"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. "
Philippians' 4:6-7 (NIV)
Our corner started here
our current Ministry
Our pastor puts in overtime: A bean supper
Rev. Fred Gagnon has more than 30 years' experience in the pulpit; serving as a full-time paster in Millinocket, ME, Conway, NH,
and most recently at the First Congregational Church in Scarborough, ME.
When he submitted his Profile to serve as Interim Pastor,
these words about himself speak louder than any resume possibly could.
"I am passionate about bringing the healing power of Christ into the lives of the broken and
hurting, and walking with them during times of sorrow and despair. ...
Preaching, I am always looking for new, different and more effective ways to share the
Gospel with those who gather for worship...finding at least one blessing to be grateful for every day."
Fred Gagnon arrived at First Congregational Church on the heels of COVID.
Our Spiritual Community had suffered loss, as so many had. His arrival was not accidental, it was meant to be.
We invite you to come and hear him preach.
our powerful Music
barbara berry rejuvenates us each sunday
Barbara Berry became Music Director 2021 -- as we emerged from COVID and gathered back in-person on Sundays.
Her immersion was immediate and fulsome. It is clear music is a central driver in her life;
whether singing, accompanying the choir, or playing keyboard.
Her impressive credentials include a M.Ed in Creative Arts, and teaching,
performing, creating and directing private school and college-level music programs.
Locally she has served as Music Director both at the West Scarborough Methodist Church and Alfred Parish Church,
as well as assisted in music programs at North Saco UCC Church and the Sanford UU Church.
As an adjunct professor at York County Community College in Wells, ME.
Here, she taught and directed the YCCC Chorale. It was the first for-credit music performance course in the history of college.
She remains engaged with the College.
Her creativity does not end with music. As a member of the Maine Women in the Arts,
her landscape and portrait work has been shown as part of the
"From Port to Portland" series. Joanne's,Deer Isle, Maine" is now in the permanent collection of the Brick Store Museum.
Grandmother of seven between the ages of 2 and 12,
Barbara finds personal balance and rejuvenation not only through music and art
but by kayaking, biking, and walking the beaches and nature
trails with her husband Paul and 2-year-old rescue pup, Murphy.
She is creative and inspired,
We invite you to come and hear how she makes it all happen.
our masterful hook organ
dancing the keys of Our hook organ
Jen Emmons shares and complements music duties with Barbara Berry on alternate Sundays.
She was born into a musical family and began playing the piano at age 7.
At an early age she embraced all types of music.
The accordion. Playing guitar in a folk group. Drums in a gospel band.
She has been playing the pipe organ for more than 20 years in Plainfield, New Hampshire.
Developing as an artist, Jen developed a gift for writing and composition.
She began creating songs and hymns she would perform during her shifts as a registered nurse.
In her work with dementia and hospice patients she learned the
power of music to open memories, bring peace and reassurance, and in
many ways grace patients who have otherwise lost important senses.
On a chance visit to First Church of Kennebunkport,
Jen became fascinated with the historic Hook single keyboard organ.
Today, our congregation and visitors are privileged and
inspired to discover her dance its intricacies and delight us with Sunday music.
Jen is a Senior Member of the Community Chorus of Kennebunkport, and a
Member of the American Guild of Organists.
Coincidentally, Jen Emmons is part of the Emmons Clock Farm here in Kennebunkport.
She divides her time between Vermont and Maine,
where a life is filled with the horses, dogs, the beach; and of course, music.
today at first church
seeking support
Finding ways to add to the church coffers in addition to Sunday collection has always been important to the health of First Congregational Church. Events like concerts, public suppers, yard and plant sales also put us in touch with and in front of our friends and neighbors. We talk. We share common interests. And frankly, these community "happenings" have been happening for years.
faith In Perpetual motion
We are a small and mighty church and find many ways to demonstrate faith. Our congregation steps up to read Scripture, serve Communion and serve our neighbors who come to public suppers. This year through facilitated discussion of The Book of Forgiving we explored the healing power of forgiveness in our own lives. On special Sundays we take to the pulpit, finding faith together.
reaching for more
While we "live in Kennebunkport", our reach is deep and wide and worldly. This year our member Tina D'Agostino-Civetta, a graduate of the Chaplaincy Institute of Maine, formalized her role as Director of Outreach; providing visitations to home-bound church members and friends in hospital and hospice communities. Generous contributions to shelters, food banks, relief organizations and donations for those experiencing homelessness are in our DNA.
appreciating now
Bean "Suppahs" are our middle name. And it is here we meet people of every age and disposition. While we would love each to become a member of our small and mighty church, we hope that everyone leaves their table full of good food, cheer, and a feeling that they have been truly seen and heard. For a few hours we have been delighted to have them "in the house".