Life Together: “Moving Forward”

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” 

(Hebrews 12:1)

“How do you do that?” I asked.

This is Brian’s second healing journey. He fell and fractured his hip. From ICU, to rehab, to home, he worked hard and returned to normal life. Then he fell again and fractured the other side. He had to start again from Day One.

And yet, as you can see, Brian still smiles. He stays positive.

“Well,” he said, “I’m 88. I can’t do many things I used to do. I didn’t choose where I am now, but I accept it and do what I can in the time I’m given. I take one day at a time.” I replied, “I admire both of you, Brian and Diane, for your strength, perseverance, and wisdom.”

So how do we learn to persevere?

Abe and I recently registered for our first half-marathon, which will take place in March. We are training on our own, increasing our distance by one mile each week. This week, we ran ten miles.

Not until I started running did I truly understand Hebrews 12:1. Running can be boring. It can be cold. I feel hungry, sore, sometimes even nauseous, with stomach pain. And yet, I keep running. My goal is simple: to move forward without stopping or walking.

Here is the lesson I am learning: We learn to persevere by persevering. In the same way, we learn to love by loving, to forgive by forgiving, and to give by giving. Yes, our spiritual journey is from grace to grace. But it is also "responsible" grace. We say “yes” to God’s grace, then we roll up our sleeves and practice it. As we do, we begin to bear more of the fruit of the Spirit.

The early Christians were known for two things: sexual purity and radical generosity. The Romans were confused by this. It was not simply rule-keeping. It was the fruit of their deep intimacy with the Lord Jesus.

We may not choose our time or our circumstances. But my prayer is that, in the time and situation we are given, we as a church will practice what pleases God and spread the aroma of Christ, especially in times like these.

This Sunday at Hodgdon and Houlton, we will explore the Gospel of John. Through the story of Lazarus, we will reflect on how it is possible to have faith after doubt - a faith for the here and now, even in the midst of loss, grief, and despair.

Have a blessed weekend. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

In Christ's Love, 

Pastor Victor

Monday Morning Coffee: "It Only Takes a Spark"

Peace to you, Church Family,

I hope you are doing well, especially during this record-breaking cold and snowy weather. Please stay safe and warm.

We are very grateful that we were able to gather both in person and online for worship this past Sunday. Personally, I was deeply encouraged by Gabriel’s faith story. It was a powerful testimony of how God faithfully loved him and worked in every season of his life—even when he was running away from God.

I was especially moved by how God prepared one person—Gabriel’s childhood friend from the age of seven, someone least likely to come to faith—to share the good news with him. Through his friend’s faithful witness and personal suffering, including the loss of his mother, Gabriel found his way home to the Father.

As I continued to meditate on Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son, two truths stood out to me:

1. Both sons are lost—one through a rebellious, self-seeking way, and the other through a religious, self-righteous way. The Father lovingly reaches out to both.
2. Returning home is not the end of the story, but the beginning. Becoming like the Father is the goal.

If you were not able to join us in worship, you are warmly invited to worship online. You can listen to Gabriel’s faith story, the sermon, Bertrand’s special music, and the Han family’s offertory at this link. You may also read or listen to the message at your convenience: Sermon Blog | Podcast Audio

Wherever you are on your journey today, please remember this: You are deeply loved by the Father. And may we each be that one person—the one who carries and passes on that love to the next person. Let's pass it on.

Stay warm, and have a blessed week.

In Christ's love, 

Pastor Victor 

Life Together

 

Dear Church Family,

It has been a tough winter in many ways. 

Yet, as Mr. Rogers often reminded us, when we are in trouble, we can look for the helpers. God always sends helpers. God always sends signs of hope along the way.

For me personally, there are moments when pastoral ministry feels especially meaningful. One of those moments came this past week during my interview with Carolyn Been (Hodgdon church member). She shared that, through our new Bible study, she read the entire Gospel of Matthew for the first time. When she finished, she felt something come together inside her. The Scripture felt alive. It felt personal. It was a reminder to me that it is never too late to grow deeper in faith.

You can read Carolyn’s life story here:
https://faithbook2025.blogspot.com/2026/01/do-it-anyway-by-carolyn-benn.html

You can also read other stories at our Faithbook Blog:
http://faithbook2025.blogspot.com

This weekend will be extremely cold. If you plan to attend worship in person, please bundle up and be extra careful. Mars Hill Church has decided to worship online only this Sunday.

