"Fall Back"

 

Peace to you, beloved church family!

I hope you have had a blessed week.

Just a friendly reminder that Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend. That means we get an extra hour of rest! Don't forget to set your clocks back on Saturday night.

This Sunday, we celebrate All Saints Sunday. It was one of John Wesley's favorite services. My prayer is that as we worship together, the God of hope will comfort our hearts and renew in us the sure hope of resurrection.

This Sunday afternoon at 2:30 PM, five Methodist churches will gather at our church for a combined Church Conference, which includes a brief presentation of the Youth Conference 2027. All five pastors have been preparing for this special gathering. Our hope is to build relationships, enjoy fellowship, and explore opportunities to serve together. My prayer is that everyone will leave feeling encouraged and hopeful. This gathering is open to all who love Christ's Church. 

Lastly, if you are around this Saturday (10 AM–12 PM), please stop by our Furniture Barn! Our "Youth 2027" team is hosting a special Bake Sale. All proceeds will go toward supporting our youth as they prepare for next year's conference.

Thank you for being part of this church family. May you have a joyful and restful weekend. See you Sunday! :)

In Christ's love,
Pastor Victor

Life Together: “We Are Always Beginners” (Oct 27)

 

“We Are Always Beginners”

October 27, 2026

 

The other day, I read an interesting article in The Atlantic about how AI is changing our hobbies (November 2026, pp. 26–27). The author enjoys fishing. One day, he received a link to an Instagram post from one of his fishing partners. It showed an angler holding a gorgeous fish. As he looked more closely, however, he noticed a couple of problems: striped bass have seven stripes, not twelve, and people usually have five fingers on each hand, not six!

 

Thanks to AI-generated images, the fish seem to be getting bigger and more impressive. Not only that, but it is becoming harder to believe what we see, whether in an image, a video, or even a piece of writing. The author laments this change and concludes, “We have lost the ability to believe in the accomplishment of others.”

 

I don’t know about you, but I find it increasingly difficult to maintain a sense of awe in this emerging age of AI. I worry that we are on the verge of losing our ability to say “WOW!” in exchange for convenience and efficiency.

 

How can we continue to treasure our capacity for awe? I think we can learn something from our children and grandchildren. Our little Hannah just turned seven, and I love spending time with her. I love seeing the world through her eyes. She is always curious, exploring, and learning from just about everything. I love her spontaneous creativity and her genuine reactions to the world around her. I keep her crafts in a box and look through them from time to time. They refresh my sense of wonder.

 

Brother Lawrence offers us another wonderful example. He was not an outstanding leader but an ordinary brother who worked in the kitchen. Yet people came to him for counsel and wisdom. He lived as though God were his constant companion, seeking to remain always in the presence of God. He once wrote: “I turn the cake that is frying on the pan for love of him, and that done, if there is nothing else to call me, I prostrate myself in worship before him, who has given me grace to work; afterwards I rise happier than a king. It is enough for me to pick up but a straw from the ground for the love of God.”

 

What a beautiful reminder! Even the simplest, most ordinary moments can become opportunities to experience God's presence and love. I truly believe God gives us countless signs of his goodness and beauty that invite us to stand in awe of him. These are among the means of grace through which we encounter God's presence. We find them in nature, in the eyes of our children, and in the ordinary moments of everyday life. So today, as I cheer on Grace at her cross-country meet, I will look up, lift my eyes to God, and say, “WOW!”

 

How about you? Where do you see God?

 

This week, there will be plenty of opportunities in the life of our church to experience our awesome God! On Halloween, this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., we will hold a special bake sale at the Furniture Barn. All proceeds will support our youth conference in 2027.

 

This Sunday, we will celebrate All Saints Sunday, remembering those who have gone to glory this year and giving thanks to God for their lives. Also, five United Methodist churches will gather at our church for our Church Conference at 2:30 p.m. My prayer is that this gathering will be a time of spiritual refreshment and renewal, restoring our sense of awe before God.

 

AI is real, and it is affecting nearly every area of our lives. Our concerns about financial insecurity and physical frailty are real, too. But our God is greater. May we never lose our sense of wonder. May we always remain beginners, with eyes wide open to the beauty, goodness, and grace of God. May we always stand in awe of God.

 

In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Victor

 

Prayer Concerns

Please keep God's beloved children listed below in your daily prayers. If you would like to add a loved one to our prayer list, please let Wendy or me know:

Karen Antonio, friend of Eve Hoffman; Alan August and Joel Strawn, family of Anna Tissari; Betty Cameron; Jamie Cartier, daughter of Pam Cartier; Beatrice Ellicott; Louise Fietz; Lois John, close friend of Bill and Susan Glass; Matilda Keinath, granddaughter of Al and Pearl Keinath; Julie Kennie; Andrew Mitsis; Jeannette Leupold; Louise Monroe; Tom Osborn; Pete Peabody; Irene Shaw; Holly Reid, friend of Jeanne Huseby; Richard Strawn, husband of Anna Tissari; Giullo, relative of John and Sandy Duncan; Tom Wruk, son of Jane and Frank Wruk; Layla, granddaughter of Hyacinth Lawrence; and Deadra, Hyacinth's daughter.

 

Worship and Sermon

If you missed this Sunday's service, you can watch the worship service and read the sermon using the links below.

• Worship Service: https://youtu.be/W5SvmzZ0Juk
• Sermon: “Dependence”
  https://324oldmainstreet.blogspot.com/2026/10/dependence-deuteronomy-1110-12-john-91.html

Our worship services are also broadcast on Channel 26 on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.

*Our choir recording session! Many thanks to Ben, Paul, Hayward, and all our faithful choir members for sharing their gifts and voices. Above all, to God be the glory! 🎶

 

Life Together: “I Am No Longer My Own” (Oct 20)

 

“I Am No Longer My Own”
October 20, 2026

“This is your piano now.”

Last April, just a few days after the news of our new appointments was announced, some of the leaders from our previous church took Joyce and me to the corner of the sanctuary and showed us a piano.

The piano had been given to the church as a gift. They told us, “We can’t imagine the Han family without this piano. We’ve already checked with the family who donated it, and they agreed. The church leadership is also unanimously in favor of giving it to your family.”

Joyce and I were still trying to process everything. We weren’t quite sure what was happening or how it would work. But it was as if they could read our minds. “Don’t worry about the logistics. Once you settle in, we’ll deliver it to you.”

Then six months passed.

One day, the phone rang. “We’re ready. We’ll be there this weekend.” And they really did it! Somehow, they rented a U-Haul truck an hour and fifteen minutes away, built a custom wooden ramp for the stairs, and drove nine hours from Houlton to Cape Cod. What extravagant grace! 

Gabriel, who runs his own restaurant, took three days off to make the trip with his six-year-old daughter, Iona. Bertrand and Susan, who both work full-time, somehow made it happen, too. Both are gifted musicians. Bertrand has shared his musical gifts with our church, and Susan played special music at Wellfleet this past Sunday. Jonathan and April, who live in Harwich and are connected to the Houlton church family, also joined us to help bring the piano into our home.

The moment the piano was placed in our living room, a flood of love washed over my heart like ocean waves. I still can hardly believe it happened. These wonderful people “wasted” their time, money, energy, and talents on us, and they did it with joy!

The piano has become a constant reminder of God's extravagant grace, made beautifully visible through the generosity of his faithful people. For me, living in the parsonage is another daily reminder that everything I have is a gift from God. I own nothing. Jesus owns everything. And how liberating it is to live with open hands, receiving his gifts with gratitude and offering them back freely in love!

These days, as soon as I wake up, I kneel and pray John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer:

I am no longer my own, but Thine.

Put me to what Thou wilt, rank me with whom Thou wilt,

Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be employed by Thee, or laid aside for Thee.

Exalted for Thee, or brought low for Thee.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and heartily yield all things

to Thy pleasure and disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God,

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

Thou art mine, and I am Thine. So be it.

And the covenant I made on earth

Let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.

When we become followers of Christ through baptism or join the church through membership, we promise to faithfully participate in its ministries through our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness.

Stewardship is more than a financial commitment. It is all of life. This month is a wonderful opportunity to reevaluate, realign, and rededicate our lives to God. This Sunday, we will celebrate Stewardship Sunday, followed by a thank-you luncheon featuring blueberry-themed desserts. Everyone is welcome!

This past Sunday, we celebrated Laity Sunday, affirming that we are all called to participate in God's mission. Every member of the body of Christ matters, and every person has gifts to share.

Several of our church leaders shared what serving means to them personally. I hope their stories encourage you and remind you of the many ways God is at work among us.

You can also watch the service and read the message below:

• Celebrating Our Shared Ministry: https://youtu.be/lR3DpmJA-5Q
• Worship Service: https://youtu.be/bs7kWcsWWKM
• Sermon, “Generosity” (John 7:53–8:11): https://324oldmainstreet.blogspot.com/2026/10/generosity-john-753-811.html

Our worship services are also broadcast on Channel 26 on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.

Please keep those on our prayer list, along with those who are sick or recovering, in your prayers: Tom Osborn, Jeannette Leupold (Cape Regency), Louise Fietz (Mayflower), Irene Shaw, Tom Wruk, Jamie Cartier, and our beloved Matilda, granddaughter of Al and Pearl Keinath. If you would like to add a loved one to our prayer list or join our prayer team, please let me know. It is a privilege to carry one another in prayer.

Thank you for being part of our church family. May we continue to grow more like Christ and become more loving and generous in all our relationships. Have a blessed week!

In Christ's Love, 

Pastor Victor 

Life Together: “What Is Your Rallying Cry?” (Oct 13)

 

“What Is Your Rallying Cry?”

October 13, 2026

 

Have you ever watched Saint Ralph? It is a heartwarming movie about Ralph Walker, an unlikely runner. Ralph is a mischievous 14-year-old boy whose mother falls into a coma. Desperate to find a miracle that might save her, he sets an almost impossible goal: winning the Boston Marathon. With the help of a priest who coaches him, Ralph begins to run, train, and push beyond what anyone expects of him. Along the way, he learns that running requires more than physical strength. It requires a reason to keep going.

 

One phrase becomes Ralph’s rallying cry: “Be a martyr!” His coach uses it to challenge him to embrace sacrifice, discipline, and perseverance rather than give up when things get difficult.

 

This past weekend, I ran another half marathon in Falmouth. Having trained throughout the summer, I was hoping to set a new personal record (PR). Unexpectedly, however, I began feeling unwell the day before the race after visiting a nursing home. I prayed, took Tylenol, and went to bed early.

Race day arrived. I still wasn't feeling well, but I wasn't too sick to run. So, I went ahead. The first half of the race went well enough. But during the second half, my legs grew tired, and my mind began telling me to stop.

 

Around that time, I heard someone call my name from the cheering crowd: “Victor!” It was Valerie and Brian. What a wonderful surprise! Their encouragement gave me a boost, and I kept going.

 

Especially during the last three miles, I kept repeating my rallying cries to myself: “Be a martyr!” “Never give up!” I also pictured the faces of my five children, our church members, and Joyce, who was running the same race.

 

My usual strategy is to start slow and finish fast, but this time, I had no energy left for a strong finish. My goal became simple: keep running without walking or stopping. Quite a few runners passed me, but I focused on my own pace and kept moving forward. At the finish line, my five children were there cheering me on.

 

I made it! Then I felt dizzy and collapsed. I had to lie down in the medical tent for about half an hour. The runner next to me had a temperature that reportedly reached 105 degrees. As I lay there recovering, I couldn't help asking myself, “Why am I doing this?”

 

For the next couple of hours, I thought I would never do it again. But by the end of the day, I was already planning to run a full marathon next spring!

 

So, why do I run? For me, running is about more than reaching the finish line. When we are young and healthy, running 100 meters may seem relatively easy. But running a marathon is different. We cannot simply decide to do it “on the spot,” no matter how willing or determined we are. It requires daily discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance. And we need a reason to keep going.

 

I love running not only because it helps clear my mind, but also because it helps me ask some important questions: Why am I doing what I am doing? What on earth am I here for? Where am I now, and where am I heading?

 

So what is your rallying cry? What calling or purpose keeps you going, especially when the journey gets hard?

 

This past Sunday, I shared a message about Jesus' rallying cry –

his mission statement – and how it shapes what we desire and what we live for. Scott Redman also shared his inspiring faith story with us. You can watch the worship service here and read the sermon here.

 

During the race, so many spectators cheered me on. Their encouragement reminded me that we are not meant to run alone. The same is true in our journey of faith. We all need encouragement, and there are people around us who need our prayers, our presence, and a few words of hope to help them keep going.

 

Please remember those on our prayer list, along with those whose names were shared during Sunday's service: Tom Wruk (Jane's son), Jamie Cartier (Pam's daughter), Irene Shaw, Tom Osborn, Jeannette Leupold, Louise Fietz, Julie Kennie, Layla (Hyacinth's granddaughter), Deadra (Hyacinth's daughter), and Matilda (Ai and Pearl's granddaughter).

 

May we remain faithful to the calling God has given us. May we encourage one another daily, and keep running the race set before us until that day we meet our Lord face to face.

 

Thank you for being part of this journey together. Have a blessed week!

 

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Victor

 

P.S. Please remember that next Sunday, October 18, is Trivia Night! We’ll gather from 4:00–6:00 p.m. Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of fun, laughter, and fellowship together!

Life Together: “Entertaining Angels” (Oct 6)

 

“Entertaining Angels”

October 6, 2026

 

Extending hospitality is one of my growing edges.

 

Perhaps it comes from my monk-type personality. I enjoy silence and solitude. It may also have something to do with my upbringing.

 

I grew up in a pastor’s family. My parents gave themselves wholeheartedly to the work of the Lord. They always served, cared, and helped. My sister and I followed their example. But our home was also a place for “recharging.” We rarely invited people into our home because, after giving so much to others, we simply didn’t have much extra energy or time left.

 

In our previous parish, Joyce and I often prepared food, visited the sick, and fed the hungry. But we were not very good at inviting people into our home. We enjoyed fellowship, but hosting often felt stressful, cleaning the house, preparing food, adjusting schedules, and everything else that comes with it.

 

Then, in July, as we began our new ministry here on the Cape, our family received an incredible gift: a fully renovated parsonage, made possible by the tremendous investment of time, talent, and resources from our church family.

 

Joyce and I were fully aware that we are not the owners, but stewards entrusted with this home for a season. So we asked ourselves, “How should we live?” We both felt God nudging us to be more intentional about extending hospitality.

 

About a month after we moved in, we hosted a block cookout and invited our neighbors. We had a blast! This past weekend, we welcomed our first guests from Maine, and we already have more people scheduled to visit us in the coming months.

 

To be honest, it is still quite a stretch for me. My natural desire sometimes says, “Leave me alone!” But I am beginning to see hospitality as a spiritual practice. So, during this Stewardship Month (and beyond), I want to practice hospitality, along with making my pledge to the church. For me, both are ways of saying, “I am no longer my own, but thine, O Lord.”

 

In what areas of your life do you feel God nudging you to grow and to be more generous? May we listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and respond with love.

 

This past Sunday was World Communion Sunday. Every time we wait and eat the bread together, I am deeply moved. What a powerful way of saying, “We are one in Christ, and one with each other.” In Korean, we call family sik-goo, literally, people who share meals together. God is our gracious host, and we are all invited to sit around the table, no matter how many we are. What a beautiful picture of radical hospitality!

 

You can watch this week’s worship service on YouTube. Our services are also broadcast on Channel 26 on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. You can also read this week’s message, “Surrender”, on my blog.

 

Please remember those on our prayer list. In particular, let us pray for Cookie Barry and Jeannette Leupold for their renewed strength and recovery. It was also so encouraging to see those who have recently had surgery or have not been well, now able to worship with us again – David Beauchamp, Teresa Fletcher, Don Loring, and Eve Hoffman. We also hear that Irene Shaw is recovering well. Praise God!

 

This week, Tuesday through Thursday, I will be attending the “Innovate” cohort in Contoocook, New Hampshire, along with twelve colleagues. I look forward to this time of mutual support, learning, and encouragement. I also hope it will be a time to replenish and renew. Please pray for safe travels and, especially, for spiritual renewal.

 

Thank you for your love and for sharing this journey together. Have a blessed week!

 

P.S. The October Steeple Is Here!

 

*Kudos to Connie and the Finance Team for their faithful service. This year’s stewardship campaign theme is: “Sharing Blessings One Piece at a Time.” And a special thank-you to Elena for creating this wonderful visual for us. With each pledge, another blueberry is added to the pie!