I hope that your summer has been one filled with refreshment and renewal. Maine summers are really ideal for slowing the pace, enjoying the weather, and reconnecting with loved ones in our lives. For Susan and me, the summer was made special by our daughter’s wedding, and by two separate family vacations. We were able to spend time with our mothers and extended family. Our new son-in-law, Nate, definitely got a chance to get to know our families better in this season, and hopefully we didn’t scare him away!

Just as we experienced a transition in our family this summer, First Parish experienced some as well. We said farewell to Martha Hoverson, who has been our Interim Minister for over a year. Martha has provided us with wonderful ministry. We also said goodbye to John Coons, who had been our Choir Director for 4 years.

In July, we called the Rev. Kate Dalton to be our new Associate. I hope that we can welcome Kate and Nora and their family into our community with some of our best hospitality. Kate brings many gifts, and I am very excited that she is joining us.

The Choir Director Search Committee has been busy at work over the summer. Although we don’t have a new Choir Director as of this writing, we are still at it and hope to make an announcement soon.

The church year starts up again in full swing on September 12. Sunday School will begin on that day. Kate will be delivering the Children’s Sermon, and will be escorting the children to their classes. This will be a good chance for her to meet our youth. Youth Group will begin on September 19. We look forward to your return.

One of the gifts we received this summer came from our neighbor, John Kauffmann, a long time friend of First Parish. He commissioned four new offering plates for us, which he is having made in Frank Knight’s honor. They are made from elm wood, and of course came from “Herbie”. We will be dedicating those on September 12.

We are excited about all the possibility the new year will bring. Please join us in the fellowship, worship, and ministry of First Parish Church. As we begin to get involved in the activities that the Fall offers, let’s dedicate a place for First Parish Church. And don’t be afraid to invite neighbors and friends.
Blessings,
Kent

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Hello! I am writing this first column in the midst of many, many boxes and lots of packing paper, but also lots of smiles and excitement. We (in case you haven’t heard, I am joined by my partner, Nora, our twin 5 year old sons, Russell and Nate, and our cat Jo) have landed in Maine and are busy unpacking, settling in, and exploring the area.

So this will be a brief column this month just to say hi and thank you. I cannot wait to begin my work with you on September 1. Please feel free to stop by and say hello. I look forward to getting to know you and to meeting some of you for the first time.

Hopefully next month, I’ll be able to report that moving is a distant memory (I’m keeping my fingers crossed.) Until then, may you enjoy the last few days of summer as we ramp up for a busy fall season.
Peace, Kate

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For those who may not have heard the news – the Rev. Martha Hoverson has been called as pastor and teacher to the First Congregational Church of North Yarmouth, United Church of Christ. We are excited for her and for the church to which she will bring her many gifts.