Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. – James 1:2-3
Dear Church Family,
Peace to you.
Today’s Upper Room devotion deeply resonated with me. The writer shared her journey of faith through an unexpected trial—a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. It reminded me how easy it is to slip into a "poor-me" attitude when we face challenges.
As our church enters a new season of adjustments, I, too, have felt the pull to dwell on what we might lose—our service time changes, shifts in team ministry with Joyce, and other transitions. But as I meditated on James 1:2-3, I felt the Lord whisper to me, "Stop looking inward at your disappointments and losses. Instead, look around at the bursting life of spring unfolding before you." That gentle nudge lifted my soul.
When I reflect on this past week, I see God actively at work in our lives and in the life of our church. We shared life together through small groups, Together Tuesday, Backpack for Kids, Life Review interviews, handbell choir practice, senior meals—just to name a few! God is moving among us.
Family Worship Sunday & Love Feast [Houlton UMC]
This Sunday, we (Houlton) will come together as one church family for Family Worship at 11 AM. Young and young at heart will worship side by side in a Christ-exalting, music-filled service featuring our pick-up choir and handbell choir. Afterward, we will continue our fellowship over a Love Feast potluck luncheon. What a joy it will be to celebrate together!
Also, our Community Chorus has resumed under the leadership of Susan Laurence and Rue Geishecker. They meet every other Sunday at 1 PM at our church. If you love to sing, come and be part of this beautiful ministry!
Lenten Soup & Devotion
Our second combined Lenten Soup & Devotion gathering will be this Wednesday, March 26, at noon at Mars Hill UMC. Pastor Mary will lead our devotion time. Come, be nourished in body and spirit.
Baptism & New Membership
Easter is a season of new beginnings! If you are considering baptism or officially becoming a member of our church family, please let Pastor Joyce or me know. We would love to celebrate this sacred commitment with you on Easter Sunday.
Life Review Project
Every life holds a story—beautiful, unique, and worth remembering. This project invites us to reflect on our faith journeys.
This past week, I had the honor of listening to Mary’s and Chuck’s faith stories. I created a new blog to share these reflections: ourstoryoursong2025.blogspot.
Pen Pal Ministry
We are launching a Pen Pal Ministry to encourage Senior Meals recipients, Backpack for Kids students, Gardiner residents, and more. If you have questions or would like to participate, please see Pastor Joyce.
Pulpit Exchange Sunday
Next Sunday (March 30), our UM cluster will celebrate Pulpit Exchange Sunday, a day to affirm our unity as one body of Christ. Pastor Joyce will preach at Gray Memorial UMC (Caribou), and I will preach at Lidstone Memorial UMC (Washburn). Please extend a warm welcome to our guest preachers:
- Pastor Sue from Lidstone Memorial UMC (Hodgdon)
- Pastor John from Mapleton UMC (Houlton)
- Pastor Tracy from Grant Memorial UMC (Mars Hill)
March 30th is also UMCOR Sunday, a time to support the United Methodist Committee on Relief and its vital work. Your generosity helps provide disaster relief and humanitarian aid to those in need. If you choose to give by check, please make it payable to the church and write "UMCOR" in the memo line. Thank you for your kindness and support!
Happy Birthday!
March 23 – Zach O’Leary
March 24 – Sarah Diette
March 25 – Stephanie
March 26 – Denice Tidd
March 28 – Ben Yeager
Happy Anniversary!
March 24 – Chet & Linda Husted
Wishing you all a joyful celebration and God’s abundant blessings in the year ahead!
A Prayer for This Week
This morning, my heart is drawn to the last line of Gerald Manley Hopkins' poem:
"Mine, O thou lord of life, send my roots rain!"
Yes, Lord, ours! Send our roots rain! Amen.
Pastor Victor
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