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First United Methodist Church - Bangor

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10/28/2026

Making a joyful noise may take some practice.

I started tooting the trumpet in 4th grade, inspired by Al Hirt playing the “Green Hornet” theme song on TV. Being from a musical family, I was encouraged to keep at it, for which I am thankful. As you can imagine, I hit a lot of sour notes my family had to endure when I practiced after supper pretty much each evening in our living room. Looking back at those days, I can imagine my brother, sister and parents cringing as I worked toward “making a joyful noise.”

Psalm 98:4 and 100:1 call us to “Make a joyful noise, all ye lands!” How so? Sure, with music perhaps, but more significantly, by proclaiming words of praise, love, peace and mercy. When we make this sort of joyful noise, we participate in the blessed Kingdom Christ invites us to establish together. Do we get it right always? No, we surely hit some sour notes from time to time. Yet we are called to practice this faith, this way of living, consistently offering ourselves as joyful noise makers.

May today be a day we hit all the right notes.
Wednesday blessings,
Steve

10/26/2026

Can you see the water?

I spent much of last week at the Rolling Ridge United Methodist Conference Center in North Andover, Massachusetts. I was there with the Board of Ordained Ministry, as we interviewed 9 candidates who have graduated from seminary. These candidates are now seeking ordination after submitting significant paperwork to be reviewed, including sermon transcripts, theological reflection papers, and much more. As you can imagine, it’s a highly stressful time for the candidates since they have worked for years to get to this point in their journey.

Rolling Ridge is situated on the shore of a lake, yet the water is not easy to see from the building. The back of the building features a patio, where some of those being interviewed gathered nervously before they were interviewed. I overheard one of them exclaim “I see it! There’s the water!” In order to secure a better view of the water, they had to shift position. Upon viewing the water, some wanted a closer look, so they walked toward the water to improve the view. Once there, the beauty of the water proved inspiration and soothing. Cairns, otherwise known as little piles of rocks were there too, which people typically build to mark places of solace. Returning from their encounter with the water, these candidates were calmer, more at peace.

It all began with a glimpse of the water.

The One who called himself the Living Water (John 7:37-39) invites us to have an encounter: “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

In the days of this new week, let’s look for the water.

Monday blessings,
Steve

10/25/2026

FUMC-Bangor Services for October 25, 2026

10/23/2026

Ever been to "reform school??" For those of you joining us online Sunday morning at 10:30, here is our church bulletin. We will celebrate "Reformation Sunday," remembering Martin Luther sparking the reformation 509 years ago. Is church a sort of "reform school?" We hope so! Find out why as you join us Sunday morning; we look forward to welcoming you!

Bangor First United Methodist Church
October 25, 2026 (Reformation Sunday)

Welcome, Announcements

Call to Worship
Leader: On this final Sunday of October, we gather to be warmed by the presence of God’s grace and our fellowship together!
People: Gracious God, we open our hearts and minds to receive what you have for us this day.
Leader: May the Spirit speak to us this day as we learn and laugh, discern and contemplate, accept and embrace.
All: Let us be faithful to your call on us today as we celebrate this time together.

Words of Confession
Leader: Today we are thankful for opportunities in the past week to bring our Lord’s love and light into dark places.
All: Yet we also recognize those times we have fallen short of Jesus’ teaching to love God and neighbor. Today we acknowledge our wandering, and seek to be strengthened and encouraged for the journey ahead.
Leader: We are reminded today that all who are in Christ are a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17.)
All: For this we are thankful! Amen.

Hymn: Loving Spirit

For the Young at Heart

Music Ministry Spirit, Open My Heart Fellowship Choir

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Reading from Acts: Acts 10:44-48
Gospel: Matthew 22:34-46

Sermon: “Reform School?”

Hymn: More Love to Thee, O Christ

Pastor’s Prayer, Lord’s Prayer

Offertory Prayer
Empower these gifts we return to you, faithful God. Bless our offering as we seek to bring transforming love and light to our community and beyond through the ministries of our church. Amen.

Hymn: The Gift of Love

Benediction
Jeff F.

Benediction Response Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

10/23/2026

The final bean supper of the season happens this Saturday from 4-6—-same awesome menu with all proceeds benefitting the mission trip to the Dominican Republic!

10/21/2026

Ever wonder why we call our autumn season “fall?” This video should explain it. Shot this video on Bennoch Road while heading to church this past Sunday. Indeed, the leaves are falling, thus the name. A bit of background: In 1500s England, people began describing the transition by pairing "the fall of the leaf" with "the spring of the leaf," eventually shortening them to fall and spring.

Anyhoo-

While we may lament the tree letting go of its leaves, it’s actually good for the tree. The tree is in shedding mode in order to steer the nutrients maintaining the leaves back into it’s branches, trunk and root system, strengthening and nourishing it for the long, cold season ahead. Suppose we can learn from this tree?

Aren’t we healthier and made stronger by letting go of things we’ve been hanging onto for too long? Bitterness, envy, negativity, judgement of others? If we simply let go, the energy expended may flow back into our heart and soul, strengthening us, renewing us for upcoming seasons.

Shall we experience the gift of letting go?

Wednesday blessings,
Steve

10/19/2026

Was walking near the UMaine football stadium early Saturday morning when I heard a commotion from the field. I knew the team had a game that afternoon at 1:00, but it was way too early for the team to be taking the field. Were they on the field for an early practice? Turning the corner, I found the source of the noise: the UMaine marching band was on the field hours before the game. Not only were they practicing certain formations, they spent quite a bit of time before grabbing their instruments stretching and performing calisthenics. Watching them for a spell, I was reminded there is a lot of work fans at games never see when the band performs their intricate, crowd-pleasing formations. The work begins in the classroom during the week, then early on game day with practices and exercise on the field before their performance in front of the crowd.

We too, are invited to perform, to display sometimes simple, sometimes intricate, complicated formations as we work for the sake of Christ’s Kingdom. Acts of mercy, kindness and justice require planning, even some practice. I was thinking about this yesterday in church; we gather each Sunday morning to exercise, stretch and practice together as we prepare to “perform” our faith in front of others during the days of a new week.

Later Saturday, the UMaine Marching Band looked sharp while executing their music and moves in front of the crowd. Will we?

Monday Blessings,
Steve

10/18/2026

FUMC - Bangor Service for October 18, 2026

10/16/2026

For those of you joining us online Sunday morning at 10:30, here is our church bulletin and announcement insert.
The message Sunday will connect to a safe salvaged from the Old Town Canoe Company building when it was demolished 12 years ago, and our readings from Matthew, Romans and Exodus. How so? Join us to find out as we share a sermon titled "A Safe Place." During the children's message Pastor Steve will "attempt the impossible" with a piece of paper 🙂.
Learning, laughter, warm fellowship, inspiring music, scripture and sermon—we look forward to welcoming you!

Bulletin: October 18, 2026
Bangor First UMC

Welcome, Announcements

Call to Worship
Leader: We gather in this place, preparing ourselves for an encounter with the sacred, loving presence of Christ.
All: Let us set aside that which clutters our hearts and minds, distracting us from the still, small voice desiring to speak to us. May it be so!

Words of Confession
Leader: In our gathering, we celebrate opportunities in the past week when we’ve shared light and love with those in our path. We also recognize the need to recognize and confess those times we have failed to follow God’s call on our lives; to do justice, to love mercy, to walk humbly.
All: Forgive our wandering from your way. Strengthen us for the mission you set before us, as we seek to be faithful to your call on our lives.

Words of Assurance
Leader: How does our brother, the Apostle Paul describe us in our repentance?
All: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Hymn: Over My Head

For the Young at Heart

Music Ministry Change My Heart, O God / Enter My Heart, Hosanna

Old Testament: Exodus 33:12-23
Epistle: Romans 8:31-39
Gospel Reading: Matthew 22: 15-22

Sermon: “Safe Place”

Hymn: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Pastoral Prayer
Lord’s Prayer

Offering Prayer
Leader: We are thankful for the blessing of being used for your purposes, faithful God.
All: Bless the offering of our time, our talents, our treasure; use us and our investments in your Kingdom to answer the prayers of your people. Amen.

Hymn: I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me

Benediction
“Finally, friends, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11)

Benediction Hymn Sanctuary

10/14/2026

When do you expect to encounter bumblebees? For me it’s during the awakening season of spring and the warming days of summer. That’s why I was a bit startled to see some movement around one of Judy’s blossoms around the mailbox. Alas! It was an unexpected bumblebee doing its thing-collecting nectar and pollen. This work is hugely important, as this activity by these “busy bees” enables wild plants, trees, and flowers to produce seeds and fruits to flourish, an important domino in the food eco-system which sustains and builds life around us. Thankful for the work of this bumblebee, even though it’s happening during an unexpected season.

We too, are called to be about the work of movement, in and out of the lives of those around us, working to build and sustain each other as we share gifts of kindness, support and abundant life. And like our friend the bumblebee, this work goes on-even during seasons which may surprise us.

Thankful to be buzzing around with you,
Steve

Address

703 Essex Street
Bangor, ME
04401

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 12pm
Tuesday	9am - 12pm
Wednesday	9am - 12pm
Thursday	9am - 12pm
Friday	9am - 12pm
Sunday	8:30am - 12pm

Telephone

+12079459567

Website

http://www.fumcbangor.org/

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