Patten Shine Weekly: Omnipotence

Photo by Kathy Case


God Doesn't Need a Spokesman

This morning at breakfast, while sharing our daily devotions, my daughter Grace made a profound observation about the Book of Job. She said, 

"Mom, Job’s friends try to attack him by speaking for God... but God doesn’t need a spokesman." 

Her words moved me deeply. It reminded me that even though I know in my head that God is perfect, I often fall into the trap of thinking He needs my help—as if the success of His kingdom depends entirely on my efforts.

I recently shared my fears with a mentor, telling him, "I’m afraid my mistakes will ruin God’s work." She looked at me with a smile and said, 

"I know you have many talents, but I don't think you have the power to ruin what God has already set in motion." 

In his book The Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer reminds us of God's infinite attributes: His Omniscience (all-knowing), Omnipresence (everywhere), and Omnipotence (all-powerful). 

God’s work doesn't shift based on my performance. Instead, I am simply invited to be on His team—to witness the victory He has already won and to faithfully manage the small part He has entrusted to me.

This past Sunday, we encountered this "Self-Sufficient God" in our worship. Just as the Apostle Paul offered answers to the divided church in Rome, we find our own answers in the same truth: We are one in Christ. Thank you, Sharon McPhee, for sharing your three-generation faith story with us! 

Sharon's story: Still Here, Still Faithful 

Sermon: In Christ

Service: 2/22/26 

Offertory song: In Christ Alone by The Han Family 


Ash Wednesday Sermon: Already, but Not Yet

Service: 2/18/26 

                                                                   Hope & Justice Mission

Joys & Concerns

Joys:

  • Welcome: A warm welcome to our newest visitors and friends: Judith, Jason Peevey, Keith Nelson, and Brandy Schemenauer!

  • Birthdays: Happy Birthday to Bob Howe (2/23) and a very special 70th Birthday to Ruth Richard (2/24)!

  • Gratitude: We give thanks for the delivery of Hope & Justice donations and the Food Pantry’s new contract with Good Shepherd.

Concerns:

  • Loss: We pray for those grieving: Ruth Richard, Jeanie Goode (loss of her brother), and Kathy Howe (loss of her best friend’s husband).

  • Health: We lift up Ricky Bruce, Terry, Barbara Porter, Dickie, Delila, and Addison.

  • Family: We pray for the mental health and difficult situations facing our children and grandchildren.

 

Announcements & Upcoming Events

  • LifeStory Interviews & Membership: Please see the Pastor if you are interested in a LifeStory interview, our Easter membership class, or a home visitation.

  • Lenten Daily Devotion: An online group to share Bible verses and prayer. If you want to join, let the pastor know. 

  • - Penny's daily devotion: Our Awesome God

  • - Pastor's daily devotion: Rest in the Bible

  • Feb 25 (12:00 pm): 1st Lenten Soup Luncheon at Houlton UMC (Featuring the Community Handbell Choir).

  • Feb 26 (11:15 am): SPPR Meeting.

  • Feb 27 (10:00 am): Finance Meeting.

  • Feb 27 (2:00 pm): Prayer Meeting in the Sanctuary. All are welcome!

  • Feb 27 (3:15 pm): Fabulous Friday - Korean Potato Pancake (Gamja-Jeon) Cooking Class!

  • Mar 2 (6:00 pm): Men’s Group at Houlton UMC. Speaker: Gabriel Grimm.

  • Mar 5: Worship Committee (11:15 am) & Home Communion (12:30 pm).

  • Mar 21 (12:00 pm): Patten Fire Victims Luncheon at our church.

  • April 12 (10:30 am): Cluster Service with the Bishop at Grant Memorial UMC (Presque Isle). We will livestream the service in our sanctuary, followed by a potluck luncheon.

Weekly Programs:

  • Children: Sunday School (Every Sunday); Afternoon School Program (1st & 3rd Friday, 3:15 pm).

  • Bible Study: BTS (Thursday 9:30 am); SBS (Sunday 9:00 am).

  • Nursing Home: Bible Study (Friday 10:00 am at Gardiner); Service (3rd Sunday 2:00 pm). 

Our Prayer List

  • For the World: Especially Ukraine, Russia, Gaza, and Israel.

  • For our Country: Its leadership and the unity of our communities.

  • For our Denomination: Especially our Bishop and the Cabinet.

  • For Comfort: The families of Lori Mason, Chelsey Ann Weeks, John Marr, Joyce Cummings, T.J. Ryan, John Flannery, Loren Goode, Jackie Sponseller, and Phil Sherman.

  • 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, Patsy Dyer, Ross Gowen, Zachary Gowen, Emily Harris Family, Chris Heath, Hope Heath, Denise Jutras, Justin Karcher, Coty Kelso, Matt Lane, Ronnie Lepage, Jim 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 Sheilds, Rena Shorey, Butch Smallwood, Dicki Somers, Steve Trembly, Jolene Webber, Zach Weeks, and Linda Zalieka.

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