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Ministers & Staff

We are here to serve our church and the community.

Rev. Dr. Ute Susanna Molitor

Rev. Dr. Ute Susanna Molitor

Senior Minister

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Rev. Dr. Ute Susanna Molitor

Senior Minister

207-236-4821
Ute@camdenucc.org

I grew up in post-WWII Germany as the youngest of three daughters. My hometown of Trier is a place full of amazing history and raised my curiosity about global interconnections. Grappling with the realities of the Holocaust has also been part of my journey of faith. What drives us toward destructiveness and what inspires transformation in and among us? The Gospel of Jesus Christ has always been a source of challenge and inspiration. I grew up Roman Catholic and have been on a long ecumenical journey which led me to the United Church of Christ as my home base for ministry. The UCC is known for its commitment to radical welcome and social justice. My desire to ground all actions in a deeper source and identity led me to participate in the two-year program of the Living School of the Center for Action and Contemplation, founded by Richard Rohr. This program focused on the mystical and contemplative tradition, seeing, and experiencing God in all that we are and do. While steeped in the Christian tradition, I bring a non-dogmatic perspective and value connecting faith with the real daily struggles and the rejoicing we experience individually and communally. I enjoy offering practices that help sustain us on a path of living grounded, wholesome, sustainable, inspired, and committed lives as followers of Jesus’ way. I was recently certified as a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher under the tutelage of Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. Mindfulness Meditation adds additional tools for learning to be with what is in the present moment and act from a compassionate place.

I am married to Mark Burrows, theologian, writer, poet, and retreat leader. We have a blended family though the children are now in their 30s and very active as artists and therapists. Mark and I love living here in beautiful Maine and spend a lot of time outdoors with our sweet and rambunctious Springer Spaniel, Keileigh. We are both in the new member program of the Iona Community, an ecumenical and international Christian community committed to social justice and care of the earth.

 

Rev. Patty Fox

Rev. Patty Fox

Associate Minister

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Rev. Patty Fox

Associate Minister

207-236-4821
Patty@camdenucc.org

I am a mother, a partner, a daughter, a musician, a dog lover, a fisher woman, a puzzler and a tinkerer of household repairs. I am also a seeker of truth and love and healing. I began my journey professionally as a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary in 1992. I was ordained by the Presbyterian Church (USA) and served as chaplain in a variety of settings including a college campus, a shelter for survivors of domestic violence and a program for people living with HIV/AIDS. In 2003 I earned a Masters in Social Work and had a private practice as a pastoral therapist. I’ve worked in parish settings since 2008 with a brief hiatus while living at Gould Farm, a residential therapeutic community dedicated to helping adults with mental health and related challenges. In 2019 I transferred my ordination to the United Church of Christ.

Although born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, I lived for many years in New Jersey. My wife Lisanne and I have two kids whom we adopted at birth. They are now young adults. Maya is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace University with degrees in Political Science, Urban and Africana Studies and Lou is studying Theater at the University of Southern Maine.

We are thrilled to be living in Midcoast Maine along with our four-legged family members: Daisy, Percy, Jake and River. And I am overjoyed at the opportunity to minister with the people of the First Congregational Church of Camden!

Jeanne Denny

Jeanne Denny

Shields Mission Project Administrator

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Jeanne Denny

Shields Mission Project Administrator

207-236-4821
Jeanne@camdenucc.org

“I wasn’t born in Maine, but I got here as soon as I could.” Having worked 2 summers in Acadia during my college days, it was clear to me that I wanted to make Maine my home. Maine satisfies my love of the outdoors and my appreciation for the wonders of nature. In addition, I bring fifty years of social work practice to my work with experience in child development, medical social work, homelessness, substance use, and social work education.

Becky Brace

Becky Brace

Church Office Manager

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Becky Brace

Church Office Manager

207-236-4821
Becky@camdenucc.org

My job is all about communication and being welcoming. I like connecting people to each other and to information they need, and organizing information here in the church office. My best non-human buddy at work is our wonderful Xerox printer, able to produce all kinds of printed material. When we closed our facilities due to Covid, I enjoyed teaching people how to download and use Zoom; that has enabled our congregation to keep in touch whether far or near, and we’ve welcomed many new friends to our open and affirming services each Sunday.

Outside of work many things give me joy. My 4 children & 5 grandchildren live nearby and we like to help each other or play games (Catan, Pounce, Canasta, Michigan, Mahjongg, you name it). I like gardening, learning about the birds on our birdfeeders, watercolor painting, cooking, sewing, knitting, reading, jigsaw puzzles (and now Wordle!) and basically any creative project that comes along. I’ve been a Mac owner since 1985 (the first 400k “lunchbox”!) and like its versatility for creative projects and recordkeeping. I grew up in N. California and have lived in this area of Maine since 1968; our community is a wonderful, friendly place to live.

Elizabeth Lally

Elizabeth Lally

Early Christian Education Leader

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Elizabeth Lally

Early Christian Education Leader

207-236-4821
Elizabeth@camdenucc.org

In a house where every day is laundry day, I love the chaos of being a mom to four boys. Cooking, reading, gardening, and walking with friends keeps me sane.

I was born in Fall River, but was brought up right outside D.C. in the suburbs of Northern Virginia. I returned to Massachusetts to finish up high school and met my husband Michael when I was 18.

We married when I was 25 and had our 4 boys in 6 years. Raising Declan, Carrick, Torin, and Cian (key-an) has taught me a lot about God. Seeing the wonder of our children delight in all things new has been a beautiful gift to me. Along with our kids, we are lucky to have two brother kitties, Tully and Gus. We moved here in 2007 and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Matthew Mainster

Matthew Mainster

Minister of Music

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Matthew Mainster

Minister of Music

207-236-4821
Matt@camdenucc.org

Matt received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Organ Performance, Piano Performance, and Sacred Music from Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania. He went on to earn a Master of Music in Organ Performance from the Yale School of Music in New Haven, Connecticut. He has held Director of Music positions at several churches in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, and been on the faculty at the Maryland Conservatory of Music and Bay Chamber School of Music. He continues to teach piano and organ privately.

His favorite things about working at First Congregational Church of Camden include having the BEST co-workers, getting to play some of the nicest instruments in the state, and sharing world-class musicians with the midcoast community through the Friends of Music concert series. Outside of work, he’s particularly crazy about his husband, everything his husband cooks (he teaches culinary arts), his chocolate lab, chocolate in general, tea, writing, the book I Capture the Castle, anything put out by the BBC, reruns of Murder She Wrote, and pretending he lives in Cabot Cove (pretty close!)

Sample his concert recordings here.

Ryan Berry

Ryan Berry

Custodian of Buildings & Grounds

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Ryan Berry

Custodian of Buildings & Grounds

207-236-4821

Born and raised in Hope, I have come to love the changes in season that come with living here year-round. My greatest joys come from spending time with my 4-year-old grandson Jackson. Any time I’m in the outdoors, whether it be hunting, hiking, doing firewood or even raking the lawn, I’m most at ease. The most fulfilling part of my work here at the church is when I get to help others, however “small” a task it may be.

Tabitha Woodbury

Amy Smith

Full Charge Bookkeeper

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Amy Smith

Full Charge Bookkeeper

207-236-4821
Amy@camdenucc.org

I was born in Bangor, but grew up in North Carolina, and moved back to Maine in 2012. I started working in finance the same year and grew a love for it. In 2019 I graduated from the University of Phoenix with a degree in Accounting. Joining the UCC Family has filled my heart with joy!

When I am not working, I am keeping busy with my daughter Lily’s dance classes and spending time with my family. We love outside adventures, such as hiking, swimming, family cookouts, family gatherings for holidays, and dance recitals. We also enjoy giving back by volunteering in our community and surrounding communities when able. We are all very grateful to live in such a beautiful place, full of so many adventures!

Heavenly Threads

Kristy McKenney

Kristy McKenney

Heavenly Threads Manager

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Kristy McKenney

Heavenly Threads Manager

207-236-3203
HeavenlyThreads@camdenucc.org

What I enjoy most about my job is working with our wonderful staff and volunteers, who make Heavenly Threads a place for people to enjoy while helping our community in so many ways.

Outside of work I enjoy gardening, sewing, creating mixed media art, enjoying nature, being with family and friends.

Beth Gerrish

Beth Gerrish

Heavenly Threads Assistant Manager

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Beth Gerrish

Heavenly Threads Assistant Manager

207-236-3203
HeavenlyThreads@camdenucc.org

The best part of my job (besides the amazing ladies I get to spend time with each day!) is seeing the ways HT fills different needs in people’s lives. It’s a place to shop, a place to donate, a place to volunteer and a place to come where you know you will always be welcomed!

I have 5 grandchildren (3 who live locally) and hanging out with them is my favorite thing to do. Attending their school activities and sports events, playing card games, or just sharing a meal. I am so proud of each one of them and they always bring me joy!

Melissa Chapman

Melissa Chapman

Heavenly Threads Per Diem Manager

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Melissa Chapman

Heavenly Threads Per Diem Manager

207-236-3203
HeavenlyThreads@camdenucc.org

I enjoy working with my gal-pal staff and volunteers; we keep each other sane… mostly. I love the time before we open when we are all scrambling to stock the shop and create displays. Everyone works hard to keep the shop interesting and fun. Searching (and hoping) for treasures in donations is never dull. We love hearing from happy customers!

I am crazy about my family, which now includes my first grandchild. I’m also crazy about any color Labrador Retriever. We now have our first black—Halle.

Elaine Bisbee

Elaine Bisbee

Heavenly Threads Inventory Specialist

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Elaine Bisbee

Heavenly Threads Inventory Specialist

207-236-3203
HeavenlyThreads@camdenucc.org

I love the variety of donations! It’s fun to see what comes in and creating appealing displays. I also love the awesome community created by my fellow co-workers, who are caring and supportive as well as fun to work with.

Outside of work I love spending time with my daughters and grandchildren! In addition to my friends, I enjoy gardening, walks in nature, sewing, arts and crafts, Tai Chi, reading, and puzzles.

Patty McGowan

Patty McGowan

Heavenly Threads Inventory Specialist

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Patty McGowan

Heavenly Threads Inventory Specialist

207-236-3203
HeavenlyThreads@camdenucc.org

The two best things about my job are knowing we make a difference in the lives of the people we serve in our community and the mutual trust and friendship of the staff I work with. The comradery and support of each other is a daily experience.

Outside work I love exploring the great outdoors as well as backroads for unexpected discoveries I may uncover. I’m crazy about riding on the waves in the ocean. I dabble with flowers and enjoy too many foods to count. I take simple pleasure in whatever happens and enjoy creating new memories.

Susan Neisingh

Susan Neisingh

Heavenly Threads Inventory Specialist

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Susan Neisingh

Heavenly Threads Inventory Specialist

207-236-3203
HeavenlyThreads@camdenucc.org

What I like best about my job is the people I work with, who share the laughs and frustrations, who are there for each other day-in and day-out, and who make it possible for six diverse women to the keep the shop humming along.

Something I’m crazy about? My 11:00 am banana! It throws everyone’s timing off if I dare eat it early or late. Other things I’m crazy about—reading, being outside, talking, riding in the car, and of course, eating chocolate!