MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 3 20 2022
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 3 13 2022
MPC Worship Service 3 6 2022
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 2 27 2022
MPC Worship Service
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 2 13 2022
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 2 6 2022
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 1 30 2022
MPC Worship Service 1 23 2022
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 1 16 2022
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 1 9 2022
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 1 2 2022
MPC Worship Service Christmas Eve 2021
MPC Worship Service 12 19 2021
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 12 12 2021
MPC Worship Service 12 5 2021
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 11 28 2021
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 11 21 2021
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 11 14 2021
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 11 7 2021
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 10 31 2021
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 10 24 2021
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 10 17 2021
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 10 10 2021
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 10 3 2021
MPC Worship Service 9 26 2021
MPC Worship Service 9 19 2021
MPC Worship Service 9 12 2021
PASTOR'S AUGUST EPISTLE August 2016
I've been thinking a lot lately of how we say “goodbye” to each other, especially since we have had the experience of saying “goodbye” and God-speed to friends and members of Maine Presbyterian Church as of late. I recall this very poignant story from reading REACHING OUT by Henri Nouwen . In it, he tells about one of his former students who made a return visit to see him. He told Henri, “I have no problems this time, , no questions to ask you. I do not need counsel or advice, but I simply want to celebrate some time with you.” Nouwen goes on to describe what happened next;
We sat on the ground facing each other and talked a little about what life had been for us in the last year, about our work, our common friends, and about the restlessness of our hearts. Then slowly as the minutes passed by we became silent. Not an embarrassing silence but a silence that could bring us closer together than the many small and big events of the last year. We would hear a few cars pass and the noise of someone who was emptying a trash can somewhere. But that did not hurt. The silence which grew between us was warm, gentle and vibrant. Once in a while we looked at each other with the beginning of a smile pushing away the last remnants of fear and suspicion.
It seemed that while the silence grew deeper around us we became more and more aware of a presence embracing both of us. Then he said, 'It is good to be here" and I said, "Yes it is good to be together again, " and after that we were silent again for a long period. And as a deep peace filled the empty space between us he said hesitantly, "When I look at you it is as if I am in the presence of Christ. " I did not feel startled, surprised or in need of protesting, but I could only say, 'It is the Christ in you, who recognizes the Christ in me. " "Yes," he said, 'He is indeed in our midst, " and then he spoke the words which entered into my soul as the most healing words I had heard in many years, "From now on, wherever you go, or wherever I go, all the ground between us will be holy ground."
Reaching Out, p. 45
Isn't that powerful? And such a simple thing as being together and recognizing that we are in the presence of Christ!
Our gathering together, whether it be in our formal or informal times in worship, or that chance meeting in the grocery store or a quick visit over the phone, or even that brief e-mail exchange, can all have the grace of acknowledging that we are indeed, on “holy ground”. How might that change us to make this affirmation that we recognize the Christ in another person's eyes, or in their voice, or in their tears? What might that do as we enter into conversation with each other, even in the times when there are disagreements or tensions that arise, and we want to find ourselves on top, making the conversation more about winning than about understanding? Can we move about our lives in our relationships with one another, as though we were on “holy ground” which would add a deeper level to all of our relationships?
Isn't it incredible that every Sunday, we do pretty much the same thing over and over again. We make our way to our “old country church with the bronze Steeple” opening up our doors to this church where we greet familiar faces, most often the same faces we see week after week. Occasionally we meet new faces, strangers who we meet, perhaps only once in our life time, and yet they remain with us, making an impact upon us. And we pretty much do the same thing over and over again, each week, as though we had forgotten something in the course of those 7 days. But that's how it is; we need weekly reminders, not only about who we are, but who God is, and what God's dream is for us, so that we can move that much closer to becoming who God has created us to be.
So, friends, let us not grow weary, but rather, let us be encouraged by one another, in our “hello's' and our 'good-byes'!
In Christ's Peace & Joy Pastor Tom

Pastor Tom’s June Epistle June 2016
OK, here’s a question for you; Name the state capital of New Hampshire? Or here is another one; Frankfort is the capital of what state?*
As our daughter’s grew up, our road trips often consisted of quizzing each other on the 50 states and their capitals. It not only helped pass the time, but more importantly got us to thinking about traveling, about different places and about life in a places miles away. In short, it brought us to use our imaginations as well as a little U.S geography lesson!
During these summer months, I’d like us to reflect on the question, WHERE IN THE WORLD? as a way to share our travels, where we’ve been, where we’d like to go, and the difference those places, people and experiences have made on us. Along the way, I’d also like us to expand our thoughts by reflecting on WHERE IN THE WORLD have we seen God show up? What surprises along the way have we encountered? In what ways have we been challenged, changed, or transformed by meeting with other people and being exposed to new and different experiences?
Our youngest daughter, Katie, has had more opportunities to travel, not only in our country, but in Europe. At one point, when she was in Salzburg, Austria she asked us, “OK, when are you getting your passport?” It was her way of saying, “Come on a board. See the world. It really can be a wonderful experience”
*Concord and Kentucky!
Of course, she is right. The world is a place of unimagined beauty and wonder. It’s also a place of great heartache and pain for many people. And along the way, God does give to each one of us, sights
and sounds for us to take in, to hear the stories of those people who live differently than we do, but who nevertheless, have something to say to us, if we only take time to pay attention.
Barbara Brown Taylor, an Episcopal priest has something to say about this in her book ‘An Altar in the World”;
“The easiest practice of reverence I know is simply to sit down somewhere outside, preferably near a body of water, and pay attention for at least 20 minutes. It is not necessary to take on the whole world at first. Just take the three square feet of earth on which you are sitting, paying close attention to everything that lives within that small estate. You might even decide not to kill anything for twenty minutes, including the salt marsh mosquito that lands on your arm. Just blow her away and ask her please to go find someone else to eat.
With any luck you will soon begin to see the souls in pebbles, ants, small mounds of moss, and the acorn on its way to becoming an oak tree. You may feel some tenderness for the struggling mayfly the ants are carrying away. If you can see the water, you may take time to wonder where it comes from and where it is going. You may even feel the beating of your own heart, that miracle of ingenuity that does its work with no thought or instruction from you. You did not make your heart, any more than you made a tree. You are a guest here. You have been given a free pass to this modest domain and everything in it.”
An Altar in the World pp 22-23
Isn’t that wonderful! So, where in the world….?
An Occasional Epistle
“Pastor Tom’s February 2016 Epistle
FEBRUARY EPISTLE February 2016 l suppose you could call me a visual learner, as I like to have images or pictures either in my mind or in front of me so that whatever l'm being pre sented I can see. l wonder if that wasn't part of what Jesus was referring to when, in the first chapter of John, he meets up with two potential followers and after being asked, 'Rabbi, where are you staying?' responded, 'COME AND SEE'! “COME AND SEE” lt's an open invitation for all of us, engaging our minds, our emotions and our will to the One who is the source of life, hope and love. What a won derful invitation! But know that we will be changed as we begin the journey! That's the thing about following. We can't take everything with us when we start on a journey. Some things need to be left behind. In fact, l wonder if one of the keys to following Jesus, is to 'travel light'; only take with you that which you really need, because you're bound to pick up some new things along the way! Like a new pair of eyes to see the world and our selves; a new heart, open to being broken in order to heal, and new arms and legs to keep up with all the places we'll be going. One image I want to present to you has to do with the Sunday Morning Gatherings that will begin Feb 7 at 9:00am. l'll be using Brian McLaren's book, “We make the road by walking” as a spring board for engaging our Scripture readings for the worship service. l want to invite all of you to be a part of this informal, engaging and hopefully, enlightening time around God's Word and our mutual sharing!
“Pastor Tom’s February 2016 Epistle
FEBRUARY EPISTLE February 2016 l suppose you could call me a visual learner, as I like to have images or pictures either in my mind or in front of me so that whatever l'm being pre sented I can see. l wonder if that wasn't part of what Jesus was referring to when, in the first chapter of John, he meets up with two potential followers and after being asked, 'Rabbi, where are you staying?' responded, 'COME AND SEE'! “COME AND SEE” lt's an open invitation for all of us, engaging our minds, our emotions and our will to the One who is the source of life, hope and love. What a won derful invitation! But know that we will be changed as we begin the journey! That's the thing about following. We can't take everything with us when we start on a journey. Some things need to be left behind. In fact, l wonder if one of the keys to following Jesus, is to 'travel light'; only take with you that which you really need, because you're bound to pick up some new things along the way! Like a new pair of eyes to see the world and our selves; a new heart, open to being broken in order to heal, and new arms and legs to keep up with all the places we'll be going. One image I want to present to you has to do with the Sunday Morning Gatherings that will begin Feb 7 at 9:00am. l'll be using Brian McLaren's book, “We make the road by walking” as a spring board for engaging our Scripture readings for the worship service. l want to invite all of you to be a part of this informal, engaging and hopefully, enlightening time around God's Word and our mutual sharing!
