Life Together: “We Have a Dream Today.”

*Dream Team (May 1, 2026)

Friday morning at 10 a.m. 

18 of us from all four churches gathered together. Our new pastor, Craig Taylor, was also able to join us via Zoom.

Our most pressing question was this: How can Pastor Craig possibly serve all four churches, especially on Sundays?

Yet, as he shared his thoughts and plans, a renewed sense of hope began to grow among us. Pastor Craig was knowledgeable, warm, and carried a good sense of humor. Many of us left with a strong sense that God has brought the right person among us. You are encouraged to read the Dream Team meeting summary here.

Today’s meeting reminded us of a "tapestry." When we look from the back, it often appears messy - threads tangled and unclear, with little meaning. But when we turn it around, we see a beautiful work of art.

Today, somehow, we could see a glimpse of the other side. We saw a next stepping stone to walk on. And that is enough for now. God is faithful, and he will carry us through.

I believe this Sunday we will take another step forward as nine United Methodist churches gather together at 10:30 a.m. at Grant Memorial UMC in Presque Isle. We will worship with our bishop, followed by a luncheon. The host church will provide hot food, and we are invited to bring salads or desserts. After lunch, the bishop will share a presentation on where we are and where we are headed as the UMC.

Throughout April, we collected donations for the Hope and Justice Project. During the service, we will have a time to bless these gifts for their ministry. For the offering, please use an envelope and indicate your church name.

If you need a ride or would like to carpool, please let Joyce or me know. We are happy to help arrange it. The service will also be livestreamed on the Grant Memorial UMC Facebook page here.

With God, we press on. 

With God, all things are possible. 

So we have a dream today.

Have a blessed weekend, and see you Sunday :)

In Christ's Love, 

Pastor Victor 

Dream Team Meeting Summary

 Dream Team Meeting Summary

(Pastoral Transition & Cooperative Parish Planning)

 

Present: Sara and Rick Hill, Penny & Ross Gowen, Bonnie & Andy Anderson, Sally Sutton, Diane Ketchum, Puala Lilley, Jill Quint, Jack Forbush, Susan Laurence, Gabriel Grimm, Marion Collins, Pastor Craig, Pastor Mary, Pastor Joyce, and Pastor Victor

 

1. Opening & Introductions

• Meeting began with introductions (name, church, favorite food).
• Pastor Craig joined via Zoom from Kentucky.

 

2. Centering Devotion – Luke 5:1–11 (“Into the Deep”)

• Theme: Trusting Jesus beyond our experiences and feelings.
• Even when tired and discouraged, we respond: “Because you say so, I will.”
• Encouragement: Christ is the head of the church. And he knows what he is doing.

 

3. Sunday Worship Planning (Key Discussion)

• Current reality: Four churches, multiple service times, shared leadership.
• A single pastor covering all churches every Sunday is not sustainable.
• Suggested idea: “A/B rotation model”
• Pastor rotates between two “legs” of churches each week.
• Lay servants and retired clergy help lead other services.
• A: Mars Hill (9 am) & Houlton (11 am)
• B: Hodgdon (9 am) & Patten (10:30 am or 11 am)
• Be flexible—this is a starting point, not permanent.

 

4. July Transition Plan

• July 5:
• This will be Pastor Craig and his family’s first Sunday attending worship with us, though he will not be leading the service.
• Proposed: Combined 4-church worship at 10:00 AM at Houlton.
• Include welcome/transition elements for Pastor Craig.
• July 12:
• Begin A/B rotation model (initial trial phase for July).
• Pastor Craig begins regular preaching schedule.

 

5. Lay Leadership & Shared Resources

• Strong appreciation for lay servants and retired clergy.
• Need for:
• Greater coordination across churches
• Possible shared parish-wide lay ministry team
• Ongoing concern: consistency and sustainability.

 

6. Worship & Music  

·       Each church currently organizes worship in its own context.

o   Hodgdon, Houlton, and Mars Hill: Pastor and musicians work closely together.

o   Patten: Worship committee collaborates with the pastor.

·       There is strong musical leadership in most churches, with a need for additional support in Patten (Mary has graciously offered to help).

·       Possibility of sharing musical gifts across the parish.

 

7. Ministry Priorities Identified

Across the churches, key priorities include:

• Small Groups / Bible Study
• Children & Youth Ministry
• Together Tuesday (afterschool program, Houlton)
• Friday Kids Program (Patten)
• Backpack for Kids (non-perishable food delivery)
• Senior Ministry
• Senior Meals (delivery-based, strong community impact)
• Community Outreach
• Lend A Hand (Hodgdon)
• Food Pantry (Patten)
• Visitation Ministry
• Strong need, especially for homebound members
• May require a team-based parish approach

 

8. Pastor Craig’s Passions & Gifts

• Passion for Disaster Relief Ministry (ERT leadership and training, UMCOR)
• Strength in technology and livestreaming
• Commitment to support all existing ministries
• Visitation is an area he will work to grow with accountability

 

9. Support for Pastor Craig & Family

• Immediate need:
• Local emergency contact for children’s school (Houlton)
• Amanda Howe (Houlton Elementary Kindergarten teacher, Houlton UMC member): 207-538-6491, amanda.howe@rsu29.org
• Moving date:
• Arrival: June 24 (morning)
• Churches will help with:
• Unloading
• Basic groceries (“pounding”)
• Ongoing support:
• Help family adjust to local culture and community life
• Practical winter guidance (driving, weather readiness)

 

10. Communication & Administration

• Temporary plan for shared bulletin preparation (summer)
• Cliasta Bither will be our office administrator for summer months (June-Aug)
• Future consideration:
• Unified vs. church-specific bulletins

o   Currently, Hodgdon, Houlton, and Mars Hill share a common bulletin, while Patten prepares its own.