Life Together: "Making Sense of Suffering"

 

“This is my home now,” Reita said calmly and peacefully.

She shared how grateful she is for the staff at Madigan, for her roommate Pat, and for the safe and caring environment there. I was deeply moved by her wisdom and quiet strength to accept this season of life.

When I arrived, she was in the middle of her daily exercise, walking the hallway for a few laps. After returning to her room, she smiled and said, “I’m aging. What’s new? How is the church?”

I replied, “The church is doing well, but we miss you. By the way, can you believe I’ve been here for 12 years?”

She smiled again and said, “Are you telling me you’re aging too?”

Though she is confused at times, her gentle humor is still there.

We spent time looking at the pictures on her wall, remembering stories, and reflecting together on life and death. Our conversation reminded me of this Scripture:

“So we aren’t depressed. But even if our bodies are breaking down on the outside, the person that we are on the inside is being renewed every day… We live by faith and not by sight.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:16; 5:7 (CEB)

Paul was no stranger to suffering. While suffering often remains a mystery, he helps us see it through the lens of faith. Our weaknesses, struggles, and burdens can become a doorway through which God’s power and glory are revealed.

I look forward to exploring this word together with you this Sunday.

Have a blessed weekend. See you Sunday!

In Christ's Love, 
Pastor Victor

Church Directory Updates

Dear Church Family,

Peace to you.

We are in the process of updating our church directory. Please review your information in the attached file to make sure it is current—your address, contact information, photo, birthday, anniversary, and any other details. If there is anything you would like to add, update, or remove, please let me know.

A sample printed copy will also be available on the welcome table this Sunday for your reference.

My prayer is that our church directory will help strengthen our unity in Christ and encourage us to care for one another in love.

Have a blessed and peaceful weekend. Love you all.


In Christ's Love,
Pastor Victor

*2026 Hodgdon & Houlton UMCs Directory Draft

*2026 Mars Hill UMC Directory Draft

P.S. The formatting of the MS Word document may not display correctly in the Google Docs viewer. Please review the content carefully to make sure everything appears accurate.

Monday Morning Coffee: “Too Busy Not to Pray”

 

This past Saturday, we had a wonderful time at our Monticello Sliding Party. It was full of laughter and joy. But on the way back, I had a small problem. My car got stuck in the middle of a hill. Pressing the accelerator and turning the wheel did not help. It seemed hopeless.

But help was on the way. Bob Lyons and another gentleman came alongside me. One pushed from the front, and the other guided me from the back. After several attempts, the car was finally free.

That moment made me reflect. During Sunday’s message, I shared how God often lifts me out of the emotional pits during my morning prayer time. Again and again, I learn this truth: it is not about trying harder; it is about relying more fully on God. When we work, we work. But when we pray, God works.

It is said that Martin Luther spent two hours a day in prayer. When his schedule became even busier, he said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Instead of reducing prayer when overwhelmed, he increased it.

I remember something my mentor, Eugene Peterson, once shared in his book Contemplative Pastor. When I said I was very busy, he gently replied, “You are busy because you are lazy.” At first, I did not understand. It sounded unfair. But over time, I began to see the truth.

Many times, I was busy because I was being driven by my schedule and my to-do list. But when I pray, God gives vision, clarity, and direction. Prayer helps me move ahead of the schedule instead of always feeling behind.

If we do not want to live in constant busyness, we must pray. If we do not want to be dragged by our schedules, we must go ahead through prayer. Let us say, “I’m too busy not to pray,” instead of, “I’m too busy to pray.”

This past Sunday, we explored 1 Corinthians 13, the Love Chapter, within the real struggles of the Corinthian church. If you missed it, you can watch or listen here:

Services

• Mars Hill Service

• Houlton Service

• Special Music – “In Christ Alone”

Message

• Podcast Audio (Spotify) | Podcast Audio (Apple)

• Blog Reading

May the Lord meet you in quiet moments this week. And may His strength carry you forward.

In Christ’s love,
Pastor Victor 

P.S. This Wednesday is our Lenten Soup & Devotion at noon at Houlton UMC. The Houlton Community Handbell Choir will offer special music, and Pastor Joyce will lead the devotion. All are welcome.

