Monday Morning Coffee: “Signs of Spring”

“But now, O Lord, what do I look for?

My hope is in you.” (Psalm 39:7)

Where do you see signs of spring today?

Though it is Groundhog Day, many of us may feel that it is still winter rather than spring.

There are times when sorrow and burden accumulate little by little, until one day the weight feels heavy. For me, this past Sunday was one of those days. As I looked at the empty pews - seats once filled with our beloved church members, smiling, chatting, singing, and worshiping together. I felt a deep heartache. Some are sick. Some are homebound. Some have drifted. Some have moved on. After the service, sitting in the quiet, empty sanctuary by myself, my heart felt even more empty.

Normally, I do not listen to my own sermon, except to make sure it is uploaded correctly. But this morning, I needed encouragement. I needed hope from the Word. So I listened and prayed that God would open my eyes to see signs of hope and to encounter the God of today.

And slowly, I began to see...

Two smiling faces who traveled from Danforth to worship with us. My children’s honest and encouraging feedback. Bob’s children’s message, boldly sharing good news and God’s love. A joyful Sunday School time at Hodgdon, creating a Mission Board with Jennifer and Jill. A Bible science class with Chet. Meaningful conversations during coffee hour. "Faithful ones" who keep showing up, stepping up, and watching over one another in love... one person at a time.

Today, you may feel like Lazarus, alone in a cold, dark tomb. If so, look for Mary and Martha, God’s angels who show care and support. Or perhaps you are in the place of Mary or Martha. If so, look for Lazarus, someone struggling, tired, or hurting. Reach out. Love that person. One person at a time.

Our hope is not in ourselves or in this world. Our hope is in Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He is for us, not against us. He intercedes for us, and He is able.

If you were unable to join us, you are welcome to watch or listen:

• Worship Services: Hodgdon | Houlton
• Message: Read the blog | Listen to the podcast

Let us hold fast. Spring is coming. Happy Groundhog Day :)

In Christ's Love, 

Pastor Victor 

Life Together: “Moving Forward”

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” 

(Hebrews 12:1)

“How do you do that?” I asked.

This is Brian’s second healing journey. He fell and fractured his hip. From ICU, to rehab, to home, he worked hard and returned to normal life. Then he fell again and fractured the other side. He had to start again from Day One.

And yet, as you can see, Brian still smiles. He stays positive.

“Well,” he said, “I’m 88. I can’t do many things I used to do. I didn’t choose where I am now, but I accept it and do what I can in the time I’m given. I take one day at a time.” I replied, “I admire both of you, Brian and Diane, for your strength, perseverance, and wisdom.”

So how do we learn to persevere?

Abe and I recently registered for our first half-marathon, which will take place in March. We are training on our own, increasing our distance by one mile each week. This week, we ran ten miles.

Not until I started running did I truly understand Hebrews 12:1. Running can be boring. It can be cold. I feel hungry, sore, sometimes even nauseous, with stomach pain. And yet, I keep running. My goal is simple: to move forward without stopping or walking.

Here is the lesson I am learning: We learn to persevere by persevering. In the same way, we learn to love by loving, to forgive by forgiving, and to give by giving. Yes, our spiritual journey is from grace to grace. But it is also "responsible" grace. We say “yes” to God’s grace, then we roll up our sleeves and practice it. As we do, we begin to bear more of the fruit of the Spirit.

The early Christians were known for two things: sexual purity and radical generosity. The Romans were confused by this. It was not simply rule-keeping. It was the fruit of their deep intimacy with the Lord Jesus.

We may not choose our time or our circumstances. But my prayer is that, in the time and situation we are given, we as a church will practice what pleases God and spread the aroma of Christ, especially in times like these.

This Sunday at Hodgdon and Houlton, we will explore the Gospel of John. Through the story of Lazarus, we will reflect on how it is possible to have faith after doubt - a faith for the here and now, even in the midst of loss, grief, and despair.

Have a blessed weekend. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

In Christ's Love, 

Pastor Victor

Monday Morning Coffee: "It Only Takes a Spark"

Peace to you, Church Family,

I hope you are doing well, especially during this record-breaking cold and snowy weather. Please stay safe and warm.

We are very grateful that we were able to gather both in person and online for worship this past Sunday. Personally, I was deeply encouraged by Gabriel’s faith story. It was a powerful testimony of how God faithfully loved him and worked in every season of his life—even when he was running away from God.

I was especially moved by how God prepared one person—Gabriel’s childhood friend from the age of seven, someone least likely to come to faith—to share the good news with him. Through his friend’s faithful witness and personal suffering, including the loss of his mother, Gabriel found his way home to the Father.

As I continued to meditate on Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son, two truths stood out to me:

1. Both sons are lost—one through a rebellious, self-seeking way, and the other through a religious, self-righteous way. The Father lovingly reaches out to both.
2. Returning home is not the end of the story, but the beginning. Becoming like the Father is the goal.

If you were not able to join us in worship, you are warmly invited to worship online. You can listen to Gabriel’s faith story, the sermon, Bertrand’s special music, and the Han family’s offertory at this link. You may also read or listen to the message at your convenience: Sermon Blog | Podcast Audio

Wherever you are on your journey today, please remember this: You are deeply loved by the Father. And may we each be that one person—the one who carries and passes on that love to the next person. Let's pass it on.

Stay warm, and have a blessed week.

In Christ's love, 

Pastor Victor 

Life Together

 

Dear Church Family,

It has been a tough winter in many ways. 

Yet, as Mr. Rogers often reminded us, when we are in trouble, we can look for the helpers. God always sends helpers. God always sends signs of hope along the way.

For me personally, there are moments when pastoral ministry feels especially meaningful. One of those moments came this past week during my interview with Carolyn Been (Hodgdon church member). She shared that, through our new Bible study, she read the entire Gospel of Matthew for the first time. When she finished, she felt something come together inside her. The Scripture felt alive. It felt personal. It was a reminder to me that it is never too late to grow deeper in faith.

You can read Carolyn’s life story here:
https://faithbook2025.blogspot.com/2026/01/do-it-anyway-by-carolyn-benn.html

You can also read other stories at our Faithbook Blog:
http://faithbook2025.blogspot.com

This weekend will be extremely cold. If you plan to attend worship in person, please bundle up and be extra careful. Mars Hill Church has decided to worship online only this Sunday.

You are welcome to join us online for worship (Houlton service at 11:00 AM) at this link:
https://youtube.com/live/0QLNQfoY0Pg?feature=share

Hodgdon (9:00 AM) and Houlton (11:00 AM) plan to gather in person as scheduled. At Houlton, we will celebrate Family Worship, followed by a potluck Love Feast.

Please stay safe. We look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday, in person or online. Love you all.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Monday Morning Coffee: "The Most Powerful Force"

You have probably heard the classic story of the Sun and the Wind.

One day, they decided to have a competition: Who is stronger? Who can make a man take off his coat?

The Wind went first. It blew hard and loud, showing off its strength. But the man only held his coat more tightly. Then the Sun shone warmly and gently. Before long, the man felt the warmth and took off his coat.

This simple story reminds us of an important truth: the most powerful force in this world is love.

During family worship at Hodgdon, our children were invited to make something that reminded them of this lesson, a symbol of love. They created beautiful pieces: baby Jesus’ cradle, the cross, the empty tomb, hearts, a praying person in a boat, and more. Their hands preached a quiet sermon of love and hope.

As we remember and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his words speak again to our time:

“Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.”

For such a time as this, may we promote the love and light of Christ. And we pray, let there be peace on earth, and may it begin right here, with you and me.

If you were unable to join us, you are warmly invited to watch and listen:

Sunday Worship Services:

Hodgdon | Houlton

The Message:

Podcast (Audio) | Blog (Reading)

Service Bulletin:

View Bulletin

May the Lord bless you and your week. Grace and peace to you all.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Life Together: "Becoming"

 

“What does it mean to be a church member?”

Someone asked me this the other day. My short answer: it means to become family. Without joining the church, we can still participate in activities and ministries. But becoming a church member means taking this relationship seriously. It means commitment.

One of my favorite quotes about the church is from Justin McRoberts:
"Being a Christian can sometimes feel like being in a family with a thousand drunk uncles."

It’s true. Being part of the church body can be messy. But it’s also beautiful. It’s a gift from God. Through thick and thin, we stay together. We learn to get along and grow in love, becoming more like Christ together.

This week, I had the joy of listening to several church members’ life stories. Let’s play a little Guess Who?

Who is this man?
He drove trucks for a living, served the church as a lay leader, has been married for over 60 years, and has a special love for the hymn “Rock of Ages.”

Who is this woman?
She grew up on a farm without running water, worked in schools for 30 years, was married for 67 years, faced deep loss and asked “why,” yet kept trusting God, prays daily for peace, believes kindness can change the world, and can quiet a room with just “the look.”

You’re invited to read their full life stories on the Faithbook blog. During Lent, we plan to share a brief version of our church members’ life stories each day online in the Upper Room devotional format.

What a blessing we are to each other! What a privilege to be part of the body of Christ! I am deeply grateful to God for each of you. Thank you for being part of this beloved community.

Stay well and safe in God’s grace. I look forward to worshiping together this Sunday, whether in person or online.

Bulletins:

• Hodgdon & Houlton Service Bulletin

• Mars Hill Bulletin

Worship Service Link:

• Houlton Service – YouTube

In Christ's Love, 

Pastor Victor 

Monday Morning Coffee: "20 Miles Per Hour"

 

Peace to you,

I hope you are doing well, especially after yesterday’s snowstorm.

Early this morning, I gave Abe a ride back to his school in Limestone. Overall, the roads were fairly safe, thanks to the hard work of our town plow drivers. On Route 1, we came up behind a snowplow traveling about 20 miles per hour, and we had to follow it for quite some time.

I noticed myself becoming anxious and impatient. I asked, “Why am I feeling this way?” I realized it was because I was not in control. I was not in charge of the speed. I did not like being limited.

Then, as we passed a wide-open field on Route 1, we suddenly hit a whiteout. At that moment, I felt strangely secure. I was grateful to be following that strong, steady truck. When the time came, the plow moved on, and I made it home safely.

Jesus walked about three miles per hour. He may have felt urgency, but he was never in a hurry. Can you imagine Jesus running around in panic? He walked. He ate with ordinary people. He touched the sick. He spoke with widows. Step by step. Always one person at a time. And on the cross, he was able to say, “It is finished.”

That same Jesus walks with us today. To keep in step with Jesus, our church has begun a new journey together, walking through the entire New Testament. Our sermons will walk alongside this journey. This past Sunday, we explored the Gospel of Matthew. This coming Sunday, we will turn to the Gospel of Mark. There are also opportunities to go deeper through small groups. If you are interested, please let me know.

If you were unable to join us, you can watch yesterday’s Houlton service here:
https://youtube.com/live/EQyHYBMAgKc?feature=share

You can also read the sermon here:
https://pastorvictorhan.blogspot.com/2026/01/surprised-by-grace-matthew-99-13.html

As an experiment to make our messages more accessible, we have also launched a sermon podcast. Weekly sermons will be uploaded there. You can find it on Spotify here:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0tff0FBUNVEML4DpoTHnlS?si=3f5b1848f9fa4680

On Apple Podcasts, simply search for “The Voice Crying Out.”

I hope this supports your daily walk with Jesus.

Have a blessed week ahead. Love you all,

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor