First Church in Motion
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Our Search: Part-Time Minister
In this moment, First Church is in motion.
We have begun a search for a part-time settled minister.
This “job description” has been a labor of love. And hard. We have had input from many sources, including the York Association of the Maine Conference of UCC (United Church of Christ), a devoted internal committee from our congregation, and counsel from those who
have gone through this process before.
“God is able to provide you with every blessing, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:8
Being a pastor here
life in a Great community
life in a Great community
life in a Great community
This link from the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport & Arundel Chamber of Commerce best presents reasons to live here. It says more than we possibly can in a short paragraph. https://gokennebunks.com/live/
benefits of place & pace
life in a Great community
life in a Great community
Salary includes optional benefits and as we do not have a parsonage, compensation offers a housing allowance. Quality of life here is exceptional; safe, friendly. A pace less frenetic than other areas. It is Maine ~ The Way Life Should Be
journeying together
life in a Great community
journeying together
The right candidate will help us round out the edges of this special position. Come back and visit this page again. Be in touch with us if you think you, or someone you know is the right fit. Word gets around, and we look forward to starting the dialogue.
why outreach matters
In our new minister outreach matters
We welcome all to our church. And many church members participate in community groups beyond our walls. We are eclectic and ecumenical in our interests in this way. We share time in support of varied faith educational endeavors including the United Church of Christ, Bahai, and Baptist religions. We believe this is fulfilling interfaith outreach in its broadest context.
Faith Journeys. Newly Interpreted.
How God Calls Us
Daily Connections
Daily Connections
In supporting Tina Civetta as Director of Outreach we recognize her as an original thinker and gifted teacher.
In 2023 she facilitated a six-week discussion of The Book of Forgiving by Archbishop Desmond Tutu; bonding church members in deep conversations and giving us new ways to consider faith journeys.
Daily Connections
Daily Connections
Daily Connections
Tina Civetta makes daily connections through Poetry of Rumi and helps remind us to place the art of forgiveness on the world stage. She keeps a favorite Rumi quote in mind throughout her day. Her work enhances our faith and faith journeys.
“Wherever you are, and whatever you do, be in love”
Legacy letters
Daily Connections
Legacy letters
Fall 2024, a class on “Legacy Letters” will be offered. The impact, comfort and joy they provide for and within families and the community will be covered and discussed. By offering varied classes and topics, we can gather and share our perspectives. In this way, our individual faith journeys can transform and grow. Tina’s work is intentional; kindling for conversations.
We need a pastor to help us keep dreaming
Dreaming and Doing
We are a congregation that cares about one another. Our greatest strength is that we show up for one another. In good times and in bad. We understand that our connections and service to one another, the church and the community around us, is what keeps us tethered to our FAITH . Our sense of mission and devotion to God is strong because we stay together spiritually. We dream big, for only our doubts will confine us. And we deliver to each other and community in big ways.
Being in Community
We provide food, clothing, bedding and small furnishings to families in need or ones relocating to our area. Through varied neighborhood and community organizations, we collect and distribute specific items of need to struggling families. Through Community Outreach Services in Kennebunk, we are a consistent and constant source of hope and help for families in crisis and need. And our established First Church Deacons’ Fund supplements smaller, urgent requests from neighbors and community members.
First Church in Motion
Tina Civetta: Stepping Out & Into Community
As a member of First Church and a 2024 graduate of ChIME, Tina D’Agostino-Civetta has a special view of what community outreach means up here. And it comes with a recognizable New York accent and creative energy that comes from growing up on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. Called "The little Italy of the Bronx” her neighborhood included the Bronx Zoo, Fordham University and the Botanical Gardens.
Having spent the last 24 months committed to studies, intense faith-based learnings, and commitment to volunteer service, she provides visitations to church members and friends; augmenting and complementing what Rev Gagnon is able to provide within his half-time schedule.
As Director of Outreach at First Church, Tina is fulfilling an expansive vision for what it means
to create faith connections in community.
She is instrumental in guiding our search for a new part-time settled minister. Interested candidates can reach her at: TheCivettas@gmail.com
tina in community & in motion
applying faith
providing Services
providing Services
This summer in a beautiful forest ceremony Tina and classmates were ordained; giving them privilege to offer and perform and array of Chaplaincy services in the greater Kennebunk and surrounding communities. For Tina, it is a continuation of her appreciation and passion for working with elders and in hospice care. Tina is an appointed vis
This summer in a beautiful forest ceremony Tina and classmates were ordained; giving them privilege to offer and perform and array of Chaplaincy services in the greater Kennebunk and surrounding communities. For Tina, it is a continuation of her appreciation and passion for working with elders and in hospice care. Tina is an appointed visitation director supported by others in First Church. Reach her at TheCivettas@gmail.com
providing Services
providing Services
providing Services
Like other ChIME alumni she offers interfaith life ceremonies and services to individuals and families. These include memorials, funerals, weddings, blessings, spiritual direction and services of “companioning”, as well as an array of “other” support.
These services are highly personalized. They can include guest ministry and preaching
Like other ChIME alumni she offers interfaith life ceremonies and services to individuals and families. These include memorials, funerals, weddings, blessings, spiritual direction and services of “companioning”, as well as an array of “other” support.
These services are highly personalized. They can include guest ministry and preaching, grief and loss counseling, teaching and group facilitation and creative coaching around faith.
passsion for eldercare
passsion for eldercare
passsion for eldercare
As Tina expressed this year, “during my intensive years of study in ChIME I found a gravitational pull to elders, eldercare, and hospice. Here, I realized issues around faith and compassion seemed to collide and fold in together; in addition to being very needed and not much talked about. These always included family dynamics around end-
As Tina expressed this year, “during my intensive years of study in ChIME I found a gravitational pull to elders, eldercare, and hospice. Here, I realized issues around faith and compassion seemed to collide and fold in together; in addition to being very needed and not much talked about. These always included family dynamics around end-of-life reflections, forgiveness, and creating memorials of hope.
About Chime
passsion for eldercare
passsion for eldercare
Since 2002, ChIME has educated and ordained 186 Interfaith Ministers who serve in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and in several other states. Each has fulfilled the ChIME requirements for graduation, including 500 hours of classroom time, and 300 hours of volunteer and internship service.
Incoming students bring the desire to serve a
Since 2002, ChIME has educated and ordained 186 Interfaith Ministers who serve in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and in several other states. Each has fulfilled the ChIME requirements for graduation, including 500 hours of classroom time, and 300 hours of volunteer and internship service.
Incoming students bring the desire to serve a particular community or to serve children, women, or men, or people who are incarcerated, ill, in transition, marginalized, unhoused, dying, or addicted.
Spiritual Inspiration
"legacy letters" powerful & profound
On Saturday, November 16th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tina Civetta will explain the time-honored history and values connected with these extraordinary documents, and the associated traditions that date back from biblical times. This workshop is open to the public and community with advance signup.
In recent years the interest and popularity of “Legacy Letters” has soared. Especially as they have become living bonds among families. Creating one is a profoundly personal exercise, and can be equally profound to those fortunate to be on the receiving end.
These letters can take many forms; from handwritten documents on high quality papers to more formally expressed thoughts in hard-bound notebooks.
Today, “Legacy Letters” have also emerged as a therapeutic tool to strengthen ties between generations. They often result in written documents expressing values, experiences, and hard-earned life lessons; intergenerational conversations that can express hopes, explanations, forgiveness, and gratitude for lives well led.
The process of writing them can be positive and healing, as well as fun and creative. They present opportunities for self-examination which have resulted in psychological and spiritual growth as well as proven to enhance physical health.
This workshop will explore creative approaches to “Legacy Letters,” as well as offer advice on how they can serve as intergenerational touchstones and anchors. According to Tina, “letters are as unique as each author, and can be deeply satisfying, enriching, and rewarding to write. The process of writing has proven cathartic, especially confirming important events, struggles and triumphs in our lives. Many include photos, quotes and even family recipes!”
A $5 donation is appreciated. Because space is limited advance registration is required. Please bring paper and pen. To reserve your spot Contact: admin@FirstChurchofKennebunkport.org.