P.S. 2 If you have not yet returned your Baby Bottle for the Pregnancy Care Center, please bring it next Sunday. If you already have, thank you for your generous partnership.

Life Together: "Journey to Transformation?"

Peace to you. 

Sometimes a small word makes a big difference.

At first, our Lenten theme was Journey to Transformation. But as I prayed and reflected, I realized that Journey of Transformation expresses our faith more faithfully.

If we say journey to transformation, it sounds like transformation is a "destination" — something we reach at the end. But journey of transformation reminds us that change is an ongoing process. God is at work in every step, every season, every stage of life.

During these forty days, I have felt deeply privileged to read, edit, and share our church family’s faith stories daily. In each story, I see the quiet and faithful work of God over time. If you would like to read them, you can find them here: https://2026lent.blogspot.com/. And if you would like to share your own story, I would be honored to help you.

At times, our journey feels like a battlefield. We groan. We struggle. Sometimes we feel like we are just trying to survive. Barely hanging in there. Yet the Bible reminds us again and again that we live from victory, not for victory.

But what is the foundation of that victory?

This Sunday, we will look at First Epistle to the Corinthians, especially the well-known chapter 13 - love chapter. Together we will discover why Christians can live with hope and become eternal optimists, no matter the circumstances.

Please join us for worship this Sunday. At Houlton, we will have Family Worship, followed by a Love Feast potluck luncheon. Please also remember to return your Baby Bottles for the Pregnancy Care Center.

Have a joyful weekend. I look forward to worshiping with you.

In Christ's Love, 
Pastor Victor 

P.S. Houlton Service Link:
https://youtube.com/live/2xguVtA1qo8?feature=share

Ash Wednesday Update

Peace to you,

I hope you are doing well.

During our Ash Wednesday service, each of us was invited to choose a small stone to represent our hearts. We were encouraged to hold it during our daily prayer time and then return it on Good Friday as a symbolic act of our devotion to Christ.

For me, I chose the stone shown in the picture—one side smooth and the other rough. It reminded me of the rough edges God has recently been revealing in my life through my blind spots.

I also shared how God spoke to Jonah by disturbing his comfort zone and lovingly revealing his blind spots. If you were not able to attend, you can watch the service and read the message here:

• Watch the service: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17vW2bag2y/

• Read the message: https://pastorvictorhan.blogspot.com/2026/02/reflect-repent-renew-2026-ash-wednesday.html

This year’s Lenten theme is “Journey of Transformation.” During Lent, we are invited to reflect and repent as we walk together, listening to one another’s faith stories:

• Lenten Faith Stories (Daily Devotional): https://2026lent.blogspot.com/

May God renew our hearts and minds for His glory as we journey through this holy season together.

In Christ's Love, 
Pastor Victor

Monday Morning Coffee: "Reflect, Repent, Renew"

Peace to you, church family.

This new year, we are exploring the New Testament book by book each week. Yesterday, we listened to the glory of the gospel in the book of Romans. We were reminded that the gospel not only saves us, but continues to transform us from one degree to another.

It feels timely as we prepare to enter our 40-day Lenten journey this week. In Scripture, the number 40 marks a season of transformation—Israel in the wilderness, Moses on Mount Sinai, Elijah’s journey, Jonah’s warning, and Jesus in the wilderness. Forty days is a sacred time. It is space for God to reshape our hearts.

This year, I invite us to practice the 3R’s:

Reflect

For 40 days, beginning this Wednesday, we will share one faith story each day through email and Messenger. Please set aside intentional time to read and prayerfully reflect.

Day 1: "Learning to Love like Christ" – Rev. Kwan Lee’s Story
👉 Read Day 1 Here

Repent

After reflecting, we turn to God. Yesterday you received a Prayer of Confession bookmark (adapted from the Book of Common Prayer). Let us pray daily:

Merciful God, I turn to you. Forgive what I have done wrong and what I have left undone. Renew my heart, teach me to love you fully and to love my neighbor well. Lead me in your ways, for the sake of Jesus. Amen.

Renew

As we reflect and repent, God renews our minds. Then we begin to discern God’s will. Each day, practice one small, intentional act of love. This is how we make room for the Holy Spirit to work in us and transform us from one degree to another.

If you missed the service, you may watch or listen:

Services
👉 Hodgdon Service Recording
👉 Houlton Service Recording

Sermon Message
👉 Podcast Audio
👉 Blog Reading

This Wednesday, we will gather for Ash Wednesday service at noon at Hodgdon. You are warmly invited.

Have a blessed week. Happy Lunar New Year :)

In Christ's Love, 

Pastor Victor 

Life Together: "From Glory to Glory"

 

“Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit
into every troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit;
let us find that second rest.”

Do you recognize these words?

They come from Love Divine, All Loves Excelling by Charles Wesley.

This hymn beautifully tells the story of our Christian pilgrimage from beginning to end—how God reaches out to us in Jesus Christ, how the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us, and how we are changed from glory to glory until the day we are made perfect in His presence.

Today I sang this hymn with Liz Taylor, who is now under hospice care. Though her body is tired, her spirit is bright. As we began to sing her favorite hymn, her face began to glow. She smiled. She sang from memory. It was holy ground.

Her room is a quiet testimony to her faithful walk with Christ. The pictures on her shelf. The books that fill her room—Bible studies, hymnals, small group materials. Each one tells a story. Liz sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, led Social Saturday (children’s outreach), organized the Thank You Ministry for First Responders, preached from the pulpit, and faithfully served on many committees. Her life has been poured out in love.

Though she is now bedridden, her spirit is not bound. I often hear her softly humming hymns. It reminds me of what John Piper once said: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” In this way, Liz continues to glorify God simply by being who she is in Christ.

Thanks to her daughter Lisa, Liz was also the first person to share her life story for our Life Review project. If you would like to read it, here is the link:
https://faithbook2025.blogspot.com/2025/03/walking-with-god-through-every-season.html

“Finish, then, Thy new creation;
pure and spotless let us be.
Let us see Thy great salvation,
perfectly restored in Thee;
changed from glory into glory,
till in heaven we take our place…”

Our journey continues.

This Sunday, we will sing this hymn together. May God be glorified as we rejoice in Him. May we breathe in His loving Spirit. May we find that “second rest” in Christ.

Stay well, and see you Sunday!

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Monday Morning Coffee: “Who Is the Happiest Person in the World?”

Dear Church Family,

Good morning. I hope you are well.

“Who is the happiest person in the world?”

If you google this question, one common answer is Matthieu Ricard, a French-born Tibetan Buddhist monk and author who writes about happiness. He himself dismisses the title “the happiest man,” saying it is impossible to measure the happiness of billions of people.

St. Augustine famously prayed, “You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” Pastor John Piper echoes this truth: God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.

For me, this has been deeply true. Before Christ, as Blaise Pascal described, I felt a “void” in my heart—restless and wandering. But since Christ came into my life, I have known wholeness, purpose, and direction. With humility and gratitude, I can now say, “I am a happy person,” because my joy is rooted in Christ.

Recently, Esther made me a handmade birthday card titled “Dad on the Pulpit.” I treasure it. It reminded me that even my child can see how deeply joyful and fulfilled I am when I share the good news with God’s people. God willing, I want to continue to study the Word, live the Word, and preach the Word for as long as I can.

Last Sunday’s message was also about our calling. If you missed it, I invite you to watch or listen and be encouraged:

• Service recordings: Mars Hill | Houlton
• Message: Podcast Audio | Blog Reading

May the Lord bless you this week. May God be glorified as you find your deepest satisfaction in Him. Love you all.

In Christ's Love,
Pastor Victor

Souper Bowl Sunday Celebration! 🏈

 

Together, our three churches collected 84 canned goods and $260 for the Salvation Army food pantry (Hodgdon: 25 cans/$46, Houlton: 48 cans/$122, Mars Hill: 11 cans/$92).

Special thanks to the Hodgdon Life-Together Bible Study, Houlton Hope Circle, and Mars Hill UMW for their generous matching gifts.

Thank you, church family!

Have a fun and meaningful Super Bowl Sunday! 

In Christ's Love, 

Pastor Victor 

Life Together: "How Long?"

 

“How long will it last, Lord? Will you hide yourself forever?” (Psalm 89:46)

Have you ever questioned God, “Why?” or “How long?”

I want to be honest with you. Recently, Joyce and I have felt quite discouraged by what has been happening in the life of the church and in the world around us. More than once, I found myself praying, “Why, Lord?” and “How long?”

At times, God felt distant, as if God were hiding his face. I could not see him at work—north, south, east, or west. So I prayed for signs of hope, for signs that God was still working among us.

Then I listened to Gabriel’s life story. And all I could say was, “Wow. God, You are awesome. You are always working, saving, and redeeming.”

Gabriel, too, asked God, “Why?” For many years, he felt as though God had put a target on his back and then walked away. From his teenage years into his late thirties, he wanted nothing to do with faith. Yet the truth is this: God never let go of him. God was faithfully at work all along.

In God’s time, Gabriel came home, back to faith and back to a spiritual home. He shared these words:

“I started looking for a church. I wanted my daughter to have a fair shot… Then we came here. This place felt like home. Small. Real. Loving. Like the church I grew up in. People knew each other. There was space to belong. Space to help. Space to be needed. And that mattered to me.”

You can read Gabriel’s full life story here: "Uncovered" – Gabriel Grimm’s Faith Story

In many ways, we are like the two disciples walking to Emmaus, our eyes clouded by sadness, grief, and discouragement, even as the risen Christ walks right beside us.

Yet God comes to us in every season and through many means—through prayer, through the scriptures, through shared meals, through Souper Bowl Sunday, through tonight’s Prayer Vigil, and through stories of redemption happening in our midst.

As we gather for worship this Sunday, may God open our eyes and set our hearts burning anew.

Have a blessed weekend. I truly look forward to worshiping together.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

P.S. If you are able, please consider sitting closer to the front during worship. It helps those who worship online and also helps me preach more clearly. Most of all, it strengthens our sense of closeness, connection, and community. We are better together :)

Monday Morning Coffee: “Signs of Spring”

“But now, O Lord, what do I look for?

My hope is in you.” (Psalm 39:7)

Where do you see signs of spring today?

Though it is Groundhog Day, many of us may feel that it is still winter rather than spring.

There are times when sorrow and burden accumulate little by little, until one day the weight feels heavy. For me, this past Sunday was one of those days. As I looked at the empty pews - seats once filled with our beloved church members, smiling, chatting, singing, and worshiping together. I felt a deep heartache. Some are sick. Some are homebound. Some have drifted. Some have moved on. After the service, sitting in the quiet, empty sanctuary by myself, my heart felt even more empty.

Normally, I do not listen to my own sermon, except to make sure it is uploaded correctly. But this morning, I needed encouragement. I needed hope from the Word. So I listened and prayed that God would open my eyes to see signs of hope and to encounter the God of today.

And slowly, I began to see...

Two smiling faces who traveled from Danforth to worship with us. My children’s honest and encouraging feedback. Bob’s children’s message, boldly sharing good news and God’s love. A joyful Sunday School time at Hodgdon, creating a Mission Board with Jennifer and Jill. A Bible science class with Chet. Meaningful conversations during coffee hour. "Faithful ones" who keep showing up, stepping up, and watching over one another in love... one person at a time.

Today, you may feel like Lazarus, alone in a cold, dark tomb. If so, look for Mary and Martha, God’s angels who show care and support. Or perhaps you are in the place of Mary or Martha. If so, look for Lazarus, someone struggling, tired, or hurting. Reach out. Love that person. One person at a time.

Our hope is not in ourselves or in this world. Our hope is in Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He is for us, not against us. He intercedes for us, and He is able.

If you were unable to join us, you are welcome to watch or listen:

• Worship Services: Hodgdon | Houlton
• Message: Read the blog | Listen to the podcast

Let us hold fast. Spring is coming. Happy Groundhog Day :)

In Christ's Love, 

Pastor Victor