During a service of cherished memories, heartfelt tributes, and more than a few tears of gratitude, Pastor Kathleen Decker Szakas led her final service at our church on June 15. She is leaving to become the full-time minister at the Union United Methodist Church in Belgrade Lakes, Maine.

In her departing message to the congregation, titled “Seeds of Grace”, Pastor Kathleen offered thanks for what she has received these past four years: truth and love, endless cooperation, and a participation throughout the church and community to make it better for everyone involved.

She explained that Sunday’s opening hymn, “Here I am Lord”, was one she used to cry to for 1-2 years before entering the ministry: “Here I am Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.”

And so she has.

And Sunday’s closing hymn, “You Are The Seed”:

“You are the life that will nuture the plant; you’re the waves in a turbulent sea; yesterday’s yeast is beginning to rise, a new loaf of bread it will yield. There is no place for a city to hide, nor a mountain can cover its might; may your good deeds show a world in dispair a path that will all lead to God.”

From Pastor Kathleen, “That is my prayer”.

Pastor Gwyneth Arrison will lead her first service at CEUMC on July, 6 at 10:30 a.m. as part of the new Lighthouse Cooperative Parish connecting our church, Thornton Heights UMC, and Peoples UMC.

Goodspeed, Kathleen!