You are welcome to join us online for worship (Houlton service at 11:00 AM) at this link:
https://youtube.com/live/0QLNQfoY0Pg?feature=share

Hodgdon (9:00 AM) and Houlton (11:00 AM) plan to gather in person as scheduled. At Houlton, we will celebrate Family Worship, followed by a potluck Love Feast.

Please stay safe. We look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday, in person or online. Love you all.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Monday Morning Coffee: "The Most Powerful Force"

You have probably heard the classic story of the Sun and the Wind.

One day, they decided to have a competition: Who is stronger? Who can make a man take off his coat?

The Wind went first. It blew hard and loud, showing off its strength. But the man only held his coat more tightly. Then the Sun shone warmly and gently. Before long, the man felt the warmth and took off his coat.

This simple story reminds us of an important truth: the most powerful force in this world is love.

During family worship at Hodgdon, our children were invited to make something that reminded them of this lesson, a symbol of love. They created beautiful pieces: baby Jesus’ cradle, the cross, the empty tomb, hearts, a praying person in a boat, and more. Their hands preached a quiet sermon of love and hope.

As we remember and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his words speak again to our time:

“Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.”

For such a time as this, may we promote the love and light of Christ. And we pray, let there be peace on earth, and may it begin right here, with you and me.

If you were unable to join us, you are warmly invited to watch and listen:

Sunday Worship Services:

Hodgdon | Houlton

The Message:

Podcast (Audio) | Blog (Reading)

Service Bulletin:

View Bulletin

May the Lord bless you and your week. Grace and peace to you all.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Life Together: "Becoming"

 

“What does it mean to be a church member?”

Someone asked me this the other day. My short answer: it means to become family. Without joining the church, we can still participate in activities and ministries. But becoming a church member means taking this relationship seriously. It means commitment.

One of my favorite quotes about the church is from Justin McRoberts:
"Being a Christian can sometimes feel like being in a family with a thousand drunk uncles."

It’s true. Being part of the church body can be messy. But it’s also beautiful. It’s a gift from God. Through thick and thin, we stay together. We learn to get along and grow in love, becoming more like Christ together.

This week, I had the joy of listening to several church members’ life stories. Let’s play a little Guess Who?

Who is this man?
He drove trucks for a living, served the church as a lay leader, has been married for over 60 years, and has a special love for the hymn “Rock of Ages.”

Who is this woman?
She grew up on a farm without running water, worked in schools for 30 years, was married for 67 years, faced deep loss and asked “why,” yet kept trusting God, prays daily for peace, believes kindness can change the world, and can quiet a room with just “the look.”

You’re invited to read their full life stories on the Faithbook blog. During Lent, we plan to share a brief version of our church members’ life stories each day online in the Upper Room devotional format.

What a blessing we are to each other! What a privilege to be part of the body of Christ! I am deeply grateful to God for each of you. Thank you for being part of this beloved community.

Stay well and safe in God’s grace. I look forward to worshiping together this Sunday, whether in person or online.

Bulletins:

• Hodgdon & Houlton Service Bulletin

• Mars Hill Bulletin

Worship Service Link:

• Houlton Service – YouTube

In Christ's Love, 

Pastor Victor 

Monday Morning Coffee: "20 Miles Per Hour"

 

Peace to you,

I hope you are doing well, especially after yesterday’s snowstorm.

Early this morning, I gave Abe a ride back to his school in Limestone. Overall, the roads were fairly safe, thanks to the hard work of our town plow drivers. On Route 1, we came up behind a snowplow traveling about 20 miles per hour, and we had to follow it for quite some time.

I noticed myself becoming anxious and impatient. I asked, “Why am I feeling this way?” I realized it was because I was not in control. I was not in charge of the speed. I did not like being limited.

Then, as we passed a wide-open field on Route 1, we suddenly hit a whiteout. At that moment, I felt strangely secure. I was grateful to be following that strong, steady truck. When the time came, the plow moved on, and I made it home safely.

Jesus walked about three miles per hour. He may have felt urgency, but he was never in a hurry. Can you imagine Jesus running around in panic? He walked. He ate with ordinary people. He touched the sick. He spoke with widows. Step by step. Always one person at a time. And on the cross, he was able to say, “It is finished.”

That same Jesus walks with us today. To keep in step with Jesus, our church has begun a new journey together, walking through the entire New Testament. Our sermons will walk alongside this journey. This past Sunday, we explored the Gospel of Matthew. This coming Sunday, we will turn to the Gospel of Mark. There are also opportunities to go deeper through small groups. If you are interested, please let me know.

