JOY Weekly: June 2025

Monday, June 30, 2025

Monday Morning Coffee – June 30

*Photo: Combined Service (June 29, 2025)

Dear Church Family,

Have you ever heard of the Palace Beautiful?

In The Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian arrives at this place after a long stretch of trials. He is warmly welcomed by Watchful and his household—Discretion, Prudence, Piety, and Charity. There, he experiences sweet Christian fellowship. He shares his joys and his heartache—especially his deep concern for his own family, who have not followed him on the journey. At the Palace Beautiful, Christian finds rest, renewal, and strength.

Before he moves on, Christian is taken to the armory. There, he is shown legendary weapons—Moses’ staff, David’s sling and stone—and is given armor that fits him perfectly.

The journey doesn’t end there. He soon enters the Valley of Humiliation, where he must face the ferocious Apollyon, and then walks through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Yet at every step, God’s grace sustains and guides him, all the way to the Celestial City.

I share this with you because yesterday’s worship reminded me of the Palace Beautiful. Our gathering was full of warmth, encouragement, and the bonds of Christian fellowship. But as we move forward, we know challenges will come. There will be moments when we feel weary, when our love may grow cold, or when our hearts become discouraged.

But take heart. As our Lord Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take courage—I have overcome the world.” With that hope, our hearts are refreshed and ready for the road ahead. What we shared together is just a beginning—a foretaste of the heavenly banquet that awaits us.

When the journey gets hard, let’s remember: Our Christian fellowship will never end. So be encouraged, my dear family!

Blest be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love;
the fellowship of kindred minds
is like to that above.

When we asunder part,
it gives us inward pain;
but we shall still be joined in heart,
and hope to meet again.

In Christ's Love,
Pastor Victor

P.S. You can watch the service here, and read Pastor Joyce’s message here.

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Combined Service This Sunday at 10 AM

Dear Church Family,

This Sunday, June 29, we will have a combined worship service at 10:00 AM at Houlton UMC. We will celebrate our Christian unity and bless Pastor Joyce as she begins her new journey.

All are invited to join our combined pick-up choir rehearsal at 9:30 AM, and stay after the service for our Love Feast potluck luncheon.

If you are unable to join us in person, the service will be livestreamed and can be watched at:

➡️ https://youtube.com/live/WLvlQfigLuk?feature=share

Come and celebrate with us – everyone is welcome!

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Friday, June 27, 2025

Life Together - June 27

“Tip or No Tip, That Is the Question”

Dear Church Family,

I hope you had a blessed week.

By God’s grace and through your love and support, my family and I enjoyed a very meaningful week at Living Waters—just before our big transition begins in a few days.

The weather was beautiful, and one special highlight was riding a banana boat together. Before boarding, the guide asked us, “Tip or no tip?” In other words, “Do you want a calm, steady ride—or a fun, adventurous one where you might fall into the water?” Without much hesitation, we said, “Tip ride, please!”

At first, we were nervous. It was exciting, but also full of unknowns. And yes—we were all tipped into the water! But we were safe. We had life jackets. Lifeguards and helpers were nearby. What could have been frightening turned out to be a joyful, memorable adventure.

In Chinese, the word crisis (危机) is made up of two characters: one meaning danger, the other opportunity. That’s how we feel about the days ahead. Many have asked us, “How will you serve four churches?” The honest answer is—we don’t fully know yet. Like the “tip ride,” there are unknowns. We feel both anxious and hopeful.

But we are not alone. We have the Good Shepherd—He goes before us, and He walks with us. And because of Him, we can say with confidence, “It is well with my soul.”

This Sunday (June 29 at 10 AM) – Celebration Worship

All three churches will gather together at Houlton UMC to celebrate Jesus with joyful worship. Highlights include:

Combined Pick-up Choir
Children’s Handbell Choir
Special Music by Rue and Nell
Farewell Message from Pastor Joyce

After the service, we’ll share a Love Feast Potluck Luncheon. Please come and celebrate with us!

Coffee Hour Update – Houlton UMC

Starting in July, Coffee Hour will move to before worship, from 10:15 to 10:45 AM. Worship will still begin at 11 AM.

This small change gives us space to enjoy warm fellowship first, then enter worship with fresh hearts and minds—and still return home a bit earlier. We'll try this rhythm through July and August, and adjust as needed.

Happy Birthday!

June 27 – Susan Boyd
July 1 – Bella Alexander
July 4 – Sue Brown
July 5 – Karen Hardy

Happy Anniversary!

