We began our Dream Team meeting with a devotion from Ecclesiastes 3, “There is a time for everything.” Pastor Victor reminded us that God is always at work, even in seasons of uncertainty. Each person was invited to share one thing they were celebrating in their lives. As we shared joys like the beauty of spring, birdwatching, signs of new life, and the blessing of this group and our churches, we practiced the art of being fully present and recognizing God’s hand in our midst.
Prayer Ministry Initiative
Pastor Victor encouraged us
to launch a three-church-wide prayer ministry as we continue to seek God's
direction. Beginning May 5, we are invited to pray daily at 7:30 a.m.
or p.m.—whichever works best for your schedule. Additionally, a weekly
prayer meeting will be held on Thursdays from 7:30–7:58 p.m.* This
will be a hybrid gathering: you can attend in person at Houlton UMC or join
online via Zoom. (*Where do those numbers (7:30-7:58) come from? Hodgdon and
Houlton zip code is 04730; Mars Hill
is 04758.)
SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities,
Threats)
Each church shared their
current reflections:
Hodgdon UMC
- Strengths: A strong sense of unity and mission-mindedness. The Lend A Hand ministry is a great
example of generosity. Children’s ministry is thriving, with faithful
Sunday School teachers and regular attendance.
- Weaknesses: A lack of young adults and youth.
- Opportunities: Potential growth in recovery ministry, supporting
grandparents who care for children, and giving ourselves more as well as
financial help to those in need.
Houlton UMC
- Strengths: Hospitality and fellowship (like the Pen Pal
ministry, coffee hour, Love Feast), music ministry, Together Tuesday,
Backpack for Kids, and active senior ministries (e.g., Senior Meals and
Bible study).
- Weaknesses: A need for more committed leaders and
open-mindedness. Many people are thoughtful, but more hands-on workers are
needed.
- Opportunities: Welcoming new visitors, opening the building to more
community ministries (e.g., recovery or homeless outreach), and building
relationships through our central location.
Mars Hill UMC
- Strengths: A welcoming and united church family, vibrant choir,
strong prayer life, and faithful, dedicated members.
- Weaknesses: Recent losses of beloved members and health-related
absences. The church is in a season of grief.
- Opportunities: Exploring a “House Church” model—not as a replacement
for Sunday worship, but as a meaningful addition—by visiting homebound
members and sharing worship together in their homes. We also see
opportunities to build partnerships with local ministries such as Northern
Lighthouse and The Well.
Shared Challenges
Across all three churches, we acknowledged common concerns: risk of burnout, declining
membership, financial strain, and potential church closures if we don’t make
faithful changes. Now is the time to shift course with courage and hope.
Joys and Concerns
- What worries us? Fear of change, especially for seniors; lack of
younger successors; and challenges of distance for Mars Hill members in a
cooperative parish model.
- What excites us? The shared gifts and talents of our people,
opportunities for new relationships, and the possibility of equipping lay
leaders for ministry.
Sunday Worship Time Discussion
In the last meeting, Pastor
Victor proposed a new worship schedule: a combined Hodgdon-Houlton service at 9 a.m., and Mars Hill at 11 a.m. After time for prayer and reflection, team
members shared that while we’re open to new ideas—including combined
services—alternating worship locations may not be visitor-friendly. Several
expressed a desire to preserve current times and locations if possible.
Pastor Victor withdrew his
initial suggestion. He promised to continue praying and discerning a solution
that involves minimal changes to service times and places—and invited the
team to do the same.
Next Meeting: Friday, June 6, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
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