Life Together Community (May 26, 2024)

 

*UMC Aroostook Cluster Music Service (May 24, 2024) 

There's an elephant in the room.

As we move forward after General Conference, whichever side we take, we may ask ourselves questions such as, "Is there any future with the Methodist Church? Are we on the right track? Are we still able to continue to carry on?" 

I myself often ask these questions. Though there is no easy answer, I saw a glimpse of hope as the Methodist churches in the county gathered and worshipped together yesterday. To me, it was the nudge of the Spirit saying, "You see, though you are all different, you can still be one in Christ. And there is always hope in Christ." 

Recently, I read an encouraging article about how one conservative UM pastor navigates and encourages his church family to live in to new reality in the UMC. You can read the article at this link. I would love to hear from you what you think. 

We will never stop celebrating Christ, encouraging one another, making disciples of Christ, loving and serving the beloved of God in our community. We shall overcome together. 

Join us for our Sunday worship service. Mars Hill and Hodgdon campuses will gather at 9 am, and the Houlton at 11 am with Family Worship and Love Feast potluck luncheon. 

Thank you for being among us. Have a great Memorial Day weekend. 

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

Life Together Community (May 19, 2024)

 

*Photo: "Comforter," GHCA Bike-A-Thon (May 18, 2024)

Paracletos.

It's the original name of the Holy Spirit. This Greek word is usually translated as "comforter," advocate," or "counselor." 

In 1066 Norman armies under William the Conqueror successfully invaded England. That event was commemorated in the Bayeux Tapestry, a remarkably detailed record of the events of the campaign. One of its scenes depicts a column of Norman soldiers on horseback. They are followed by the bishop of Bayeux, who is busy poking the last man with a large stick. The caption to this title scene reads: "Bishop Odo comforts the soldiers." (Alister McGrath, I Believe, 81.)

The Greek word for "comfort" can bear the meaning "urge on" or "encourage to do greater things." This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost - the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus. As we celebrate the church's birthday, may we too experience the encouragement and comfort of the Holy Spirit anew. 

Come, celebrate with us. Our handbell choir at Hodgdon UMC will perform special music during the family worship service (at 9 a.m.), followed by a monthly coffee hour fellowship. There will be healing services at Mars Hill (9 a.m.) and Houlton (11 a.m.) campuses. You're invited. 

May the Lord fill us with the Holy Spirit so we can do greater things. To God be the glory.  

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

Life Together Community (May 12, 2024)

 

It's Mother's Day. 

Believe it or not, nowadays my 4-year-old Hannah is taking a driving lesson from her mom. Sitting on her mom's lap, she drives a car in the church parking lot. It can be dangerous, but she thinks it's a wonderful opportunity to be alone with her mom and get all her love. So every time Hannah needs her mom's attention, she says, "Mom, I need to take a driving lesson from you." 

When written in Chinese, the word 'crisis' (危机) is composed of two characters — one represents danger and one represents opportunity, as John F. Kennedy famously said. We, as a church, are going through turbulent times. On the one hand, we are in danger. But on the other hand, this is a perfect opportunity for us to get closer to God and one another. 

Whether lying down in green pastures or walking through the darkest valley, God is with us. Our life journey is like driving a car, sitting on God's lap. He will never let us go. On this Mother's Day may we remember and honor our mothers, who have nurtured and cared for us. Most of all, may we remember the motherly love of God and say, "Thank You, God!" 

You are invited to join us for our Mother's Day Service this Sunday. Mars Hill and Hodgdon churches gather at 9 am, and the Houlton at 11 am. 

Have a very meaningful Mother's Day weekend. 

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

Prayer for Discernment

Peace to you. 

Pray that you are doing well in Christ. 

I am writing this email to exhort us to pray for unity and discernment as we move forward as a church. 

It is confirmed that there will be a meeting tonight at 6 pm at Salvation Army led by Pastor Choi, who left the UMC and started Global Methodist Church (GMC) in Presque Isle, to see if there is enough interest in starting a new GMC in Houlton. (I directly checked with Pastor Frank, Pastor of the Salvation Army. He clarified that he let the GMC group use the facility, but is not leading it.) 

I am aware that the GMC group has been reaching out and personally inviting some of our church members. Though I have no control over this group, I commend our church family to carefully pray for discernment about what you have heard and about this meeting.

Though I myself am concerned and not in favor of the changes made at General Conference, I believe now is the time to focus on the essentials - our core Christian beliefs based on the Apostles' Creed and our calling (making disciples of Christ). United we stand, divided we fall. For more details, please read my pastoral article on this matter at this link.  

This is a difficult time for the Methodist church, but it can be a great opportunity for spiritual renewal and revival of our church. Joyce and I stand with you and walk along with you. Please don't hesitate to contact us with your questions and concerns at any time. 

The peace of Christ be with you. 

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

Pastoral Letter

Grace and Peace to you!

We pray that you are doing well in every way and that you are healthy, just as your soul is healthy. Joyce and I are writing this pastoral letter to give you an update on the recent General Conference as it made historic changes to The United Methodist Church's policies. The key points are as follows:

• Delegates to The United Methodist Church eliminated the 52-year-old stance that “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.”
• Now The UMC redefines marriage as “a sacred, lifelong covenant between two people of faith – adult man and adult woman of consenting age or two adult persons of consenting age.”
• General Conference repealed its ban on LGBTQ clergy as well as prohibitions on its ministers from officiating at same-sex weddings.
• It also approved legislation to protect the rights of clergy and churches not to officiate at or host same-sex weddings.

The overall atmosphere within the denomination seems welcoming and jubilant. But those who hold the traditional view on human sexuality are concerned and conflicted about these changes. If you are like Joyce and me, you may wonder if there is still a place for you in The United Methodist Church. The answer is YES!

It is true that about 25% of UMC congregations in the United States (mostly conservatives/traditionalists) have already left the denomination over this issue. It would be easier to just hit the eject button on the denomination and leave. But Joyce and I believe the biblical vision is to reform the church, not to abandon it. We believe we should pursue love, but not at the expense of truth. We believe the church is called to love our LGBTQ neighbors, defending them when under attack, supporting them, inviting them into our home, but not compromising a biblical vision for sex and marriage.

John Wesely, founder of the Methodist movement, is a shining example. His original vision was to bring spiritual renewal to the Church of England. Both he and his brother, Charles, were ordained in the Church of England despite the growing tension between Wesley and the institutional church. Though his movement was not well received, throughout his life Wesley remained as clergy in the Church of England, insisting that the Methodist movement lay well within its tradition. In his sermon Catholic Spirit, Wesley famously said, “If your heart is as my heart, if you love God and all human beings, I ask no more: "give me your hand."”

Today Joyce and I make a vow anew to love God and love our neighbors. We commit ourselves to do all the good we can, by all the means we can, in all the ways we can, in all the places we can, at all the times we can, to all the people we can, as long as ever we can, as Wesley commended. Would you join us and give us a hand?

It is our intention to stay put and build Christ’s beloved community. Sisters and Brothers in Christ, now is the time to put our differences behind us and focus on the missions of the church. Let us be all in for making disciples of Christ as the body of Christ. By this, the world will know we are Christ-ians.

Thank you for being among us. We love you deeply.


In Christ’s love,

Pastor Joyce Kang
Pastor Victor Han

Life Together Community (May 5, 2024)

 

(*Photo: Daffodils in the parsonage garden.)

 

In the bulb, there is a flower

In the seed, an apple tree

In cocoons, a hidden promise

Butterflies will soon be free

In the cold and snow of winter

There's a spring that waits to be

Unrevealed until its season

Something God alone can see

In God we trust... 

May the Lord bless you and keep you. See you tomorrow! 

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

General Conference May 1 Wrap-Up

 

Peace to you. 

This is the day that the Lord has made... 

Some of you have already heard the news about the changes of the UMC's stance on human sexuality yesterday. 

Currently, ordained UM pastors are not allowed to perform same-sex marriages, and "practicing" LGBTQ people also cannot become ordained pastors, according to the church's Book of Discipline. On May 1 General Conference voted to repeal its ban on LGBTQ clergy as well as prohibitions on its ministers from officiating at same-sex weddings. For more details, please read the UM News recap at this link.

You may wonder, "What are the implications of all this?" I too am asking this question. This Sunday (May 5) I will prepare a brief presentation on General Conference, followed by an informal Q & A session, after the service (@ Houlton). I will also put together some written materials for us to have a better understanding of what's happening in our denomination. 

As I was mourning and grieving, concerned and conflicted, I found the message on the whiteboard of the pastor's study written by one of my children (picture above). It was like God speaking to me personally: 

"Go out there and make disciples."
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 

May we be present with our feelings and emotions, but never give up doing good and making disciples. Christ is still and always the Head of the Church. And He knows what He is doing. 

I commend us to keep encouraging one another, keep praying for one another, keep serving and reaching out to God's beloved. 

The Lord be with you. 

In Christ,

Pastor Victor

General Conference April 30 Wrap-Up

General Conference made more changes to The United Methodist Church’s policies related to LGBTQ people.

Due to the disaffiliation of over 25% of U.S. UM congregations, the number of conservative/traditionalist delegates is dramatically reduced. In addition, more than 20% of the delegates from Africa, who typically represent a more conservative/traditionalist viewpoint, could not obtain visas to attend the conference. Their invitation letters to obtain visas came so late, which impacted their ability to obtain visas and led to the absence of around 75 African delegates.

 

The reduction of traditionalist voices and votes became apparent in committee votes, as well as votes by the plenary session. What, in the past, would normally be 55/45 percent conservative majority margins have become 66/34 liberal outcomes. As a result, the progressive agenda is moving forward at the conference unrestricted. 

 

Some of the items passed during the April 30 morning plenary eliminate parts of the Traditional Plan passed by a vote of 438-384 at the 2019 Special General Conference. The Traditional Plan aimed at strengthening the denomination’s longtime restrictions on same-sex marriage and “self-avowed practicing” gay clergy.

 

General Conference delegates will have the chance to vote later this week on more petitions that would do away with the denomination’s longtime bans, as well as the 52-year-old stance that “the practice of homosexuality … is incompatible with Christian teaching.”

 

You can read the entire recap at this link.

 

Thank you for your prayers during this time of upheaval in our denomination.

 

In Christ,
Pastor Victor