This year marks the 9th year since my appointment to Hodgdon and Houlton United Methodist Churches in July 2014. In addition to these appointments, as of October 16, 2022, Joyce and I were newly appointed to Mars Hill UMC. We consider ourselves 21st-century “circuit riders.”

Every year our churches participate in a baby bottle campaign for the Pregnancy Center (PC), which is the biggest fundraiser. Our support enables PC to provide free pregnancy tests, counseling, parenting classes, ultrasounds, Bible studies and material assistance such as diapers and clothing for pregnant mothers.

“How do we help these mothers?” that is the question. Government policies on health care and supporting low-income families are important. Warranted and reasonable restrictions on abortion are important. But what’s more important is, I believe, cultural transformation that comes from Christians getting involved in pregnancy centers that provide robust social support for women in need, and that empower these women, give them other options, and make abortion seem unnecessary.

Between the two churches I serve we normally collect about 30-40 bottles each year, though Mars Hill UMC is newly joining us this year. They are not many, but we know that even a great waterfall begins with only one drop of water. It begins with one bottle. It begins with you and me.

“Building beloved community one person at a time” is my life motto. It is my prayer that all churches in our community may be the first places women in need are going to run to, instead of away from because of guilt and shame. Lastly, I would like to give thanks to the faithful pregnancy center staff and volunteers who make our community a better place.