July 2 – Andy & Bonnie Anderson

Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar

June 28 – Admin Council [HT], 9 AM
June 28 – Dale Thibodeau’s Graveside Service @ Evergreen, 2 PM
June 30 – Community Chorus [HT], 6:30 PM
July 1 – Cluster VBS Planning (Zoom), 7 PM
July 2 – Admin Council [HD], 4:15 PM
July 2 – 7:30 Prayer [HT or Zoom], 7:30 PM
July 9 – The Good Book Club @ Co-Op, 9 AM
July 10 – July Outing at the Lake (TBD), 1–3 PM
August 16 – One-Day VBS

Prayer List
Dennis Anderson, Nathan Anderson, Janie Andrews, Bob & Jo-Ann Barton, Carolyn Benn, Debbie & Anthony Benn, Blanchard family, London Booker, Reita Briggs, Sue Carr, Lorinda Cushman, Duane Eldridge, Foley family, Ann Folsom, Jack Galda, Brian Ketchum, Austin McAfee, Jean Merritt, Beverly Nickerson, Richard Sherwood, Dotty Smith, Tina Smith, Mark and Abby Swallow, John Trask, Melanie Wilson, Debbie Wordwell, Karen Young

Thank you for riding this “tip ride” with us. It is a joy and an honor to serve alongside you on this journey of faith. Have a great weekend. See you Sunday!

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Life Together - June 21

*Photo: Rob turns 59 today (June 21). Happy birthday, Rob!

Words Matter.

More and more, I realize how deeply reading, writing, and listening shape my whole being. Now I begin to understand why Jesus said, “The words I speak to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63, NKJV).

I’ve been especially touched and transformed by the “Life Review Project”—hearing the stories of our church family. While I’ve always visited our members, this experience is different. I come as a listener, not to fix or solve anything, but simply to witness. Those who share become the main characters, and as they tell their stories—how they grew up, faced hardship, found faith—God’s presence shines through. It becomes God’s story.

These moments connect the dots. I often find myself saying, “Aha! That’s why…” Some of these saints I’ve known for over a decade, yet through intentional listening, I’ve come to know them in a deeper, richer way. Their lives testify to grace and love.

This week, I had the privilege of hearing stories from all three of our churches:

Rob Victor (Houlton)
Rue Geishecker & Nell Strecker (Hodgdon)
Andy & Bonnie Anderson (Mars Hill)

God was there—when someone wandered for 35 years… when another ran into church after hearing of a brother’s accident… when someone walked through the pain of divorce. Through it all, God was always there.

Let us read these stories, be encouraged, and lift our hands in praise:
Read the stories here → faithbook2025.blogspot.com

We’d love to hear your story too—what has God done in your life? To share, don't hesitate to get in touch with me.

Combined Worship Service – June 29

Next Sunday, June 29 at 10 AM, all three of our churches—Houlton, Hodgdon, and Mars Hill—will gather at Houlton UMC for a Combined Worship Service.

We will celebrate Pastor Joyce’s new appointment, sending her with love and blessing. After worship, we’ll share a Love Feast Potluck together.
(Note: Houlton’s usual fourth-Sunday Love Feast will not be held this month.)

Coffee Hour Update – Houlton UMC

Dear Houlton saints, starting in July, our Coffee Hour will move to before worship, from 10:15 to 10:45 AM. Worship will still begin at 11 AM.

This change allows us to enjoy fellowship with fresh hearts and minds, and then enter worship more fully present. Plus, it means an earlier return home. We’ll try this rhythm for July and August, and revisit it after summer.

Outreach Opportunities

Hodgdon – Let’s show appreciation to the Hodgdon Fire Department for their faithful service.
Houlton & Mars Hill – We stand with Hope School in Bethlehem, West Bank—a Christian school offering love and learning to children in need, even amid conflict.

730 Prayer Movement

Let’s join in daily prayer at 7:30 AM or 7:30 PM—whichever works for your schedule.

This week, as Pastor Victor and family are at Living Waters, we’ll each pray where we are, without in-person or Zoom gatherings.

Beginning in July, we’ll meet weekly on Wednesdays at 7:30 PM (instead of Thursdays).

This week’s prayer focus:
• The United Methodist Church and churches in transition
• Peace in conflict zones around the world
• Our country

Worship Servants

		Hodgdon	Houlton	Mars Hill
June 22	Greeters	Collin Lilley & Jacob Lilley	Jerry Wilson & Mark Jackins	Children & Youth
June 22	Coffee Hour		Bob & Angela Cowperthwaite Linda Maraya
June 29	Greeters	Marion Collins & Jon Scott
June 29	Coffee Hour	Love Feast Potluck Luncheon at Houlton

Happy Birthday!

June 22 – Jennifer Metzger
June 23 – Heather Henderson
June 24 – Esther Han
June 27 – Bob Ramsey II

Happy Anniversary!

