My five-year-old daughter, Hannah, believes her family is "special" because she finds "love" in this place. She is deeply loved, and she loves her family in return.
God’s plan is for the church to become a family. Our church family is special—not because we are outstanding (though I believe we are… just a little bias there)—but because we are grounded in love. Like any family, we experience both joys and struggles. This past week, we rejoiced with those who were joyful and wept with those who mourned. Here is a recap of the week:
Outreach News
Quiz: Do you know how much it costs to run our Backpack for Kids program each week? The answer is… about $600. Our church family currently provides 20-25 backpacks (feeding 50-60 students) each week. With rising costs, our balance dropped below $5,000, and we considered fundraising. Then, God provided! The Hodgdon Mill Pond’s "Chain Reaction" cereal drive resulted in 577 cereal boxes donated to the program. Praise God for this blessing!
Our February mission project was both meaningful and well received. All baby bottles and donations, including hats and blankets, were delivered to the Pregnancy Care Center in Houlton. Cyndee Randall, the director, shared that though things have been slow, God is always at work. One story in particular: a couple moved from engagement to a committed marriage relationship. One life at a time—Praise God!
Our March mission partner is United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)—one of our most beloved and trusted outreach organizations. It is a privilege to be part of this life-changing ministry. (Learn more at https://umcmission.org/umcor/)
Our Hodgdon and Houlton UMC Sunday School children used their offerings ($175) to purchase supplies for the Northern Lighthouse Transitional Living Program in Mars Hill. These items were delivered on March 7. We are so proud of their generosity and kindness!
Pen Pal Ministry
We recently launched a Pen Pal Ministry to encourage Senior Meals recipients, Backpack for Kids students, Gardiner residents, and more. Writing letters is a simple yet powerful way to build meaningful relationships and share Christ’s love. If you have questions or would like to join, please see Pastor Joyce.
Lenten Journey Began
Lent began this past Wednesday. Many in our church family attended the Ash Wednesday service, either online or in person. You can watch the service here: https://www.youtube.com/live/
Our next family gathering is Wednesday, March 12, at noon at Houlton UMC for Soup & Devotion, led by Pastor Joyce. Come and be nourished!
Look Up, Lift Up
As a family, we rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Please pray for and support those in our community who are grieving. Sending cards, making phone calls, sharing meals, or simply checking in can mean so much.
Please keep Dale Blanchard and family in your prayers. We held a funeral service for Ned Ketchum, and despite the bad weather, many attended in person and online. You can watch the service here: https://www.facebook.com/
Also, please pray for Donna Brewer’s family. Her memorial service will be on June 7th.
Celebrations
Happy Birthday to our beloved:
Helen Woods (March 10) Lenny Muzzi (March 11) Reita Briggs (March 12) Bonnie Anderson (March 12)
Happy Anniversary to Stacy and Bobbi (March 8)! 
Last but not least…
Daylight Saving Time Begins this Sunday! Don’t forget to spring forward!
Thank you for being part of this very special family of God. Have a wonderful weekend!
Pastor Victor
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