Patten Weekly Letter: He is Risen Indeed!

 

 


He is Risen!

This Easter Sunday was truly special. Despite the unfavorable weather, so many of you came out to celebrate, and it was wonderful to see so many familiar, welcoming faces. Penny’s testimony, as always, deeply moved our hearts and reminded us of the power of God’s work in our lives.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the congregants who decorated the inside and outside of the church so beautifully for Easter—especially Sharon and Bob. Your hard work made our sanctuary feel like a true celebration of life. I also want to thank Jeanie, who meticulously prepared Easter gifts for children of all ages. Having a Sunday School teacher who loves and cares for our children so deeply is a true sign of hope and a profound blessing for our church.

We also give thanks for God’s protection over Jean, who serves our community in so many ways—from the media to the bulletins. She had a scary fall in front of the church and could have been injured, but we are so grateful that the Lord kept her safe. Please continue to pray for Jean’s swift and full recovery.



On a personal note, this Easter was unforgettable for my family. We all had to wake up at 5:00 AM for the Sunrise Service in Houlton, but despite the early hour, we were all so happy to be there. I am so grateful for Gabriel’s dedication, which allowed us to share breakfast together as a church family. I also want to thank the congregants who invited us for lunch, allowing me to rest from cooking on such a busy day!

Because of my busy schedule, I wasn't able to do our usual family egg hunt or Easter pageant with my own children this year. However, I was so moved to see my children step up on their own. My eldest gave the younger ones a "mission" to find eggs for an hour, and the younger children even wrote, directed, and filmed their own Easter play to meditate on God’s word. Even my second child, who couldn't be with us due to a school event, brought three friends along to church!

Though this was the first Easter without my son at home, my heart didn't feel empty. Instead, I felt the deep presence of the Living God. Honestly, I felt a sense of sadness knowing this would be our last Easter here, but that sadness was replaced by a heart full of gratitude through the worship and fellowship with all of you.

I pray that the Risen Lord fills your hearts with gratitude—not just for this week, but until the day we all rise with Him.

He is Risen Indeed!

 

Sermon: Jesus, my living hope

Penny's testimony: From Chaos to Covenant 

Sunrise Service: 4/5/26 

Sorry, we couldn't record the service video this time. 


Please pray for Kempton Coolong's family. (Debbie, Tellis, and Melissa) He passed away last Friday night. Please pray for Sandra's daughter, Lynn Merry, to get better after a heart attack. 

 

Prayers for Bodily Healing:

Donnie Adams, William Barton, Little Beckham, Gary Blake,

Rev. Dan Blevins, Robin Bosse, Dana Carver, Mike Casey,

Kempton Coolong, Gordon & Roseanne Daughinee, Ron Dennis, Raymond Deshaies, Kathy Duffy Family, Patsy Dyer, Ross Gowen, Zachary Gowen, Emily Harris Family, Chris Heath, Dicki Heath,

Hope Heath, Justin Karcher, Coty Kelso, Matt Lane, Ricky Lyons,

Judi MacArthur, Dean McFarland, Pam McGary, Amy Milo,

Danette Moddy, Roberta Moore, Rick Murray,  Ed Noyes,

Robin Pettengill, Barbara Porter, the Richards Family, Dennis Sanborn, Kari Sanborn, the Alfred Savage Family, Cora Savage,  Keith Sheilds, Rena Shorey, Butch Smallwood, Dicki Somers, Steve Trembly, Jr.,    Jolene Webber, Zach Weeks, Linda Zalieka


       Worship Assistants:

 

                                March 5, 2026                   April 12, 2026

 

      Ushers:                   Bob                                     Bob

      Greeters:         Charles & Sue                   Penny & Ross

      Media:                    Jean                                  Denise

      Liturgist:                Sara                                   Jean

      Acolyte:          

                                                                

   UPCOMING EVENTS:

·       Apr. 5   -  EASTER SUNDAY (Baby Bottle Collection last day) 

·       Apr. 10 -  Women of Faith – 10 am

·       Apr. 12 -  Family Worship (Bible Reading Celebration) & Coffee Hour

·                       Community Handbell Choir Concert (Afternoon

                Houlton UMC)

·       May  3  -  Cluster Service with the Bishop  Grant Memorial UMC 

           Presque Isle.  (Hybrid)

·       May 31 -  Combined Service of Farewell (10 am Houlton UMC)

 

   Weekly Program:

           Every Sunday – Sunday School

           1st & 3rd Friday:  Afternoon School Program (3:15-4:45 pm)

           2nd & 4th Friday:  Family Karaoke (5:30-7:30 pm)

          

Thursday:  BTS (Thursday Bible Study)  9:30 – 11:00

            Sunday:  SBS (Sunday Bible Study)  9:00 – 10:00

            Nursing Home:  Bible Study (Friday 10 a.m. at Gardiner)

                                     Service (3rd Sunday 2:00 p.m.)

 
 
            EASTER FLOWERS

 

Lilies given in Memory of:

Carl & Donalen Dall  and Maxine Morgan

  By Penny & Ross Gowen

 

Lilies given in Memory of:

Pauline Howes

  By Rodney Howes

 

Lilies given in Memory of:

Joanne Howes Hanson

  By Rodney Howes

 

Lilies given in Memory of:

Ellen “Mamme” Howes

  By Rodney Howes

 

Tulips given in Memory of:

George & Pauline Howes and

Roland & Frances McGlinchey

  By Bob & Jean Howes

 

Lilies given in Memory of:

Our Grandparents

  By Pastors Victor Han & Joyce Kang

 

Flowers given in Memory of:

Mary & James Dunlap

  By Marge Deschaise


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