Daniel Jackson — As Advent begins, Daniel reminds us that "Emmanuel” - God with us - is the source of our best hope. Hope is ever present, as is God's love. Be alert for glimpses of God, love at work, and join in. Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — Daniel notes that the present problems that plague us will come and go. They are temporary. What is constant is God's presence and love. So what shall we do with that assurance? Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — "We are not the first in history to face difficult times.... Perhaps it is a good time to explore the faith of those who have faced infinitely more difficulty than many of us could ever face." Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — Daniel reflects about the Great Commandment that "Loving God and loving our neighbor is meant to be about action, ... tangible, ... to bring the kindom of God from the 'not yet' to the 'right now.'" Worship bulletin

Jennifer Gillis-White — Jennifer spins a sermon which she also called "Life Lessons from a Spider," drawing on the book "Charlotte's Web." She asks, "What does it mean to 'see' Jesus?" Seeing, how will we respond? Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — To James and John's petition for personal position and power, Jesus lovingly responds that following him is not about favor and fame. It's all about selflessness and servanthood. Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — Meg reflects on the proximity of World Communion Sunday and Indigenous People's Day and how both observances can teach us (as did Jesus) that "we don't have to think only about ourselves." Worship bulletin

Dan Jackson — Being tested with legalistic questions, Jesus responds with love, calling his followers to "have a love and faith that extravagantly welcomes, and doesn't set barriers for others to dive into God's love." Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — In your math class, you may have been instructed to "show your work," how you got the answer. Meg muses about what "show your work" might mean for a people of faith in a tense election season. Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — In a time of divisively conflicting agendas, Dan proposes God's agenda for us is "intentionaly pursuing our shared humanity, despite our differences .... The only agenda is to love others as God loves us." Worship bulletin

Rev. Dr. Bob Grove-Markwood — In the common ground between “be doers of the word,” (James) and “do unto others” (Matthew), Bob finds the two passages inform a better way of co-existing in a contentious election season. Scripture

Christine Standefer — Chris observes that when Peter steps out of the boat into the unknown, Jesus' encouragement is a model for how we might support and give courage to each other in seasons of challenging change. Worship bulletin

Dena Smith — Weaving themes of "the journey of faith, navigating an unexpected transition, and ... Disney mega-hit 'Let It Go,'" Dena reflects on Jesus' call to let go of the lives we know to follow him and serve others. Worship bulletin

Rev. Dr. Susan MacAlpine-Gillis — Noting that as difficult as change can be, often calling forth problematic responses, Susan assures us that God is a loving and sustaining constant in times of challenging change. Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — Daniel shares biblical-historical background for Jeremiah's potter and clay metaphor, framing this passage as a reminder of God's redemptive, re-shaping love. Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — In the final week of our "Quest" worship series, Dan shares a story of a transformative experience he had coming to know a Muslim family, who became "siblings from another flock" for him. Worship bulletin

Allen Morrill — In week 3 of "Quest," our four-part worship series, Allen recalls an experience he had of travel in another country and culture, noting that "the journey we're on is a journey toward empathy." Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — Dan reflects on “The Encounter,” the familiar story of Jesus meeting a Samaritan woman at a public well. It’s the second Sunday of our four-part worship series, “Quest: the Awakened Traveler.” Scripture reading

Melissa Vance — Melissa shared “Leaving Home,” a reflection for the first of a four-part worship series: “Quest: the Awakened Traveler.” Sometimes we need to “leave the familiar in order to grow and to thrive.” Scripture reading

Meg Hegemann — Meg challenges us to believe that we already have all we need to succeed at what God calls us to do. God challenges us to live in that hope, and to resist fear, that may we (re)find our purpose. Scripture reading

Dena Smith — Dena notes that Jesus' followers didn't always fully understand his parables. But his message remains, that "sometimes there is confusion" ... but love others, and care for "the world God so loved." Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — "What does it mean to talk about family in the context of God's kingdom?" Daniel reflects on the implications of Jesus' declaration that "whoever does the will of God" is his family. Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — Kintsugi is the Japanese art of joining fragments of a broken jar or bowl together again with gold. God's "golden joinery" restores our fragmented selves as a new creation. Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — Meg notes that faith, like the Doctrine of the Trinity, is not about “rational explanation,” but “mystery - this incomprehensible relationship” in which “God choses to work in and through us.” Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — Daniel lifts up the constancy of God’s love, which he sees reflected in the Indigo Girls’ song, “Strange Fire”: “This is a message of … love that never tires,” that “burns with the motion of love.” Worship bulletin

