To the editor:
As the First Congregational Church of Houlton, United Church of Christ, celebrates its final day of worship, my heart is filled with sadness for its members and friends, and gratitude for its ministry. Three words come to mind especially as I think of how this church has blessed us through the years.
The first is faithfulness. The people of the Congregational Church have worshipped, prayed, sung, praised, served, grieved, rejoiced for decades — with hearts turned always toward God and God’s call. With open minds and open doors, the church has welcomed everyone, “wherever you are on life’s journey.” And with humbleness and love, it has sought to live out its mission even when the building was sold a few years ago, numbers grew few and the way may have seemed unclear.
The second word is community. The church has not only supported its own family with spiritual and tangible care, but has also reached to others in need or in joy. Its building was the site of many Easter breakfasts, World Day of Prayer services, concerts and celebration, and its people the first to participate in ecumenical events and ministries. When Houlton needed to come together in prayer services after the 9/11 attacks, the Congregational Church was where we gathered, a place of outreach and embrace.
The third word is justice. From offering a place for youth to making a home for the most elderly, from racial diversity to ministry with people of all abilities, the church has been one of absolute inclusion. It is open and affirming, welcoming LGBTQ people and participating in PFLAG, and has stood in solidarity with those whom society marginalizes. It contributed to worldwide and local missions against hunger and poverty, and to organizations working for peace, as a beacon of Jesus’ love.
I have been thankful, as a United Methodist, to be a part of the friendships, work and worship of the Congregational Church in Houlton for 30 years. Your organizational doors may be closing, but your commitments and faith live on. God be with you in your leave taking, and God bless you always.
Sincerely,
Mary E. Miller
Oakfield, Maine