June 27 – Duane & Bonnie Quint
June 28 – Galen & Jill Quint

Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar

• June 22–27 – Pastor Victor & family at Living Waters
• June 23 – Community Chorus [HT], 6:30 PM
• June 27 – Gardiner Bible Study, 10 AM
• June 28 – Admin Council [HT], 9 AM
• June 28 – Dale Thibodeau Graveside Service @ Evergreen, 2 PM
• July 2 – Admin Council [HD], 4:15 PM
• July 9 – The Good Book Club @ Co-Op, 9 AM
• July 10 – July Outing at the Lake (TBD), 1–3 PM
• August 16 – One-Day VBS

Prayer List

Dennis Anderson, Nathan Anderson, Janie Andrews, Bob & Jo-Ann Barton, Debbie & Anthony Benn, London Booker, Reita Briggs, Sue Carr, Lorinda Cushman, Duane Eldridge, Foley family, Ann Folsom, Jack Galda, Brian Ketchum, Austin McAfee, Jean Merritt, Beverly Nickerson, Richard Sherwood, Dotty Smith, Tina Smith, Mark & Abby Swallow, John Trask, Melanie Wilson, Debbie Wordwell, Karen Young

(Please let me know if you'd like to add or remove names from the list.)

Thank you for being a vital part of our beloved church family. Have a wonderful and grace-filled weekend!

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Monday, June 16, 2025

☕Monday Morning Coffee - June 16, 2025

"What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we're called children of God! That's who we really are."
—1 John 3:1 (MSG)

A new day has dawned…

This past Sunday was a richly blessed Lord’s Day.

Father’s Day can stir up many emotions—sweet, cherished, heart-aching, missed, bitter, or even sour. Sometimes, these memories come flooding into our hearts all at once. It can feel overwhelming. We may even feel the urge to run away from it all.

But here’s the comforting truth: we have a church family.

At Hodgdon UMC, we celebrated both Children’s Sunday and our final regular Sunday worship with Pastor Joyce (before our combined service on June 29).

At Houlton and Mars Hill, we gathered as church families to celebrate Father’s Day, offering our thanks to God for fathers and father-figures who reflect His heart.

If you haven’t had a chance yet, I invite you to check out the Father’s Day tributes, as well as recordings of our services, messages, and bulletins below:

Hodgdon UMC

Houlton UMC

Mars Hill UMC

Prayer Request

Please keep Susan Laurence (lay delegate for Houlton UMC), Pastor Joyce, and me in your prayers as we participate virtually in the New England Annual Conference this week, June 18–21. Pray for wisdom, unity, and Spirit-led decisions for Christ’s Church.

Thank you always for your love, support, and prayers.
May the Lord bless your week ahead with joy and peace. Love you all.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Friday, June 13, 2025

Life Together (June 13)

Do you have someone who helped shape who you are today?

This Sunday, we celebrate Father’s Day, a time to honor those who have helped us become who we are—our biological fathers, spiritual fathers, or any father-figures who walked with us in love and wisdom.

You’re warmly invited to share a photo of your dad or a father-figure (a picture of you with them would be even better!). Please email or text it to me along with his name. These photos will be displayed and honored during Sunday’s worship service.

Let’s come together as a church family for this meaningful celebration.

Hodgdon UMC – Father’s Day & Children’s Sunday, followed by a special Coffee Hour fellowship (9 AM)
Mars Hill UMC – Father’s Day celebration (9 AM)
Houlton UMC – Father’s Day service (11 AM)

Coffee Hour Update (Houlton UMC)

Dear Houlton saints,
Starting in July, our Coffee Hour will move to before the worship service, from 10:15 to 10:45 AM. Worship will still begin at 11 AM.

This small change lets us enjoy fellowship with a fresh heart and mind—then enter worship fully present. Plus, we can return home a little earlier. We’ll try this new rhythm for July and August, and if it feels right, we may continue.

Combined Worship Service – June 29

On the fifth Sunday, June 29 at 10 AM, all three of our churches—Houlton, Hodgdon, and Mars Hill—will gather at Houlton UMC for a Combined Worship Service.

We’ll celebrate Pastor Joyce’s new appointment and send her with blessing and love. After worship, we’ll share a Love Feast Potluck together.

(Note: Houlton’s usual fourth-Sunday Love Feast will not be held this month.)

Father’s Day Music Service at Gardiner

Join us as we celebrate Father’s Day at Gardiner Healthcare Facility with a joyful service filled with music, hymn singing, a short devotion, laughter, and fellowship.

This Sunday at 2 PM – Come and celebrate with us!

