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Centre Street Church is a richly blessed group of progressive Christians who love God, our neighbors, and each other—and we are excited about where God is leading us! Our diverse group of worship speakers come from a wide range of spiritual backgrounds and practices, but we're all followers of Jesus the Christ. Each of us has found a home in the United Church of Christ, with its progressive theology and active dedication to peace and justice.
In the UCC, we're all called to minister to others and to participate as equals in the common worship of God, each with direct access to the mercies of God through personal prayer and devotion. This was true of the New Testament church over 2,000 years ago, it was foundational in the priesthood of all believers doctrine espoused by Martin Luther in the early sixteenth century, and it's still true today. If you've looking for a church where everyone has a seat at the table and a voice in the sanctuary, you just found it!
In the UCC, we're all called to minister to others and to participate as equals in the common worship of God, each with direct access to the mercies of God through personal prayer and devotion. This was true of the New Testament church over 2,000 years ago, it was foundational in the priesthood of all believers doctrine espoused by Martin Luther in the early sixteenth century, and it's still true today. If you've looking for a church where everyone has a seat at the table and a voice in the sanctuary, you just found it!
Worship Speakers
To view videos or read recent messages, click on the titles below.
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Rev. Art Nelson and Laurel, his wife, have been summer residents of Downeast Maine—and two of Centre Street's strongest supporters—for many years. Now making their home in Northbrook, Illinois, Art and Laurel grace us with their presence occasionally at worship services, thanks to the magic of Zoom. We were especially blessed to have Art as our Zoom guest preacher on April 23. Thank you, Art!
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Laurel Robinson, a deacon, serves on Church Council and participates in the Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, and Women's Ensemble. After growing up in Missouri and then spending a decade in Seattle, Laurel earned a Master of Arts degree in writing and editing at UNC-Greensboro and moved to Maine in 1997. A member of Centre Street since 2003, Laurel works as a professional copyeditor. She and her partner, Cindy Huggins, were married at Centre Street in 2014.
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Dr. Cynthia Huggins, church moderator, leads Centre Street's music program and Worship Planning Team. A proud Southerner who grew up in the Carolina foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cindy holds a BA in music and religious studies and a PhD in English. Now retired from a career in higher education, including serving as president of the University of Maine at Machias, Cindy has been a Centre Streeter since 2003.
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Lynne Gibson lives in Machiasport and works for the Department of Health and Human Services. A Centre Streeter since 1998, she participates in the Chancel Choir, Women's Ensemble, and Handbell Choir. Lynne has served Centre Street in many capacities over the years, currently as Council member, clerk, financial secretary, and Personnel Committee member. Lynne is also president of the Board of Directors for the Machias Area Food Pantry.
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Sarina Brooks, a deacon, serves on Church Council and participates in the Chancel Choir and Women's Ensemble. Sarina is also a Member in Discernment in the Sunrise Association and a student in the Pathways Theological Education Program. A licensed therapist, she is Centre Street's Director of Pastoral Care, leading our Care Team and serving the pastoral needs of our church family.
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Ernie Atkinson is an avid bike rider and a long-time member of the Chancel Choir. Ernie moved to Maine in 1993 for an internship involving Atlantic salmon, and he's been working to restore this magnificent creature ever since. His research for his recently completed master's degree models stocking scenarios to optimize survival of juvenile Atlantic salmon. Ernie and his wife Bonnie, our church pianist, are the proud parents of two wonderful young men.
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Bonnie Beiswenger, after many years as a full-time mother, returned to college and worked as a therapeutic recreation specialist and later a teaching assistant in special education. In 2019 she moved from New York State to Dennysville. At Centre Street, she participates in the Chancel Choir, Women's Ensemble, and Handbell Choir. Bonnie volunteers at the East Machias library and the Machias Area Food Pantry, and she enjoys playing piano, hammered dulcimer, and guitar, as well as reading, gardening, and spending time at her cottage in Machiasport.
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Ellen Farnsworth directs the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival, leads Centre Street's trustees, serves on Church Council, and participates in the Chancel Choir and Handbell Choir. A native of New Jersey, Ellen spent childhood summers on Maine's Gardner Lake. She moved to Maine in 1976 and joined Centre Street in 1983. Ellen works as a Family Visitor for Maine Families, providing support for pregnant and parenting families. She and husband Don enjoy spending time with their blended family of seven children and seven grandchildren.
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Joyce Kryszak, a member of Centre Street's Just Action Committee and the Old Time Radio Guild, is a veteran journalist. Before moving to Maine, her work as a public radio reporter and producer for NPR affiliate, WBFO, in Buffalo earned her an Edward R. Murrow Regional Award and many Associated Press awards for in-depth reporting on government, social justice, cultural affairs, and the environment. She also reported for the national desk of NPR, Voice of America, New England News Collaborative, The Environment Report, and others.
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Ed Mosel, a long-time summer resident of Downeast Maine, sings in the Chancel Choir during the summers and regularly participates in worship services via Zoom from his Florida home for the rest of the year.
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