Life Together Community (July 30, 2023)

Peace to you.

It was a very hot summer day in July 2018 when Bishop Suda and his wife Prema visited my family here in Houlton, Maine. 

My children welcomed them, wearing Korean traditional clothes, and they made a big bow for them as soon as they arrived. Bishop Suda and Prema were gracious and loving just like our grandparents. They genuinely showed curiosity about Korea - its culture, language, history, food, etc... all about who we are. Then they also told us interesting facts about India. We dined together, laughed together, prayed together. Then, they made their way home.

About fifteen minutes later, the doorbell rang. It was Bishop Suda, standing at the door and saying, "Victor, I found my bank here in Houlton and just wanted to give this gift to you." Joyce and I were just amazed by his extravagant generosity. When I think about Bishop Suda, I am still amazed today. And I do miss him.

One thing I learned from Bishop is to treat another human being with dignity. His life reminds me of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's words: "He who looks upon his brother should know that he will be eternally united with him in Jesus Christ."

Our Christian fellowship is eternal. When my family and I attended the Mechuwana family camp this past week, we felt an instant bond with six other families there. Because of one reason, one name. And we had fun in Christ! In Christ we are one, though we are many.

I am grateful that we are given to each other and that our Christian fellowship never ends. Hope you have a restful and peaceful weekend. And see you Sunday!


In Christ,
Pastor Victor

PS. Livestreaming/Online Service Links: 

• Hodgdon UMC: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070411631446 
• Houlton UMC: 
• Youtube (https://youtube.com/live/xvOwVl5uePw?feature=share)
• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/houltonumc)
• Mars Hill UMC: https://www.facebook.com/MarsHillUnitedMethodist   

Life Together Community (July 16, 2023)

How is summer going so far? 

As we know, summer months can be hard on churches - especially here in Northern Maine where summer is very, very short. We get busy, we travel, we have company. That means more empty pews. 

This week I've read an interesting UM e-newsletter article, "Keep your congregation connected during the summer" written by Tricia Brown. In her article one of the main points was: "If you can't beat them, join them." In other words, instead of trying to change minds or ignore the problem, why not meet the congregation where they are. 

I believe summer is a great time to draw closer to God and to one another through non-traditional, creative ways. For instance, today as my family and I were attending Tina and Brandon's wedding and their reception, we got to know new people and enjoyed the fellowship with them very much. We are encouraged to stay connected, wherever we are. 

• Our church offers livestreaming services (Hodgdon at 9 am, Houlton at 11 am, and Mars Hill at 9 am). You can worship with us in real-time or anytime when you are able. 
• How about meditating on the same Bible verses and stories daily via the UpperRoom devotional? 
• Consider attending summer Bible study (Tuesdays at 10 am at the Metzgers), Summer Combined Service & Potluck luncheon (July 23, 10 am at Hodgdon), Women's retreat (August 1, 10 am-2 pm, at Linda's camp), helping VBS (July 17-19, 5:00-7:30 pm), or enjoying good food and fellowship at Strawberry Festival (July 21, 4-6 pm at Hodgdon), etc. 

If you are away and can't attend our church, you are encouraged to find another church to visit. Save a bulletin, and please share your worship experience with us. Let us remember that the church is not a building, but a body of all believers.

May the Lord bless and keep you. May we stay spiritually connected to God and to each other this summer. 

In Christ, 

Pastor Victor 

Life Together Community (July 9, 2023)

Peace to you. 

Did you plant any flowers or vegetables this year? If so, how is your garden growing? 

For some reason, my garden is not growing. I have two raised beds - one for tomato plants and the other for cucumbers. I have used compost as well as miracle grow. It was no use. 

This year I am surprised by the beauty of the "weed" garden (the blue one in the picture). Clovers, dandelions, and other wildflowers are thriving. And it gives me joy. Every time I pass by the garden, it reminds me of Jesus' saying, "The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how" (Mark 4:26-27). I neither planted nor watered them. God planted, watered, and made them grow. All I did was to create room by filling the raised bed with soil. God did everything. 

I believe our spiritual growth is the same. We don't know how. Our part is simply to create space for God to come and begin a new work in us. We can make this room basically wherever we are - in our backyard, in our prayer closet, at our camp, etc. But what a privilege it is to be gathered as God's people at the appointed time and place - Sunday morning at the church! 

You’re invited to join us this Sunday. Hodgdon UMC and Mars Hill UMC meet at 9 am, and Houlton UMC at 11 am. If you are not able to come in person, you can worship with us online via the following links:

· Hodgdon: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070411631446

· Houlton: Youtube Live & Facebook Live 

· Mars Hill: https://www.facebook.com/MarsHillUnitedMethodist

Have a wonderful weekend. See you at the service online or in person! 

In Christ, 

Pastor Victor 

Life Together Community (July 2, 2023)

Solidarity.

That’s the word I’d use for 4th of July weekend.

People from everywhere stride down the street, looking around stores, eating food from local street vendors, listening to festive music. Whatever we do, the highlight of the event is to be out in the streets with people, both old and new friends. And we feel solidarity. We love being part of the community.

Sometimes we overemphasize the divinity of Christ and easily miss the point that Jesus is one of us. God’s solidarity with us is the heart of the good news. Christ who identified with us brings hope and life to the world. As we celebrate 4th of July this weekend, may we be drawn closer to Christ who is here with us, dwelling among us today. Immanuel!

You’re invited to join us this Sunday. Hodgdon UMC and Mars Hill UMC meet at 9 am, and Houlton UMC at 11 am. If you are not able to come in person, you can worship with us online via the following links:

· Hodgdon: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070411631446

· Houlton: Youtube (https://youtube.com/live/i1scRSmDuA8?feature=share) & Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/houltonumc)

· Mars Hill: https://www.facebook.com/MarsHillUnitedMethodist

Happy 4th of July!


In Christ,
Pastor Victor

ONE WORD PLEASE

 

"What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises. Interlude." (Ps 84:4, NLT)

This verse was part of my morning devotional. I felt so happy to be with our church family in God's house this morning. 

As Joyce and I were planning combined summer services, there were some legitimate questions such as, "If we have three separate services, we have about 100 people attending on average. But if we have a combined service, we would have about half of them. Is it still worth doing it?" After today's service, I was convinced that it is worth doing it. 

If you missed today's service, you can watch it at this link. 

For those who were at the church in person or online, please share your experience today with "ONE WORD" by replying to this email by tomorrow. Then, I will create a WORD CLOUD and share it with you this week.  

Thank you for being part of this "Life Together" community. Have a blessed week ahead. 

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

This Sunday Combined Service at Mars Hill UMC at 10 AM

 

It's the first day of summer. 

We are truly blessed with this beautiful weather this day. Hope you can enjoy it fully. 

Sisters and brothers in Christ, I am writing this message to remind us that our combined service is held at Mars Hill UMC this Sunday (June 25th) at 10 am, followed by the LOVE FEAST potluck fellowship. I have a few things to share with you: 

1. Pick-up Choir: Are you interested in joining us? Just come to rehearsal - at Mars Hill UMC this Sunday at 9:30 am. We will sing "He Lives" from the hymnal book. Everyone is welcome. 
2. Carpool & Ride: Do you need a ride? Or are you interested in carpooling? Please contact Marion Collins (694-3387) or me at 538-0778. Currently, rides are available at the Houlton UMC parking lot, leaving at 9 am. 
3. Offering: Some of you may wonder how we may give an offering since three churches are gathered. There will be an offering envelope in the bulletins. Please note your church name on the envelope (ex. Hodgdon, Houlton, or Mars Hill UMC) so that your gifts may be given to the right place. 

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please let me know at any time. 

Thank you, and have a blessed rest of the week. See you Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Victor

Life Together Community (Father's Day, June 18)

 

Abe beat me.

This morning Joyce, Abe, and I participated in the 5K Love Run race to support the ministry of Strong Tower Haiti. It's official: Abe beat me in the race for the first time... and he will from now on. 

Though I felt a little bit "strange" as the tables were turned around, I was not saddened by it. Rather, I celebrated it and cheered him up as he was overtaking me. I think I just begin to learn a "father's heart." 

Jesus said, "The one who believes in me will do greater works than the works I do" (John 14:12). In the community of Jesus, we meet a "father" who walks ahead of us, alongside us, and behind us, cheering us up. In the community of Jesus, we also become a "father" to newer family members and do the same. 

What a blessing to have and be a father-like figure in God's family. Thanks be to God! You're invited to join us for our Sunday Worship Service as we celebrate Father's Day together. Hodgdon UMC and Mars Hill UMC meet at 9 am this Sunday, and Houlton UMC at 11 am. If you are not able to come in person, you can worship with us online at the following links: 

• Hodgdon UMC 
• Houlton UMC: Youtube Live or Facebook Live 
• Mars Hill UMC 

Thank you for being you. Happy Father's Day! 

In Christ,
Pastor Victor