Rachel Dobbs — On Mother’s Day, Rachel shared radically reassuring words of Julian of Norwich, “Mother Julian” (c. 1343 - 1416), who wrote of God as both mother and father, and of “our precious mother Jesus.” Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — Meg observes that "Jesus doesn't just offer friendship, he declares it. 'You are my friend!'" Through Jesus' friendship, we may be loved into learning ways for us to "declare" a true friendship to others. Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — Reflecting on Jesus as the Good Shephed, Daniel recalls a youth pastor who was a “caring shepherd” for him in his teen years, as he urges us to “Spread God’s love around like glitter!” Worship bulletin

Rev. Dr. Diane Langworthy — Reflecting on Jesus’ appearance to his disciples after Easter morning, Diane observes that our discipleship is not just about our hearts and minds. It's about our bodies, too! Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — In John's familiar story featuring "Doubting" Thomas, Meg suggests that "what Thomas has lost faith in is not God, but his community." And Jesus calls Thomas back into a relationship of trust. Scripture reading

Meg Hegemann — The original end of the Gospel of Mark closes with a scene of fear and grief. Meg notes we can be supportive witnesses to one another & to the world that hope has not died - even as fear & grief persist! Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — Meg observes that "John's Gospel is written for a people who are wrestling with the knowledge that they can't go back" to the way things used to be. Her sermon is written for folks like that, too. Worship bulletin

Rev. Dr. Diane Langworthy — "God so loved the world" means that whatever hardship, hurt, shame, or separation from God we might experience, we are promised God's healing, and love beyond measure. Worship bulletin

Christine Standefer — Chris cites Bible passage that remind us of Jesus' full humanity - anger, but also courage, compassion, sorrow, and love. His human qualities help us see that we are God’s children, too. Worship bulletin

Rachel Dobbs — Rachel reflects on Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness: tempted by Satan, but attended to by angels. She asks, “What if - in our “wilderness” experiences - we are angels, attending to each other?” Worship bulletin

Rev. Dr. Diane Langworthy — Reflecting on the reaction of Jesus’ disciples as they witness his transfiguration, Diane observes that, “some experiences are meant to be soaked up and woven into who we are.” Worship bulletin

Rev. Dr. Diane Langworthy — When we have strong convictions about issues/ideas/values important to us, can we listen more deeply to others with different or conflicting views, that we might understand them more deeply? Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — Meg reflects on Jesus' call of the first disciples, who drop their nets and follow immediately. What creates a sense of urgency for us to change? Is it fear, or hope, or maybe a desire to serve, to matter for a hurting world? Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — In his reflection on Psalm 139, focusing on God's unrelenting presence and care for us, Daniel shared a passionate assurance of God's persistent, unconditional, transformative love. Worship bulletin

Jennifer Gillis-White — Jennifer used the Advent wreath to frame her message on "what we are leaving behind and ... what we are hoping for and anticipating in the new year," adapting a reflection by the Rev. Dr. Susan MacAlpine-Gillis. Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — Through the lens of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis, Daniel reflects on hope, "that cannot be extinguished," because of the God who had made "an everlasting convenant" with us. Worship bulletin

Jennifer Gillis-White — Jennifer offers a reflection on the meaning of Advent and Christmas from Mary's perspective, imagining Mary's feelings about her most personal experience of the birth of Jesus. Worship bulletin

Rev. Dr. Diane Langworthy — In the parable of the Sheep and Goats, Diane observes that "how we treat each other matters, and ... there is a reckoning." But if we "see the face of Jesus in the other," there can be redemption. Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — Meg observes that the Parable of the Valuable Coins calls us to "think big," not hiding our precious gifts out of fear, but investing our whole selves - as partners with God - to heal the world. Worship bulletin

Rachel Dobbs — Rachel reflects on the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids as both a cautionary tale and a call to not put off the necessary work of faith formation that will prepare us for active discipleship. Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — Meg reflects on two readings that assure us that we may face great suffering and loss, but through God’s grace and mercy “all will be well, and all manner of things will be well.” Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann & Jennifer Gillis-White — In an unplanned collaboration, Meg and Jennifer respond to the Oct 25 mass shooting in Lewiston, ME with a powerful call to action for change, not just thoughts and prayers. Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — Daniels reflects on Matt. 22:15-22. When Jesus says “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s,” it is about so much more than whether we should pay taxes. Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — With recent news headlines of death and destruction in mind, Daniel declares that in these hard times, God both comforts and calls us to “seek ways to bring love, compassion, and justice wherever we go.” Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — Meg reflects on the Apostle Paul's words about his "privilege," and sees Paul as a model for us as we consider how we will us our privilege for a larger and more inclusive good, serving Christ and neighbor. Worship bulletin

Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola — Marisa, the Conference Minister of the Maine Conference, United Church of Christ, reflected on how "we are named through our gifts" as we offer them in service through God's church. Worship bulletin

