Citizenship Prayer (April 25, 2025)

 

A Citizen of Heaven and Earth
By Victor H. Pastor

 

May I be like Mother Teresa,
Who became Indian
To love and serve her people.

 

May I be like Dietrich Bonhoeffer,
A son of Germany,
Who spoke truth with courage and love.

 

May I be like Jesus,
Who was not of this world, yet loved it so,
That He lived and died for His sheep.

 

Today, I become a citizen of the United States.
With gratitude, I receive this gift.
With faith, I accept this calling.

 

But more than anything—

May I set my heart on things above.

May I live always

As a citizen of heaven,

Doing justice, loving mercy, walking humbly with my God. 

Life Together (April 18, 2025)

 

Peace to you. 

I hope you had a meaningful and grace-filled Holy Week.

For me, one special moment was the unexpected opportunity to donate blood on Good Friday. I didn’t plan it, but the Red Cross visits Houlton every other month, and this time, the drive happened to fall on Good Friday. It had been quite a while since I last gave blood—my last donation was during my army service.

It was encouraging to see many people—both familiar and new faces—showing up to give. I chose the “Power Red” donation, but the needle needed to be readjusted, which caused a bit of pain and left a bruise. As I sat there, squeezing my arm and watching the blood flow, I reflected on the pain Jesus endured—His blood shed for us on the cross. His suffering is beyond comparison, beyond imagination... By His wounds, we are healed.

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Lenten Pilgrimage 2025

It has been a meaningful journey walking through Lent together. Thank you for being part of it.

If you have any thoughts or feedback for next year’s pilgrimage, Joyce and I would love to hear from you. Also, if you completed all the Lenten gatherings (in person or virtually) - Ash Wednesday service, three Lenten Soup & Devotion gatherings, Maundy Thgursday, and Good Friday services, please let us know by this Saturday—via email, text, or phone call (Victor 207-538-0778 and Joyce 207-538-0780).

We’ll be honoring those who completed the journey with a special certificate during our Easter services.

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Easter Sunday Celebration

This Sunday, we will rejoice not only in the resurrection of our Lord, but also in the gift of new life in our church family. Let us give thanks and celebrate as we welcome our new church members with joy and love!

Our worship will be filled with joy—special music, a worship dance, a children and youth Easter play, and testimonies. We will also share in a special Easter Coffee Hour Fellowship at all three churches.

Service Times:

• Hodgdon UMC – 9 AM

• Houlton UMC – 11 AM

• Mars Hill UMC – 9 AM

Let’s invite our family and friends to join one of the most important and meaningful gatherings of our faith!

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Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar

• Apr 20 – Easter Sunday & Coffee Hour

• Apr 21–27 – Pastors Victor & Joyce on vacation

• Apr 22 – Women of Witness [HT], 10 AM

• Apr 25 – Gardiner Bible Study, 10 AM

• Apr 26 – Administrative Council [HT], 9 AM

• Apr 27 – Family Worship & Love Feast [HT], 11 AM

• May 2 – Dream Team [HT], 10 AM

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Happy Birthday!

• April 22 – Mitchell Hardy

• April 23 – Jerry Wilson

We celebrate your lives and pray blessings over your year ahead!

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Easter Lily List

Attached is the Easter Lily Dedication List. Please review and let me know if any updates or corrections are needed.

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May you have a meaningful Holy Saturday as we await the joy of resurrection morning.

Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed!

