Life Together - Aug 30

 

I know I am biased, but I truly believe the County is one of the best places to live. It is a welcoming, caring community. This spirit also shows in our local churches and the friendships among pastors.

The other day I had lunch with Pastor Steve at Littleton Baptist. Every time I meet him, I am encouraged by his heart for the lost and his passion for evangelism. This time he shared about a baptism at Carry Lake this summer. As I listened, I prayed, “Lord, may our church also see new birth and never stop hearing testimonies of new life in Christ!”

Next year will mark Pastor Steve’s 30th anniversary at Littleton Baptist. When I asked him the secret of his longevity, he said, “The secret is to stay put. People expected me to cut and run when trouble came. But I didn’t. For the first 10 years, I didn’t do much except persevere. After that, I began to see fruit.”

Though I can only see what is right before me, I sense we, too, are beginning to see something beautiful—collaboration among our UM churches. This Sunday’s combined service is a wonderful example. As we gather, may we be encouraged and renewed again. You're invited!

• This Sunday, August 31 at 10 AM
• Stetson Memorial UMC, 7 Houlton St, Patten

P.S. Do you like to sing—or make a joyful noise? Join our pick-up choir rehearsal at 9:30 AM. We will sing “Standing on the Promises.” After worship, we’ll enjoy a Love Feast potluck luncheon. Please bring your favorite dish or dessert to share!

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Life Review Project
This week I had the privilege of listening to Linda’s life story—her childhood in the Philippines, her journey to the US for medical practice, and eventually her move to Houlton. I could see God’s gracious hand guiding her at every step. Grace upon grace! You can read her full story here: Grace, Grace, Amazing Grace by Rosalinda “Linda” Maraya. Be inspired!

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Combined Church Conference
On Saturday, September 6, at 1:00 PM at Houlton UMC, the churches of Hodgdon, Houlton, Mars Hill, and Stetson Memorial (Patten) will gather for a Combined Church Conference. This will be more than just an annual business meeting—it will be a time to reflect together on three important questions:

• Who are we?

• Who is our neighbor?

• To what is God calling us?

Come, let us build God’s community together!

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Life-Together Group Update
Our Fall Bible Study will focus on 1 Corinthians, exploring church life and discipleship. This 13-week study begins the week of September 8. We’ll use the N. T. Wright for Everyone Bible Study Guide ($7). Scholarships are available. All are welcome!

• Hodgdon LT Group: Wednesdays at 3:15 PM

• Mars Hill LT Group: Wednesdays at 10 AM

• Houlton LT Groups: Tuesdays at 10 AM (Women of Witness) & Thursdays at 6 PM

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 Updated Dog Policy – Effective July 1
We love the joy pets bring, but only officially trained service animals (with vest or harness) are allowed inside our church buildings. Thank you for understanding.

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Worship Servants

		Hodgdon		Houlton		Mars Hill
Aug 31	Greeter	Combined Service @ Stetson Memorial UMC
	Liturgist
	Coffee Hour	Love Feast Potluck Luncheon
Sep 7	Greeter	Donald & Jennifer Metzger	Cathy Hutchinson & Marion Collins		Children & Youth
	Liturgist	Stacy Ramsey	Chuck Taylor		Andy Anderson
	Coffee Hour		Linda Maraya & Marion Collins

 

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Birthdays 

• Aug 31: Sharon Lyons

• Sep 1: Peter Blood, Cheryl Planeta

• Sep 2: Janice Cottle

• Sep 4: Richard Schenk

Anniversaries 

• Sep 4: Chris & Jamie Stewart

• Sep 5: Jack & Cynthia Forbush

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Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar

• Aug 31 – Combined Service @ Stetson Memorial UMC, 10 AM

• Sep 3 – Administrative Council [HD], 3 PM

• Sep 6 – Combined Church Conference @ Houlton, 1–2:30 PM

• Sep 9 – Women of Witness (WOW) [HT], 10 AM

• Sep 9 – Together Tuesday [HT], 3:00–4:15 PM

• Sep 10 – Life-Together Group [MH], 10 AM

• Sep 10 – Life-Together Group [HD], 3:15 PM

• Sep 11 – Life-Together Group [HT], 6 PM

• Sep 12 – Staff Parish Relations Com [HT], 9 AM

• Sep 12 – Outreach Com [HT], 10 AM

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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, Ann Folsom, Jan Footer, Jack Galda, Brian Ketchum, Austin McAfee, Jean Merritt, Beverly Nickerson, Richard Sherwood, Carol Sloat Smith, Dotty Smith, Tina Smith, Mark & Abby Swallow, Liz Taylor, John Trask, Jerry & Melanie Wilson, Debbie Wordwell, Karen Young

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In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Monday Morning Coffee - August 25

 

"Pay-It-Forward Love"

Yesterday’s piano concert was deeply moving.

The performance itself was wonderful, but what touched me most was not only the music—it was the “love” among those who made the concert so memorable.

Angell Husted, Chet’s sister, as one who carries a debt of love, generously donated her baby grand piano, even covering the shipping all the way from Virginia. Tears filled her eyes as Chet played. She gave this gift so freely in honor of Chet and Linda, who themselves live out this “pay-it-forward” love so beautifully.

Susan Laurence is a woman of many talents. In the midst of her busy schedule, commuting to Boston weekly, she never misses Grace’s piano lessons, encouraging her and helping her thrive. When Joyce and I expressed our gratitude, Susan said something like, “I wouldn’t be who I am today without those who invested in me. I am just paying it forward.”

How true that is. I am who I am today because so many people poured love into me so generously. As I reflected, Rodin’s sculpture The Cathedral came to mind. Just as Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam shows God breathing life into Adam by the near-touch of a finger, so too, one person passes on inspiration and love to another by a gentle touch, heart to heart.

Today, I am simply grateful to be part of this beloved community. I pray that we may continue to practice this beautiful “pay-it-forward” love freely and joyfully.

If you haven’t yet, you can watch this Sunday’s service and read the message at the links below:

• Hodgdon: Message (Penny Gowen)

• Houlton: Service | Message

• Mars Hill: Service | Message

Thank you for being among us. May your week ahead be filled with grace and love.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Life Together - August 23

 

*Photo: “An Ending, A Beginning” (Last picture with Lydia and Abe – August 23, 2025)

Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” (Matt. 14:28, NRSV)

It’s time.

It always feels bittersweet to help my older children pack up their school things and drop them off. All the memories of our summer together pass before my eyes like a flash. There is always a little void, but my heart is deeply grateful to see them beginning to fly and thrive.

Change is hard. Today I was comforted by the story of Peter walking on the water. It reminds me that we cannot walk on water unless we first step out of the boat. Letting go—especially of those we love most—is never easy. But God calls us forward in trust.

Now in worship we are moving into Acts 8, where the early church faced transition and scattering. Yet God turned their crisis into an opportunity for revival. I sense the same hope for us today—our church is on the move, stepping into a new season together.

The church has always been on the move because God is always at work. I look forward to being guided with you into this next season.

May the Lord bless you and your family as you begin this new school year!

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 Classical Piano Recital – This Sunday! 

Sunday, August 24 at 2:00 PM
Piano Classics Through the Musical Ages
Presented and performed by Grace Han, Chet Husted, and Susan Laurence

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 Combined Service – Next Sunday!

Join us on Sunday, August 31 at 10:00 AM at Stetson Memorial UMC.

All four churches will gather to worship and praise God in a music-filled, Spirit-filled service of celebration for all ages, featuring worship dance, a pick-up choir rehearsal at 9:30 am, and a special offering for the Laos Sunday School Mission. A Love Feast Potluck Luncheon will follow.

If you need a ride or would like to carpool, please let Pastor Victor know. Come and be part of this joyful day!

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 Outreach Opportunities – August Mission Focus

• Hodgdon UMC – Hope School in Bethlehem (West Bank)

• Houlton UMC – Backpacks for Kids

• Mars Hill UMC – Community Cupboard

Thank you for joining in God’s life-giving work!

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 Combined Church Conference

Hodgdon, Houlton, Mars Hill, and Stetson Memorial (Patten) will gather on Saturday, September 6, at 1:00 PM at Houlton UMC.

This will be more than an annual business meeting—it will be a time to reflect on three important questions:

• Who are we?

• Who is our neighbor?

• To what is God calling us?

Come, let us build God’s community together.

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 Life-Together Group Update

This fall, our Bible Study will focus on 1 Corinthians, exploring church life and discipleship. This 13-week study begins the week of September 8. All are welcome to grow in faith, connect with others, and deepen your walk with Christ.

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 Updated Dog Policy – Effective July 1

We love the joy pets bring, but only officially trained service animals (with vest or harness) are allowed inside our church buildings. Thank you for understanding.

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 7:30 Prayer Movement – This Week’s Focus

• For the new school year—teachers and students

• For small group ministry

• For being a disciple and making disciples

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 Life Review Project – “Faithbook”

Each week, we share real-life stories of faith from our extended church family.
 Read the stories here: faithbook2025.blogspot.com

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Worship Servants

Hodgdon Houlton Mars Hill Aug 24 Greeter Carolyn Benn & Sandra Malone Bob & Angela Cowperthwaite Children & Youth Liturgist Rue Geishecker Angie Wotton Gaye Cronkite Coffee Hour   Chuck & Mary Taylor   Aug 31 Greeter Combined Service @ Stetson Memorial UMC Liturgist Coffee Hour Love Feast Potluck Luncheon

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 Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar

• Aug 24 – Grand Piano Dedication Concert, 2 PM

• Aug 27 – 7:30 Prayer Meeting [HT], 7:30 PM

• Aug 29 – Gardiner Bible Study, 10 AM

• Aug 31 – Combined Service @ Stetson Memorial UMC, 10 AM

• Sep 3 – Administrative Council [HD], 3 PM

• Sep 6 – Combined Church Conference @ Houlton, 1–2:30 PM

• Sep 9 – Women of Witness (WOW) [HT], 10 AM

• Sep 9 – Together Tuesday [HT], 3:00–4:15 PM

• Sep 10 – Life-Together Group [MH], 10 AM

• Sep 10 – Life-Together Group [HD], 3:15 PM

• Sep 11 – Life-Together Group [HT], TBD

• Sep 12 – Staff Parish Relations Com [HT], 9 AM

• Sep 12 – Outreach Com [HT], 10 AM

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 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, Ann Folsom, Jan Footer, Jack Galda, Brian Ketchum, Austin McAfee, Jean Merritt, Beverly Nickerson, Richard Sherwood, Carol Sloat Smith, Dotty Smith, Tina Smith, Mark and Abby Swallow, Liz Taylor, John Trask, Jerry & Melanie Wilson, Debbie Wordwell, Karen Young

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In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Monday Morning Coffee - August 18

 

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens,

but you are citizens with the saints

and also members of the household of God.”

(Ephesians 2:19, NRSV)

It was a beautiful day in God’s household yesterday.

At Houlton, we celebrated Shirley Ward’s 90th birthday! The room was filled with laughter, hugs, and plenty of sweets. Shirley said, “It’s the first time I’ve ever had this kind of attention and celebration.” (*Would you like to hear Shirley’s life story? You can read it here: Because He Lives – by Shirley Ward.)

What a mystery and privilege it is that, through Christ, people of all ages, backgrounds, and stories are given to one another as one family. That is what makes the church such a unique and special community. It’s a foretaste of heaven itself. I just love the church. And I just love each of you.

If you haven’t had a chance yet, you can watch the services and read the messages through the links below:

• Hodgdon: Service | Message (Pastor Joyce)

• Houlton: Service | Message

• Mars Hill: Service | Message

And here’s a joyful highlight—our Cluster VBS video clip: Watch here.

May the Lord bless you and keep you in His household this week.

In Christ's love,

Pastor Victor

Life Together - August 15

 

Are You a BJ’s Member?

Earlier this week in Monday Morning Coffee, I shared about the importance of our spiritual weekly rhythms—keeping the Sabbath wholly. But BJ’s is more of a daily rhythm: Breathe, Journal, and Say gratitude.

Breathe. We breathe constantly without thinking, but here I’m talking about a deep, intentional breath—an intentional pause, a step back. It’s prayer. It’s creating space for the Spirit. Breathe in, breathe out, listen to God, talk to God.

