Thank You & February Mission Opportunity!

 

Dear Church Family,

Thank you! It’s hard to believe that February is already here.

I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude for your generosity and faithfulness. In January, we partnered with the Homeless Shelter of Aroostook in Presque Isle and UMCOR to support those affected by the California wildfires. This afternoon, on behalf of our church, I delivered our in-kind donations along with a $200 monetary gift to the shelter. Additionally, our special offering of $375 for UMCOR is on its way to bring much-needed relief to those in crisis. Your giving is making a real difference—thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ!

For the month of February, we are excited to join the Baby Bottle Campaign hosted by the Pregnancy Care Center (PCC) of Aroostook. Since 1985, PCC has been a Christ-centered, life-affirming ministry, providing compassionate, confidential, and cost-free support for women, teens, and families facing unexpected pregnancies. Their services include pregnancy tests, parenting education, post-abortion support, adoption referrals, and material assistance like baby supplies. Rooted in love, they offer emotional and spiritual care, empowering women to make informed, life-giving decisions.

This month, our church has the privilege of standing with PCC in their mission. Through the Baby Bottle Campaign, we can help provide the resources and support these families need. Every coin, dollar, and prayer makes a difference!

Let’s continue to shine Christ’s light in our community. Thank you for your generosity, your prayers, and your heart for mission.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

A Blessed Lunar New Year!

 

Dear Church Family,

As we approach the Lunar New Year on January 29, I’m reminded of the significance of this time in Korea. Gujeong (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) are two of the most important holidays, traditionally spent gathering with family to honor our elders and share meals. These are moments I cherish deeply, especially as I miss my family in Korea.

Even so, I am incredibly grateful for the new family I have here in Christ. My children, Joyce, and I feel truly adopted into the family of God here in this community. Every time we gather as a church, I am reminded of the love and connection we share. This past Sunday was a beautiful example of this. Our worship service was encouraging, our potluck luncheon was sweet and full of fellowship, and our children and youth ice skating outing was filled with laughter and joy.

If you missed the service, don’t worry—you can watch it online here: Hodgdon, Houlton, and Mars Hill. You can also read the sermon messages from Joyce and me.

I give thanks to God for each of you and for the loving community we share. Thank you for being part of this family.

Wishing you all a very Happy Lunar New Year!

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Life Together Community

 

*Photo: Together Tuesday Cooking Class (Jan 21)

Weekly Church Connection

 Keeping You Inspired & Connected! 

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Administrative Council Meetings

Our Administrative Council is more than just sharing reports—it’s where we dream, discern, and discover God’s next steps for us. Join us!

• Houlton UMC: This Saturday, January 25, at 9 AM
• Mars Hill UMC: Wednesday, February 5, at 10 AM
• Hodgdon UMC: Wednesday, February 5, at 4:15 PM

Come and build up Christ’s Church together!

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Family Worship – A Time for All Generations

 "I am the church, you are the church, we are the church together!"

Once a month, we gather for Family Worship—a special time where all ages join in worship through scripture, music, skits, and more!

• Houlton UMC: 4th Sunday at 11 AM, followed by a Love Feast Potluck. Bring your favorite dish to share!
• Hodgdon UMC: 3rd Sunday at 9 AM, followed by Coffee Hour/Brunch Fellowship.
• Mars Hill UMC: 4th Sunday at 9 AM.

Let’s celebrate being God’s family!

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Small Groups Are Back!

We’re kicking off a 12-week Bible study journey next week!  "Our Church Speaks" explores 52 stories of inspiring Christians in history, connecting faith to our daily lives. Most importantly, it’s about fellowship and growing together.

 Schedule:

• Tuesday, Jan 28: Women of Witness (WOW) at 10 AM
• Wednesday, Jan 29: Hodgdon LT Group at 3:15 PM, Houlton LT Group at 6 PM

 Mars Hill will start in early March—stay tuned!

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Mission Opportunities

 Last Call for January Donations!
This Sunday is the final day to support Homeless Services of Aroostook, as we come together to bless shelter residents. Your in-kind donations or monetary gifts are deeply appreciated. Thank you for your generosity!

 Items Needed:

• Coffee, creamer, sugar
• Paper products (plates, cups, towels)
• Hygiene items (alcohol-free)
• Towels, blankets, pillowcases
• Cleaning supplies, laundry detergent
• Garbage bags, batteries, copy paper
• Gift cards (grocery/hardware stores)

 Helping Hands for California Wildfire Relief
UMCOR (The United Methodist Committee on Relief) is actively aiding communities affected by the California wildfires. You can contribute through our churches by noting "UMCOR California Fires" in your giving. Thank you for sharing Christ’s love with those in need.

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We are blessed to be a part of this vibrant community of faith. Let’s keep growing, serving, and celebrating together!

Wishing you a peaceful weekend! I look forward to worshiping together with you this Sunday!

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Life Together Community: One Person at a Time, One Service at a Time

 

Dear Church Family,

Sometimes we might wonder if attending weekly worship or engaging in small acts of kindness really makes a difference. Does showing up on Sunday, singing in the choir, or helping a neighbor truly matter? It can feel like our efforts are small and insignificant.

But consider Bill Furlong, the quiet coal merchant from Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. In the story, Bill’s life seems ordinary, even predictable. Yet when faced with the suffering of a young girl, he makes a choice to act. He takes a risk, stepping out of his comfort zone to rescue her. Though the cost is real, the impact is life-changing—not just for her, but for him. Through his small yet courageous act of kindness, Bill discovers a freedom and renewal of spirit that had been missing from his life. One person, one choice, made all the difference.

Our small acts of love and faith can have a similar ripple effect. Every time you attend Sunday worship, you help create a space where God’s presence shapes you. Joining the coffee hour fellowship, singing in the choir, or visiting and hymn-singing with the residents at Gardiner Nursing Home extends God’s love to others. Contributing to efforts like supporting a homeless shelter, aiding recovery from disasters like the LA wildfires through UMCOR, preparing or delivering meals for seniors in our community, or sending a card to a grieving family—these small gestures shine the light of Christ into places of need.

These practices not only bless others; they renew and strengthen our own spirits. They remind us that we are not just participants in a church community, but active contributors to God's reign in the world. Together, we create ripples of hope, joy, and love that reach farther than we can ever imagine.

So let’s begin—one person at a time, one service at a time. Let’s trust that God is at work, using our small acts to weave a greater story of redemption and renewal. It begins with you and me.

Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday and in the week ahead.

In Christ's love,

Pastor Victor

Rising from the Ashes: A Special Opportunity to Help

Dear Church Family,

As we gather in prayer and mission this month, our hearts are moved by the stories of those affected by the devastating wildfires in California. These fires have left many without homes, businesses, and peace of mind. Yet, amid the ashes, there is hope—hope brought by God’s grace and the tireless work of His people.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has stepped up in powerful ways, providing immediate aid and long-term recovery support for those who have lost so much. Methodist churches in the affected areas are also offering shelter, meals, and comfort, living out the love of Christ.

As a church family, we are already supporting our monthly mission for the homeless shelter, and I thank you for your faithful generosity. I understand that resources can feel stretched, but I invite you to join me in prayerfully considering an additional offering to support UMCOR's critical work for California wildfire relief.

If the Spirit leads you, please give cheerfully and prayerfully:

• Online Donations: You can give directly to UMCOR through this link: https://bit.ly/umcorusdr
• Through Our Churches: You can also give through Hodgdon, Houlton, or Mars Hill UMC. If using a check, please write your church’s name and include the memo: "UMCOR California Fires."

Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ in this broken and hurting world. Together, we can help rebuild lives and bring hope to those in need.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Join Us This Sunday for the Baptism of the Lord

 

Dear Church Family,

This Sunday, we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord—a day to reflect on Jesus' baptism and its deep significance in our lives. Even if you don’t remember your baptism, especially if you were baptized as an infant like I was, its meaning is not diminished. Baptism is a profound reminder of God’s grace, affirming that His love for us isn’t dependent on our memory or understanding but on His unwavering faithfulness.

Whether it was at our baptism or another sacred moment, we’ve all encountered God’s love and gentle nudge, inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him. As we worship this Sunday, may God rekindle the flame of our first love for Him and renew our sense of belonging and identity in Christ.

Come and be renewed as we worship together. 

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Epiphany and the Word

Peace be with you.

I hope you are doing well.

I don’t know about you, but for me, as exciting as it is to be away, there’s nothing quite like coming home – especially to our church family. My family and I had a refreshing time visiting old friends in Boston, but after yesterday’s service, I realized how much I missed worshiping and fellowshipping with you all. It was truly a joy to be together again. If you missed the service, you can watch it online at this link or read the message here.

Yesterday, we celebrated "Light of the World" or "Epiphany" Sunday – the revelation of Christ, the Light, to the Magi (representing the Gentiles and the whole world). During the service, we also honored those who completed reading the entire Bible this past year. It’s my prayer that we all continue to grow as a Bible-saturated congregation.

If you haven’t started a Bible reading plan yet, I encourage you to begin with the New Testament. Here are a few reading plans you can follow:

• New Testament Reading Plan
• Robert Murray M’Cheyne Reading Plan
• Simple Reading Plan

May God bless you richly and draw you closer to Him as you read, savor, and meditate on His Word day and night.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

New Year, New Hope - Join Us!

 

(*Photo: The Koo and Han Families )

Peace and grace to you.

I pray your new year is off to a blessed and hopeful start.

Over the Christmas break, my family and I had a meaningful trip visiting old friends in Boston – the place where Joyce and I began our journey as a family about 17 years ago. As we walked through Quincy Market, Harvard Square, and Boston Common, cherished memories filled my heart. But the highlight of our trip was worshiping with our home church, Grace-Vision UMC. This is the church that welcomed us, nurtured us, and eventually sent us to serve in new mission fields.

While there, I had the joy of meeting their new pastor, Rev. Koo, and his beautiful family. I could clearly see God at work. There were signs of hope all around, and I look forward to sharing more about this experience with you during our Sunday service.

Join us this Sunday – Hodgdon and Mars Hill at 9 am, and Houlton at 11 am. You are warmly invited.

As the magi saw the light and took the bold journey to seek the truth, may we also pay attention to the signs God places before us. Let us be willing to take steps that draw us closer to Him.

May the God of hope fill your hearts with joy and peace as you step into this new year.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor