Life Together (May 9)

 

*Today, May 9, is Jiang's birthday (pictured front left).

Peace to you, dear church family,

I hope this message finds you well.

The other day, I had the privilege of hearing a life story from one of our beloved church members. She was born into a large family—one of eleven children. Like many of us, her family didn’t have much, but they had each other. From a young age, she learned the value of looking out for one another.

She went on to raise five children of her own and shared 65 years of happy marriage until her husband passed. When I asked what one message she would want to leave for her children and grandchildren, her answer was simple but powerful: “Be kind.”

That message feels more relevant than ever today.
The person I interviewed was Georgia Mailman. You can read her full story here:
👉 Faithbook 2025 – Georgia's Story

As we celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday, may we remember and honor the women who nurtured us and taught us life’s foundational values. May we live those values and pass them on.

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🌱 730 Prayer Movement

We invite all three of our churches to join in prayer each day at 7:30 a.m. or 7:30 p.m., whichever fits your schedule.

Each Thursday from 7:30–7:58 p.m., we gather for prayer—in person at Houlton UMC or online via Zoom.
(Why 7:30–7:58? Houlton & Hodgdon share the zip code 04730, and Mars Hill’s is 04758!)

This week’s prayer focus:

1. Revive us again!

2. Children’s Ministries

3. New believers and visitors

🔗 Zoom Link:
Join Meeting
Meeting ID: 207 538 0778
Passcode: 04730

📞 One Tap Mobile:
+1 646 931 3860,,2075380778#,,,,*04730#

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🤝 Outreach Opportunities

May’s Mission Focus: Camp Mechuwana
Let’s support their summer ministries through:

• Monetary gifts

• Art and maintenance supply donations
  📦 Donation List
  Thank you for your continued generosity!

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📖 Jonah Bible Study

Looking for a supportive group and deeper study? Join our new 4-week study on the Book of Jonah:

• Houlton UMC: Tuesdays at 10 a.m. (Women of Witness at church)

• Mars Hill UMC: Wednesdays at 10 a.m. (at Andy & Bonnie’s)

• Hodgdon UMC: Wednesdays at 3:15 p.m. (at church)

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🔥 Aldersgate Day Service

Let’s celebrate Wesley’s “heart-warming experience” together!
🕕 Saturday, May 24 at 6 p.m.
📍 Grant Memorial UMC, Presque Isle (79 Fleetwood St)

An uplifting evening of:

• Worship dance

• Children’s handbell choir

• Pick-up choir

• Music and reading

🎁 Special offering for Good Shepherd Food Bank
(checks payable to: Aroostook Cluster UMCs)
Light refreshments to follow. All are welcome!

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📅 Mission & Ministry (M&M) Calendar

• May 11 Community Chorus [HT], 1 p.m.

• May 13 WOW [HT], 10 a.m. | Together Tuesday [HT], 3–4:15 p.m.
        UM Men at Bob’s, 6 p.m.

• May 14 Backpack for Kids [HT], 9 a.m.
        LT Group at Andy & Bonnie’s, 10 a.m.
        LT Group [HD], 3:15 p.m.

• May 15 Handbell Choir [HT], 3:15 p.m. | 730 Prayer, 7:30 p.m.

• May 16 Love & Meals (Senior Meals) [HT], 11 a.m. | Gardiner Study, 10 a.m.

• May 18 Family Worship & Coffee Hour [HD], 9 a.m.
        Gardiner Music Service, 2 p.m.

• May 24 Admin Council [HT], 9 a.m. | Aldersgate Day Service, 6 p.m.

• May 25 Family Worship & Love Feast [MH & HT]

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🎉 Happy Birthday to:

• May 9 Jiang Yang (📱603-558-9293)

• May 11 Joseph Scott, Lucas Ramsey

• May 14 Clint Cushman

• May 15 Bob Cowperthwaite, Sabra Scott

• May 16 Blinn Boone

• May 17 Karl Woods

🎂 Let’s celebrate this week of birthdays with joy and love!

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Wherever you are on your journey, know that God walks with you.
Have a meaningful and blessed Mother’s Day weekend.