PASTOR TOM’S EPISTLE July 2016
Jane and I stopped in to see Charlotte deFrance the other day in her new home in New Ulm, MN. What a delightful time we had with her! She wanted us to share her greetings to all at Maine Presbyterian Church. She is making the transition from her move, some 200 miles south, to New Ulm, to her very spacious apartment.
She told us this, “I don’t miss the place, but I miss the people!” She rightfully reminded me that the church, no matter where it is, is about PEOPLE.
This came to me the other day; that Maine Presbyterian Church has a lot of PHD’s! That’s right. No, this doesn’t refer to our level of education, but rather our level of spiritual maturity. It stands for Praying, Hugging, Disciples! Isn’t that the truth? And every Sunday (and every day for that matter), we get to practice this identity as we come together from far and near to hear God’s Word, share in the Sacraments and feast upon the fellowship of being the body of Christ! What a joy! and what a privilege!
You’ll be hearing more about a focus not only for our identity but our mission as Maine Presbyterian Church in the weeks ahead, as God uses us as his people in this place! In the meantime, we can rejoice in being God’s gifted people!
Pastor Tom Junkert



Break the Silence
Pastoral Epistle for October 2017
Pastor Tom Junkert
This is painful and embarrassing, but hopefully it will help.
I had decided that I would tell my pastor, but just as soon as I walked into his study at the church, my fears took over and I couldn’t say a word. I couldn’t say what was going on in our home. I couldn’t tell him that my mother was being abused by her husband. I couldn’t. Or should I say, I didn’t. There was too much shame, too much fear that we all lived with for nearly 5 years during my high school days.
My mother had remarried a man who was an insurance man, who promised her and her children a new life and a new home. But then there was the drinking, the arguing and the fighting. We closed our windows in the summer time for fear that people would hear. And we lived in fear, not knowing what the evening would bring, or the long weekend. Often times the day started with promise and ended up shattered by violence. Finally, after nearly 5 years, my mother had the courage to seek a divorce.
I share this with you as October is, in some circles, Domestic Violence Awareness month. One in three women experience intimate partner violence, yet 95% of church-going women report they have never heard a sermon on abuse preached. We naturally assume that our homes are safe places, but tragically, that is not the case for all. We all can do something about this and it begins with breaking the silence, telling our stories, and advocating for those who are victims of violence.
Sunday, October 22, I invite you to wear purple as a way to ‘break the silence’ and support all efforts to end the violence, as people of faith.
Silent, no more!

JANUARY 2018 EPISTLE from Pastor Tom
Our daughter Katie was home from Maine for Christmas singing, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” and it is, in so many ways. We have family gatherings at our homes with traditional foods, we open presents from loved ones to celebrate the gift of Jesus, and we gather together as family at special Christmas Eve/Day worship services with song, candlelight and sacrament. It truly is a ‘wonderful time of the year.’ But not for everyone. Katie reminded us of that.
Katie works with street/homeless people in Portland, ME who don’t think Christmas to be such a ‘wonderful time of the year’. Not when trying to find a warm place to sleep is your number one objective. Not when you keep getting denied housing because you don’t have the necessary credentials or a high enough credit score. Not when your feet are wet and cold and your gloves have holes in them. This is a reality for many.
One of the days we had with Katie we stopped at Churches United for the Homeless in Moorhead, MN. A colleague of mine, Rev. Sue Koesterman is the Executive Director of this drop in center, meal site and resource center for homeless ones in the Fargo/Moorhead area. We entered the lobby of the center and was greeted with children’s voices, young and elderly, and faces of all colors. All in need of housing, a warm place to be, a meal and most of all hope.
Sue told us of the work of this center, the largest in the area with a full time staff of 15, 7 part time and over 4,000 volunteers serving this 365 day a year center. Their goal is to provide a spiritual and safety net for those seeking shelter, to get them connected to community resources and to seek permanent housing situation. They are currently building a 43 unit apartment complex in north Moorhead called Bright Sky, which will provide permanent housing for individuals and families.
To many of us, these people are invisible and even if we do see them or acknowledge that they do exist, they are still ‘outsiders’ or those who ‘live off the system’ or worse, those who are simply ‘too lazy to get a job’. We see them as not worthy of the basic necessities of life. To have this kind of attitude is to deny the very One for whom this season is dedicated to; Jesus, the one who came for all.
All we need to do is remember what the last day of Christmas commemorates. It’s the visit of the Magi, who came seeking the Christ to worship and to offer him gifts. What we know is that they followed a star, but we’re not really sure if there were 3 or more. Nor do we know if they trudged into Jerusalem on foot or high atop a camel. But this much we do know; they were ‘outsiders’ who journeyed to find this Light, this king they did not know. They came seeking, even though they may not have known what they were seeking.
Today, there are still many seeking Jesus, just like the Magi. They may not know who they are seeking, they just know that something is stirring in them to make the journey. They may not have all the ‘churchy’ words we use, in fact they may not understand all of our ‘church language’ we toss around, but they are still seeking. They may not look like us, they may not talk like us, they may be from a place so different from where we come from, and yet, even today, they are welcomed by this same Jesus Christ, as the Magi sought and found.
No matter who we are, as our welcome statement makes clear, no matter where we come from, there is a welcome. The welcome comes first and foremost from God’s eternal Light, the king, who is Christ. But that same welcome needs to find a home in us, in flesh and blood people like you and me. As we acknowledge our own needs, our own journey of seeking, we’ll be that much more welcoming of ALL who are journeying along side us!

Break the Silence
Pastoral Epistle for October 2017
Pastor Tom Junkert
This is painful and embarrassing, but hopefully it will help.
I had decided that I would tell my pastor, but just as soon as I walked into his study at the church, my fears took over and I couldn’t say a word. I couldn’t say what was going on in our home. I couldn’t tell him that my mother was being abused by her husband. I couldn’t. Or should I say, I didn’t. There was too much shame, too much fear that we all lived with for nearly 5 years during my high school days.
My mother had remarried a man who was an insurance man, who promised her and her children a new life and a new home. But then there was the drinking, the arguing and the fighting. We closed our windows in the summer time for fear that people would hear. And we lived in fear, not knowing what the evening would bring, or the long weekend. Often times the day started with promise and ended up shattered by violence. Finally, after nearly 5 years, my mother had the courage to seek a divorce.
I share this with you as October is, in some circles, Domestic Violence Awareness month. One in three women experience intimate partner violence, yet 95% of church-going women report they have never heard a sermon on abuse preached. We naturally assume that our homes are safe places, but tragically, that is not the case for all. We all can do something about this and it begins with breaking the silence, telling our stories, and advocating for those who are victims of violence.
Sunday, October 22, I invite you to wear purple as a way to ‘break the silence’ and support all efforts to end the violence, as people of faith.
Silent, no more!
PASTORAL EPISTLE OCTOBER 2018
Twas battered and scarred,
and the auctioneer thought it
scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But he held it up with a smile.
“What am I bid, good folk?” he cried,
“Who’ll start the bidding for me?
“A dollar--a dollar—then two, only two--
“Two dollars, and who’ll make it three?
Three dollars once, three dollars twice,
“Going for three”--
but no--
From the room far back, a gray-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow,
Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loosened strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet
As a caroling angel sings.
The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said, “Now what am I bid for this old violin?”
And he held it up with the bow.
“A thousand dollars—and who’ll make it two?
“Two thousand—and who’ll make it three?
“Three thousand once—three thousand twice--
“And going—and gone,” cried he.
The people cheered, but some of them cried,
“We do not understand.
“What changed its worth?”
Swift came the reply,
‘And many a person with life out to tune
All battered and bruised with hardship
Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd
Much like that old violin
A mess of pottage, a glass of wine,
A game and he travels on.
Going once, going twice,
going and almost gone.
But the Master comes
And the foolish crowd never can quite
understand,
The worth of a soul and the change that is
wrought
By the Touch of the Master’s Hand.
As we have experienced our annual ‘Auction’, I thought this reading/poem by Myra Brooks Welch very fitting as we reflect on our auction. Those who have contributed to the auction as well as those who bid on the items, well, we’re all a bit ‘battered and scared’, and yet, something does redeem us, or should I say SOMEONE has redeemed us, made us new again, so that we can make wonderful music!
In praise to the MASTER’S HAND!
Pr. Tom
Jesus has a rather interesting encounter with the religious leaders of his day in Matthew 16 as they test him to give them a sign of what he is about, and what he has come to proclaim. His reply goes like this, "When it is evening, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.' 3And in the morning, 'It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.
‘The signs of the times.’ We pride ourselves in being from and living in Minnesota, where we get a full four season experience,
THANKS BE TO GOD! Pastor Tom


August 2018 Pastor’s Epistle
As we conclude our SUMMER SPLASH ‘Setting Sail’ this month, here are some words of wisdom (?!) from
‘Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah’s Ark!’
1) Don’t miss the boat!
2) Remember that we are all in the same boat.
3) Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.
4) Stay fit. When you’re really old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
5) Don’t listen to the critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
6) Build your future on high ground.
7) For safety sake, travel in pairs.
8) Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
9) When you’re stressed, float a while.
10) No matter the storm, when you are with God, there’s always a rainbow!
Some real truths here as we think about our life under the banner of God’s promised rainbow. Have some fun with these proverbs and don’t forget to wear your life-jacket as you ‘set sail’ these last days of summer. We’ll wait to hear stories of your adventures on water or on the road!
Faithfully in Christ,
Pastor Tom
SETTING SAIL JUNE 2018 EPISTLE
After having what I would say, was not the best of luck with motorized boats, a friend told me of his small ‘Snark’ sail boat he had for sale. It was just what I was looking for - something I could handle on my own, no engine to worry about, and a SAIL! There’s something magical about seeing the wind catching a sail, transporting whatever sized boat or ship through the waters.
That first summer I was gradually becoming more acquainted with this ‘Snark’ - learning about the sail, the rudder and how best to negotiate the changing wind directions. I was always aware of taking a life jacket with me and an oar, JUST IN CASE!
Well, that JUST IN CASE moment happened a ways away from our shoreline, capsizing the boat and leaving me in the water, hanging
on to the boat as a large life jacket, attempting to paddle my way with my feet back to shore. It was a chore, to say the least. And it was
nearing sunset to boot and there were no other water craft or persons on the lake at that time. The shore line looked like a destination that
was nearly impossible to reach but not more than 30 minutes, my legs
caught hold of the lake bottom and was able to walk my way back home. I was exhausted and more than just a little bit humbled by what had happened. Yes, I was setting sail, but the wind became my enemy instead of my friend, or at least that is what I told my self. Now, upon further reflection, perhaps the wind was not the culprit, but rather my own ‘inexperience’ with its power.
We’re SETTING SAIL this summer as we enter into these summer days fully aware that the wind of God’s Spirit will be (and always has been) the driving force of our life as the Body of Christ. We’re in this ship called ‘the Church’ and yes we must leave the shore, for a boat is meant for the water, for transporting those who are its crew and for destinations yet unknown. But isn’t it just as true that it’s the journey itself that brings out the best in us, as we learn how to trust the One who is in the boat with us, even in the times of storms and rough waters.
On one of our stops along our way back from Maine, we stopped to visit friends in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Freda was the secretary of Bethlehem Lutheran, where I had done my internship. She had been the secretary for nearly 20 years and reminded us of the ship which hung from the ceiling of the sanctuary. I remembered it well. Here’s a portion of how they understand the meaning of the ship as taken from their web page;
“The Danish custom of hanging the replica of a sailing vessel in the church sanctuary is widespread in Denmark and in churches of Danish origin in America.
This folk custom coincided with an ancient Christian metaphor of comparing the church itself to a ship. Even to this day, the main worship area in our churches is called the "nave", a word derived from the Latin word "navis", meaning ship. Navis is the origin of words such as navy and naval. Many New Testament passages make reference to Christ traveling with his disciples in a boat over stormy seas,
Bethlehem's ship was made by one of the early members of the congregation, Soren Madsen, as a replica of a ship which sailed for many years under the Danish flag. The model was three years in the making. The ship is generally placed in the rear or center of the nave, among the people, and pointed toward the altar, to represent the congregation's journey toward their heavenly home. As we enter God's family through baptism, we sail on through life's stormy seas together toward home.”
Isn’t that marvelous! It’s quite a sensation to worship in that sanctuary with the boat as a constant reminder of SETTING SAIL with Jesus and looking around at the crew, the members of the ship called ‘The Church’! So no less here, at Maine Presbyterian Church, we are SETTING SAIL this summer with our journey ahead of us and the wind of the Spirit as God’s breath to lead us along the way.
Let’s let our journey be one of joy and wonder!
Pr. Tom
After having what I would say, was not the best of luck with motorized boats, a friend told me of his small ‘Snark’ sail boat he had for sale. It was just what I was looking for - something I could handle on my own, no engine to worry about, and a SAIL! There’s something magical about seeing the wind catching a sail, transporting whatever sized boat or ship through the waters.
That first summer I was gradually becoming more acquainted with this ‘Snark’ - learning about the sail, the rudder and how best to negotiate the changing wind directions. I was always aware of taking a life jacket with me and an oar, JUST IN CASE!
