JOY Weekly

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Church Elevator Update

Dear Church Family,

I wanted to share an important update about our church elevator. Yesterday evening, the technician from Maine Accessibility inspected the unit and advised that the elevator is not safe to use at this time. We have now shut it down for everyone’s safety.

The main issue is an internal valve leak, which will require a full rebuild. The clicking sound many of us heard recently was the elevator car slowly dropping—another sign that the system cannot operate safely.

The technician is contacting the manufacturer to check if the needed parts are still available. If the parts cannot be sourced, Maine Accessibility will research the next steps for us in the coming days.

We expect to receive a formal written report from the company soon. For early planning purposes:

A wheelchair lift would cost approximately $40,000
A new elevator would cost approximately $100,000

We will keep you updated as more information comes in. Thank you for your patience and your grace as we work toward a safe and reliable solution that serves everyone in our church family.

With gratitude and care,
Bob Lyons

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Sunday Afternoon Coffee - Nov 16

Good afternoon, everyone. I hope you are well.

Thanks to technology, we were able to hold a last-minute hybrid service for all four of our churches today. I was grateful and surprised to see how many came in person, and thankful for those who worshiped with us online, both live and later in the day.

You can watch the service here:
https://youtube.com/live/8DNPbXJdW7s?feature=share

You can read today’s message here:
“Shepherd Is Enough” – Psalm 23 & John 10

Bulletins:
Hodgdon and Houlton: Service Bulletin
Mars Hill: Service Bulletin

As the weather grows colder, may you stay warm, safe, and encouraged. May the Lord our Shepherd give you comfort and strength as we worship and walk together in faith.

Have a blessed week ahead. Peace to you.

In Christ's Love,

Pastor Victor

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Life Together - Nov 15

My parents just celebrated their 50th anniversary.

As I look back, I see so many twists and turns. There have been ups and downs, laughs and tears, celebrations and crises in our family, in church, and in relationships.

In my mind, my parents always seem to be in their 40s - young, strong, healthy, and dependable. Yet in the blink of an eye, I find myself now in my mid-40s. The older I get, the more often I ask, “What would my parents do?” I am thankful that I can still text or call them with my questions. But I also know a day will come when I can no longer do that in real time.

This morning my children and I had our weekly FaceTime call with my parents. I learned my dad has been struggling with heart issues. He looked weary and tired, but he still smiled and said, “All is well.” I smiled back, but my heart ached.

This week I have been meditating on Psalm 23 for Sunday’s message. David’s prayer has felt alive, more personal and more real than before.

Whether we are walking on the clouds or through the valley, our Shepherd is enough. And for me, I am grateful to be surrounded by faithful brothers and sisters in Christ.

This Sunday, Hodgdon Church celebrates Family Worship Sunday with Coffee Fellowship at 9 AM. Mars Hill meets at 9 AM, and Houlton at 11 AM. (Livestream link: https://youtube.com/live/8DNPbXJdW7s?feature=share)

May the Shepherd of our souls bless you and keep you. Love you all.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

🤝 Outreach Opportunities

Monthly Mission Project Updates

This November, our cluster mission project is the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ Tree for the St. Apollonia Festival of Trees! Let’s fill it with gift cards—be creative and support local businesses! Your gifts will help provide free dental care for children in our County. Please bring your gift cards by Sunday, November 23.

We (Houlton) are also launching a “Good Neighbor Fund” to help support our new Soup Kitchen ministry and other local care needs in our community.

Our December mission partner is the Salvation Army! We will have the joy of being bell-ringing angels – Houlton on Saturday, November 29 (sign-up sheet available on the welcome table), Hodgdon date to be announced. We will also bless local families through the Angel Tree project. Stay tuned for more details.

Angel Wheels – A Ride Ministry (Houlton UMC)

We are looking for a few angels who can offer a ride to some of our Gardiner friends who wish to join us for Sunday worship. If you’re able to help, please let Linda Maraya or Pastor Victor know. Thank you for sharing Christ’s love in this simple but meaningful way!

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 Saturdays 10 am-12 pm with coffee and refreshments, where neighbors can borrow books, pick up food, and enjoy fellowship.

Combined Service Update

On November 30 at 10 AM at Hodgdon, our four sister churches will gather for worship and to celebrate the first Sunday of Advent together! After the service, we’ll share in a Love Feast potluck fellowship. This is a great opportunity to bring family and friends. Come and worship together!

Happy Birthday! Happy Anniversary!

Nov 18 Sirong Wang Nov 19 Richard & Donna Wolverton

Life-Together Groups

Our study on 1 Corinthians has begun! All are welcome to join anytime!

Fridays at 10 am at the Gardiner

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*
Nov 16	Greeter	Jacob Lilley & Collin Lilley	Sharon Lyons & Jerry Wilson	Children & Youth
	Liturgist	Rue Geishecker	Marion Collins	Dale Blanchard
	Coffee Hour	Perry & Paula Lilley	Cathy Hutchinson & Jerry Wilson
Nov 23	Greeter	Carolyn Benn & Sandra Malone	Mark Jackins & Cathy Hutchinson	Children & Youth
	Liturgist	Jennifer Metzger		Gaye Cronkite
	Coffee Hour		Cynthia Forbush

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, Duane Eldridge, Jack Galda, Heidi Geishecker, Heidi McGary, Brian Ketchum, Austin McAfee, Jean Merritt, Beverly Nickerson, Kerry Quint, Robin Quint, Richard Sherwood, Carol Sloat Smith, Dotty Smith, Mark and Abby Swallow, Liz Taylor, Melanie Wilson, Debbie Wordwell, Richard & Donna Wolverton, Karen Young, Kailynn

Monday, November 10, 2025

Monday Morning Coffee - Nov 10

“But the Lord’s plan stands forever; what He intends to do lasts from one generation to the next.” - Psalm 33:11

Peace to you.

November 9 is a special day.

Exactly 36 years ago, the Berlin Wall fell. No one believed it would until it actually did. It seemed impossible. Yet the day came. The iron wall collapsed, and the people were reunited.

Have you ever felt hopeless, as if something could never change? For me, at times, the decline of Christianity and the church feels irreversible. But yesterday’s Cluster Music Service was a reminder that God is still at work. It was a sign of hope, a ripple of joy spreading beyond the church walls.

One of the worshipers approached me as she was leaving and said, "You may not recognize me. I’ve moved away. But years ago, when I was young, this church, you, and Joyce made a great impact on my life. I just wanted to let you know.”

Friends in Christ, God is always at work. We may see nothing, but still, by his grace, we are making disciples, one person at a time.

If you missed it, you can watch the music service here: Cluster Music Service

You can also watch our Sunday worship services here:

Houlton UMC: YouTube Link
Mars Hill UMC: Facebook Link

And you can read this week’s message, “Manna Is Enough”, here: Read the Message

Even when we see nothing or feel nothing, God is still working. His plan stands firm forever. Let us rejoice and place our hope in Him.

Be encouraged and take heart.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Life Together - Nov 8

*Photo: Andre Derain's At the Suresnes Ball (1903)

Peace to you.

Lately, I’ve been deeply moved by the life of Alexei Navalny, who courageously stood up against Putin’s regime. He was brave, articulate, winsome, and a man of integrity. When I first heard the news that he had been arrested and later killed in prison, my heart sank. “What a waste,” I thought. “He could have mobilized and led so many more people.” I couldn’t understand it.

But after reading his autobiography, I began to see things differently. Perhaps imprisonment was his calling, because his imprisonment became his most powerful pulpit. Through his suffering, millions inside and outside of Russia found the courage to stand for what is right.

Now, let me share a bit of my own story. This week, I attended a conference on intergenerational ministry. The theme was wonderful, but I felt like the man dancing with a taller woman in André Derain’s painting, a bit awkward and out of rhythm, yet trying to keep up with a smile.

When I arrived, I realized I didn’t know anyone. No colleagues from our conference. No Koreans. Many came in groups or with familiar friends. The setting seemed made for social butterflies: upbeat music, round tables, photo booths, and endless invitations to mingle and connect. As an introvert, I found it hard to fit in.

At times, I even wondered if I was truly suited to be a pastor, especially one called to lead children, youth, and intergenerational ministry. But then, one thought came to me: Perhaps this awkward, uncomfortable moment is itself a gift.

I grew up as a pastor’s kid. The church was always my home: safe, warm, familiar. But not everyone feels that way. Many people feel inadequate, unworthy, or painfully out of place when they step into church. Some even feel anxious or resistant.

And perhaps that’s why God called even me to help create a community where those who feel awkward or out of step can find belonging. A place where everyone, no matter how they dance, feels at home in God’s presence.

This Sunday, our Mars Hill Church will celebrate Family Worship at 9 a.m., followed by coffee fellowship. Hodgdon also meets at 9 a.m., and Houlton at 11 a.m. In the afternoon, we’ll gather for a special cluster music service at 3 p.m. in Houlton, followed by a potluck fellowship.

May each gathering be a place where the awkwardly dancing among us feel welcomed, loved, and at home.

So will you join me on the dance floor? :)

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

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

Outreach Opportunities

Monthly Mission Project Updates

Thank you, church family, for your generous support in October for Bridge to Hope, helping local families facing cancer—Hodgdon gave $260, Houlton $280, and Mars Hill $90.

For November, our cluster mission project is the “Fruit of the Spirit” Tree for the St. Apolonia Festival of Trees—decorated with gift cards (be creative and support local!) to benefit free dental care for children in our County.

We (Houlton) are also launching a “Good Neighbor Fund” to help support our new Soup Kitchen ministry and other local care needs in our community.

Angel Wheels – A Ride Ministry (Houlton UMC)

Lending Library & Food Pantry (Hodgdon UMC)

UM Cluster Music Service

Today, November 9, at 3:00 PM, all Methodist churches in our cluster will come together for a joyful Cluster Music Service at Houlton UMC. The service will feature the Houlton Community Chorus and Community Handbell Choir, along with a pick-up choir, band, worship dance, and Psalm readings. It promises to be a celebration filled with music, praise, and joy. A potluck fellowship will follow, and everyone is warmly invited to join in the singing, worship, and fellowship!

Life-Together Groups

Our study on 1 Corinthians has begun! All are welcome to join anytime!

Fridays at 10 am at the Gardiner

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

Happy Birthday! Happy Anniversary!

Nov 10 Jan Beals Nov 10 Rusty & Heather Henderson

Nov 15 Ryder Mattson Nov 12 Chris & Liz Anderson

Worship Servants

		*Hodgdon*	*Houlton*	*Mars Hill*
Nov 9	Greeter	Don & Jennifer Metzger	Mark Jackins & Cathy Hutchinson	Children & Youth
	Liturgist	Perry Lilley	Sirong Wang	Bonnie Anderson
	Coffee Hour		Bob & Angela Cowpethwaite
Nov 16	Greeter	Jacob Lilley & Collin Lilley	Sharon Lyons & Jerry Wilson	Children & Youth
	Liturgist	Rue Geishecker	Marion Collins	Dale Blanchard
	Coffee Hour	Perry & Paula Lilley	Cathy Hutchinson & Jerry Wilson

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, Duane Eldridge, Jack Galda, Heidi Geishecker, Brian Ketchum, Austin McAfee, Jean Merritt, Beverly Nickerson, Robin Quint, Richard Sherwood, Carol Sloat Smith, Dotty Smith, Mark and Abby Swallow, Liz Taylor, Melanie Wilson, Debbie Wordwell, Richard & Donna Wolverton, Karen Young, Kailynn

JOY Weekly

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Church Elevator Update

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Sunday Afternoon Coffee - Nov 16

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Life Together - Nov 15

Monday, November 10, 2025

Monday Morning Coffee - Nov 10

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Life Together - Nov 8

“Forty Days in Korea”

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