Dear Church Family,
Quiz Time!
What do these names have in common?
Joseph Scott, Lucas Ramsey, Clint Cushman, Bob Cowperthwaite, Sabra Scott, Karl Woods, Blinn Boone
The answer: They all had birthdays this week!
What a week of celebration it has been. Wishing each of you a very happy birthday from your church family.
A special shoutout to Blinn Boone, who turned 92 this Friday! I had the privilege of celebrating with him and listening to his remarkable life story. Blinn and his beloved wife, Joan, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last October. Joan will turn 90 this June. Together, they have been pillars of Mars Hill UMC and are deeply respected in our community.
When I asked Blinn how he hopes to be remembered, he answered:
“A decent man.”
Then he added, “If I’ve done anything worthwhile in this life, I hope it’s been showing up—not with grand gestures, but with consistency. Day after day, in ways big and small. That’s the life I’ve lived. Honest work, quiet faith, and love for my family. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
I also asked Joan the secret of their strong marriage. Her answer:
“The secret to our strong marriage—over seventy years now—has been patience, unconditional love, and commitment. We didn’t always agree, but we always respected each other. Blinn never raised his hand to me or spoke harshly. We supported one another and made decisions together, always grounded in faith.”
Driving home after the visit, I found myself reflecting deeply. One phrase stayed with me: “Back to basics.”
Be honest. Be kind. Be patient. And do it again and again.
You can read their full faith story here:
https://faithbook2025.
What a gift it is to have Blinn and Joan among us.
We are truly blessed with many beautiful role models in our faith community.
Gardiner Music Service
This Sunday at 2 p.m.
Come and let your hearts be glad! A joyful afternoon of music awaits. All are welcome!
Aldersgate Day Cluster Service
Let’s celebrate Wesley’s “heart-warming experience” together!
Grant Memorial UMC, Presque Isle (79 Fleetwood St)
This Saturday, May 24 at 6 p.m.
A joyful gathering with worship dance, children’s handbell choir, pick-up choir, music, and readings.
Special offering for Good Shepherd Food Bank
(Checks payable to Aroostook Cluster UMCs)
Light refreshments to follow. Invite your friends!
730 Prayer Movement
We invite all three churches to pray daily at 7:30 a.m. or 7:30 p.m.—whichever fits your schedule.
Thursday Evening Prayer Gathering
7:30–7:58 p.m. Houlton UMC or join us on Zoom!
(Why 7:30–7:58? Houlton & Hodgdon = 04730, Mars Hill = 04758!)
This Week’s Prayer Focus:
Lord, revive us again—our hearts, our church, our nation.
Lord, raise up and send your servants.
Lord, guide us in your ways.
Outreach Opportunity: Camp Mechuwana
May’s Mission Focus
Let’s support their summer ministry through:
Monetary gifts
Donations of art and maintenance supplies
(See the welcome table for the donation list)
Thank you for your continued generosity!
Jonah Bible Study (4 Weeks)
Looking for deeper study and supportive fellowship? Join us!
Tuesdays 10 a.m. at Houlton UMC (Women of Witness)
Wednesdays 10 a.m. at Andy & Bonnie’s (Mars Hill)
Wednesdays 3:15 p.m. at Hodgdon UMC
The Good Book Club
Join us this summer for a 7-week reading and reflection group!
Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m., July 9 – August 20 County Co-op (coffee and tea provided)
We’ll be reading Life by Pope Francis—a moving memoir full of faith, compassion, and hope. Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking for meaningful fellowship, all are welcome.
Book Fee: $10
Let me know if you’d like to join or need help ordering the book! You can also find it online: Life by Pope Francis.
Ministry & Mission Calendar
May
18 | Family Worship & Coffee Hour [HD], 9 a.m.
18 | Gardiner Music Service, 2 p.m.
20 | WOW [HT], 10 a.m.
20 | Together Tuesday [HT], 3–4:15 p.m.
21 | Backpack for Kids [HT], 9 a.m.
21 | LT Group at Andy & Bonnie’s, 10 a.m.
21 | LT Group [HD], 3:15 p.m.
22 | Handbell Choir [HT], 3:15 p.m.
22 | 730 Prayer, 7:30 p.m.
23 | Gardiner Bible Study, 10 a.m.
24 | Admin Council [HT], 9 a.m.
24 | Aldersgate Day Service, 6 p.m.
25 | Family Worship & Love Feast [MH & HT]
June
4 | Admin Council [HD], 4:15 p.m.
6 | Dream Team [HT], 10 a.m.
Celebrations
Birthdays
May 19 | Cody Woods
May 22 | Diane Ketchum
May 23 | Angela Cowperthwaite
Anniversaries
May 20 | Anthony & Debbie Benn
May 21 | Dave & Kate Pyle
As we return to the heart of our faith—back to basics—may our worship and fellowship this Sunday refresh your spirit. May your cup be filled, and your heart be glad.
Pastor Victor
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