If you were unable to join us, you can watch yesterday’s Houlton service here:
https://youtube.com/live/EQyHYBMAgKc?feature=share

You can also read the sermon here:
https://pastorvictorhan.blogspot.com/2026/01/surprised-by-grace-matthew-99-13.html

As an experiment to make our messages more accessible, we have also launched a sermon podcast. Weekly sermons will be uploaded there. You can find it on Spotify here:
https://open.spotify.com/show/0tff0FBUNVEML4DpoTHnlS?si=3f5b1848f9fa4680

On Apple Podcasts, simply search for “The Voice Crying Out.”

I hope this supports your daily walk with Jesus.

Have a blessed week ahead. Love you all,

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Life Together: “Sword Drill”

 

The Han family living room at 8:00 PM. That is our family devotion time.

We sit around the dining table and take turns reading one chapter from Proverbs. For example, if today is January 10, we read Proverbs 10. Since Proverbs has 31 chapters, we can read through the whole book every month. Now even Hannah can read verses aloud, which brings us great joy.

My children’s favorite part is what we call “sword drill.” We all raise our hands, holding our Bibles. One person calls out a verse - “John 3:16,” for example - and whoever finds it first and reads it aloud is the winner of the day.

I don’t know about you, but I feel I need sword drill more than ever. We hear troubling news almost every day. What is happening around the world, and even close to home here in Maine. This week, I was also deeply saddened by the news that Philip Yancey, a well-known Christian author, admitted to an eight-year affair and stepped away from public ministry. It makes me ask: Where do we find hope and strength to finish well?

For me, I practice two things.

First, adoration. Every morning, before the day begins and before meeting people, I take time to pray, especially using the Psalms. I adore God for who He is: how awesome, how majestic, how loving He is. I also sing hymns of praise, such as How Great Thou Art, Blessed Assurance, Because He Lives... When I begin the day with adoration, the problems of the day become smaller before our great God.

Second, Bible memorization. Worry is persistent. It tries to settle in my mind and stay there. My counterattack is to fill my heart and mind with God’s promises. Using the BibleMemory app, I recite verses again and again. God’s Word truly becomes like a double-edged sword, penetrating my soul, cleansing, guarding, and strengthening me.

Along with these personal practices, I believe an even greater source of hope and strength is the community of believers. When we gather, as a church, a small group, or even a committee, our hearts are comforted, our hands strengthened, and our hope renewed.

This new year, 2026, our Life-Together small groups will be walking through the entire New Testament together. My sermon will walk alongside that journey each week. This Sunday, we will explore the Gospel of Matthew with the theme: “Surprised by Grace.”

The weather forecast says we may have another snowstorm this Sunday. At this time, we still plan to worship in person at all three churches, but we will stay in close communication and follow our safety protocols. Final decisions will be confirmed two hours before each service - 7:00 AM for Hodgdon and Mars Hill, and 9:00 AM for Houlton. Please watch your email and our Facebook church page or Messenger group for updates.

If a service is canceled due to weather, you can still worship online here for the livestream at 11:00 AM or anytime later. You can also view the service bulletin here.

Please be safe. I look forward to worshiping together with you in person or online this Sunday. Love you all.

In Christ's Love, 
Pastor Victor

Bible Study Follow-Up and Preparation for Next Week (Hodgdon UMC)

Peace to you!

I hope you are doing well.

It was wonderful to see many of you yesterday at our Bible Study. If you were unable to attend, please know that you were missed.

At our first gathering, we watched a New Testament Overview by BibleProject.

Next week, we will explore the Gospel of Matthew together. If possible, please read Matthew, along with chapters 1–3 in our study book. You can find our discussion questions here.

I also found these BibleProject videos helpful for seeing the big picture of Matthew:

• Matthew Overview – Part I

• Matthew Overview – Part II

Thank you for journeying together in God’s Word. I look forward to seeing you next week!

In Christ's Love, 

Pastor Victor 

Our New Bible Study

Have you been to Story Land?

Many of us have fond memories there. My family and I visited last summer, and we had a wonderful time. While we were there, we rode the Huff Puff & Whistle Railroad more than once. It loops around much of the park. It offered rest, perspective, and joy, especially for my children. It truly is a simple and happy ride for all ages.

Our new Bible study, “Introducing the New Testament,” is a lot like that railroad.

At first glance, studying the entire New Testament can feel overwhelming. Our study book may also look intimidating. It is a summary of D. A. Carson’s Introduction to the New Testament, which is a very thick book.

But don’t be afraid! I can assure you this will be a gentle, meaningful, and joyful ride.

The study book is only a supplement. Our main focus is to appreciate the big picture of the New Testament and to read the Bible book by book together. And there is no test :)

So come and join us. You are warmly welcome on board!

Currently, we are offering two classes at Houlton. One is Women of Witness, starting next Tuesday (January 13) at 10:00 a.m. The second group is still to be determined. We originally planned to meet on Sunday after church, but some shared that Sundays would not work.

Another possibility is Thursday morning or afternoon. If you are interested in a Thursday group, would you kindly check your schedule and let me know by replying to this email?

Thank you. I am very much looking forward to our ride together.

In Christ's Love, 

Pastor Victor 

This Sunday (Jan 4, 2026)

 

A new year begins.

The first step sets the direction.

What better way to begin the new year than to come to church and start with God and God’s people?

This Sunday, we celebrate Epiphany Sunday, remembering the visit of the Magi. As they offered their gifts, may we also place Christ at the center of our lives - not as someone useful, but as someone precious.

During worship, we will also celebrate those who completed reading the New Testament or the entire Bible in 2025. What a joy to give thanks for God’s Word and faithfulness.

The weather has been cold and snowy. Please join me in prayer for those who are sick and recovering. If you are not able to join us in person, you are always welcome to worship online using the link below:
https://youtube.com/live/xLoqqYhLYRM?feature=share

The service bulletin is also attached.

May God richly bless you and your family as you begin this new year. I am truly looking forward to journeying together with you in the days ahead.

Together in Christ, 

Pastor Victor

------------------

Hodgdon UMC~Houlton UMC~Mars Hill UMC

 

January 4, 2026, 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM

Epiphany Sunday/ Bible Sunday

Prelude                                    Diane Ketchum [MH]

                                                 Rue Geishecker [HD]

                        Susan Laurence & Chet Husted [HT]

Prelude: In dulci jubilo (BWV 751), J.S. Bach

Antiphon: Grace Han, In dulci jubilo, J.S. Bach (UMH 224)

 

Hymn of Praise      “Sanctuary”    #2164 [HD & MH]  

              

Welcome & Announcements Andy Anderson [MH]

                                               Donald Metzger [HD]                                     

                                                     Mark Jackins [HT]

                

*Call to Worship           Psalm 118

 

*Opening Hymn “We Three Kings”          #254 [MH]

                          “Holy, Holy, Holy”   #64 [HD & HT]

 

Children’s Moment                       Pastor Mary [MH]

                                           Pastor Victor [HD & HT]

 

Joys & Concerns, Blue Christmas Prayer & Lord’s Prayer          

©     In your mercy Hear our prayer!       

                        

Anthem                                     MHUMC Choir [MH]                 

 

Special Music                             Jacob Hotham [HT]

 

Scripture        Matthew 2:1-12      Pastor Mary [MH]

               1 Corinthians 9:24-27  Liturgist [HD & HT]

 

Message     “Three Men and a Baby”  Pastor Mary [MH]

                             “Why I Run” Pastor Victor [HD & HT]

 

Unison Prayer                                          UMH #481

 

Passing the Peace of Christ (Sign Language)

 

Communion

Offertory, *Doxology (# 95) & *Offertory Prayer

                                                 MHUMC Choir [MH]                                                 

                                            Pastor Victor [HD & HT]

                 

*Closing Hymn   “Hymn of Promise”       #707 [MH]

      “We’ve a Story to Tell” #569 (1, 3, 4) [HD & HT]

 

*Benediction                                         

 

Postlude Ode To Joy from Symphony No.9 Op.125, L. van Beethoven [HT]

 

Call to Worship: Psalm 118

L:  Give thanks to the Lord because he is good,

P:  because his faithful love lasts forever.    

L:  It’s far better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust any human leader.

P:  All the nations surrounded me, but I cut them down in the Lord’s name.

L:  The stone rejected by the builders is now the main foundation stone!

P:  This has happened because of the Lord; it is astounding in our sight!

L:  This is the day the Lord acted;

P:  we will rejoice and celebrate in it!

L:  Lord, save us!

P: Lord, please let us succeed!

L:  Give thanks to the Lord because he is good,

P:  because his faithful love lasts forever.    

 

Prayer of Saint Francis  

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace;

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

 

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love;

for it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. (UMH #481)

Welcome!

We’re so glad you’re here! Whether you’re visiting or looking for a church home, we hope you feel God’s love and grace today.

 

“Busy Bags” are available for kids. Please return them after the service. Nametags are also available. Feel free to make one and use it each week!

🤝 Outreach Opportunities

As we begin a new year, we are invited to live out Christ’s love in practical ways. This January, our church is supporting Homeless Services of Aroostook, serving neighbors who need shelter, care, and hope.

 

You may give in-kind donations or monetary gifts. Checks may be written to the church, with “Homeless Services of Aroostook” in the memo line.

 

Most Needed Items:

  * Coffee supplies

  * Paper goods & plastic utensils

  * Personal hygiene items (no alcohol)

  * Towels, blankets, pillowcases

  * Cleaning & laundry supplies

  * Batteries & garbage bags

  * Gift cards (local grocery or hardware stores)

 

Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ in our community.

 

Bible Reading & New Bible Study

On Sunday, January 4, we will celebrate Epiphany Sunday and observe “Bible Sunday.” We will recognize those who have read through the entire Bible or the New Testament this year. If that includes you, please let Pastor Victor know.

 

Beginning in January, a new Bible study—Introducing the New Testament (D. A. Carson)—will run from January to May. The book cost is $10. Together, we will explore the whole New Testament and grow in our understanding of God’s Word.

©      Hodgdon Life-Together: Wed. Jan 7, 3:15 PM

©      Houlton WOW: Tue. Jan 6, 10:00 AM

Houlton Life-Together: Sun. Jan 11, 12:00 PM

©     Mars Hill Life-Together: TBD

 

Happy Birthday!

Jan 5 John Trask

Jan 7 Elizabeth Boyd

Jan 10 Andrew Larson

“Stewardship Is Discipleship”

Boxed offering envelopes for the new year are now available for pick-up. As we begin the year, let us continue to build up Christ’s church through our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness. Thank you for being a vital part of the body of Christ!

 

Life Review Project – “Faithbook”

God’s grace is like a diamond’s facets—we see His glory through each person’s story. You can read these stories at: faithbook2025.blogspot.com

 

Worship Servants

		Hodgdon	Houlton	Mars Hill
Jan 4	Greeter	Donald & Jennifer Metzger	Mark Jackins & Cathy Hutchinson	Children & Youth
	Liturgist	Donald Metzger		Andy Anderson
	Coffee Hour		Marion Collins & Sharon Lyons
Jan 11	Greeter	Duane & Bonnie Quint	Bob & Sharon Lyons	Children & Youth
	Liturgist	Rue Geishecker	Mary Taylor	Bonnie Anderson
	Coffee Hour		Victor Han & Gabriel Grimm	Love Feast Potluck Brunch

 

Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar

©      Jan 4: Epiphany Sunday (Bible Sunday)

©      Jan 6: Lay Servant Meeting [HT], 9 AM

©      Jan 6: Women of Witness [HT], 10 AM

©      Jan 6: Together Tuesday [HT], 3 PM

©      Jan 7: Backpack for Kids [HT], 9 AM

©      Jan 7: Life-Together Group [HD], 3:15 PM

©      Jan 7: Administrative Council [HD], 4:15 PM

©      Jan 9: Staff Parish Relations Com [HT], 9 AM

©      Jan 9: Outreach Com [HT], 10 AM

©      Jan 11: Family Worship & Coffee Fellowship [MH]

©      Jan 16: “Love & Meals” (Senior Meals) [HT], 11:30 AM

 

Prayer List

Dennis Anderson, Nathan Anderson, Janie Andrews, Bob & Jo-Ann Barton, Debbie & Anthony Benn, London Booker, Reita Briggs, Sue Carr, Bob Cowperthwaite, Duane Eldridge, Jack Galda, Heidi Geishecker, Brian Ketchum, Lee/Laurence families, Austin McAfee, Jean Merritt, Beverly Nickerson, Beth Peterson, Barbara Porter, Kerry Quint, Robin Quint, Richard Sherwood, Carol Sloat Smith, Dotty Smith, Dicki Somers, Mark and Abby Swallow, Liz Taylor, Corey Toderio, Helen Woods, Debbie Wordwell, Karen Young, Kailynn, Wilson/Howe families

 

*We invite you to use this list as part of your daily prayers. Please let Pastor Victor know if you would like to add or remove names from the list.