JOY Weekly: September 2025

Monday, September 29, 2025

Monday Morning Coffee - Sep 29

“Where is everyone? The pews are empty,” Esther said.

My heart ached. I could almost picture each one who would have been there in their familiar seats. Without them, the empty pews seemed even emptier.

At Mars Hill, Esther missed Blinn and Joan—their warm hugs. We had hoped to celebrate their upcoming anniversary together, but it has become harder for them to attend. We missed Brian’s bright smile and gentle humor. He is still hanging on, but not strong enough to be with us in person.

At Houlton, we missed Pastor Lee’s hymn-sings and his loving presence. We missed David and Jane, and Jack, all still recovering from recent illnesses and surgeries.

Then I realized the message I had prepared this week was also for me. I had to preach it to myself. Whether it is disease, grief, or empty pews—whatever the trial—God’s grace is greater. And if trials bring us to our knees before God, then they carry a blessing. The greatest encouragement we have is a living hope in Christ—not only hope for the future, but hope from the future. Because of that guaranteed, glorious future, we can stand firm and stay the course.

With a renewed heart, I am grateful that we could celebrate John and Nina’s 73rd anniversary together. I am grateful for the choir, led by Diane, lifting our praises. I am grateful that Elizabeth could dance again after Friday. I am grateful for Susan, Chet, and Jeff and their music. I am grateful that we could share a rich Love Feast together. And I am grateful for you—the faithful ones.

If you missed it, you can watch the services at Mars Hill (Facebook) or Houlton (YouTube), and you can also read the message here (blog).

Sorrow and suffering may last for the night, but joy and hope come in the morning. Have a wonderful week!

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Life Together - Sep 27

“O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1, NRSV)

Today is the day Joyce returns home.

Though it has only been a short while, it feels like a month. Mothering is often a multitasking job - something that doesn’t come naturally to me. Getting the children ready for school, packing lunches, doing their hair, helping with homework, driving to sports practices… through it all I have grown in appreciation for Joyce and for all women who carry these daily tasks with such grace.

Last night, my children surprised me with a Thank You card. One by one, they shared what they were grateful for - the food I made, the indoor camping, the fun activities we enjoyed together. Their words warmed my heart.

It reminded me of Psalm 136, where God’s people list reason after reason to give thanks - 26 times, each ending with the refrain: “His love endures forever!” As we gather this Sunday, may we also bring our own personal thanks to God in worship.

This week my children asked me, “Dad, how can I help?” I paused and said, “Getting along with each other makes me happiest, and that’s the greatest help you can give me.” And they tried. I believe the same is true in our life together as God’s family: when we love one another well, our Father is glorified.

A quick reminder: this Sunday at Houlton is Family Worship Sunday. Children and adults will worship together, and afterward we’ll share in a Love Feast potluck. Our worship and fellowship are among the best ways we can honor God. Please come and join us!

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Outreach Opportunities

Lending Library & Food Pantry (Hodgdon UMC)

Hodgdon UMC is launching a new outreach: a Lending Library & Food Pantry! As a pilot, the church will open once a week with coffee and refreshments, where neighbors can borrow books, pick up food, and enjoy fellowship. The first opening is Saturday, Oct. 4, 10 am–12 pm, hosted by Jennifer and Jill. To volunteer or donate nonperishable food, please contact Jennifer at 592-6531.

Monthly Mission Project

In September, we’re blessing local animal shelters with donations of pet food, litter, cleaning supplies, or monetary gifts. Let’s share Christ’s love with all God’s creatures!

Church Fall Outing

Join us Friday, Oct. 3, 12–4 pm for a visit to the new Tekαkαpimək Contact Station (Katahdin Woods & Waters, Stacyville). Enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Katahdin and learn about Wabanaki heritage.

Meet at Houlton UMC parking lot at 12:00 pm to travel together (Patten folks meet at the station). Please RSVP—rides and carpooling available. Let’s journey together!

Life-Together Group Update

Our study on 1 Corinthians has begun! Over 13 weeks, we are exploring church life and discipleship—growing in faith, connecting with others, and deepening our walk with Christ. All are welcome to join anytime!

