JOY Weekly

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

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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)

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.

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

Friday, November 7, 2025

This Sunday (Mars Hill)

Peace to you, my beloved church family,

I hope you’ve had a good week.

I’m writing from St. Louis, where I’ve been attending an intergenerational ministry conference this week. When you have a moment, please pray for safe travels home, that there will be no cancellations or delays, especially as air traffic staffing may be affected by the government shutdown.

I’m looking forward to seeing you and worshiping together this Sunday!

At our recent Administrative Council meetings, we talked about how we can continue to grow as a more welcoming and hospitable church for our community. One of the action steps we agreed on is to have Coffee Hour Fellowship after worship on the second Sunday every other month — for example, November 9 and then January 11.

In that same spirit, we’ll also try something new: a Family Worship service. This will be a more children- and family-friendly time of worship, open and warm for newcomers as well. As an experiment, we’ll gather in the fellowship hall, sitting around round tables in a more relational setting. (I’m planning to prepare some hands-on activities for all ages. For example, using clay dough or air-dry clay as part of the lesson.)

Our Family Worship will reflect five values: "Christ-centered," "Simple," "Fun," "Hospitable," and "Intergenerational."

We’ll continue to listen, learn, and adjust as we go, always seeking to grow together as Christ’s beloved community.

Thank you for being a part of our church family. Bring your favorite dish or sweet to share, and bring a friend! I can’t wait to see you this Sunday. Love you all.

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Monday, November 3, 2025

Monday Morning Coffee - Nov 3

“Who are the saints you know?” I asked during the children’s moment yesterday.

One child raised a hand and asked, “Do the saints need to be someone in heaven?”

That was such a good question. I realized that for many children, they might not yet have memories of those who have gone to glory. So I broadened the meaning and said, “Saints are people who shine Christ’s light and help draw you closer to Him, whether they are in heaven or still alive.”

Then their answers came: “My grandparents.” “My parents.”

Who is your saint?

This past Sunday, we celebrated All Saints Sunday. We remembered and gave thanks for those who have helped us come this far: our parents, spouses, siblings, Sunday school teachers, pastors, and church family.

For me, my “saint list” grows longer each year. And that’s a good thing. Because wherever I go, whether I’m running the dishwasher, singing a hymn, helping at a church supper, or celebrating a holiday, I think of them. They’ve become like "stars" in my life, gently guiding me to look up and set my heart on things above.

If you missed it, you can watch the services here:

Hodgdon: Facebook Video
Houlton: YouTube Live

And you can read the message here:

“Grace Is Enough” (Ecclesiastes 1:12–18)

Have a blessed week. May Christ’s light shine through you, and may you be someone’s saint this week. Love you all.

In Christ's love,

Pastor Victor

Saturday, November 1, 2025

Life Together - Nov 1

“I miss him so much,” one church member said. “We were married for 67 years. We did everything together. We were a team. He was a good husband and prepared well for me.”

Perhaps this voice echoes the hearts of several in our church family. Over the past year, we have said goodbye to beloved members among us. We are still grieving their absence.

This Sunday, we celebrate All Saints Sunday. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, deeply cherished this day. In his journal, he called it “a festival I truly love,” and later wrote, “I always find this a comfortable day… a day that I peculiarly love.”

We observe All Saints Sunday not to remove our sorrow, but to lift our eyes in hope. We grieve, yet we grieve with hope. We remember and honor our parents, grandparents, church family, and spiritual ancestors who have shown us how to hold fast to the faith.

Let us gather and celebrate together—giving thanks to God for all the saints in our lives who have gone before us and continue to inspire us to walk faithfully with Christ.

Thanks be to God for all the saints!

P.S. Please don’t forget: Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend! Be sure to turn your clocks back one hour Saturday night… or you might show up to church extra early

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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.

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)

Holiday Bazaar – Houlton UMC

Saturday, Nov. 8 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Join us for our Holiday Bazaar with a delicious Chicken Stew and Biscuit Luncheon from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Food and craft donations are welcome! Please bring items to the church by 9:00 AM on the 8th. Come, shop, eat, and enjoy good fellowship!

UM Cluster Music Service

On Sunday, 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 3 Anthony Benn Nov 4 Perry & Paula Lilley

Nov 6 Travis Hardy

Nov 7 Marjorie Graham

Nov 8 Jean Merritt

Worship Servants

		*Hodgdon*	*Houlton*	*Mars Hill*
Nov 2	Greeter	Don & Jennifer Metzger	Marion Collins & Chuck Taylor	Children & Youth
	Liturgist	Don Metzger	Jack Forbush	Andy Anderson
	Coffee Hour		Cynthia Forbush
Nov 9	Greeter	Don & Jennifer Metzger	Mark Jackins & Cathy Hutchinson	Children & Youth
	Liturgist	Rue Geishecker	Sirong Wang	Bonnie Anderson
	Coffee Hour		Bob & Angela Cowpethwaite

Ministry & Mission (M&M) Calendar

Prayer List

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

JOY Weekly

Monday, November 10, 2025

Monday Morning Coffee - Nov 10

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Life Together - Nov 8

Friday, November 7, 2025

This Sunday (Mars Hill)

Monday, November 3, 2025

Monday Morning Coffee - Nov 3

Saturday, November 1, 2025

Life Together - Nov 1

“Forty Days in Korea”

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