Dear Church Family,
God is at work.
This morning at 10 AM, our “Dream Team” gathered. We began with a powerful question:
“Where did you see God’s faithfulness this past week?”
We were amazed. God was everywhere—creating new life, reviving flowers and nature, sustaining us individually and communally.
We then dug into deeper questions:
“What breaks your heart for our town?”
“What excites you about our town?”
Our hearts resonated with the struggles we see around us: food insecurity, digital distraction, lack of resources for children, limited diversity, substance abuse, mental health challenges, homelessness, and broken families.
Yet, we also recognized that God is already at work through many community partners: ACAP, AA, Rotary, Adopt A Block, Catholic Charities, the food pantry, and more. And we saw how we are part of that work through ministries like Lend A Hand, Backpacks for Kids, Senior Meals, Together Tuesday, and Monthly Mission Projects.
We ended by drawing a Venn diagram:
Community Needs + Leaders’ Purpose + Congregation’s Gifts.
Our leadership team brings hospitality, music, availability (more than ability), connection, and bold witness. Our congregations offer perhaps the most important gift of all: "faithfulness."
You are a "faithful one." You show up. You care. You give. You practice spiritual disciplines—Bible reading, small groups, prayer, and mission. You disciple your children and grandchildren. You help others grow in Christ.
As your pastor, I know there are no magic wands. But I am deeply thankful.
I see you witnessing to Christ—in word and in life.
Though I don’t have charismatic gifts to draw crowds, my pastoral vision is that we become the most loving place in town.
And by God’s grace, we are. One person at a time.
So, I’m grateful. And I’m hopeful.
Please join me in praying for Pastor Joyce as she begins her new appointment at Stetson Memorial UMC in Patten on July 1st.
Let us continue to walk in faith and strengthen our churches and community together.
Pentecost & Children’s Sunday – June 8
This Sunday, we celebrate Pentecost! Let’s wear something red or flame-colored to honor the Holy Spirit.
At Houlton and Mars Hill, we also celebrate Children’s Sunday—giving thanks to God for another school year.
After worship at Houlton, join us for a picnic on the lawn, hosted by our Hope Circle. All are welcome!
June Mission Focus
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Hodgdon – Let’s thank 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 bringing love and learning in a place of conflict. Learn more: hopesschoolbeitjala.com
7:30 Prayer Movement
We invite all three churches to pray daily at 7:30 AM or 7:30 PM—whatever works for you.
Join us in person at Houlton UMC or via Zoom every Thursday from 7:30–7:58 PM.
Why 7:30–7:58? Our zip codes! Houlton & Hodgdon: 04730, Mars Hill: 04758 
This week’s prayer focus:
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Our graduates – for guidance, vision, and purpose
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Families in need
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School leadership and staff
Life Review Project – Faithbook
Be encouraged by the stories of God at work among us. This week, I had the joy of listening to Helen Wood’s story—a beautiful testimony of God’s faithfulness in her life.
New updates will be posted soon:
faithbook2025.blogspot.com
Would you like to share your story? Contact me—we’d love to hear it!
Save the Date!
Combined Worship – June 29 at 10 AM (Houlton UMC)
All three churches will come together to celebrate and send off Pastor Joyce.
Come early at 9:30 AM if you’d like to join the pick-up choir!
Celebrations
Happy Birthday!
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June 10 – Bonnie Quint
Happy Anniversary!
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June 8 – Jerry & Melanie Wilson
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June 10 – Bob & Sharon Lyons
M&M (Ministry & Mission) Calendar
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June 7 – Donna Brewer Funeral [MH], 2 PM
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June 8 – Pentecost & Children’s Sunday [MH & HT]
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June 12 – 7:30 Prayer, 7:30 PM
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June 13 – Staff Parish [HT], 9 AM
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June 13 – Outreach Committee [HT], 10 AM
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June 15 – Father’s Day & Children’s Sunday [HD]
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June 15 – Gardiner Music Service, 2 PM
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June 16 – Community Chorus [HT], 6 PM
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June 17 – Trustees [HT], 6 PM
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June 18–21 – New England Annual Conference
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June 20 – “Love & Meals” (Senior Meals) [HT], 11:30 AM
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June 20 – Lend A Hand Supper [HD], 4–6 PM
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June 28 – Admin Council [HT], 9 AM
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July 9 – The Good Book Club @ Coop, 9 AM
May we honor God in all that we do and all that we are. Love you all.
Pastor Victor
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