In Christ’s love,
Pastor Victor

730 Prayer Reminder

 

Good morning, everyone!

It’s a beautiful spring day.

Have you noticed the new sprouts lately?
Our Together Tuesday children planted garlic last fall—and look! After a long, cold winter, the green shoots are rising up, right on time.

What a powerful sign of hope and resilience.

Beginning this Monday, May 5, we as a church are invited to join in prayer daily at 7:30 a.m. or p.m.—whichever works best for you.

Then, every Thursday evening from 7:30 to 7:58 p.m., we’ll gather to pray together—in person at Houlton UMC or online via Zoom.

(Why 7:30–7:58? It’s inspired by our ZIP codes: Hodgdon & Houlton – 04730, Mars Hill – 04758!)

This week’s prayer focus:

1. Rekindle and revive us again

2. Spiritual unity

3. Our country and its leaders

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/2075380778?pwd=VGjiUDzs0WQqnRCZyWqUil3NZFgmFY.1
Meeting ID: 207 538 0778
Passcode: 04730

To call in:
Dial: 646-931-3860
Enter: 2075380778#
Then: *04730#

Let our prayers be faithful and persistent—just like those garlic sprouts.
God is doing a new thing. Let’s seek Him together.

Have a blessed day!

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Life Together + May Updates (May 3)

 

Dear Church Family,

Can you guess what “730 Prayer” means?

This Friday, our three-church Dream Team met for our second monthly gathering. As we move forward together, I invited the team to launch a church-wide prayer movement across all three congregations.

Starting Monday, May 5, we are invited to pray daily at 7:30 a.m. or p.m.—whichever works best for your schedule.

And each Thursday from 7:30 to 7:58 p.m., we will gather for prayer—in person at Houlton UMC or online via Zoom.
(*Where do the numbers 7:30–7:58 come from? Hodgdon & Houlton’s zip code is 04730, and Mars Hill’s is 04758!)

 Zoom Info
Click to Join
Meeting ID: 207 538 0778
Passcode: 04730

 To Call In:
Dial 646-931-3860 → Meeting ID: 2075380778# → Passcode: *04730#

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Worship Schedule Update
At our April meeting, I proposed a combined Hodgdon-Houlton worship at 9 a.m., and Mars Hill at 11 a.m. After prayerful discussion, team members felt alternating worship locations might not be visitor-friendly. Several expressed a desire to preserve current times and places. 

So, I’ve withdrawn the proposal—for now—and committed to continued prayer and discernment. I invite you all to join me in seeking God’s wisdom together. I am confident that God will lead us faithfully. 

 Read full meeting notes here

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Mission & Outreach
Thank you for your generosity in April:

• Hodgdon: $210 for Backpack for Kids

• Houlton: $260 for Backpack for Kids

• Mars Hill: $160 for The Well youth program

 May’s Mission Focus: Camp Mechuwana
Let’s support their summer ministry with gifts or donations (art and maintenance supplies—full list attached). Thank you for your continued care!

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 Ministry & Mission Calendar Highlights

• May 4 Communion Sunday
• May 4 Teachers’ Meeting [HT], 12 pm
• May 6 Women of Witness (WOW) [HT], 10 am
• May 6 Together Tuesday [HT], 3-4:15pm
• May 7 Backpack for Kids [HT], 9 am
• May 7 LT Group at Andy & Bonnie’s, 10 am
• May 7 LT Group [HD], 3:15 pm
• May 7 Administrative Council [HD], 4:15 pm
• May 7 LT Group at Jack & Cynthia’s, 6 pm
• May 8 Community Handbell Choir [HT], 3:15 pm
• May 8 730 Prayer, 7:30-7:58 pm
• May 9 Staff Parish Relations Com [HT], 9 am
• May 9 Outreach Com [HT], 10 am
• May 9 Gardiner Bible Study, 10 am
• May 11 Mother’s Day
• May 11 Community Chorus [HT], 1 pm
• May 24 Aldersgate Day Cluster Service in PI, 6 pm

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 Happy Birthday!

• May 5 – Hazel Knowles

• May 9 – Jane Lynds

• May 9 – Jiang Yang

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Let’s keep praying, loving, and moving forward—together. 

Looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday!

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Dream Team Gathering – May 2, 2025

We began our Dream Team meeting with a devotion from Ecclesiastes 3, “There is a time for everything.” Pastor Victor reminded us that God is always at work, even in seasons of uncertainty. Each person was invited to share one thing they were celebrating in their lives. As we shared joys like the beauty of spring, birdwatching, signs of new life, and the blessing of this group and our churches, we practiced the art of being fully present and recognizing God’s hand in our midst.

Prayer Ministry Initiative

Pastor Victor encouraged us to launch a three-church-wide prayer ministry as we continue to seek God's direction. Beginning May 5, we are invited to pray daily at 7:30 a.m. or p.m.—whichever works best for your schedule. Additionally, a weekly prayer meeting will be held on Thursdays from 7:30–7:58 p.m.* This will be a hybrid gathering: you can attend in person at Houlton UMC or join online via Zoom. (*Where do those numbers (7:30-7:58) come from? Hodgdon and Houlton zip code is 04730; Mars Hill is 04758.)

SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)

Each church shared their current reflections:

Hodgdon UMC

• Strengths: A strong sense of unity and mission-mindedness. The Lend A Hand ministry is a great example of generosity. Children’s ministry is thriving, with faithful Sunday School teachers and regular attendance.
• Weaknesses: A lack of young adults and youth.
• Opportunities: Potential growth in recovery ministry, supporting grandparents who care for children, and giving ourselves more as well as financial help to those in need.

Houlton UMC

• Strengths: Hospitality and fellowship (like the Pen Pal ministry, coffee hour, Love Feast), music ministry, Together Tuesday, Backpack for Kids, and active senior ministries (e.g., Senior Meals and Bible study).
• Weaknesses: A need for more committed leaders and open-mindedness. Many people are thoughtful, but more hands-on workers are needed.
• Opportunities: Welcoming new visitors, opening the building to more community ministries (e.g., recovery or homeless outreach), and building relationships through our central location.

Mars Hill UMC

• Strengths: A welcoming and united church family, vibrant choir, strong prayer life, and faithful, dedicated members.
• Weaknesses: Recent losses of beloved members and health-related absences. The church is in a season of grief.
• Opportunities: Exploring a “House Church” model—not as a replacement for Sunday worship, but as a meaningful addition—by visiting homebound members and sharing worship together in their homes. We also see opportunities to build partnerships with local ministries such as Northern Lighthouse and The Well.

Shared Challenges
Across all three churches, we acknowledged common concerns: risk of burnout, declining membership, financial strain, and potential church closures if we don’t make faithful changes. Now is the time to shift course with courage and hope.

Joys and Concerns

• What worries us? Fear of change, especially for seniors; lack of younger successors; and challenges of distance for Mars Hill members in a cooperative parish model.
• What excites us? The shared gifts and talents of our people, opportunities for new relationships, and the possibility of equipping lay leaders for ministry.

Sunday Worship Time Discussion

In the last meeting, Pastor Victor proposed a new worship schedule: a combined Hodgdon-Houlton service at 9 a.m., and Mars Hill at 11 a.m. After time for prayer and reflection, team members shared that while we’re open to new ideas—including combined services—alternating worship locations may not be visitor-friendly. Several expressed a desire to preserve current times and locations if possible.

Pastor Victor withdrew his initial suggestion. He promised to continue praying and discerning a solution that involves minimal changes to service times and places—and invited the team to do the same.

Next Meeting: Friday, June 6, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Citizenship Prayer (April 25, 2025)

 

A Citizen of Heaven and Earth
By Victor H. Pastor

 

May I be like Mother Teresa,
Who became Indian
To love and serve her people.

 

May I be like Dietrich Bonhoeffer,
A son of Germany,
Who spoke truth with courage and love.

 

May I be like Jesus,
Who was not of this world, yet loved it so,
That He lived and died for His sheep.

 

Today, I become a citizen of the United States.
With gratitude, I receive this gift.
With faith, I accept this calling.

 

But more than anything—

May I set my heart on things above.

May I live always

As a citizen of heaven,

Doing justice, loving mercy, walking humbly with my God. 

Life Together (April 18, 2025)

 

Peace to you. 

I hope you had a meaningful and grace-filled Holy Week.

For me, one special moment was the unexpected opportunity to donate blood on Good Friday. I didn’t plan it, but the Red Cross visits Houlton every other month, and this time, the drive happened to fall on Good Friday. It had been quite a while since I last gave blood—my last donation was during my army service.

It was encouraging to see many people—both familiar and new faces—showing up to give. I chose the “Power Red” donation, but the needle needed to be readjusted, which caused a bit of pain and left a bruise. As I sat there, squeezing my arm and watching the blood flow, I reflected on the pain Jesus endured—His blood shed for us on the cross. His suffering is beyond comparison, beyond imagination... By His wounds, we are healed.

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Lenten Pilgrimage 2025

It has been a meaningful journey walking through Lent together. Thank you for being part of it.

If you have any thoughts or feedback for next year’s pilgrimage, Joyce and I would love to hear from you. Also, if you completed all the Lenten gatherings (in person or virtually) - Ash Wednesday service, three Lenten Soup & Devotion gatherings, Maundy Thgursday, and Good Friday services, please let us know by this Saturday—via email, text, or phone call (Victor 207-538-0778 and Joyce 207-538-0780).

We’ll be honoring those who completed the journey with a special certificate during our Easter services.

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Easter Sunday Celebration

This Sunday, we will rejoice not only in the resurrection of our Lord, but also in the gift of new life in our church family. Let us give thanks and celebrate as we welcome our new church members with joy and love!

Our worship will be filled with joy—special music, a worship dance, a children and youth Easter play, and testimonies. We will also share in a special Easter Coffee Hour Fellowship at all three churches.

Service Times:

• Hodgdon UMC – 9 AM

• Houlton UMC – 11 AM

• Mars Hill UMC – 9 AM

Let’s invite our family and friends to join one of the most important and meaningful gatherings of our faith!

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Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar

• Apr 20 – Easter Sunday & Coffee Hour

• Apr 21–27 – Pastors Victor & Joyce on vacation

• Apr 22 – Women of Witness [HT], 10 AM

• Apr 25 – Gardiner Bible Study, 10 AM

• Apr 26 – Administrative Council [HT], 9 AM

• Apr 27 – Family Worship & Love Feast [HT], 11 AM

• May 2 – Dream Team [HT], 10 AM

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Happy Birthday!

• April 22 – Mitchell Hardy

• April 23 – Jerry Wilson

We celebrate your lives and pray blessings over your year ahead!

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Easter Lily List

Attached is the Easter Lily Dedication List. Please review and let me know if any updates or corrections are needed.

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May you have a meaningful Holy Saturday as we await the joy of resurrection morning.

Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed!

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Easter Lilies 2025

The Easter Lilies that decorate our sanctuary on Easter Sunday are generously donated by:

 In loving memory of Orville & Doris Patterson, Donald & Winnie Anderson, Orville Patterson Jr, Roland Patterson from Andy & Bonnie Anderson

 In loving memory of Carol Hatcher from Debra Benn

 In loving memory of Laurel & Elizabeth Boynton from Susan & Elizabeth Boyd

 In loving memory of Betty DeWitt from Jack & Cynthia Forbush

 In loving memory of Phil Geishecker from Rue Geishecker

 In loving memory of Jobirta Feroe from Chet and Linda Husted

 In loving memory of our grandparents by Victor and Joyce Han 

 In loving memory of Dolores Jackins, Melbourne and Mabel Jackins from Cathy Hutchinson 

 In loving memory of Mrs. Kum Hwa Lee from Rev. Kwan Y. Lee and Family

In loving memory of Burns and Juanita Lilley, Waldo, Eleanor, and Robert Gellerson by Perry & Paula Lilley

 In loving memory of Roy & Maxine Quint, Robert & Margaret Dunbar from Duane & Bonnie Quint

 In loving memory of George "Red" and Phyllis "Sis" Ritchie by Jane Lynds

 In loving memory of Mike Swallow, and in honor of Hodgdon UMC's children, Diane Ketchum and the choir from Mary Miller