Happy Birthday! Happy Anniversary!

Sep 30 Emily Lilley Sep 28 Chuck & Mary Taylor

Oct 4 Stacy Ramsey Oct 1 Blinn & Joan Boone

Life Review Project – “Faithbook”

God’s grace is like a diamond’s facets—we see His glory through each person’s story. The more we know God’s people, the more we know God. So far, 31 saints from our four churches have shared their testimonies. You can read these stories at: faithbook2025.blogspot.com

Updated Dog Policy

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!

Worship Servants

		Hodgdon	Houlton	Mars Hill
Sep 28	Greeter	Carolyn Benn & Sandra Malone	Robert Victor & Mark Jackins	Children & Youth
	Liturgist	Jill Quint	Cynthia Forbush	Gaye Cronkite
	Coffee Hour		Love Feast Potluck (SPRC)
Oct 5	Greeter	Donald & Jennifer Metzger		Children & Youth
	Liturgist	Stacy Ramsey	Mark Jackins	Andy Anderson
	Coffee Hour

Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar

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, Melanie Wilson, Debbie Wordwell, Richard & Donna Wolverton, Karen Young, Kailynn

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Monday, September 22, 2025

Monday Morning Coffee - Sep 22

“The Show Must Go On”

Peace to you.

Have you been to an airport lately?

For me, every visit to the airport stirs up many emotions. Sometimes I’ve waited expectantly for my parents or said goodbye to them there. Other times, I’ve left for conferences with hope and returned with gratitude. Today, I brought Joyce to the airport.

In March 2022, Joyce attended a spiritual formation conference for Korean pastors’ wives at the Redemptorist Center in Tucson, AZ. At that time, she was wrestling with questions of identity and longing deeply for God and fellowship. There, she encountered God the Great Poet. Poetic inspiration, like an unstoppable flood, burst forth in her heart. She was renewed and restored.

In September 2022, I attended the same place for a spiritual formation conference. There I discovered the gifts of Silence, Solitude, and Community. In silent prayer, I sensed God nudging me to help Joyce thrive. Just two weeks later, we were invited to serve at Mars Hill UMC. I received it as God’s sign and said yes to the call.

The journey must go on. Now, in September 2025, after three years, Joyce is returning to that same sacred place—with great expectation. As I saw her off this morning, so many memories passed before me like a moving panorama. The airport itself seems unchanged, yet it holds so many stories in between.

In the days ahead, I will treasure each moment—getting our children ready for school, tending to household tasks. I will receive each day as God’s gift. The journey must go on.

“You teach me the way of life. In your presence is total celebration. Beautiful things are always in your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11, CEB)

May God bless you as you begin this new week. If you haven’t already, you can watch our Sunday services (Hodgdon | Houlton) and read this week’s message.

Be encouraged!

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Friday, September 19, 2025

Life Together - Sep 19

“Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

What Do People in Their 20s Want from Church?

The book Defiant Hope, Active Love (edited by Keuss) shares the findings of the Pivot NW Research group. Surprisingly, their answers were very traditional. Young adults said they found Scripture, prayer, worship, and communion most meaningful. They also long for intergenerational connection and authentic relationships.

Yesterday, it was beautiful to see Elizabeth bring a handmade cheering poster to Lydia and Abe’s soccer game. Parents, family, friends, and teachers—everyone joined together, cheering as one. We felt a true sense of community.

In that moment, Hebrews 12:1 came alive. We are here because someone once mentored us and cheered for us. And now, we can do the same for others—we can “pay it forward.”

My prayer is that as we gather this Sunday, we may feel that same sense of belonging—whether you’ve been here for decades or are visiting for the first time. May God build among us a community that is alternative, loving, and Christ-exalting.

Outreach Opportunities

Lending Library & Food Pantry
Hodgdon UMC is launching a new relationship-building outreach: a Lending Library and Food Pantry. How will it work? As a pilot program, we plan to open the church once a week, offering coffee and refreshments. People can borrow books, take food items as needed, and—most importantly—share conversation and fellowship.

Our first opening will be Saturday, October 4, from 10 am–12 pm, hosted by Jennifer and Jill. If you’d like to join in this meaningful ministry, please contact Jennifer at 592-6531. We also welcome donations of nonperishable food. Thank you for your partnership!

Monthly Mission Project
Throughout September, we are blessing our local animal shelters. We invite donations of pet food (canned or dry), cat litter, cleaning supplies, and monetary gifts. Together, let us share Christ’s love with all of God’s creatures.

Fall Outing

Have you heard of Tekαkαpimək Contact Station?
Located in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (Stacyville, ME), about an hour from Houlton, “Tekαkαpimək” means “as far as one can see” in the Penobscot language. From there, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Mt. Katahdin.

This new center welcomes visitors to explore the monument’s mountains, rivers, wildlife, and night skies while also honoring the rich culture and heritage of the Wabanaki people.

All four church families are invited on Friday, October 3 at 12:00 pm. We’ll meet at the Houlton UMC parking lot and travel together. (Patten folks will meet us at the station.)

Timeline:

12:00–1:00 — Drive to Tekαkαpimək Contact Station
1:00–3:00 — Outing
3:00–4:00 — Return home

Please RSVP so we can plan. If you need a ride or would like to carpool, let me know. Looking forward to journeying together!

Life-Together Group Update

Our study on 1 Corinthians has begun! Over 13 weeks, we’ll explore church life and discipleship—growing in faith, connecting with others, and deepening our walk with Christ. All are welcome to join anytime.

Hodgdon: Wednesdays at 3:15 pm (church)
Houlton: Tuesdays at 10 am (church, women’s group)
Mars Hill: Wednesdays at 10 am (Anderson’s home)

Life Review Project – Faithbook

God’s grace is like a diamond’s facets—we see His glory through each person’s story. The more we know God’s people, the more we know God. So far, 31 saints from our four churches have shared their testimonies.

You can read these stories at: faithbook2025.blogspot.com

Celebrations

Birthdays

Sep 22 — Kate Pyle
Sep 23 — Sarah Howe
Sep 23 — Angie Wotton
Sep 26 — Glynn Porter
Sep 27 — Sue Carr

Anniversaries

Sep 21 — Bob & Jo-Ann Barton
Sep 22 — Jack & Pam Galda
Sep 23 — John & Nina Trask

Updated Dog Policy

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

Worship Servants

		Hodgdon	Houlton	Mars Hill
Sep 21	Greeter	Jacob Lilley & Collin Lilley	Bob Lyons & Jerry Wilson	Children & Youth
	Liturgist	Rue Geishecker	Angela Cowperthwaite	Dale Blanchard
	Coffee Hour	Carolyn Benn & Sandra Malone	Cynthia Forbush & Susan Haskell
Sep 28	Greeter	Carolyn Benn & Sandra Malone	Robert Victor & Mark Jackins	Children & Youth
	Liturgist	Jill Quint	Cynthia Forbush	Gaye Cronkite
	Coffee Hour		Love Feast Potluck (SPRC)

Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar

Sep 21 — Family Worship & Coffee Hour [HD]
Sep 21 — Gardiner Music Service, 2 PM
Sep 23 — “Women of Witness” (WOW) [HT], 10 AM
Sep 23 — Together Tuesday [HT], 3:00–4:15 PM
Sep 24 — Life-Together Group [MH], 10 AM
Sep 24 — Life-Together Group [HD], 3:15 PM
Sep 26 — Gardiner Bible Study, 10 AM
Sep 26–27 — Church Yard Sale [HD], 9 AM–3 PM
Sep 27 — Administrative Council [HT], 9 AM
Sep 28 — Family Worship & Love Feast [HT]
Oct 3 — Dream Team [HT], 10 AM
Oct 3 — Fall Outing (Tekαkαpimək Contact Station), 12–4 PM
Oct 4 — Lending Library & Food Pantry [HD], 10 AM–12 PM
Oct 7 — “Women of Wonder” [HD], 3 PM

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, Melanie Wilson, Debbie Wordwell, Richard & Donna Wolverton, Karen Young, Kailynn

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Fall Outing

Have you heard Tekαkαpimək Contact Station?

It’s located at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (Stacyville, ME), about one hour from Houlton. “Tekαkαpimək” means “as far as one can see” in the Penobscot language. We can get a beautiful, panoramic view of Mt. Katahdin from this station.

This newly open center welcomes visitors to explore the monument’s mountains, rivers, wildlife, and night skies, while also honoring the rich culture and heritage of the Wabanaki people. If you would like to know more about the center, you can visit their website here.

All four church families are invited to this fall outing – Friday, October 3 at 12:30 pm. We will meet in the Houlton UMC parking lot, going together. Patten folks will be meeting us at the station at 1:30 pm.

Our timeline is:

12:30-1:30 driving to Tekαkαpimək Contact Station

1:30-3:00 outing

3:00-4:00 coming back home

If you are interested, please RSVP for planning. Also, if you need a ride or carpool, please let me know. Looking forward to journeying together.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Monday, September 15, 2025

Monday Morning Coffee - Sep 15

Good morning, church family!

Confucius once reflected on the journey of life: “At 15, I set my heart on learning. At 30, I stood firm. At 40, I had no more doubts. At 50, I knew the will of Heaven. At 60, my ear was attuned—ready to listen and accept.”

I was reminded of these words this past Sunday as we celebrated the 60th birthday of our beloved musician and church member, Susan Laurance, at Houlton. What a joy it was to honor her life and her music among us! According to Confucius, sixty is the age when the ear becomes attuned—when a person listens with wisdom, grace, and openness. Isn’t that a beautiful picture of what God shapes in us over time?

It was especially meaningful that Susan’s family—Paula and Sophie—could join us for worship and share Rev. Lee’s favorite hymn, “It Is Well with My Soul.” You can watch their special music here: link.

If you haven’t yet, you can also watch Sunday’s services, enjoy other special music, and read the message below:

Mars Hill: Service | “You Are My All in All” (Esther and Hannah) link | Message
Houlton: Service | “Gigue” (Esther Han) link | Message

May the joy of the Lord be your strength as you walk with Him this week. Love you all.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Friday, September 12, 2025

Life Together - Sep 12

“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
(1 Timothy 4:8, NLT)

Peace to you, dear friends.

I hope you are well.

The other day I had the joy of watching Grace run in her cross-country meet in PI. At the starting line, I saw the faces of all the runners—nervous, eager, full of anticipation. Minutes later, I watched them cross the finish line one by one. Their results weren’t decided “on the spot” but by the practices, day after day, behind the scenes. Grace and her team train faithfully.

Isn’t our spiritual life much the same? Recently, without any clear reason, I found myself in inner turmoil—more anxious, more irritable, impatient, questioning meaning and purpose, even more withdrawn. I realized I was walking through what people call a midlife crisis.

Storms like that will come to all of us—some small, some large. When they do, we cannot simply stand firm “on the spot.” We need a foundation already built. For me, my lifelines are praying the Psalms, journaling, gardening, jogging, biking, reading, and memorizing Scripture. These are basics, yes, but they are also the channels where God’s grace meets me. There is no magic wand, no shortcut—only the steady spiritual practices that root us in Christ. And I trust that when the storm rises, God's grace and God’s family will sustain me.

So whether you are in green pastures or walking through the valley, you are invited to join us this Sunday. May we encourage one another as we gather to worship and fellowship in Jesus’ name. May the Lord bless you and keep you!

Faithbook: Life Review Project

Can you guess who said this?

“Music has also been part of me. Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto moved me deeply. Before my stroke, I even learned to play parts of it. Since then, I’ve had to adapt, practicing tirelessly, working around limits. Determination is essential—practice a thousand times if you must. That is how life is lived: persistence with joy.”

This week I had the privilege of listening to Chet Husted’s life story. You can read his story, along with others from our “Patten saints,” here: faithbook2025.blogspot.com