Watching Over One Another in Love

 

Dear Church Family,

What a meaningful 8-week journey it has been as we explored Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero! This study has taken us into the deep, internal work of spiritual and emotional growth—challenging at times, yet joyful and life-giving.

Across our four groups in Hodgdon, Houlton, and Mars Hill UMCs, we met weekly in homes and churches. Personally, it has been a blessing to be part of three of these groups and to witness God’s work in our lives together.

Two themes from the study stood out to me: family tree and Sabbath.

When I revisited my family tree, I discovered new insights about my parents and grandparents. Despite the difficult circumstances they faced, they did their best. This renewed my appreciation for their resilience and deepened my understanding of the legacy I want to pass on—and the brokenness I need to leave behind.

Regarding the Sabbath, I was reminded that it’s not optional but essential—a commandment, not a suggestion. As I reflected on how to honor the Sabbath more fully, I developed a personal rule of life—a rhythm to center my daily and weekly life on God. For the next three months, I’m limiting my use of technology to minimize distractions, such as checking email only twice daily and keeping my evenings tech-free. Mondays are now my technology Sabbath, and I’ve already noticed a difference—I feel lighter, freer, and more focused.

Looking ahead, we will take a break for the holiday season and resume small groups in mid-January 2025 with a new 13-week study titled Our Church Speaks. Mars Hill will begin a 6-week Lenten study in March.

This new study will explore the lives of 52 Christian heroes, from the first-century martyr Polycarp to the martyrs of Sudan in the 21st century. Their stories—grounded in Scripture, prayer, and faith—will inspire us and remind us of God’s faithfulness across all times and places.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our small groups this fall. Your presence, vulnerability, and encouragement have made this journey rich and transformative. Let’s continue to grow together and watch over one another in love.

With gratitude and hope,
Pastor Victor