next five or ten years will bring for our church.

But I do know this: I love Jesus. I love His Church. I love you.

My life motto remains the same: “With all my heart—love one person at a time, do one thing at a time.” That will never change.

Thank you for being part of this beloved community. You are in my prayers. Please pray for our church. Please pray for Joyce, our children, and me in this time of transition.

I love you all deeply.

 

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Life Together (March 15, 2025)

Peace to You!

Do you have a favorite time of the day?

For me, I cherish bedtime story time with Grace, Esther, and Hannah. We all lie down together, and starting with Hannah (from youngest to oldest), we take turns telling short stories—fantasy, fairytales, real-life moments, Bible stories—whatever comes to mind. But their favorite stories? The ones from my own childhood, especially when I was their age—5, 7, or 9—getting into mischief and doing silly things. They love hearing about those moments!

Our lives are filled with stories. When we pause and reflect on the key moments in our journey, we begin to see how God has been with us every step of the way. Sharing our stories deepens our understanding of His love—how high, how deep, how wide, how great it truly is.

That’s why we started the Life Review Project in our church. It helps us reflect on where we’ve been, where we are, and where God is leading us. It allows us to grow in self-awareness, adjust our direction if needed, and even prepare our hearts for eternity.

It has been such a joy and privilege to sit with church members and listen to their faith journeys. You can read their powerful testimonies here:
 Our Story, Our Song

If you’d like to reflect on your own life story, here are some helpful Life Review Questions to guide you. If you have any questions or would like to participate, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

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Baptism & New Membership – Easter Sunday

Lent is a season of reflection, renewal, and decision. Perhaps this is the time for you to say, “I have decided to follow Jesus!”

If you are interested in baptism or officially becoming a member of our church family, Pastor Joyce and I would love to walk with you in this journey. We plan to celebrate together on Easter Sunday—what a perfect day to make this commitment! Please let us know if you feel led to take this step of faith.

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Gardiner Music Service – This Sunday at 2 PM

It’s Gardiner Sunday! Every third Sunday of the month, we gather at Gardiner’s dining hall for a time of music and communion. Join us this Sunday at 2 PM as we lift our voices in joyful praise. Come and make a joyful noise with us!

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Let Us Celebrate! 

This week, we celebrate the birthdays of these beloved members of our church family:

 March 20 – Collin Lilley
 March 20 – Jacob Lilley
 March 21 – Dan Lilley

Let’s surround them with love and prayers as they celebrate another year of life!

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Let us continue walking together in faith, telling our stories, and seeing God’s hand in every season of life. Have a joyful, restful weekend! 

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Join Us for Our Lenten Soup & Devotion – This Wednesday at Noon @ Houlton UMC

 

Dear Church Family,

As we continue our Lenten journey, I want to personally invite you to our first Lenten Soup & Devotion gathering this Wednesday at noon at Houlton UMC. This is a special time for our Hodgdon, Houlton, and Mars Hill congregations to come together for fellowship, a warm meal, and spiritual reflection. Pastor Joyce will be leading our devotional time, guiding us deeper into the meaning of Lent. 

This past Sunday, I shared the well-known story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42), reflecting on priorities—choosing what is essential over what feels urgent. Joyce also shared about Martha and Mary in the context of Lazarus’s death, reminding us that Jesus not only saves but also weeps with us in our grief.

If you’d like to revisit our messages, here they are:

• My message: "Saving the Saved" – Luke 10:38-42
• Joyce’s message: "Jesus Wetp." Read here

Lent is a time to slow down, reflect, and draw closer to Jesus. I encourage you to set aside this hour in the middle of your week to be renewed by Scripture, prayer, and community. The devotional time will be livestreamed via the church's Facebook Live. 

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at noon!

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Life Together Community (March 8, 2025)

 

My five-year-old daughter, Hannah, believes her family is "special" because she finds "love" in this place. She is deeply loved, and she loves her family in return.

God’s plan is for the church to become a family. Our church family is special—not because we are outstanding (though I believe we are… just a little bias there)—but because we are grounded in love. Like any family, we experience both joys and struggles. This past week, we rejoiced with those who were joyful and wept with those who mourned. Here is a recap of the week:

Outreach News
Quiz: Do you know how much it costs to run our Backpack for Kids program each week? The answer is… about $600. Our church family currently provides 20-25 backpacks (feeding 50-60 students) each week. With rising costs, our balance dropped below $5,000, and we considered fundraising. Then, God provided! The Hodgdon Mill Pond’s "Chain Reaction" cereal drive resulted in 577 cereal boxes donated to the program. Praise God for this blessing!

Our February mission project was both meaningful and well received. All baby bottles and donations, including hats and blankets, were delivered to the Pregnancy Care Center in Houlton. Cyndee Randall, the director, shared that though things have been slow, God is always at work. One story in particular: a couple moved from engagement to a committed marriage relationship. One life at a time—Praise God!

Our March mission partner is United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)—one of our most beloved and trusted outreach organizations. It is a privilege to be part of this life-changing ministry. (Learn more at https://umcmission.org/umcor/)

Our Hodgdon and Houlton UMC Sunday School children used their offerings ($175) to purchase supplies for the Northern Lighthouse Transitional Living Program in Mars Hill. These items were delivered on March 7. We are so proud of their generosity and kindness!

Pen Pal Ministry
We recently launched a Pen Pal Ministry to encourage Senior Meals recipients, Backpack for Kids students, Gardiner residents, and more. Writing letters is a simple yet powerful way to build meaningful relationships and share Christ’s love. If you have questions or would like to join, please see Pastor Joyce.

Lenten Journey Began
Lent began this past Wednesday. Many in our church family attended the Ash Wednesday service, either online or in person. You can watch the service here: https://www.youtube.com/live/t1peX5LpuY0.

Our next family gathering is Wednesday, March 12, at noon at Houlton UMC for Soup & Devotion, led by Pastor Joyce. Come and be nourished!

Look Up, Lift Up
As a family, we rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Please pray for and support those in our community who are grieving. Sending cards, making phone calls, sharing meals, or simply checking in can mean so much.

Please keep Dale Blanchard and family in your prayers. We held a funeral service for Ned Ketchum, and despite the bad weather, many attended in person and online. You can watch the service here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14RtEcUQPq/.

Also, please pray for Donna Brewer’s family. Her memorial service will be on June 7th.

Celebrations
Happy Birthday to our beloved:
 Helen Woods (March 10)
 Lenny Muzzi (March 11)
 Reita Briggs (March 12)
 Bonnie Anderson (March 12)

Happy Anniversary to Stacy and Bobbi (March 8)! 

Last but not least…
 Daylight Saving Time Begins this Sunday! Don’t forget to spring forward!

Thank you for being part of this very special family of God. Have a wonderful weekend!

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor