Monday Morning Coffee: "No Pit Too Deep for God’s Love"

 

Good morning, Church Family,

“There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.”

These words were spoken by Betsie ten Boom, Corrie Ten Boom’s sister, while they were imprisoned in a concentration camp. Betsie sadly did not survive the camp, but her faith and words continued to inspire.

Corrie, witnessing evil firsthand and facing unimaginable suffering, wrestled with hatred and the desire for retaliation against those who tormented her and her sister. She prayed desperately for God’s help—and He answered. Corrie was freed from the prison of hatred, and though forgiveness was a lifelong journey, she went on to share the message of forgiveness with others, especially those living in bitterness and grudges.

Today, we hear messages of hatred, threats, and retaliation all around us. The principle of “an eye for an eye” was meant to limit retaliation, yet in practice, people often go further, causing more harm. Even this minimum standard feels impossible to uphold. But now is the time to choose love instead of hatred, and forgiveness instead of retaliation. We can start right where we are.

Let us pray for peace and reconciliation in our world. Our God is able. No matter how deeply broken our world may seem, his love is deeper still.

If you haven’t yet, you can watch our service or access the message here:

Services:

• Hodgdon: Watch here

• Houlton: Watch here

Message:

• Read the blog

• Listen via podcast

May God’s love and peace fill your hearts this week. 

In Christ's Love,
Pastor Victor

Life Together: "Making Sense of Suffering"

 

“This is my home now,” Reita said calmly and peacefully.

She shared how grateful she is for the staff at Madigan, for her roommate Pat, and for the safe and caring environment there. I was deeply moved by her wisdom and quiet strength to accept this season of life.

When I arrived, she was in the middle of her daily exercise, walking the hallway for a few laps. After returning to her room, she smiled and said, “I’m aging. What’s new? How is the church?”

I replied, “The church is doing well, but we miss you. By the way, can you believe I’ve been here for 12 years?”

She smiled again and said, “Are you telling me you’re aging too?”

Though she is confused at times, her gentle humor is still there.

We spent time looking at the pictures on her wall, remembering stories, and reflecting together on life and death. Our conversation reminded me of this Scripture:

“So we aren’t depressed. But even if our bodies are breaking down on the outside, the person that we are on the inside is being renewed every day… We live by faith and not by sight.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:16; 5:7 (CEB)

Paul was no stranger to suffering. While suffering often remains a mystery, he helps us see it through the lens of faith. Our weaknesses, struggles, and burdens can become a doorway through which God’s power and glory are revealed.

I look forward to exploring this word together with you this Sunday.

Have a blessed weekend. See you Sunday!

In Christ's Love, 
Pastor Victor

Church Directory Updates

Dear Church Family,

Peace to you.

We are in the process of updating our church directory. Please review your information in the attached file to make sure it is current—your address, contact information, photo, birthday, anniversary, and any other details. If there is anything you would like to add, update, or remove, please let me know.

A sample printed copy will also be available on the welcome table this Sunday for your reference.

My prayer is that our church directory will help strengthen our unity in Christ and encourage us to care for one another in love.

Have a blessed and peaceful weekend. Love you all.


In Christ's Love,
Pastor Victor

*2026 Hodgdon & Houlton UMCs Directory Draft

*2026 Mars Hill UMC Directory Draft

P.S. The formatting of the MS Word document may not display correctly in the Google Docs viewer. Please review the content carefully to make sure everything appears accurate.

Monday Morning Coffee: “Too Busy Not to Pray”

 

This past Saturday, we had a wonderful time at our Monticello Sliding Party. It was full of laughter and joy. But on the way back, I had a small problem. My car got stuck in the middle of a hill. Pressing the accelerator and turning the wheel did not help. It seemed hopeless.

But help was on the way. Bob Lyons and another gentleman came alongside me. One pushed from the front, and the other guided me from the back. After several attempts, the car was finally free.

That moment made me reflect. During Sunday’s message, I shared how God often lifts me out of the emotional pits during my morning prayer time. Again and again, I learn this truth: it is not about trying harder; it is about relying more fully on God. When we work, we work. But when we pray, God works.

It is said that Martin Luther spent two hours a day in prayer. When his schedule became even busier, he said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Instead of reducing prayer when overwhelmed, he increased it.

I remember something my mentor, Eugene Peterson, once shared in his book Contemplative Pastor. When I said I was very busy, he gently replied, “You are busy because you are lazy.” At first, I did not understand. It sounded unfair. But over time, I began to see the truth.

Many times, I was busy because I was being driven by my schedule and my to-do list. But when I pray, God gives vision, clarity, and direction. Prayer helps me move ahead of the schedule instead of always feeling behind.

If we do not want to live in constant busyness, we must pray. If we do not want to be dragged by our schedules, we must go ahead through prayer. Let us say, “I’m too busy not to pray,” instead of, “I’m too busy to pray.”

This past Sunday, we explored 1 Corinthians 13, the Love Chapter, within the real struggles of the Corinthian church. If you missed it, you can watch or listen here:

Services

• Mars Hill Service

• Houlton Service

• Special Music – “In Christ Alone”

Message

• Podcast Audio (Spotify) | Podcast Audio (Apple)

• Blog Reading

May the Lord meet you in quiet moments this week. And may His strength carry you forward.

In Christ’s love,
Pastor Victor 

P.S. This Wednesday is our Lenten Soup & Devotion at noon at Houlton UMC. The Houlton Community Handbell Choir will offer special music, and Pastor Joyce will lead the devotion. All are welcome.

P.S. 2 If you have not yet returned your Baby Bottle for the Pregnancy Care Center, please bring it next Sunday. If you already have, thank you for your generous partnership.

Life Together: "Journey to Transformation?"

Peace to you. 

Sometimes a small word makes a big difference.

At first, our Lenten theme was Journey to Transformation. But as I prayed and reflected, I realized that Journey of Transformation expresses our faith more faithfully.

If we say journey to transformation, it sounds like transformation is a "destination" — something we reach at the end. But journey of transformation reminds us that change is an ongoing process. God is at work in every step, every season, every stage of life.

During these forty days, I have felt deeply privileged to read, edit, and share our church family’s faith stories daily. In each story, I see the quiet and faithful work of God over time. If you would like to read them, you can find them here: https://2026lent.blogspot.com/. And if you would like to share your own story, I would be honored to help you.

At times, our journey feels like a battlefield. We groan. We struggle. Sometimes we feel like we are just trying to survive. Barely hanging in there. Yet the Bible reminds us again and again that we live from victory, not for victory.

But what is the foundation of that victory?

This Sunday, we will look at First Epistle to the Corinthians, especially the well-known chapter 13 - love chapter. Together we will discover why Christians can live with hope and become eternal optimists, no matter the circumstances.

Please join us for worship this Sunday. At Houlton, we will have Family Worship, followed by a Love Feast potluck luncheon. Please also remember to return your Baby Bottles for the Pregnancy Care Center.

Have a joyful weekend. I look forward to worshiping with you.

In Christ's Love, 
Pastor Victor 

P.S. Houlton Service Link:
https://youtube.com/live/2xguVtA1qo8?feature=share

Ash Wednesday Update

Peace to you,

I hope you are doing well.

During our Ash Wednesday service, each of us was invited to choose a small stone to represent our hearts. We were encouraged to hold it during our daily prayer time and then return it on Good Friday as a symbolic act of our devotion to Christ.

For me, I chose the stone shown in the picture—one side smooth and the other rough. It reminded me of the rough edges God has recently been revealing in my life through my blind spots.

I also shared how God spoke to Jonah by disturbing his comfort zone and lovingly revealing his blind spots. If you were not able to attend, you can watch the service and read the message here:

• Watch the service: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17vW2bag2y/

• Read the message: https://pastorvictorhan.blogspot.com/2026/02/reflect-repent-renew-2026-ash-wednesday.html

This year’s Lenten theme is “Journey of Transformation.” During Lent, we are invited to reflect and repent as we walk together, listening to one another’s faith stories:

• Lenten Faith Stories (Daily Devotional): https://2026lent.blogspot.com/

May God renew our hearts and minds for His glory as we journey through this holy season together.

In Christ's Love, 
Pastor Victor

Monday Morning Coffee: "Reflect, Repent, Renew"

Peace to you, church family.

This new year, we are exploring the New Testament book by book each week. Yesterday, we listened to the glory of the gospel in the book of Romans. We were reminded that the gospel not only saves us, but continues to transform us from one degree to another.

It feels timely as we prepare to enter our 40-day Lenten journey this week. In Scripture, the number 40 marks a season of transformation—Israel in the wilderness, Moses on Mount Sinai, Elijah’s journey, Jonah’s warning, and Jesus in the wilderness. Forty days is a sacred time. It is space for God to reshape our hearts.

This year, I invite us to practice the 3R’s:

Reflect

For 40 days, beginning this Wednesday, we will share one faith story each day through email and Messenger. Please set aside intentional time to read and prayerfully reflect.

Day 1: "Learning to Love like Christ" – Rev. Kwan Lee’s Story
👉 Read Day 1 Here

Repent

After reflecting, we turn to God. Yesterday you received a Prayer of Confession bookmark (adapted from the Book of Common Prayer). Let us pray daily:

Merciful God, I turn to you. Forgive what I have done wrong and what I have left undone. Renew my heart, teach me to love you fully and to love my neighbor well. Lead me in your ways, for the sake of Jesus. Amen.

Renew

As we reflect and repent, God renews our minds. Then we begin to discern God’s will. Each day, practice one small, intentional act of love. This is how we make room for the Holy Spirit to work in us and transform us from one degree to another.

If you missed the service, you may watch or listen:

Services
👉 Hodgdon Service Recording
👉 Houlton Service Recording

Sermon Message
👉 Podcast Audio
👉 Blog Reading

This Wednesday, we will gather for Ash Wednesday service at noon at Hodgdon. You are warmly invited.

Have a blessed week. Happy Lunar New Year :)

In Christ's Love, 

Pastor Victor