Rest in the Word

    * Aroostook Cluster Children's Handbells Choir at Aldersgate Day Service (5.24.25)         (Washburn, Gray Memorial, Patten, Mars Hill, Hodgdon & Houlton UMC) May 25, 2025 — Mars Hill UMC <Celebration> What stirs profound joy in your heart these days? What compels you to share it with others? Just last week, our churches—Mars Hill, Houlton, and Hodgdon—and our entire Aroostook Cluster were overflowing with reasons to rejoice. God’s presence was tangible in every moment of worship, fellowship, and service. At Mars Hill Church, our small group recently celebrated Diane’s 85th birthday. The atmosphere was full of love and laughter, nourished both spiritually through our study of Jonah and physically with food shared in joy. I am deeply grateful for the tireless care of Bonnie and Andy, whose faithful hearts bless us continuously. At Hodgdon Church, the annual yard sale was once again a resounding success. I marvel at the energy of our ...

(Romans 5:1-11)  5.18.25 Hodgdon <Lots of Street Names> Yesterday, my children had a Bike-a-thon fundraiser at school. We rode past many houses and saw so many different street names. We waved to neighbors, greeted fellow riders, saw butterflies, and heard the beautiful sound of a flowing stream. When we came to a hill, our legs tensed, and we pushed with all our might. Downhill, we'd lift our bottoms, raise our legs, and scream excitedly as the wind rushed by! Then, on our way back, I followed the person before me and took a wrong turn. I was having too much fun speeding downhill to look at the street names! When I had to climb back up that big hill, I truly regretted not paying attention to the signs. Finally, with the thought of ice cream, I gave my last bit of strength to finish the four-mile journey with Hannah. We hugged, so happy to be done! Our lives are a lot like that bike ride. We meet many people and experience many things. We enjoy moments with those we j...

(Acts 9:36–43) May 11, 2025 | Mars Hill UMC <A Person Who Reminds Us of God> Today is Mother’s Day . Observing the second Sunday in May, this day honors all mothers. It began in its present form with a special service in May 1907 at the Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia. The service was organized by a Methodist laywoman, Anna Jarvis, to honor her mother, who had died on May 9, 1905. By 1908, Anna Jarvis was advocating that all mothers be celebrated on the second Sunday in May, and in 191,2, the Methodist Episcopal Church recognized the day and raised it to the national agenda. It parallels with the old English Mothering Sunday in mid-Lent, which focused on returning home and paying homage to one’s mother, and with Mother’s Day for Peace, introduced in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe in Boston as a day dedicated to peace. In Korea, May 8 is celebrated as Parents’ Day . The carnation is a symbolic flower for this occasion, often worn or gifted. My child...