The Second Week of November

     Finance Committee members in the past and current


“Now you can have broth!”

As soon as the nurse said that, Ross’s eyes filled with tears. It made my eyes tear up, too. For a few minutes, we just held our hearts full of emotion. I knew Ross wasn’t crying only because he could finally eat something after two days without food or water, except for small sips from a sponge. The good news of “broth” meant healing had begun. He had passed through the storm of his second surgery in a week. Even in that moment of relief, as we laughed over his first sip of coffee, we also prayed for others who were still suffering.




When I visited Barbara and Dick, they, too, were thinking about others. Truly, we are the body of Christ. Whatever happens, we show our love through prayers, messages, offerings, meals, visits, and many kinds of support.

If you’d like to help Ross, please pray for him, Penny, and the whole Gowen family. You can also encourage them through their GoFundMe page.



If you want to lift up Barbara Porter, please visit her at Lincoln Hospital or give her a call. 403-7609


God’s grace is always enough for us. Even though our hearts were heavy with many prayer requests last week, there were also many reasons to celebrate.

 

Citizenship 

Thank you for all your support and prayers for my citizenship test — I passed last Thursday and became an American citizen! Now we share two citizenships: one in heaven and one in this country. Some have shared mixed feelings in this difficult time for our nation, and I understand. I had to give up my Korean citizenship, but I am deeply grateful and honored to follow in the footsteps of the American missionaries who once became Korean for their ministry. If I can follow even one step of their example through this new citizenship, I am thankful to walk this journey with you, my family in Maine, and in this country. The ceremony will be in April, and I’ll share more details soon.


Family worship! 






Yesterday, we had two wonderful services — one in the morning and one in the afternoon! We welcomed four new children, including two little two-year-old boys. Let’s give a big hand to the young moms, Katie Lovett and Dominique Dow, who are raising their children in Christ and in the church!

We also welcomed Dorothy Peevy, Donnabelle, and Juijoy, who visited us for the first time. It was so sweet — we were talking about princesses during the service, and literally, two new “princesses” joined us that morning!



We also heard from Rick Hill about the history of our church, especially the finance committee. What a powerful testimony! Thank you to all who have built this church with sleepless nights and faithful prayers — especially Sheila Giles and Ken Perkins for their years of service. We also gave thanks for Raye Porter, who serves so faithfully today, and her husband, David!

I shared how God takes care of His children — and I truly believe He is caring for you, too.

Here is Rick’s testimony: Gratitude and Faith Through the Years.
Sermon: Gratitude in the Kingdom of God.

Thank you to everyone who took part in yesterday’s service and coffee hour. It was a blessing!










In the afternoon, we celebrated the Cluster Community Music Service with nine UMC churches from our Aroostook Cluster. Houlton UMC was filled with joy and song! There were eight special music performances, including children’s handbells, a band, and a worship dance. When our 14-member intergenerational dance team (ages ranging across 74 years!) performed, the whole congregation joined in with clapping and movement. It was a beautiful sight!

Here is the link to the service — if you want to be restored by God’s heavenly music, please watch:
Cluster Music Festival

Next week, we will celebrate UWF’s ministry! I hope all of you involved can join us.

Our Psalm Reading Challenge continues this month! You can read five chapters a day, or listen to the Psalms in audio form. Listening to the Psalms has carried me through distress and deep sorrow.

Let’s continue to show our gratitude through our time, talents, and treasures, especially during this month of thanksgiving. Please let us know if you’d like to serve in any area of ministry.

God bless all who live within God’s beautiful calendar picture!
Thank you, Terry, for the photo!




UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Gratitude Month & Psalm Reading in November

  • Nov. 9 (3:00 PM) – Cluster Fall Music Service at Houlton UMC

  • Nov. 13 (11:30 AM) – Nominating Committee

  • Nov. 14 (10:30 AM) – Finance Meeting

  • Nov. 14 (5:30 PM) – Family Karaoke

  • Nov. 23 (After Service) – Administrative Council Meeting

  • Nov. 30 (10:00 AM) – Combined Service at Hodgdon UMC (First Sunday of Advent; “John” Reading begins)

  • Dec. 3 (10:00–11:30 AM) – Prayer Meeting

  • Dec. 7 – Psalm Reading Celebration

Children’s Program

  • Every Sunday – Sunday School

  • 1st & 3rd Fridays – Afternoon School Program (3:15–4:45 PM)

  • 2nd & 4th Fridays – Family Karaoke (5:30–7:30 PM)

PRAYERS

  • For the world — especially Ukraine, Russia, Gaza, and Israel

  • For our country and its leaders

  • For our denomination — especially our Bishop and Cabinet

  • For our community

  • For those who do not yet know Jesus

Prayers of Comfort for Those Who Mourn:
Families of Chelsey Ann Weeks, John Marr, Joyce Cummings, T.J. Ryan, John Flannery, Loren Goode, Jackie Sponseller, and Phil Sherman

Prayers for Healing:
Donnie Adams, William Barton, Little Beckham, Gary Blake, Rev. Dan Blevins, Robin Bosse, Dana Carver, Mike Casey, Ethan Childs, Kempton Coolong, Gordon & Roseanne Daughinee, Ron Dennis, Raymond Deshaines, Ross Gowen, Zachary Gowen, Emily Harris Family, Chris Heath, Hope Heath, Denise Jutras, Justin Karcher, Coty Kelso, Matt Lane, Ronnie Lepage, Jim & Lori Mason, Judi MacArthur, Shaun McAvoy, Dean McFarland, Pam McGary, Amy Milo, Danette Moody, Roberta Moore, Rick Murray, Adrianne Parsons, Robin Pettengill, the Richards Family, the Alfred Savage Family, Mickey Savage, Dennis Sanborn, Kari Sanborn, Keith Shields, Rena Shorey, Butch Smallwood, Dicki Somers, Steve Trembly, Jolene Webber, Zach Weeks, Linda Zalieka

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