October Missions – Join Us in Sharing and Serving

 

*Bridge to Hope Cancer Walk 2021

Shalom, everyone, 

It’s hard to believe October is already here! As we enjoy the beauty of this season – the colorful foliage and harvest – let’s also take time to give back and share with our neighbors in need.

This month, we have the opportunity to join two important mission projects: "UMCOR" and "Bridge to Hope."

1. UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief)
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, many families are struggling to recover. UMCOR-trained teams are on the ground providing aid through cleanup efforts and by delivering essential supplies like hygiene and cleaning kits.  
We will be raising a special offering on Sundays, Oct 6th and 13th. Please write a check to the church and mark “UMCOR” in the memo.

2. Bridge to Hope
Bridge to Hope supports local families in Aroostook County facing cancer, providing help with travel, accommodations, and even meals during treatments. The annual fundraising walk will be held on Saturday, Oct 19th at 10 am at Riverfront Park in Houlton.  

We encourage you to join the walk and/or donate throughout the month. Please write a check to the church with “Bridge to Hope” in the memo.

You don’t need to participate in everything. As we pray, let the Spirit guide your heart. Wherever you feel called, please join us with a cheerful and willing spirit!

Thank you for your generosity and care! 

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

Support Hodgdon UMC's Blessing Cart Ministry – Buy a Pumpkin!

 

Peace to you,

Hogdon UMC's Sunday School children have worked hard on a special "Pumpkin Project" to benefit the church's "Blessing Cart Ministry" (portable food pantry). The pumpkins are now ready at the churches (Hodgdon and Houlton), and all proceeds will go directly to support this important ministry.

Please consider buying a pumpkin (donations), not only to enjoy this beautiful season but also to help provide food for those in need within our community.

Thank you for your support and generosity. Together, we can make a difference!

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

"Belong" & "Love Feast"

 

We all long to belong.

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is about building a community in Christ. The Good News of Jesus Christ has the power to break down everything that separates us from God and from one another, creating new life, new community, and new relationships.

You’re warmly invited to join us on this life-changing journey as we begin a 10-week sermon series on "Belong" starting this Sunday (Sep 22) 

This Sunday, we will celebrate "Family Worship", where all generations come together to worship as one. After the service, we’ll enjoy a "Love Feast" potluck luncheon in the fellowship hall downstairs.

We’ll be setting up tables this Friday, September 20, at 10 am. If you’re available, we’d love for you to join us. I’ll bring Sadie’s famous donuts and have the coffee ready!

Have a blessed rest of the week. I'm looking forward to the journey ahead. Love you all. 

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

"Belong": New Sermon Series on Ephesians

 

"Belong"

We all long to belong.

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is about building a community in Christ. The Good News of Jesus Christ has the power to break down everything that separates us from God and from one another, creating new life, new community, and new relationships.

You’re warmly invited to join us on this life-changing journey as we begin a 10-week sermon series on "Belong" staring this Sunday, September 22. 

Come and discover how Christ draws us into deeper connection with Him and with each other!

Life-Together (L.T.) Groups: An 8-week Journey to Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

 

Dear Siblings in Christ,

I hope this letter finds you well. I’m excited to invite you to join our upcoming small group sessions, where we will be diving into Peter Scazzero's transformative book, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. This 8-week journey promises to deepen our relationship with God and with one another, as we explore what it means to grow emotionally and spiritually healthy.

We will complete the study before Thanksgiving, so this is a great opportunity to reflect and refresh as we head into the holiday season. The cost for the book is $10, and a scholarship is available.

Here are the meeting times for our churches:

• Hodgdon UMC: Tuesdays at 3 pm (at the church), Oct 1-Nov 19
• Houlton UMC: Tuesdays at 10 am (at Chet & Linda's home), Sep 17-Nov 12, and Wednesdays at 6 pm (at Jack & Cynthia's home), Sep 25-Nov 20
• Mars Hill UMC: Wednesdays at 10 am (at Andy & Bonnie's home), Sep 25-Nov 20

These groups will offer a warm, supportive environment where we can learn and grow together. Whether you are new to small groups or have been part of one for years, you are welcome to join. We believe that these gatherings will bless each one of us as we come together as one body in Christ.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, and I look forward to seeing you there!

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

Join Us for a Church Family Outing This Sunday!

 

Dear Church Family,

Have you heard about the beautiful Littleton Methodist Campground? We have a wonderful opportunity to visit this special place together!

Angie Wotton, a beloved member of our Houlton UMC family, has graciously invited us to come and experience the peace and beauty of the campground. It’s located on Carmichael Rd (just off Route 1 at the corner of the town office).

We’ll gather at the Houlton UMC parking lot at 12:45 p.m. this Sunday and head over to the campground as a group. With sunny skies and a forecast of 80 degrees, it’s going to be the perfect day for fellowship, fun, and relaxation.

Everyone is welcome! Whether you’re new or have been part of our church for years, we’d love for you to join us. Bring your smiles and your joyful hearts—it’s going to be a great time together!

We hope to see you there!

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

Life Together Community (Sep 8, 2024)

 

Peace to you. 

After 33 years of faithful service in ministry here in Houlton, Pastors Randall and Melanie are stepping into a new season of life. Their dedication to God’s work and their love for our community have deeply touched many lives. It has been such a joy and honor for me personally to work alongside them in the Southern Aroostook Ministerial Association (SAMA), serving together for God's kingdom. Their legacy of faith and service will continue to inspire us, even as they move on to new opportunities.

As they begin this new chapter, let's surround them with our prayers and gratitude. We celebrate their incredible ministry and look forward to seeing how God will continue to bless and use them in the future. They will be greatly missed, but we trust in God's continued guidance and provision for them. 

How wonderful and joyful it is to share in Christian fellowship! If you’re seeking community, we warmly invite you to join us for worship this Sunday. Our Mars Hill and Hodgdon Methodist churches meet at 9 am, and Houlton gathers at 11 am. We look forward to welcoming you!

Have a great weekend. God bless. 

In Christ, 

Pastor Victor