Well, that JUST IN CASE moment happened a ways away from our shoreline, capsizing the boat and leaving me in the water, hanging
on to the boat as a large life jacket, attempting to paddle my way with my feet back to shore. It was a chore, to say the least. And it was
nearing sunset to boot and there were no other water craft or persons on the lake at that time. The shore line looked like a destination that
was nearly impossible to reach but not more than 30 minutes, my legs
caught hold of the lake bottom and was able to walk my way back home. I was exhausted and more than just a little bit humbled by what had happened. Yes, I was setting sail, but the wind became my enemy instead of my friend, or at least that is what I told my self. Now, upon further reflection, perhaps the wind was not the culprit, but rather my own ‘inexperience’ with its power.
We’re SETTING SAIL this summer as we enter into these summer days fully aware that the wind of God’s Spirit will be (and always has been) the driving force of our life as the Body of Christ. We’re in this ship called ‘the Church’ and yes we must leave the shore, for a boat is meant for the water, for transporting those who are its crew and for destinations yet unknown. But isn’t it just as true that it’s the journey itself that brings out the best in us, as we learn how to trust the One who is in the boat with us, even in the times of storms and rough waters.
On one of our stops along our way back from Maine, we stopped to visit friends in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Freda was the secretary of Bethlehem Lutheran, where I had done my internship. She had been the secretary for nearly 20 years and reminded us of the ship which hung from the ceiling of the sanctuary. I remembered it well. Here’s a portion of how they understand the meaning of the ship as taken from their web page;
“The Danish custom of hanging the replica of a sailing vessel in the church sanctuary is widespread in Denmark and in churches of Danish origin in America.
This folk custom coincided with an ancient Christian metaphor of comparing the church itself to a ship. Even to this day, the main worship area in our churches is called the "nave", a word derived from the Latin word "navis", meaning ship. Navis is the origin of words such as navy and naval. Many New Testament passages make reference to Christ traveling with his disciples in a boat over stormy seas,
Bethlehem's ship was made by one of the early members of the congregation, Soren Madsen, as a replica of a ship which sailed for many years under the Danish flag. The model was three years in the making. The ship is generally placed in the rear or center of the nave, among the people, and pointed toward the altar, to represent the congregation's journey toward their heavenly home. As we enter God's family through baptism, we sail on through life's stormy seas together toward home.”
Isn’t that marvelous! It’s quite a sensation to worship in that sanctuary with the boat as a constant reminder of SETTING SAIL with Jesus and looking around at the crew, the members of the ship called ‘The Church’! So no less here, at Maine Presbyterian Church, we are SETTING SAIL this summer with our journey ahead of us and the wind of the Spirit as God’s breath to lead us along the way.
Let’s let our journey be one of joy and wonder!
Pr. Tom
When I think of the people of Maine Presbyterian Church, this verse comes to mind from Philippians 1:3-5: “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying for all of you, because of your sharing in the Gospel from the first day until now.” Thank you for your partnership in ministry.Through these days of COVID19, our congregation has learned new skills and met new challenges and we continue to thrive. Now, we can be back together in worship. The safeguards still remain, but it will be good to see each other. We welcome everyone to in person worship on March 7 at 10:00 a.m. Until then, we will continue to offer online worship through our YouTube channel and on our website.
Stay safe and God bless you.
Pastor Ed Morgan
Stay safe and God bless you.
Pastor Ed Morgan

The first one is Rev. Eugene Peterson. His name will be familiar to some of you as the writer of the MESSAGE BIBLE. He also penned 30 books, (
several of them I have read), was a speaker in demand in many denominations. He was an ordained Presbyterian clergy but had made his impact across the denominational lines. Diane Moffett, president and executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency said of Peterson, ‘I am profoundly grateful for the life and legacy of Eugene Peterson. He was a gift to the church and the world. His work of translating the Bible into plain language helped increase the understanding of Scripture and its application to everyday life. His unique contribution will live on well past his earthly existence. May God’s peace be with him and his family.’
Today, we honor his life and legacy by hearing Scripture from the Message Bible. His memorial service was held yesterday in
Kalispell, MT. at First Presbyterian Church.
A second faithful disciple is Rev. SanDawna Ashley, our new Executive Director of Presbytery Mission for the Presbytery of the Minnesota Valleys, of which we are a member congregation. SanDawna will be our guest on SUNDAY NOVEMEBER 11 at our morning worship services and will be bringing the message of God’s Word to us!
In her own words, SanDawna shares, “This simple word of welcome is my greeting to you today. As I begin ministry with you, I look forward with enthusiasm to the many times we will have to greet one another. Our greeting is not just the exchange of pleasantries rather we greet one another as sisters and brothers in Christ, called by God to be in ministry together. I am elated about the opportunity to serve you as your Executive Director of Presbytery Mission. Today and into the future, our work together is to be a witness to Christ in all that we do.’
Simple yet powerful words of greeting from her and I look forward (and I hope you will too!) to having SanDawna with us in person so that we can continue being in ‘ministry together’, as she phrased it.
I hope that this is one of those ‘take aways’ from this All Saints Sunday, and that is that we see that we are part of a great ‘cloud of witnesses’(Hebrews 12:1) that spans the globe and time. That those who have ‘run the race’ are cheering us on and are never far from us.
Thanks be to God for ALL the saints of God, including you and me!
Pastor Tom

JULY 2018 EPISTLE
‘Congratulations. We made it to 40!’ Those were Dale’s words to me over the phone and they filled me with remembrance and reflection. Dale and I were ordained together at St. Mark’s Church in Fargo 40 years ago in June, on a hot, sweltering evening in a rather large sanctuary as part of our annual gathering of our congregations. And the sanctuary was not air conditioned! The emotions of the evening and everything leading up to that moment were matched by the heat and humidity of that June evening!
But what a surprise it was to hear from Dale. He has since retired and found himself in a Houston, TX suburb working with a major company as a ‘listener’ to both management and employees to create a more healing work place climate. A far cry from parish ministry but, in all honesty, probably as much or even more ministry going on there! Dale was also one of those ‘rare birds’ that could have easily become a resident organist/choir director in a large congregation where full time musicians were able to make a good living. In addition to all of that, Dale exudes energy, and his voice alone was a note of encouragement to me. It was a good way to re-connect with a colleague and to ‘catch up’ with each other. But it also made me think of the future.
Seems that summer time is the time for reunions, for family gatherings, for anniversaries and all manner of celebrations that bring us to celebrate and remember the past. In a real sense, every Sunday when we gather for worship we do just that; we celebrate and recall all that God has done for God’s people, in hearing our cries for deliverance, for safety and healing, all the while making sure we acknowledge that God is present with us in all of our todays, in all of our present moments. Like the disciples caught up with Jesus in the boat, when it is being assailed by the forces of nature, we seek to rouse this ‘sleeping Jesus’ who has been more attentive to our calamities then we know. Through all of this, we can easily become obsessed with the future and all of the variables of the unknown. It’s easy to be tempted to play the ‘what if’ game or the ‘let’s get it all figured out’ game, trying to make certain we know what the future will look like, so that we can be prepared. Why we might even consult those that say they can predict the future, only to be disappointed that we have given in to this invention.
There, on the mount, with his disciples and the crowds near him, Jesus is teaching them about life in the kingdom, about living in such a way calls us to a deeper trust, even when it comes to our futures. He will say things like, “Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” and “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.” Then this clincher, "So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today.” And I’m brought up short once again, found out by goodness and grace.
But it’s so hard, isn’t it, to simply rest in the knowledge that not only is the past and the present God’s, but also the future? We want some control over how things turn out. We want to somehow know that our plans make a difference in the whole scheme of things. So we like to think. I really don’t think that God despises our goals, our aspirations or our hopes. I rather think that God inhabits those, inspiring us to be part of God’s vision, God’s dreams and hopes. But that’s just it - how can our plans be God’s plans? Or better said, how can God’s plans be our plans - God’s future as our future?
Like my good friend Dale, perhaps it is in living in deep gratitude for the past and the present, that the future unfolds before us, and we can be surprised that God invites us into God’s future!
‘Congratulations. We made it to 40!’ Those were Dale’s words to me over the phone and they filled me with remembrance and reflection. Dale and I were ordained together at St. Mark’s Church in Fargo 40 years ago in June, on a hot, sweltering evening in a rather large sanctuary as part of our annual gathering of our congregations. And the sanctuary was not air conditioned! The emotions of the evening and everything leading up to that moment were matched by the heat and humidity of that June evening!
But what a surprise it was to hear from Dale. He has since retired and found himself in a Houston, TX suburb working with a major company as a ‘listener’ to both management and employees to create a more healing work place climate. A far cry from parish ministry but, in all honesty, probably as much or even more ministry going on there! Dale was also one of those ‘rare birds’ that could have easily become a resident organist/choir director in a large congregation where full time musicians were able to make a good living. In addition to all of that, Dale exudes energy, and his voice alone was a note of encouragement to me. It was a good way to re-connect with a colleague and to ‘catch up’ with each other. But it also made me think of the future.
Seems that summer time is the time for reunions, for family gatherings, for anniversaries and all manner of celebrations that bring us to celebrate and remember the past. In a real sense, every Sunday when we gather for worship we do just that; we celebrate and recall all that God has done for God’s people, in hearing our cries for deliverance, for safety and healing, all the while making sure we acknowledge that God is present with us in all of our todays, in all of our present moments. Like the disciples caught up with Jesus in the boat, when it is being assailed by the forces of nature, we seek to rouse this ‘sleeping Jesus’ who has been more attentive to our calamities then we know. Through all of this, we can easily become obsessed with the future and all of the variables of the unknown. It’s easy to be tempted to play the ‘what if’ game or the ‘let’s get it all figured out’ game, trying to make certain we know what the future will look like, so that we can be prepared. Why we might even consult those that say they can predict the future, only to be disappointed that we have given in to this invention.
There, on the mount, with his disciples and the crowds near him, Jesus is teaching them about life in the kingdom, about living in such a way calls us to a deeper trust, even when it comes to our futures. He will say things like, “Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” and “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.” Then this clincher, "So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today.” And I’m brought up short once again, found out by goodness and grace.
But it’s so hard, isn’t it, to simply rest in the knowledge that not only is the past and the present God’s, but also the future? We want some control over how things turn out. We want to somehow know that our plans make a difference in the whole scheme of things. So we like to think. I really don’t think that God despises our goals, our aspirations or our hopes. I rather think that God inhabits those, inspiring us to be part of God’s vision, God’s dreams and hopes. But that’s just it - how can our plans be God’s plans? Or better said, how can God’s plans be our plans - God’s future as our future?
Like my good friend Dale, perhaps it is in living in deep gratitude for the past and the present, that the future unfolds before us, and we can be surprised that God invites us into God’s future!

August 2018 Pastor’s Epistle
As we conclude our SUMMER SPLASH ‘Setting Sail’ this month, here are some words of wisdom (?!) from
‘Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah’s Ark!’
1) Don’t miss the boat!
2) Remember that we are all in the same boat.
3) Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.
4) Stay fit. When you’re really old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
5) Don’t listen to the critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
6) Build your future on high ground.
7) For safety sake, travel in pairs.
8) Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
9) When you’re stressed, float a while.
10) No matter the storm, when you are with God, there’s always a rainbow!
Some real truths here as we think about our life under the banner of God’s promised rainbow. Have some fun with these proverbs and don’t forget to wear your life-jacket as you ‘set sail’ these last days of summer. We’ll wait to hear stories of your adventures on water or on the road!
Faithfully in Christ,
Pastor Tom
MPC Worship Service 3 07 2021
We are currently holding in-person services. If you are able, we invite you to join us. If you are unable
or are not ready to venture out you can
return here for the recorded service.
When I think of the people of Maine Presbyterian Church, this verse comes to mind from Philippians 1:3-5: “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying for all of you, because of your sharing in the Gospel from the first day until now.” Thank you for your partnership in ministry.
Through these days of COVID19, our congregation has learned new skills and met new challenges and we continue to thrive. Now, we can be back together in worship. The safeguards still remain, but it will be good to see each other. We welcome everyone to in person worship on March 7 at 10:00 a.m. Until then, we will continue to offer online worship through our YouTube channel and on our website.
Stay safe and God bless you.
Pastor Ed Morgan
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P6_qHQg58fA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P6_qHQg58fA?start=7" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 9 19 2021
MPC Worship Service 9 5 2021
MPC Worship Service 9 12 2021
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 3 21 2021
with Rev. John Lindholm
with Rev. John Lindholm
MPC Worship Service 8 29 2021
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 3 14 2021
MPC Worship Service 8 22 2021
MPC Worship Service 8 15 2021
MPC Worship Service 8 8 2021
MPC Worship Service 2 21 2021
MPC Worship Service 8 1 2021
MPC Worship Service 7 25 2021
MPC Worship Service 7 18 2021
MPC Worship Service 7 11 2021
MPC Worship Service 2 14 2021
MPC worship service 7 4 2021
MPC Worship Service 6 27 2021
MPC Worship Service 6 20 2021
MPC Worship Service 2 7 2021
MPC Worship Service 6 13 2021
MPC Worship Service 1 31 2021
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 6 6 2021
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 5 30 2021
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 5 23 2021
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 5 16 2021
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 5 2 2021
MPC Worship Service 4 25 2021
MPC Worship Service 4 18 2021
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 4 11 2021
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 4 4 2021
MPC WORSHIP SERVICE 3 28 2021
Proudly powered by Weebly