Abide: "Cluster Service Update"

 

“This is the day that the Lord has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

— Psalm 118:24

Peace to you,

Hope you had a blessed weekend. 

Indeed, this Sunday was a glorious and joyful day.

Nine United Methodist churches across the county gathered as one body to worship our God. What a privilege it is to belong to the body of Christ - the Church. 

Though we are many and different in background, age, experience, and even perspective, we are one for one reason: Jesus Christ, the head of the Church.

We witnessed that unity in a beautiful way. We sang praises, danced before the God of our salvation, offered music with handbells, and shared in Holy Communion together.

You can watch the full service at this link: 
https://www.facebook.com/GrantMemorialUMC/videos/1142086054730592

You can also enjoy these special offerings:

• “The Ash Grove” by the Houlton Community Handbell Choir: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC33OlFWwcM

• “Praise” Worship Dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AixmMvc1DZg

After worship, we shared a meal together, and Bishop Bickerton offered a presentation about where we are as the United Methodist Church and the New England Annual Conference. It was sobering, honest, and transparent, and at the same time, filled with resilient hope.

You can read a summary of his presentation here:
👉 https://highlight-of-the-week.blogspot.com/2026/05/bishop-bickertons-presentation-may-3.html

As I listened to the bishop's presentation, Jesus’ words came to mind:
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

There is a parallel between our personal lives and the life of the church. In this broken world, we will face struggles, suffering, and still die. The church, too, will face challenges. Many congregations may struggle, or some churches may even close.

But here is the good news: our hope does not rest on our strength, our numbers, or our performance. Our hope rests in Christ. The final victory is already secured. Christ’s Church will never die. It will prevail.

That is why we sing. That is why we praise God, the Rock of our salvation.

Let us be encouraged. Have a blessed week ahead.

In Christ's love, 

Pastor Victor

Bishop Bickerton’s Presentation (May 3, 2026)

 

Opening Illustration: “We’ll Catch the Next One”

The bishop began with a family story about running out of gas on a late-night trip. The repeated phrase—“we’ll catch the next one”—became the central metaphor. It describes how the conference has delayed addressing problems until now we are out of “gas.”

1. Foundational Approach

• The bishop emphasized realistic hope, not naïve optimism.
• He values relationships, honesty, and transparency.
• He made clear:
• There is no fraud or wrongdoing.
• There are no bad people to blame.
• But there is serious mismanagement and systemic failure.

 

2. Current Reality: “We Are Out of Gas”

A. Financial Crisis

·        Operating reserves: $0 (as of Jan 1, 2026)

·        Healthy conferences typically hold $5M–$40M reserves

·        Decline caused by:

o   Years of deferring hard decisions

o   Spending beyond actual income

o   Using reserves to cover gaps

 

B. Broken Financial Systems

·        Lack of accurate accounting (“the gas gauge was broken”)

·        Inconsistent reporting for years

·        Confusion about:

o   What funds exist

o   What funds are restricted

·        High staff turnover made recovery slow and difficult

 

C. Declining Income

·        Mission share giving averages 75% of requested amount

·        Budget requests have decreased, but shortfall remains constant

·        Some budgets assumed 100% funding that never came

 

D. Use of Funds to Cover Gaps

·        Over 5 years:

o   $4.6 million used to cover unpaid obligations (pensions, insurance, etc.)

·        Property insurance alone:

o   Conference paid $2.1 million more than collected

 

E. Additional Contributing Factors

·        Mission share relief policies

·        Too many “mission churches” not paying apportionments

·        Over $1 million in emergency loans

·        Legislative commitments without clear funding

·        Boy Scouts settlement: $1.2 million paid from reserves

·        COVID-related financial relief not tracked

 

3. Membership and Vitality Crisis

A. Membership Decline

·        From 68,357 (2021) → 54,813 (2025)

B. Lack of Growth Indicators

·        61% of churches had:

o   No baptisms

o   No professions of faith

o   No confirmations

C. Congregational Sustainability

·        ~100 churches (out of 509) likely to close in 12–18 months

·        Many cannot support full-time pastors

 

4. Key Insight

·        The conference has been living with a mindset of:

• “We’ll catch the next one” (delay)
• Assuming resources would be enough
• Avoiding reality

·        Now: “We are out of gas.”

 

5. Path Forward

A. Fix Financial Systems

·        New accounting system

·        Monthly transparent reporting

B. Live Within Means

·        No more reliance on reserves

·        Align spending with actual income

C. Adjust Ministry Structure

·        More part-time pastors

·        Churches must meet obligations

D. Close Budget Gap

·        Budget must reflect real giving capacity (85–90%)

E. Embrace Collaboration

·        Move toward “cooperative parish” model

·        Shared ministry across churches

F. Courageous Decisions

·        Some churches will close

·        Focus on legacy and new mission opportunities

 

6. Theological Reframing

·        The mission is not us.

·        The mission is not the church building

·        The mission is:

o   “To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

·        Survival is not the goal

·        Mission is the destination

 

7. Spiritual Call

·        This is a moment of:

o   Humility (“I don’t know”)

o   Prayer and dependence on God

·        Trust in:

o   God who “can do immeasurably more than we imagine”

·        Invitation to:

o   Let go, Trust God, Believe new life can come from loss.

Life Together: “We Have a Dream Today.”

*Dream Team (May 1, 2026)

Friday morning at 10 a.m. 

18 of us from all four churches gathered together. Our new pastor, Craig Taylor, was also able to join us via Zoom.

Our most pressing question was this: How can Pastor Craig possibly serve all four churches, especially on Sundays?

Yet, as he shared his thoughts and plans, a renewed sense of hope began to grow among us. Pastor Craig was knowledgeable, warm, and carried a good sense of humor. Many of us left with a strong sense that God has brought the right person among us. You are encouraged to read the Dream Team meeting summary here.

Today’s meeting reminded us of a "tapestry." When we look from the back, it often appears messy - threads tangled and unclear, with little meaning. But when we turn it around, we see a beautiful work of art.

Today, somehow, we could see a glimpse of the other side. We saw a next stepping stone to walk on. And that is enough for now. God is faithful, and he will carry us through.

I believe this Sunday we will take another step forward as nine United Methodist churches gather together at 10:30 a.m. at Grant Memorial UMC in Presque Isle. We will worship with our bishop, followed by a luncheon. The host church will provide hot food, and we are invited to bring salads or desserts. After lunch, the bishop will share a presentation on where we are and where we are headed as the UMC.

Throughout April, we collected donations for the Hope and Justice Project. During the service, we will have a time to bless these gifts for their ministry. For the offering, please use an envelope and indicate your church name.

If you need a ride or would like to carpool, please let Joyce or me know. We are happy to help arrange it. The service will also be livestreamed on the Grant Memorial UMC Facebook page here.

With God, we press on. 

With God, all things are possible. 

So we have a dream today.

Have a blessed weekend, and see you Sunday :)

In Christ's Love, 

Pastor Victor 

Dream Team Meeting Summary

 Dream Team Meeting Summary

(Pastoral Transition & Cooperative Parish Planning)

 

Present: Sara and Rick Hill, Penny & Ross Gowen, Bonnie & Andy Anderson, Sally Sutton, Diane Ketchum, Puala Lilley, Jill Quint, Jack Forbush, Susan Laurence, Gabriel Grimm, Marion Collins, Pastor Craig, Pastor Mary, Pastor Joyce, and Pastor Victor

 

1. Opening & Introductions

• Meeting began with introductions (name, church, favorite food).
• Pastor Craig joined via Zoom from Kentucky.

 

2. Centering Devotion – Luke 5:1–11 (“Into the Deep”)

• Theme: Trusting Jesus beyond our experiences and feelings.
• Even when tired and discouraged, we respond: “Because you say so, I will.”
• Encouragement: Christ is the head of the church. And he knows what he is doing.

 

3. Sunday Worship Planning (Key Discussion)

• Current reality: Four churches, multiple service times, shared leadership.
• A single pastor covering all churches every Sunday is not sustainable.
• Suggested idea: “A/B rotation model”
• Pastor rotates between two “legs” of churches each week.
• Lay servants and retired clergy help lead other services.
• A: Mars Hill (9 am) & Houlton (11 am)
• B: Hodgdon (9 am) & Patten (10:30 am or 11 am)
• Be flexible—this is a starting point, not permanent.

 

4. July Transition Plan

• July 5:
• This will be Pastor Craig and his family’s first Sunday attending worship with us, though he will not be leading the service.
• Proposed: Combined 4-church worship at 10:00 AM at Houlton.
• Include welcome/transition elements for Pastor Craig.
• July 12:
• Begin A/B rotation model (initial trial phase for July).
• Pastor Craig begins regular preaching schedule.

 

5. Lay Leadership & Shared Resources

• Strong appreciation for lay servants and retired clergy.
• Need for:
• Greater coordination across churches
• Possible shared parish-wide lay ministry team
• Ongoing concern: consistency and sustainability.

 

6. Worship & Music  

·       Each church currently organizes worship in its own context.

o   Hodgdon, Houlton, and Mars Hill: Pastor and musicians work closely together.

o   Patten: Worship committee collaborates with the pastor.

·       There is strong musical leadership in most churches, with a need for additional support in Patten (Mary has graciously offered to help).

·       Possibility of sharing musical gifts across the parish.

 

7. Ministry Priorities Identified

Across the churches, key priorities include:

• Small Groups / Bible Study
• Children & Youth Ministry
• Together Tuesday (afterschool program, Houlton)
• Friday Kids Program (Patten)
• Backpack for Kids (non-perishable food delivery)
• Senior Ministry
• Senior Meals (delivery-based, strong community impact)
• Community Outreach
• Lend A Hand (Hodgdon)
• Food Pantry (Patten)
• Visitation Ministry
• Strong need, especially for homebound members
• May require a team-based parish approach

 

8. Pastor Craig’s Passions & Gifts

• Passion for Disaster Relief Ministry (ERT leadership and training, UMCOR)
• Strength in technology and livestreaming
• Commitment to support all existing ministries
• Visitation is an area he will work to grow with accountability

 

9. Support for Pastor Craig & Family

• Immediate need:
• Local emergency contact for children’s school (Houlton)
• Amanda Howe (Houlton Elementary Kindergarten teacher, Houlton UMC member): 207-538-6491, amanda.howe@rsu29.org
• Moving date:
• Arrival: June 24 (morning)
• Churches will help with:
• Unloading
• Basic groceries (“pounding”)
• Ongoing support:
• Help family adjust to local culture and community life
• Practical winter guidance (driving, weather readiness)

 

10. Communication & Administration

• Temporary plan for shared bulletin preparation (summer)
• Cliasta Bither will be our office administrator for summer months (June-Aug)
• Future consideration:
• Unified vs. church-specific bulletins

o   Currently, Hodgdon, Houlton, and Mars Hill share a common bulletin, while Patten prepares its own.

Abide: “Watching over One Another in Love”

 

*Women of Witness (WOW) – April 28 Gathering

Peace to you,

We have been blessed with such beautiful weather this week. I hope you have had a chance to enjoy this lovely spring season.

For me, this is a “meeting week.” This Wednesday and Thursday, I will be serving as part of the District Committee on the Ordained Ministry (DCOM), helping conduct annual interviews for 14 local pastors in our Katahdin District. It is time- and heart-intensive work, yet it is also deeply meaningful and sacred.

My journey with DCOM began in 2008. I became a declared candidate in 2008, a certified candidate in 2009, a local pastor in 2012, a provisional elder in 2014, and a full elder in 2019. It was a long process. At the time, I often wondered why so many steps were necessary, why so many hoops to go through.

But looking back, I now have deep appreciation for the guidance and labor of love offered by DCOM members. It provided accountability. It served as a safety net. It was, in many ways, an expression of love and care.

This strong tradition goes back to John Wesley’s class meetings. In Wesley’s time, George Whitefield and John Wesley were close friends, both part of the Oxford Holy Club. Whitefield was widely known as a powerful and gifted preacher. People traveled from far and wide to hear him. Yet years later, Whitefield reflected:

“My brother Wesley acted wisely. The souls that were awakened under his ministry he joined in class, and thus preserved the fruits of his labor. This I neglected, and my people are a rope of sand.”

Our Methodist Church continues this “connectional” way of life today. We still gather to “watch over one another in love” at every level - through small groups and church conferences in our local churches, through our New England Annual Conference, and even globally through the General Conference.

This Sunday, all nine Methodist churches in our county will gather for a special combined worship service at 10:30 a.m. at Grant Memorial UMC in Presque Isle. Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton will be preaching. The service will include a handbell choir, combined choir, worship dance, and Holy Communion. We will also share a meal together.

You are invited to bring a salad or dessert if you are able. If you plan to attend the service or luncheon, please let me know. It will help the hosting church prepare. If you need a ride, I would be glad to help arrange that for you. You can watch the service live here:

https://www.facebook.com/GrantMemorialUMC

Our New Testament Journey continues. This past Sunday, we explored the Book of Hebrews. If you missed it, you can: 

• Watch the service: https://youtube.com/live/YoInNf9tN-E?feature=share
• Read the message: https://pastorvictorhan.blogspot.com/

I thank God for you. I am grateful to be on this journey together with you. Have a blessed week ahead. 

In Christ's Love, 

Pastor Victor

Life Together: "From Many to One"

 

Peace to you. 

There is a beautiful line from The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry:

“To me, you are still nothing more than a little boy who is just like a hundred thousand other little boys. And I have no need of you. And you, on your part, have no need of me.
But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world.”

This conversation reminds us of a simple truth: something becomes “one and only” not by itself, but through relationship, time, and love.

During this spring break, our family chose to do something a little different. We visited meaningful places and spent time with dear friends, some for what may be the last time before our move. We saw friends in Belfast. We shared breakfast at the Co-op, lunch at Pizza Hut, and dinner with old friends in Bangor. We read books together at BAM.

As we met these people again, we found ourselves using words like “one and only,” “best,” “most beautiful,” and “special.” Not because these places or people were extraordinary by themselves, but because of the time we have shared, the memories we have built, and the love we have experienced together.

At first, for instance, the Co-op was just one place among many. But over time, it became “our gathering place.” Travis and Mari were once simply acquaintances, but now they are dear friends, mentors, and companions in life.

This Sunday, we will explore the Book of the Hebrews. Hebrews shows us that, in Christ, we move from “many” to “one.” Through Jesus, our relationship with God is no longer distant or general. It becomes personal. We are no longer just one among many; we are known, loved, and called God’s own.

And as we gather for worship and fellowship, God continues to shape us, not just as individuals, but as one body, one and only family in Christ.

It is truly an honor and a joy to walk this journey with you.

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

In Christ's Love, 
Pastor Victor