Life Together Community (Oct 29, 2023)

 

"The Power of One" 

The nation is still in a state of numbness and shock from the recent mass shooting. It's hard to believe that one person can cause so much harm to so many others. We are grieving. 

In the midst of all human suffering; however, we still can see God's goodness. The other day I met a devoted Christian who was on the way to offer her therapy dog to the students in the Lewiston area. This act of kindness might be like a little drop of water. But we know that even a great waterfall begins with only one drop of water. We are grieving, but still rejoicing, knowing that God's grace is greater than human brokenness. 

This Sunday we gather as God's beloved people - to worship our God and to comfort and encourage one another. Hodgdon and Mars Hill churches meet at 9 a.m., and the Houlton at 11 a.m. You are invited. 

For Houlton church, it's Family Worship Sunday. All generations will come and worship together, followed by the Love Feast potluck luncheon. If you are interested in joining our pick-up choir, there will be a rehearsal at 10:30 a.m. We will sing "Let There Be Peace on Earth." What a timely and needed hymn prayer! 

If you are not able to come in person, you can worship with us online via the church's Facebook Live:

• Hodgdon UMC
• Houlton UMC: Youtube and Facebook
• Mars Hill UMC

May we be an instrument of peace for such a time as this. Have a peaceful weekend. 

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

Life Together Community (Oct 22, 2023)

 

Revival. 

In the Bible, the word "revival" comes from two Latin words: "vivo" meaning "to live" and "re" meaning "again". Revival means "making alive again those who have been alive but have fallen into what is called a cold, or dead, state." From dry bones to a mighty army. That's revival. 

Nowadays I feel the Holy Spirit awaken me in several different ways. I had always prayed, but somehow I sensed that the Spirit wanted me to deepen my personal prayer life, as well as to pray together as a church. Robson's surprise visit was one of the signs to reinforce this message. 

Robson Mulumbe is my brother in Christ from Malawi and now serves a church in Needham, MA as a lead pastor. As I was spending half a day with him, carpooling to Mars Hill church Bible study together and having lunch together, I was fascinated by his story - in particular, about "prayer." He shared how he and his family had learned to fully rely on God about everything by prayer since its resources were very limited. He prayed for daily provision, for healing, for education. He prayed for everything. And he still does. In the midst of all the challenges in life and ministry, he prays in his secret closet and prays together weekly with his congregation. Sometimes one or two, sometimes no one shows up. But still, he prays for the revival of the church. 

I was refreshed, renewed, revived. And I prayed, "God, may our church be a prayer-driven church. May each ministry and mission of the church be shaped by prayer. May we do everything with prayer. May we do everything with love." 

Do you feel the Spirit awaken you? Come and worship with us. Do you feel distant from God? Come and be encouraged. You are invited to join us for our Sunday service this Sunday. Hodgdon and Mars Hill churches meet at 9 a.m. and the Houlton at 11 a.m. If you are not able to come in person, you can worship with us online via the church's Facebook Live:

• Hodgdon UMC
• Houlton UMC: Youtube and Facebook
• Mars Hill UMC

Have a peaceful weekend. And see you Sunday! 

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

Prayer Team Updates

 Shalom to you. 

Thank you for all your responses and partnership for the newly launched prayer ministry. 

Prayer Team Members 

Marion Collins, Pauline Cosman, Jack Forbush, Susan Laurence, Chuck & Mary Taylor, and Pastors Joyce and Victor. 

If you feel led to join our prayer team, please let me know. If our small group ministry has been the backbone of our church, our prayer ministry will be the "powerhouse" of the church. 

Our prayer team is committed to the following: 

Payer Chain

We would be happy to pray for your prayer request. Please feel free to tell us more about your prayer need by contacting me at 207-538-0778 or pastorvictorhan@gmail.com. Then I will share it with the prayer group. You can choose to remain anonymous if you prefer.

Intercession for the Church Leaders 

We've got each other's back. Our prayer team members will pray for each of the church leaders daily as our leaders faithfully serve God's beloved people. 

Intercession for the Missions and Ministries of the Church

Our prayer team will be a group of intercessors for each and every ministry in the church. For instance, Marion is an intercessor for the Backpack for Kids ministry, and Susan for Senior Meals. 

Intercession for Sunday Worship Service 

Martyn Lloyd-Jones famously said, "The most romantic place on earth is the pulpit. I ascend the pulpit stairs Sunday after Sunday; I never know what is going to happen." Amen to that! When the Spirit is working among us, all things are possible. Our prayer team will fervently pray for every worship service at Hodgdon, Houlton, and Mars Hill churches throughout the week and Sunday morning. 

We pray for revival. “Revive us again, that we may rejoice in you" (Ps 85:6). Amen and amen. 

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

Prayer Team

It is known that Elvis Presley said shortly before his death, “They’re not going to remember me, I’ve never done anything lasting." What legacy should we leave behind? I firmly believe that "to pray is the greatest thing we can do," as E. M. Bounds said. 

This past Sunday I shared with you how God speaks to our church that now is the time to pray "together" for the church. Now is the time to pray for revival. Now is the time to pray for the unity in the church. Now is the time to pray for our worship service to be filled with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Now is the time to pray that our church will share the good news of Jesus Christ and become a hope-giving community. Now is the time to pray that we will become disciples and make disciples... You can read the entire message at this link. 

We are starting a new Prayer Ministry. Every Wednesday at 6 p.m., we gather in person at Houlton UMC and virtually (zoom) to pray for the church. I also exhort all of us to pray every day at your appointed time for the following prayer focus: 

1. I will pray that our church would have unity in Christ.
2. I will pray that God's Spirit and power would fill the church.
3. I will pray that we will worship God in spirit and in truth.
4. I will pray that our church will preach the Word of God without apology.
5. I will pray that we will have a positive testimony in the community.
6. I will pray that we will boldly share Jesus as the only hope for salvation.
7. I will pray that our giving would be faithful, as well as joyful, consistent, and sacrificial.
8. I will pray for my pastor and the family.
9. I will pray for my family and help them draw closer to God.
10. I will pray for those who are on the prayer list and for prayer focus of the week.  

Bob & Jo-Ann Barton, Donna Brewer, Sue Carr, Judy Conway, Patty & Carl Crawford, Rue Geishecker, Joyce Kang, Roland & Marjorie Graham, Brian Ketchum, Jane MacPherson, Jean Merritt, Richard Schenk, Liz Taylor, Mary Taylor, Joan Walsh, Galen Wilde

• Prayer for peace in Israel and Palestine
• Prayer for those who struggle with addiction and their families

 If you feel led to join our prayer team, please let me know. Or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 207-538-0778 or pastorvictorhan@gmail.com. 

Thank you for praying with us, and have a blessed week. 

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

Life Together Community (Oct 15, 2023)

 

*Photo: Bridge to Hope Cancer Awareness Walk (Oct 15, 2023)​

"Are We There Yet?"

It's Bridge to Hope's Cancer Awareness Walk Day. 

It was cold and windy, but quite a few people already gathered early at the event site. For some reason, Grace, my 8-year-old daughter, was not very motivated at the beginning. Though I explained to her why we were doing this, she was still grumpy and kept staring at me like saying "Are we there yet?" 

I prayed and asked for the Spirit's guidance. Then, I quietly held her hand and walked side by side with her. After a while, I lifted her up into my arms, showered my love upon her, and put her down. We continued to walk together. She then walked a little lighter. 

On our journey through the wilderness, we sometimes ask ourselves, "What on earth am I here for?" "Where am I headed?" "How long?" Since there is no easy answer to these questions, we may get weary and even grumpy. 

That's why we need community. We need the church. We need each other. Though we may not have all the answers yet, we can still walk shoulder to shoulder with each other. By this, we are saying to one another, "You are not alone. We are in this together." There are purposes. There is an answer. One day we will know it. 

The church is life together community - created, sustained, and empowered by Christ Jesus. What a privilege to be given this gift! Let us come and worship with us this Sunday. Hodgdon and Mars Hill church communities meet at 9 a.m. and the Houlton at 11 a.m. If you are not able to come in person, you can worship with us online via the church's Facebook Live: 

• Hodgdon UMC
• Houlton UMC: Youtube and Facebook
• Mars Hill UMc 

Thank you for being among us. Hope you have a peaceful weekend. See you this Sunday! 

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

Bridge to Hope Cancer Awareness Walk

 

Shalom to you and to the people of Israel and Palestine. 

Bridge to Hope's 18th Cancer Awareness Walk is held at Houlton Riverfront Park, this Saturday, Oct 14th. (*registration at 9 am, and walk at 10 am)

Some of us may wonder who they are and what they do. Bridge to Hope is a "non-profit organization that helps families with financial support during cancer treatments. They provide gift cards for gasoline to aid in travel expenses, assistance with lodging, and gift baskets or flower arrangements."

I let Kim Folsom, an organizer of the event, know that each of us - Hodgdon, Houlton, and Mars Hill UMCs - is collecting monetary donations throughout the month of October and will send the checks at the beginning of November. You don't have to individually register at the site. 

If you would like to make a donation to the ministry of Bridge to Hope, please make the check payable to the church with "Bridge to Hope" on the memo line. You can go to the park directly, or you can leave your car at the Houlton UMC parking lot and go to the site together at 9:30 am-ish. 

Let us be present, let us be "Prayer Walkers" for our beloved community. See you Saturday! 

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

Pumpkin Project Returns

 

Every spring Hodgdon Sunday School children and youth plant a whole variety of pumpkin seeds at the Lilley Farm. Behold, beautiful pumpkins! 

Why don't we consider decorating our home with these beautiful pumpkins? You can pick up your pumpkins at the church. Delivery service is also available (538-0778). Donations would be appreciated. All proceeds will benefit Hodgdon church's "Blessing Cart" (mobile food pantry) ministry. 

Thank you for your support and partnership. 

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

A Call to Prayer

 

"Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, 

so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

(Hebrews 4:19)

Do you feel led...

    to pray for your loved ones? 

    to pray for our church? 

    to pray for peace in Israel and Palestine? 

Come, pray with us! Starting this week, we will gather to pray - every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Houlton UMC. You can join us in person or virtually. The Zoom link info is as follows: 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/4011829192?pwd=eUJKK2tDRmhMclQxZnQzVld4a2tpUT09

Meeting ID: 401 182 9192

Passcode: 733243

Let us pray and join God in his work together. 

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

Life Together Community (Oct 8, 2023)

*Photo: Hodgdon Sunday School's Pumpkin Harvest at the Lilley Farm (Oct 2, 2023)

"Where Do You See Signs of Hope?" 

According to the Barna Group, in 2018, 19% of Americans claimed no faith at all. This is almost one-fifth of the population. The Pew Research Center estimates that in 2020, 30% of the U.S. population was religiously unaffiliated, sometimes called religious “nones”. 

Is Christian's presence in the U.S. declining? Yes. Is America becoming a less religious country? Yes. Does it mean that we are less hopeful and that God is not at work? Not at all. 

Our world today may be getting more complicated and challenging, but still God is up to something as always. In fact, God is working so mightily around us today. So, where do you see signs of hope? 

• I see hope in our children as 18 children and youth came to enjoy God's nature and fellowship at Hodgdon's Pumpkin Harvest this week. 
• I see hope in the eyes of a new Christian whose joy is so contagious at our Bible study. 
• I see hope in our newly formed "Together Tuesday" group where young and old generations meet and experience God through service and fun activities. 

How about you? Where do you see signs of hope? My prayer is that, wherever two or three of us are gathered, we may taste and see hope. May our church be a hope-giving community in Jesus' name. 

You are invited to join us for our Sunday worship. Hodgdon and Mars Hill churches will meet at 9 am. And the Houlton at 11 am. If you are not able to come in person, you can worship with us online via the church's facebook live: 

• Hodgdon UMC
• Houlton UMC: Youtube and Facebook
• Mars Hill UMc 

Have a blessed weekend. See you at church!

In Christ,
Pastor Victor