Rachel Dobbs — Rachel ponders whether the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard is not about fairness or who deserves what, but about the generosity and grace of God that we are called to embody. Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — Meg reflects on how our accounting to God will be, in some measure, about whether we have forgiven as we have been forgiven, offering grace to others as we have received grace. Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — Sharing a personal anecdote, Meg reflects on sin, broken relationship, accountability, and the work of reconciliation that is both the hard work and the holy work of restoring relationships. Worship bulletin

Rev. Dr. Robert Grove-Markwood — On Labor Sunday, Bob reflects on the story of Moses and the “burning bush,” where Moses is called to leadership in the work of seeking justice for the Israelites (Moses’ kin) enslaved in Egypt. Scripture

Daniel Jackson — Dan notes how Dr. Who, British TV science fiction character, "sees the inherent worth" of everyone, embodying God's love. Such love in real life offers "glimpses of God at work" in the world! Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — Exploring some parallels between Victor Hugo's novel "Les Misérables" and the story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand (Matt 14: 13-21), Daniel sees them both as stories that reveal God's transformative compassion and love. Worship bulletin

Jennifer Gillis-White — Jennifer reflects on the Parable of the Weeds, focusing on the image of wheat and weeds growing "side by side." Though we can't always tell them apart (the good and the bad), "all things work for good" with God! Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — Using the image of a weary child wanting to be picked up, Dan says that God (who is Love) "waits for us to come with arms lifted …, asking, 'Up please!'," and we are given rest, that we may live in love of God and neighbor. Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — Dan notes that sin "is not trusting in God's love and Grace for ourselves and for this world." Thus, faith isn't a "sin-management program," but trust in God, not us, as the true judge of right and wrong. Worship bulletin

Jennifer Gillis-White — Reflecting on the Apostle Paul's call for us to be a "living sacrifice" (Rom. 12:1), Jennifer asks us to consider, "Other than money, what am I giving to my church and community as a representation of my offering to God?" Worship bulletin

Kira Libby — On Pride Sunday, Meg Hegemann introduced Kira Libby, who points to Jesus' ministry of mercy and love - not accusation and condemnation - as the way God desires us to live together as followers of Jesus, as the Church. Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — Wearing an Alzheimer’s Awareness t-shirt with the tagline “I will remember for you,” Meg suggests it is a metaphor for the church. “To what extent,” she asks, “has the church developed dementia when it come to being the body of Christ.” Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — Daniel observes that trust in God "is based 100% in love." He asks us to consider what that kind of love - that kind of trust in God - might look like in our lives if we truly follow Jesus' call to love our neighbor. Worship bulletin

Melissa Vance — Melissa reflects on images for the Holy Spirit: wind and fire at Pentecost; a dove at Jesus' Baptism; and the Wild Goose of Celtic spirituality -- "untamed... uncontrollable... on the move". Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — Meg makes connections - with Mother's Day; Julia Ward Howe; Mary's experience of the execution of her son, Jesus; and the mercy of God - in ways you won't hear from the greeting card industry. Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — In Acts 7, Stephen is killed for challenging how the Temple's physical structure and hierarchy is draining resources that could feed people. What might Stephen say about our structures? How might we respond? Worship bulletin

Rev. Dr. Bob Grove-Markwood — "The more we get together, the happier we'll be," says the children's song. Does "more" include different kinds of people? The early church thought it did. So do we! Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — Jesus called Lazarus to "come out" of a dark tomb, into the light and back into life. How is God calling us to come out of our dark places, to "stand in the light"? Worship bulletin

Jennifer Gillis-White — On Holy Humor Sunday, we’re reminded that there is a place for quiet reflection in church, “but sometimes we forget the stories of the Bible are full of joy and laughter.” Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — On Easter, as we marvel at new life, where there was death before, Meg asks: “What if we really didn’t fear death? What would we have the courage to do? Who would we have the courage to be?” Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — Through the story of Jesus seeking out and healing a man born blind, Daniel offers personal witness to God’s siding with the marginalized, those cast aside because of the blindness of others. Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — For Jesus, the world isn't divided into sacred or secular. God is everywhere. How can we, like Jesus, see and engage the holiness, the sacred, in ourselves and in others in all our everyday encounters? Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — Lent is a time to examine, to confront, to bring into the light those things we avoid or keep secret, those things that can draw us away from God. Take heart. Jesus came to save, not condemn us. Worship bulletin

Christine Standefer — As Chris shares a brief survey of Biblical and personal stories of temptation, she reminds us that if there are times that we succumb, there will likely be challenging consequences, but “God will not give up on us!” Worship bulletin

Rev. Dr. Susan MacAlpine-Gillis — On Transfiguration Sunday, Susan guides us into Lent, reminding us that Jesus call us to follow him “down the mountain, to be lovers and healers in the valley of the world’s pain and suffering.” Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — Meg observes that Jesus challenges us to go beyond living by the "letter of the law" to have the courage to live justly, fulfilling the "Law of Love." Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — "Luke's gospel reminds us of ... the constant presence and work of the Spirit in and among those whom society would shun." Redemption, for us and them, may be found when we speak "a word of hope to those who are shunned." Worship bulletin

Rev. Dr. Bob Grove-Markwood — Bob thinks out loud about the implications of the blessings we receive as spiritual descendants of Abraham and Sarah, to whom God said, "I will bless you, ... so that you will be a blessing." Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — Daniel observes that discipleship starts with our saying "yes" to God. Whether we are faithful to that commitment to follow Jesus is mostly revealed in the everyday moments of our lives, what we "do with the time that we are given." Worship bulletin

Jennifer Gillis-White — On the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Jennifer reponds to two questions: what does it mean to be a follower of Jesus; and where would we find him today? Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — Meg guides us into the season of Epiphany, urging us on our journey forward to chose a route of spiritual growth and passionate participation in God's continuing work of restoration, renewal, and justice. Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — As our scriptures proclaim God is making a new heaven and a new earth, Meg asks if perhaps the New Year might be a good time to reflect on all the things God is making new. Maybe even Hope? Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — Meg reflects on the complex, even contradictory, desires and longings we have at Christmas. John the Baptist sets a very different tone as we prepare for the Holy Child's birth. Worship bulletin

Melissa Vance — Melissa, a member of the Lay Worship Ministry, explores the tension between maintaining the everyday business of the church and being the hands and feet of Christ in the world. Worship Bulletin

Meg Hegemann — On Reign of Christ Sunday, Meg reflects on how Jesus models for us God's way of choosing to wield a completely different kind of power in relationships - different than we may choose. Worship Bulletin

Meg Hegemann — Meg expands upon these threads from today's lessons: God is giving birth to something new; that new birth doesn't come without pain, but in the end there is gladness and joy! Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — Meg's message celebrates All Saints' Day and invites us to embrace those blessings already given to us -- wisdom, hope, and power. Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson — Daniel returns as a guest preacher. He reminds us that God justifies those we as humans reject, that "God is indiscriminate" in extending grace to those we are likely to consider unworthy. Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — On this Sunday, guest preacher Meg reflects on Jacob's dark night of the soul, his tenacious wrestling with a being of divine origin that yields a blessing, and what that might mean for us. Worship bulletin

Meg Hegemann — Guest preacher, Meg Hegemann, shared a reflection on the prophet Jeremiah's words of encouragement to the exiles in Babylon to "grow where they are planted." Worship Bulletin

The Rev. Timothy Stohlberg — In Pastor Tim's final proclamation as our settled minister, he notes that "love shows up," sharing his experience of "enfleshed love" in the midst of our community. Worship Bulletin

Scripture lesson: 1 Corinthians 13

Jennifer Gillis-White — Jennifer, chair of our Lay Worship Ministry, shares how our church embodies the faith of the prophet Jeremiah, who despite reasons for despair, continues to live with faith in the future. Worship bulletin

The Rev. Timothy Stohlberg — Pastor Tim reminds us that "hope is an essential element in the Christian life. ... Rather than a form of resignation and escapism, hope animates ...."

Scripture lessons: Rom. 8:18-25; 1 Cor. 13

The Rev. Timothy Stohlberg — Pastor Tim, considering the “Good Shepherd” image, reflects that he doesn’t so much have an opinion about some current divisive issues, as he has relationships. And in those relationships, he is “all in.” Worship bulletin

The Rev. Timothy Stohlberg — Pastor Tim looks back to a Christmas when he experienced the assurance of John 1:5 – “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” Worship bulletin

Tamsin Michael Robson, our guest preacher, shared their recorded sermon "The Queerness of Creation" for our first Pride service. Tamsin is a student at the Atlantic School of Theology, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Worship bulletin

The Rev. Dr. Robert Grove-Markwood, pastor of our church from 1987-2012, shared this recorded message from Indiana. Bob and Susan are a part of our online community. Worship bulletin

Daniel Jackson is our guest preacher for this Lay Worship service. A 2006 graduate of Presque Isle High School, Dan began his post-secondary education at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, graduating in 2010 with French as his specialty. Worship bulletin

Christine Standefer, a member of our church, shares a message about love on the 4th Sunday in Epiphany. She reminds us of how love is not just about feelings, but about our actions with and toward others. Worship bulletin

Guest preacher, The Rev. Dr. Susan MacAlpine-Gillis is the Asst. Professor of Pastoral Theology at the Atlantic School of Theology, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Susan also participated in the baptism of her granddaughter. Worship bulletin