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Easter Lilies 2025

The Easter Lilies that decorate our sanctuary on Easter Sunday are generously donated by:

 In loving memory of Orville & Doris Patterson, Donald & Winnie Anderson, Orville Patterson Jr, Roland Patterson from Andy & Bonnie Anderson

 In loving memory of Carol Hatcher from Debra Benn

 In loving memory of Laurel & Elizabeth Boynton from Susan & Elizabeth Boyd

 In loving memory of Betty DeWitt from Jack & Cynthia Forbush

 In loving memory of Phil Geishecker from Rue Geishecker

 In loving memory of Jobirta Feroe from Chet and Linda Husted

 In loving memory of our grandparents by Victor and Joyce Han 

 In loving memory of Dolores Jackins, Melbourne and Mabel Jackins from Cathy Hutchinson 

 In loving memory of Mrs. Kum Hwa Lee from Rev. Kwan Y. Lee and Family

In loving memory of Burns and Juanita Lilley, Waldo, Eleanor, and Robert Gellerson by Perry & Paula Lilley

 In loving memory of Roy & Maxine Quint, Robert & Margaret Dunbar from Duane & Bonnie Quint

 In loving memory of George "Red" and Phyllis "Sis" Ritchie by Jane Lynds

 In loving memory of Mike Swallow, and in honor of Hodgdon UMC's children, Diane Ketchum and the choir from Mary Miller

 In loving memory of my parents and brother from Richard Schenk

 In loving memory of Donald & Nola Bates, Clifton & Laverne Stewart, and Larry & Darlene Guy from Paul & Linda Stewart

 In loving memory of Hubert Strecker from Vernell Strecker

 In loving memory of our parents by Chuck and Mary Taylor
 
In loving memory of Bernadette Blanchette Howe & Galen Howe, Lloyd & Mary Wilson, Gordon & Barbara Bates, and Armand & Anita Blanchette by Jerry & Melanie Wilson, Pete, Many, Elizabeth, and Sarah Howe
 
In loving memory of Donald Woods and our parents by Helen Woods

Life Together – Holy Week, Easter Lilies, and April Happenings 🌿

 

Peace to you, dear church family,

As you can see in the photo, one of our church members kindly shared her beautiful handmade artwork with my family—what a blessing it is to be part of a creative and caring community!

This Sunday, we observe Palm/Passion Sunday, and next Sunday, we joyfully celebrate Easter, the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The path Jesus walked during His final week is beyond our full understanding and beyond words. Yet, by God’s grace, may we catch a glimpse of how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ for each one of us.

Thank you for walking this Lenten journey with us. You are warmly invited to join us for our upcoming Holy Week services:

• Maundy Thursday Service – April 17 at 12:00 PM, Mars Hill UMC

• Good Friday Service – April 18 at 12:00 PM, Hodgdon UMC

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 Easter Lilies

This year, we will celebrate Easter Sunday on April 20, and one meaningful way we mark this holy day is by filling our sanctuaries with memorial Easter Lilies—symbols of resurrection and new life.

If you’d like to participate, please reply to this email or call/text me at 207-538-0778 by this Sunday, April 13.

You may bring your own lily or order through the church:

• Single Lily: $23

• Triple Lily: $55

Please include:

1. Your name

2. The person(s) you are honoring or remembering

3. Your delivery method (your own, single, or triple)

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 Gardiner Music Service

Although the third Sunday is normally Gardiner Day, since it's Easter Sunday, we’re moving the Gardiner service to this Sunday at 2:30 PM.
Please note the time change (2:30 instead of 2:00), as several members will join us after community chorus practice.
Come and celebrate with us!

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 Mission & Outreach

Thank you for your generous support of UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief)!
Together, in March, we raised $578:

• Hodgdon: $243

• Houlton: $200

• Mars Hill: $135

In April:

• Hodgdon & Houlton will support the Backpack for Kids program

• Mars Hill will partner with The Well Ministry (youth café)

Your giving truly makes a difference—thank you!

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 Life Review Project – “Faithbook”

Our faith story blog continues to grow and bless!
Visit: faithbook2025.blogspot.com
Take a moment to read and be inspired by the testimonies of God’s grace among us.

