Wednesday, September 18, 2024

"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!


Friday, September 13, 2024

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

Thursday, September 12, 2024

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

Saturday, September 7, 2024

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 

Saturday, August 31, 2024

Life Together Community (Sep 1, 2024)

*Ecumenical Service of Prayer for Creation at the Park (Aug 30, 2024)

"There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth." (Ecclesiastes 3:1, MSG)

It’s September!

I hope you had a refreshing and meaningful summer. Over the past few months, it’s been such a blessing to worship together as one community across Hodgdon and Houlton UM churches. Now, as we step into the new school year, we’re excited to shift gears and return to worship in our individual locations: Hodgdon at 9 am, Mars Hill at 9 am, and Houlton at 11 am.

Starting this Sunday, we’ll be diving into the importance of community and connection as we launch our new small groups this fall. It’s a wonderful opportunity to discover how we can grow together in faith and support one another in our spiritual journeys.

Come as you are, and feel free to bring along your family and friends. We’re looking forward to sharing this special season with you as we continue to grow in faith and community.

Have a great Labor Day weekend. 


In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Life Together Community (Aug 25, 2024)

 


Peace to you. 

It's chilly in the morning and evening. September is just around the corner. That means it's time for a new school year.

We have a couple of meaningful church events before going back to school.

Our "Life Together Community" (Hodgdon~Houlton~Mars Hill UMCs) will celebrate "Outdoor Fun Day" for our Sunday School children this coming Saturday, August 24th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Jack and Cynthia's camp. We will meet at the Houlton UMC parking lot at 10 am and be back by 6 pm. It's a one-day VBS. Our children will learn more about the life of Jesus and also play fun games. Lunch and dinner will be provided. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Pastor Joyce at 538-0780. 

This Sunday (Aug 25th) we will celebrate "Commissioning Service" for our children and youth group. All three churches will have "Family Worship," all generations worshipping together - Mars Hill at 9 a.m. and Hodgdon/Houlton at 10 a.m. We will set aside to specifically pray for our children and their parents, and guardians, as well as for our teachers during the service. 

For Hoddon and Houlton churches, this Sunday will be our last combined service for this summer. We will be gathered at Houlton UMC at 10 a.m. 

Thank you for being part of this beloved community. You're invited to come and celebrate with us and to pray for our children with us. 

Have a blessed weekend. See you Sunday! 


In Christ,
Pastor Victor

“Forty Days in Korea”

“Forty Days in Korea”   40 days.   Long enough to slow down, short enough to leave me longing for one more sunrise.   I visited many places,...