Life Together Community (May 17, 2023)

 

*Offerotry Special Music by Susan Laurence and Grace Han (May 14, 2023)

Here is a quiz for you: 

"What do poets, preachers, and mothers have in common?" 

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The answer is... 

"They know how to say a lot in few words!"

Hope you had a blessed Mother's Day. By God's grace we had very meaningful Mother's Day services at Hodgdon, Houlton, and Mars Hill UMCs. A mother-in-law was eulogized by her daughter-in-law, poetry was read, special music was played and sung. If you haven't had a chance to join us yet, you can watch the services at the following links: Hodgdon, Houlton, and Mars Hill. Also, you can read Joyce's poetry and my message. 

Camp Mechuwana 

Our mission partner of the month is Camp Mechuwana. Its mission is to help persons of all ages encounter God in nature. Believe it or not, my family and I participated in its family camp for the first time last year thanks to the support of the Hope Circle. It was a memorable experience. When we were there at first with other families, we were all strangers to each other. But after three days, we became one family. We encountered God in community as well as in nature. You can watch Camp Mechuwana's promo video at this link. 

If your children are interested in applying for Chrstian camp scholarship, please contact Sharon Lyons at 540-6982. 

If you would like to support the ministry of Camp Mechuwan, please make it payable to the church and note on the memoline: "Camp Mechuwana." Thank you. 

Mission & Ministry Moments 

There have been constructive suggestions that we may make our "Mission Moment" more meaningful and use it as a communication channel. 

Each Sunday we are planning to invite different church committees and groups to share their missions and ministries with us. For example, this Sunday (May 21) we will learn more about the Finance Committee, and on the following Sunday (May 28) about the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC).  

Annual Conference & Holy Conferencing 

This year's theme is "Draw the Circle Wider Still ..." (Philippians 4:4-9). The conference is held on June 8-10. You can find more information at this event webpage (*You can find pre-conference materials, livestream link, schedule, etc. at the right column)

Many of us are wondering about the future of the UMC. Recently, Mande Muyombo, Resident Bishop of the North Katanga Area in Africa, shared his thoughts on the UMC issues. I found it very helpful and encouraging to hear what God is up to in different parts of the world and to see the UMC issues from different perspectives. You can listen to this podcast episode at this link.  

On June 25th, there will be an informal Q & A session during the Love Feast potluck fellowship. I will give our church family updates on the Annual Conference. You will have opportunities to ask questions about the UMC issues as well as our church ministries in general. 

"Songs of the Heart" 

A Service of Music in honor of John Wesley's Heart-Warming Experience of Salvation! All of our UM churches in the county will be gathered at Grant Memorial UMC (Presque Isle) on May 24th (Wed) at 6:30 pm. 

Our combined worship dance team will have a rehearsal at Houlton UMC on May 23rd (Tue) at 3:30 pm. Our combined choir's rehearsal is at Mars Hill UMC on May 24th (Wed) at 5 pm. Come and join us! 

Thank you for being part of our journey together. Have a blessed week. 

In Christ,
Pastor Victor