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 Mission & Ministry (M&M) Calendar

Apr 13 – New Membership Class [HT Choir Room], 12 PM
Apr 13 – Teachers’ Prayer Meeting [HT], 12 PM
Apr 13 – Gardiner Music Service, 2:30 PM
Apr 15 – Women of Witness (WOW) [HT], 10 AM
Apr 15 – Together Tuesday [HT], 3:00–4:30 PM
Apr 15 – Trustees [HT], 6 PM
Apr 16 – Backpack for Kids [HT], 9 AM
Apr 16 – L.T. Group [HD], 3:15 PM
Apr 16 – L.T. Group at Jack & Cynthia’s, 6 PM
Apr 17 – Maundy Thursday Service [MH], 12 PM
Apr 17 – Handbell Choir Practice [HT], 3:15–4:15 PM
Apr 18 – Good Friday Service [HD], 12 PM
Apr 20 – Easter Sunday & Special Coffee Hour (all three churches)
Apr 26 – Administrative Council [HT], 9 AM

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 Let’s Celebrate – April Birthdays!

Apr 13 – Marc Knowles
Apr 14 – Sage Dixon
Apr 17 – Richard Wolverton
Apr 17 – Galen Wilde

Happy birthday to each of you—may the Lord bless you in this new year of life!

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Thank you for being a cherished part of our church family.
It is a joy to walk this journey of faith with you.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Easter Lily Update 🌸

 

Dear Church Family,

Beautiful morning to you all—it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood!

I wanted to share a quick update about our Easter Lily plans.
This year, we will celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 20, and one meaningful way we mark this holy day is by filling our sanctuaries with memorial Easter Lilies—symbols of resurrection and new life.

If you would like to participate, please reply to this email or contact me by phone/text at 207-538-0778. It would be helpful to receive your information by this Sunday, April 13.

You are welcome to bring your own lily, or you may order through the church:

• Single Lily: $23

• Triple Lily: $55

When you respond, please include:

1. Your name

2. The person(s) you are honoring or remembering

3. Your delivery method (bringing your own, ordering single/triple, etc.)

Here is the list so far:

• Paula Lilley (single)

• Richard Schenk (single)

• Chuck & Mary Taylor (own)

• Susan Boyd (own)

• Andy & Bonnie Anderson (own)

• Victor & Joyce Han (own)

If I missed your name or any details, please let me know—I’d be glad to update it.

Thank you for helping us prepare a beautiful and meaningful space for Easter worship. May this season of Lent continue to draw you closer to the risen Christ.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Our Life Review Story Continues…

 

(*Painted by Nina Trask)

Dear Church Family,

What a joy and privilege it is to sit down and listen to the stories of our beloved church members. With each conversation, I am reminded again of how fearfully and wonderfully each person is made. Every story is unique. Every life is a testimony. And every time, I walk away amazed.

Did you know that we have a couple in our church family who are celebrating 73 years of marriage this year? Nina (91) and John (94) Trask are a living testimony of love, faith, and God’s steadfastness. Their life together is a beautiful witness to God’s goodness, one faithful step at a time. You can read their story here: https://faithbook2025.blogspot.com/

Also today, we celebrate Sandra Malone’s 84th birthday! On this special day, I had the joy of sitting with her and hearing her story of faith. What an awesome God we have — and what a powerful witness her life is! You can read Sandra’s story here: https://faithbook2025.blogspot.com/

May our storytelling and listening continue to inspire one another, strengthen the bonds of our beloved community, and most of all, glorify God — the greatest Author of all our stories. 

Stay well in God's grace. I love you all. 

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Life Together (April 5, 2025)

 

Peace to you, dear church family.

“Life isn’t easy, but life is GOOD,” one of our members shared after our Dream Team meeting. I replied with a smile, “Yes indeed. Life is good, because God is GOOD.”

 

 Dream Team Update

This past Friday, we held our first Dream Team meeting—a group of faithful representatives from our three churches—coming together to discern and navigate our next steps.

We didn’t have a magic wand, but we did something hopeful and encouraging: we reasoned together, listened deeply, and shared openly. During the meeting, I shared my twofold pastoral identity and vision for the church:

• The “Unbusy Pastor” who focuses on the essentials—teaching, preaching, and healing—just as Jesus modeled.

• The “Unnecessary Pastor” who equips and empowers lay leaders to teach, preach, and care, creating a Spirit-led, team-based ministry.

The Dream Team is here for you and will meet on the first Friday of each month. If you have any questions, hopes, or concerns regarding our shared ministry, please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of the team members:
Duane Quint, Jill Quint, Jennifer Metzger, Paula Lilley, Susan Laurence, Marion Collins, Linda Maraya, Jack Forbush, Andy Anderson, Bonnie Anderson, Sally Sutton, Diane Ketchum, Pastor Mary, Pastor Joyce, or me.

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 Missions & Outreach

Thank you for your generous support of UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief)! Together, throughout the month of March, we raised $445 (Hodgdon – $110, Houlton – $200, Mars Hill – $135)

Your gifts to UMCOR Sunday strengthen the church’s global humanitarian response by covering UMCOR’s administrative costs. This means 100% of your additional donations go directly to urgent programs like U.S. and international disaster relief, and global migration ministry. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ!

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 Life Review Project – New Stories

Our community grows richer as we share our faith journeys. 

This week, we are blessed to read the stories of Jack Forbush and Susan Boyd—testimonies of God’s presence and faithfulness.

You can find their stories on our “Faithbook” blog:
 https://faithbook2025.blogspot.com/

If you feel led to share your story, please reach out to Pastor Joyce or me. Your journey matters.

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 Memorial Easter Lilies

Spring is coming. So is Easter.
This year, we will decorate our sanctuaries with Memorial Easter Lilies. To participate, please contact me by April 13. The sooner, the better!

Please include the following:

• Your Name:

• In Memory of:

• (1) I will bring my own / (2) Single stem ($23) / (3) Three stems ($55)
  (*Checks payable to “Houlton UMC” – memo: “Easter Lilies”)

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 Lenten Journey Continues

Join us for our final Lenten Soup Lunch & Devotion:
 Wednesday, April 9 at 12 PM at Hodgdon UMC

We’ll be joined by the Houlton Community Handbell Choir, and Paula Lilley will lead our devotional. It’s going to be a beautiful time of music, food, and fellowship. You won’t want to miss it!

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 Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar

Apr 6 – Communion Sunday
Apr 8 – Women of Witness (WOW) [HT], 10 am
Apr 8 – Together Tuesday [HT], 3:00–4:30 pm
Apr 8 – United Methodist Men at Bob’s, 6 pm
Apr 9 – Backpack for Kids [HT], 9 am
Apr 9 – Lenten Soup & Devotion [HD], 12 pm
Apr 9 – L.T. group [HD], 3:15 pm
Apr 9 – L.T. group at Jack & Cynthia’s, 6 pm
Apr 10 – Handbell Choir Practice [HT], 3:15–4:15 pm
Apr 11 – Staff Parish Relations Committee [HT], 9 am
Apr 11 – Outreach Committee [HT], 10 am
Apr 11 – “Love & Meals” (Senior Meals) [HT], 11:30 am
Apr 11 – Gardiner Bible Study, 10 am
Apr 13 – Palm/Passion Sunday
Apr 13 – Teacher’s Prayer Meeting [HT], 12 pm
Apr 13 – Gardiner Music Service, 2 pm
Apr 20 – Easter Sunday

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 Let’s Celebrate!

April 6 – Heidi McGary
April 7 – Marie Hutchinson, Lorraine Estey
April 10 – Sandra Malone
April 11 – Donna Wolverton

We give thanks to God for your life and faith. Happy birthday, and many blessings to you all!

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 New Bible Study/ Life-Together Group – Coming in May

Many of us feel heavy and concerned about the world today. You’re not alone. Even the prophet Jonah once ran from his calling. But God met him there—with grace and renewed purpose.

In mid-May, we’ll begin a 6-week Bible Study on the book of Jonah at all three churches. 

My prayer is that God may renew our faith and strength, and give us wisdom for how and when to act. You’re warmly invited.

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May God bless you and keep you!

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor