Kathie Hackett presents Stephen Bither with a UMW letter of recognition for his years of service with mission work.

Stephen Bither receives mission award

On Human Relations Sunday, the United Methodist Women of the Cape Elizabeth United Methodist Church presented Stephen Bither with its Mission Recognition Award for his work with the church and the community throughout the past decade.

Kathie Hackett, representing the UMW, made the presentation during the 10 a.m. service on Jan. 16. She recognized Stephen’s multifaceted mission work, including the pro bono work he does with his legal profession, his work with Portland’s Abyssinian Church and its restoration projects, his work with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine, and his ongoing contributions to the success of this church’s My Sister’s Keeper program and its work with women just released from prison.

Stephen also was recognized for his organization and leadership of mission teams from this church that have gone to Honduras. He also is well known throughout the church community for organizing the monthly Bean Suppers and providing special music for many of our services and special occasions.

During the Children’s Story at the Jan. 16 service, Rev. Ruth Morrison told children about Dr. Martin Luther King and his human relations projects. She told the children that Dr. King was part of history they had learned in school, but that Stephen Bither was someone they could see every week doing his own human relations projects.

Congratulations Stephen for this well-deserved recognition!

Click here for some photos of Stephen’s mission work:

Stephen Bither, right, in Honduras with one of the Cape Elizabeth United Methodist Church's mission teams.

Stephen working on a mission project in Honduras.

Stephen's form of transportation in Honduras.

Stephen leading Mardi Gras Sunday music at our church.

Stephen leading his band, The Wicked Good Band, during a benefit concert last winter for Haitian earthquake survivors.

Stephen with Steve Hill, during one of the church suppers Stephen organized.

Stephen organizing volunteers for December's Jolly Snowman Christmas Fair at the church.

Stephen, second from right in the back row, singing with the church choir.