 In loving memory of my parents and brother from Richard Schenk

 In loving memory of Donald & Nola Bates, Clifton & Laverne Stewart, and Larry & Darlene Guy from Paul & Linda Stewart

 In loving memory of Hubert Strecker from Vernell Strecker

 In loving memory of our parents by Chuck and Mary Taylor
 
In loving memory of Bernadette Blanchette Howe & Galen Howe, Lloyd & Mary Wilson, Gordon & Barbara Bates, and Armand & Anita Blanchette by Jerry & Melanie Wilson, Pete, Many, Elizabeth, and Sarah Howe
 
In loving memory of Donald Woods and our parents by Helen Woods

Life Together – Holy Week, Easter Lilies, and April Happenings 🌿

 

Peace to you, dear church family,

As you can see in the photo, one of our church members kindly shared her beautiful handmade artwork with my family—what a blessing it is to be part of a creative and caring community!

This Sunday, we observe Palm/Passion Sunday, and next Sunday, we joyfully celebrate Easter, the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The path Jesus walked during His final week is beyond our full understanding and beyond words. Yet, by God’s grace, may we catch a glimpse of how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ for each one of us.

Thank you for walking this Lenten journey with us. You are warmly invited to join us for our upcoming Holy Week services:

• Maundy Thursday Service – April 17 at 12:00 PM, Mars Hill UMC

• Good Friday Service – April 18 at 12:00 PM, Hodgdon UMC

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 Easter Lilies

This year, we will celebrate Easter Sunday on April 20, and one meaningful way we mark this holy day is by filling our sanctuaries with memorial Easter Lilies—symbols of resurrection and new life.

If you’d like to participate, please reply to this email or call/text me at 207-538-0778 by this Sunday, April 13.

You may bring your own lily or order through the church:

• Single Lily: $23

• Triple Lily: $55

Please include:

1. Your name

2. The person(s) you are honoring or remembering

3. Your delivery method (your own, single, or triple)

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 Gardiner Music Service

Although the third Sunday is normally Gardiner Day, since it's Easter Sunday, we’re moving the Gardiner service to this Sunday at 2:30 PM.
Please note the time change (2:30 instead of 2:00), as several members will join us after community chorus practice.
Come and celebrate with us!

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 Mission & Outreach

Thank you for your generous support of UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief)!
Together, in March, we raised $578:

• Hodgdon: $243

• Houlton: $200

• Mars Hill: $135

In April:

• Hodgdon & Houlton will support the Backpack for Kids program

• Mars Hill will partner with The Well Ministry (youth café)

Your giving truly makes a difference—thank you!

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 Life Review Project – “Faithbook”

Our faith story blog continues to grow and bless!
Visit: faithbook2025.blogspot.com
Take a moment to read and be inspired by the testimonies of God’s grace among us.

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 Mission & Ministry (M&M) Calendar

Apr 13 – New Membership Class [HT Choir Room], 12 PM
Apr 13 – Teachers’ Prayer Meeting [HT], 12 PM
Apr 13 – Gardiner Music Service, 2:30 PM
Apr 15 – Women of Witness (WOW) [HT], 10 AM
Apr 15 – Together Tuesday [HT], 3:00–4:30 PM
Apr 15 – Trustees [HT], 6 PM
Apr 16 – Backpack for Kids [HT], 9 AM
Apr 16 – L.T. Group [HD], 3:15 PM
Apr 16 – L.T. Group at Jack & Cynthia’s, 6 PM
Apr 17 – Maundy Thursday Service [MH], 12 PM
Apr 17 – Handbell Choir Practice [HT], 3:15–4:15 PM
Apr 18 – Good Friday Service [HD], 12 PM
Apr 20 – Easter Sunday & Special Coffee Hour (all three churches)
Apr 26 – Administrative Council [HT], 9 AM

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 Let’s Celebrate – April Birthdays!

Apr 13 – Marc Knowles
Apr 14 – Sage Dixon
Apr 17 – Richard Wolverton
Apr 17 – Galen Wilde

Happy birthday to each of you—may the Lord bless you in this new year of life!

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Thank you for being a cherished part of our church family.
It is a joy to walk this journey of faith with you.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor