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.
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!
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.
If you feel led to share your story, please reach out to Pastor Joyce or me. Your journey matters.
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”)
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!
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
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!
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.
May God bless you and keep you!
Pastor Victor
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