Outreach Opportunities

Hodgdon – Let’s show appreciation to the Hodgdon Fire Department for their faithful service to our community.
Houlton & Mars Hill – Let’s stand with Hope School in Bethlehem, West Bank—a Christian school bringing love and learning to children in a place of conflict and hardship.

730 Prayer Movement

All three churches are invited to pause and pray each day at 7:30 a.m. or 7:30 p.m.—whichever fits your schedule best.

You’re also welcome to join our Thursday Prayer Gathering, 7:30–7:58 PM, either in-person at Houlton UMC or online via Zoom.

(Why 7:30–7:58? Houlton & Hodgdon share the zip code 04730; Mars Hill’s is 04758!)

This week’s prayer focus:

For the United Methodist Church – especially leaders and the upcoming Annual Conference
For peace in conflict zones around the world
For Christ’s Church – pastors, leaders, teachers, and new believers

Life Review Project – Faithbook

Each week, we’re sharing real-life stories of faith from members of our extended church family. This week, Pastor Joyce interviewed Roberta Finnmore, a resident of Gardiner and member of Stetson Memorial UMC in Patten—though she now calls Houlton her church home through music services and Bible study.

Read the stories here: faithbook2025.blogspot.com

Would you like to share your story? We’d love to hear how God has worked in your life. Please contact me to get started.

Happy Birthday & Anniversary!

Birthdays

June 15 – Jon Scott
June 16 – Jack Galda
June 18 – Perry Lilley
June 21 – Cooper Henderson, Gunner Henderson, Robert Victor

Anniversaries

June 20 – David & Jane Guy

Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar

June 15 – Father’s Day & Children’s Sunday [HD]
June 15 – Gardiner Music Service, 2 PM
June 16 – Community Chorus [HT], 6 PM
June 17 – Trustees [HT], 6 PM
June 18–21 – New England Annual Conference
June 20 – “Love & Meals” (Senior Meals) [HT], 11:30 AM
June 20 – Lend A Hand Supper [HD], 4–6 PM
June 22–27 – Pastor Victor and family at Living Waters
June 28 – Admin Council [HT], 9 AM
July 2 – Admin Council [HD], 4:15 PM
July 9 – Good Book Club @ Co-Op, 9 AM

Prayer List

Let’s continue to lift up the following beloved members and friends in prayer:

Dennis Anderson, Nathan Anderson, Janie Andrews, Bob & Jo-Ann Barton, Carolyn Benn, Debbie & Anthony Benn, London Booker, Reita Briggs, Sue Carr, Lorinda Cushman, Duane Eldridge, Foley family, Ann Folsom, Jack Galda, Brian Ketchum, Austin McAfee, Jean Merritt, Beverly Nickerson, Richard Sherwood, Dotty Smith, Tina Smith, Mark & Abby Swallow, John Trask, Melanie Wilson, Debbie Wordwell, Karen Young

Would you like to add or remove a name from the prayer list? Please let me know.

Thank you for being a vital part of our church family. Hope you have a very meaningful Father's Day weekend. Love you all.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Monday, June 9, 2025

☕ Monday Morning Coffee – June 9, 2025

*Houlton UMC Church Picnic (June 8, 2025)

Grace and peace to you!

This past weekend was full of meaningful moments in the life of our church family. Here are some highlights and links to stay connected and catch up:

Pentecost Sunday & Children’s Celebration

We celebrated Pentecost Sunday, honoring the gift of the Holy Spirit. Many wore red or reddish tones in remembrance of the Spirit’s fire and our deep desire to be filled anew.

At Houlton and Mars Hill, we also celebrated Children’s Sunday with joy and gratitude for the young disciples among us. Hodgdon will have its celebration this coming Sunday!

Worship Services

Hodgdon: Watch Service
Houlton: Watch Service
Mars Hill: Watch Service

Sermon Messages

Hodgdon & Houlton: “Thick or Thin” (Acts 2:42–47)
Mars Hill: “Giving Birth” (Acts 2:42–47)

Sunday Bulletins

Houlton & Mars Hill: View Bulletin
Hodgdon: View Bulletin

Life Review: Helen Woods’ Story

We’ve added a touching Life Review story from Helen Woods, reflecting on a lifetime of faithfulness through thick and thin.
Read Her Story

Donna Brewer Memorial Service

On Saturday, we gathered to celebrate the life of Donna Brewer. The church was filled to capacity, with the side door opened for overflow. Family, friends, and our church community came together in love and support. It was a beautiful and comforting service.

Pastor Sue and Maurice shared heartfelt and moving words of tribute.
Watch the Service

I am the church. You are the church. We are the church together.

Have a great week ahead. Love you all.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor