"Have you had the joy of completing the entire Bible this year?"

 

Peace to you,

As we step into the new year, I invite you to join us for "Light of the Word Sunday" on January 5, 2025—the first Sunday of the year.

On this special day, as we celebrate Epiphany (the “light revealed”), we will proclaim Jesus as our light and reflect on the power of God’s Word to guide and transform our lives.

We will also take time to acknowledge and celebrate the faithfulness of those who devoted themselves to reading the entire Bible in 2024. If you have completed this incredible journey, please let Joyce or me know by the end of the year so we can honor your dedication during the service.

This will be a time to rejoice in God’s light and encourage one another to begin or continue the journey of exploring His Word. Whether you are starting anew or taking the next step in your spiritual walk, you are welcome here.

Come and celebrate with us as we shine the light of Christ together!

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

Reminder: Combined Church Conference This Saturday

Dear Church Family,

Hope you are doing well. 

This is a friendly reminder about our upcoming Combined Church Conference for Hodgdon, Houlton, and Mars Hill UMCs:

• When: This Saturday, December 21, at 1:00 PM
• Where: Houlton UMC

This is an important time for us to come together as a church family. While we will review and approve church reports, the heart of this gathering is what John Wesley called “holy conferencing.” Our District Superintendent, Rev. Rick McKinley, will officiate this meeting as we reflect on God’s presence in our missions and ministries.

As we prepare, I encourage you to prayerfully reflect on these questions:

• Where did you see God in our church’s missions and ministries this year?
• What are the things we should celebrate and acknowledge?
• What concerns do you have for the future of our church?

Your input matters. Your presence matters. I know this time is very close to Christmas, and some of you may have schedule conflicts with family gatherings. Please don’t feel bad if you can’t attend. Your mission field is your family—be fully present and enjoy that precious time.

But if you’re available, I encourage you to come, celebrate with us, and be part of this holy conversation. Together, let’s discern where God is leading us in the year ahead.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

With blessings,
Pastors Victor and Joyce 

Grateful for Our Mission Efforts

 

Dear Church Family,

I want to take a moment to thank you for your participation in our recent mission efforts with the Salvation Army’s Bell Ringing and Angel Tree programs.

First, I must apologize. This year, communication with the Salvation Army was not as smooth as we hoped. Coordinating a weekday bell-ringing day and preparing for the Angel Tree on short notice presented challenges. Yet, in the midst of it all, God’s grace was abundant and sufficient.

We were blessed with mild weather for bell ringing, and the steady flow of busy shoppers brought a spirit of generosity and encouragement. God’s presence was evident in the kind smiles and generous hearts we encountered. Despite the short preparation time for the Angel Tree, our men’s group and Hope Circle stepped up with overwhelming generosity to support this meaningful cause.

A special thank-you to Jack Forbush for serving as our coordinator and bridge for this program. Jack worked tirelessly and set a beautiful example of service—ringing the bell and helping prepare gifts for children in need. Thank you, Jack, for your faithful heart.

As we reflect on this year’s efforts, we are already looking ahead to improve next year. We will strive to plan earlier and be even better prepared to serve.

On a personal note, as I stood ringing the bell, I was struck by how many faces in our community I didn’t recognize. So many people passing by, each one loved by God. I found myself praying for them, and St. Patrick’s prayer came to mind:

"Christ in every eye that sees us,
Christ in every ear that hears us.
Salvation is of the Lord,
Salvation is of the Christ.
May your salvation, O Lord, be ever with us."

Thank you for being a church that lives out Christ’s love in tangible ways. May His blessing rest upon you and fill you with joy as we continue to celebrate Christ's coming this Christmas season.

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

Spread the Joy of Christmas—Join Us for Caroling!

 

Dear Church Family,

Christmas is a season to celebrate and share the joy of Christ’s love. This Sunday, December 15, we have a wonderful chance to bring smiles to others through caroling!

We’ll gather for a Taco Luncheon (and Hot Cocoa!) at 1 PM at Houlton UMC. Bring your favorite ingredients or sauces to share. After lunch, we’ll head to Gardiner Health Care for caroling at 2 PM. We’ll sing carols with the residents at the beginning and end, and the Hand Bell Choir will delight everyone with a special concert.

To add to the festive spirit, we encourage everyone to wear something red or festive, and if you have a Christmas hat, bring it along! Let’s create a joyful and colorful atmosphere that will brighten everyone’s day.

This is a simple yet meaningful way to share the love of Christ and make the season brighter for others. I hope to see you there!

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

Consecration Sunday: A Love We Can Never Outgive

 

Dear Church Family,

Recently, Joyce and I were preparing a special gift for my parents as a way to show our love and care—especially for my dad, who is currently in the hospital recovering from a ruptured disk. Before we could send our gift, a package arrived from them. Their gift to us was far more precious than anything we could have given. It was a humbling reminder that a parent’s love is always higher, longer, wider, and deeper than anything we can offer in return.

Reflecting on this, I am reminded of God’s love. It’s impossible to outgive Him. Think of how He has saved us, rescued us from the depths, and set us on solid ground. When we try to respond with gratitude, we find His grace is always greater. His love is beyond measure.

This Sunday is Consecration Sunday, a special time for us to say, “Thank You, God.” It’s an opportunity to express our gratitude and commit ourselves to letting His love flow through us into the world. During worship, we will turn in our commitment cards for the coming year, pledging to share our time, treasure, and talents in service to Him.

Here’s what this might look like:

• Committing to serve in a ministry.
• Sharing your resources to further God’s mission.
• Inviting a loved one to church or sharing the good news of Jesus.
• Mentoring someone in faith.

We know we can never outgive God, but we can give Him our heartfelt thanks and honor Him with our lives. Imagine the joy and transformation that will come when we, as a church family, pour out His love into our community!

Will you join me this Sunday in lifting up your hands and heart in gratitude? Let’s commit ourselves fully to the work of God, trusting that His love will sustain us and His grace will continue to amaze us.

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever!" (Psalm 136:1)

In Christ,
Pastor Victor