Journal. Not everyone loves writing, and that’s okay. Journaling isn’t about having a gift for words—it’s about slowing down, connecting the dots, and gaining clarity. It gives us a record we can return to later, adding new insights along the way.

Say gratitude. We know giving thanks is good. But when we actually express it, it’s like putting on a “gratitude filter” over our vision. Complaints and despair have a hard time growing in the soil of gratitude.

Practicing BJ’s membership may seem small, but it makes a difference. This morning, I met a new church family at Houlton UMC. They had recently moved from Oklahoma. I asked, “What brought you to our church?” He said that while driving by, he saw our church’s encouraging sign. Since then, he began praying for our church—and eventually started worshiping with us.

Some days, we may feel like what we do is small. But it matters to God. So let’s invite God—or better yet, join Him in His work, for He is already at work around us.

Today’s church sign says on one side, “Never, never, give up.” On the other side, “Always hope in God.” Amen and amen.

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 Gardiner Music Service – This Sunday
It’s the third Sunday—Gardiner Sunday! Come and make a joyful noise. We’ll encourage each other in song. All are welcome. Today at 2 PM at Gardiner Health Care dining hall.

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 Outreach Opportunities – August Mission Focus

• Hodgdon UMC – Hope School in Bethlehem (West Bank)

• Houlton UMC – Backpacks for Kids

• Mars Hill UMC – Community Cupboard

Thank you for joining in God’s life-giving work!

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 Next Combined Service
Sunday, August 31 at 10:00 AM at Stetson Memorial UMC.
All four churches will gather for worship and praise, followed by a Love Feast Potluck Luncheon. Need a ride or want to carpool? Contact Pastor Victor.

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 Updated Dog Policy – Effective July 1
We love the joy pets bring, but only officially trained service animals (with vest or harness) are allowed inside our church buildings. Thank you for understanding.

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 Music in August

• Today, August 15 | 5:30–7:00 PM – Monument Park
  Houlton Community Chorus & Bertrand Laurence & Friends – music for all ages! Bring a chair and a friend.

• Sunday, August 17 | 7:00–9:00 PM – Dyer Brook
  Christian concert with Kelly O’Mara & Friends. Come for an uplifting night of worship, faith, and community. (1025 Dyer Brook Rd.)

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 730 Prayer Movement – This Week’s Focus

• Pray for the church—revive us again!

• Pray for the next step, the next vision from God.

• Pray for peace.

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 Life Review Project – “Faithbook”
Each week we share real-life stories of faith from our church family.
 Read them here: faithbook2025.blogspot.com

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Worship Servants

Date	Hodgdon	Houlton	Mars Hill
Aug 17	Greeter: Jacob & Collin Lilley	Greeter: Cathy Hutchinson & Marion Collins	Children & Youth
	Liturgist: Jill Quint	Liturgist: Angela Cowperthwaite	Liturgist: Dale Blanchard
	Coffee Hour: Duane & Bonnie Quint	Coffee Hour: Marion Collins
Aug 24	Greeter: Carolyn Benn & Sandra Malone	Greeter: Bob & Angela Cowperthwaite	Children & Youth
	Liturgist: Rue Geishecker	Liturgist: Angie Wotton	Liturgist: Gaye Cronkite
	Coffee Hour:	Coffee Hour: Chuck & Mary Taylor

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 Happy Birthday!
Aug 17 – Mark Elkins, Rusty Henderson, Ben Folsom
Aug 19 – Shirley Ward

 Happy Anniversary!
Aug 20 – Brian & Diane Ketchum
Aug 22 – Bob & Angela Cowperthwaite

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 Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar

• Aug 17 – Family Worship & Coffee Hour [HD], 9 AM

• Aug 17 – Gardiner Music Service, 2 PM

• Aug 17 – Kelly O’Mara Concert (Dyer Brook), 7–9 PM

• Aug 20 – The Good Book Club @ Co-Op, 9 AM

• Aug 20 – Hodgdon & Houlton SPRC with DS (Zoom), 4 PM

• Aug 20 – 730 Prayer Meeting [HT], 7:30 PM

• Aug 21 – Mars Hill SPRC with DS (Zoom), 4 PM

• Aug 22 – Gardiner Bible Study, 10 AM

• Aug 22–23 – Hodgdon UMC Yard Sale, 9 AM–4 PM

• Aug 23 – Administrative Council [HT], 9 AM

• Aug 24 – Grand Piano Dedication Concert, 2 PM

• Aug 31 – Combined Service @ Stetson Memorial UMC, 10 AM

• Sep 6 – Combined Church Conference at Houlton, 1–2:30 PM

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 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, Ann Folsom, Jan Footer, Jack Galda, Brian Ketchum, Austin McAfee, Jean Merritt, Beverly Nickerson, Richard Sherwood, Carol Sloat Smith, Dotty Smith, Tina Smith, Mark & Abby Swallow, Liz Taylor, John Trask, Jerry & Melanie Wilson, Debbie Wordwell, Karen Young.

Breathe. Journal. Say gratitude. And always let's hope in God! 

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Monday Morning Coffee - Aug 11

 

“Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest” (Hebrews 4:11a)

Peace to you. 

I hope you had a blessed Monday. 

Mondays are Sabbath for our family. Today we took a little trip to Shin Falls. What a gift! The scenery was breathtaking, and the swimming hole was perfect for cooling off. We laughed, splashed, and just enjoyed being together.

Sabbath is more than simply taking a break after a week’s work. Think about Adam! He was created on the sixth day, and his very first full day was the seventh. His first day wasn’t work—it was resting with God. Then he worked. Our whole life, in a sense, is a journey toward that full and final rest with Him.

I don’t know about you, but I often feel preoccupied and distracted, pulled in different directions. While studying Acts 6 last week, I was reminded that the apostles and early Christians were “unbusy” Christians. They focused on what mattered most. I shared more about that in Sunday’s message: Tree in the Rock – Acts 6:1–7. You can also watch here: Mars Hill | Houlton.

As you start the week, I pray you find rest, not just in your schedule, but in your soul. May the joy of the Lord be your strength today.

With love in Christ,
Pastor Victor

P.S. A big thank-you to Linda Maraya for hosting our combined Women’s Retreat this year, to Kristy Swallow for leading our recreation time, to Pastor Joyce for coordinating, and to every woman who joined us. You blessed us all. You can watch the highlight video here: Women’s Retreat 2025.

Life Together - August 9

 

“Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word.” (Acts 8:4, NRSV)

I grew up in a typical Korean family—close-knit and collective, always watching over one another. But looking back, I realize that one downside of our closeness was a tendency to be exclusive toward others. I didn’t feel the need to be open or inclusive.

The early church was a wonderful community, but it also had its limitations. Their fellowship and evangelism were often limited to their own people and tribe. Then persecution broke out, and all except the apostles were scattered. Something unexpected happened: for the first time, those who were scattered began to share the good news with the Gentiles and to have fellowship with them.

I don’t know about you, but for my family, our new appointment was at first more painful than joyful—Joyce and I serving four churches felt overwhelming. We were unsure how things would work out.

Though a full evaluation will take time, I have already seen encouraging signs of God’s work among us. One of these is greater unity and collaboration. The Women’s Retreat this week is a wonderful example. Until the last minute, Linda and Joyce were unsure how many would attend—but it became one of the most memorable and well-attended gatherings. There was laughter, tears, hugs, testimonies, songs, and… plenty of food!

Next week, we will hold our first-ever cluster-wide one-day VBS. I believe it will be another clear sign of God’s work among us, and I look forward to seeing where He leads us next.

Thank you for journeying with us in this new season. May God’s name be honored, His will be done, and His kingdom come.

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 Outreach Opportunities

August Mission Focus

• Hodgdon UMC – Hope School in Bethlehem (West Bank)

• Houlton UMC – Backpacks for Kids

• Mars Hill UMC – Community Cupboard

Thank you for joining in God’s life-giving work!

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 Cluster One-Day VBS
August 14 | 10 AM–4 PM | Jack & Cynthia’s Camp
All children in grades K–6 are welcome for a joyful day of praise, worship, fun games, water play, and a provided lunch. We look forward to a wonderful day together!

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 Updated Dog Policy – Effective July 1
We love the joy pets bring, but only officially trained service animals (with vest or harness) are allowed inside our church buildings. Thank you for understanding!

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 Music in August

Friday, August 15 | 5:30–7:00 PM | Monument Park
Enjoy the Houlton Community Chorus and Bertrand Laurence & Friends with singing, guitars, and band music—fun for all ages! Bring a friend and a chair.

Sunday, August 17 | 7:00–9:00 PM | Dyer Brook
Christian concert with Kelly O'Mara & Friends—an uplifting night of worship music, faith, and fellowship. (1025 Dyer Brook Rd.)

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 730 Prayer Movement – This Week’s Prayer Focus

• For the upcoming VBS – for joy, safety, and lasting fruit

• For God to send and raise His servants for the harvest

• For peace in conflict areas

• 
  

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 Life Review Project – “Faithbook”
Each week, we share real-life stories of faith from members of our extended church family.
 Read the stories here: faithbook2025.blogspot.com

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Worship Servants 

		Hodgdon	Houlton	Mars Hill
Aug 10	Greeter	Duane & Bonnie Quint	Mark Jackins & Jon Scott	Children & Youth
	Liturgist	Jill Quint	Sirong Wang	Bonnie Anderson
	Coffee Hour		Cathy Hutchinson & Mark Jackins
Aug 17	Greeter	Jacob and Collin Lilley	Cathy Hutchinson & Marion Collins	Children & Youth
	Liturgist	Jill Quint	Jon Scott	Dale Blanchard
	Coffee Hour		Jon Scott & Marion Collins

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 Happy Birthday!
Aug 13 – Joyce Kang
Aug 13 – Pamela Galda

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 Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar

• Aug 11 – Community Choir [HT], 6:30–8:00 PM

• Aug 13 – The Good Book Club @ Co-Op, 9 AM

• Aug 14 – Cluster VBS at Jack & Cynthia’s Camp, 10 AM–4 PM

• Aug 15 – Gardiner Bible Study, 10 AM

• Aug 15 – Lay Servant Team [HT], 9:30 AM

• Aug 15 – Community Chorus @ Monument Park, 5:30–7:00 PM

• Aug 17 – Kelly O’Mara Concert (1025 Dyer Brook Rd)

• Aug 23 – Administrative Council [HT], 9 AM

• Aug 24 – Grand Piano Dedication Concert, 2 PM

• Aug 31 – Combined Service @ Stetson Memorial UMC, 10 AM

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 Prayer List
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, Ann Folsom, Jan Footer, Jack Galda, Al Higgins, Brian Ketchum, Austin McAfee, Jean Merritt, Beverly Nickerson, Richard Sherwood, Carol Sloat Smith, Dotty Smith, Tina Smith, Mark & Abby Swallow, Liz Taylor, John Trask, Jerry & Melanie Wilson, Debbie Wordwell, Karen Young

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In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Monday Morning Coffee - August 4

 

Happy Monday, Church Family!

May the Lord bless you richly as you begin a new week.

It was so good to see many of you at church this past Sunday. It’s always a gift to get away—and an even greater joy to come home.

Do you have a favorite movie? I have a few, but one of the most meaningful to me is Dead Poets Society. I watched it as a teenager, and it left a lasting impact on me. Last night, Joyce and I watched it again with our older children for movie night, and we all thoroughly enjoyed it.

There’s a memorable scene early in the film: on the first day of class, Mr. Keating—an unconventional and inspiring teacher—takes his students to the hallway of school portraits. He urges them to look into the faces of students long gone and says, “Carpe Diem”—Latin for “Seize the day.” From that moment on, he helps each student find their voice and chase their dreams, even in the face of challenge.

As I reflected on our Sunday Scripture from Acts 5 and the story of Billy Graham, it felt like a wake-up call for my soul. “Carpe Diem,” they whispered—Seize the day.

If you missed Sunday’s service, I invite you to read the message and watch the service online:

• Worship Service:
  Hodgdon on Facebook | Houlton on YouTube

• Special Music (Hannah Han):
  Watch on YouTube

• Message Manuscript:
  Strange Joy – Acts 5:27–42

• Bulletin:
  View/Download

I pray you have a wonderful week ahead—and remember, seize the day!

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor