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
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
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Hodgdon – Let’s show appreciation to the Hodgdon Fire Department for their faithful service.
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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
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Hodgdon |
Houlton |
Mars Hill |
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June 22 |
Greeters |
Collin Lilley & Jacob Lilley |
Jerry Wilson & Mark Jackins |
Children & Youth |
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Coffee Hour |
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Bob & Angela Cowperthwaite Linda Maraya |
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June 29 |
Greeters |
Marion Collins & Jon Scott |
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Coffee Hour |
Love Feast Potluck Luncheon at Houlton |
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Happy Birthday! 
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June 22 – Jennifer Metzger
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June 23 – Heather Henderson
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June 24 – Esther Han
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June 27 – Bob Ramsey II
Happy Anniversary! 
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June 27 – Duane & Bonnie Quint
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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!
Pastor Victor
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