I am a son, husband, father, and grandfather.  I grew up in a combination of military and civilian worlds.  Dad was in the Navy and spent two tours in Rumford, ME, his hometown where he retired.  I also got to live in parts of the eastern US and Italy.

This all meant having the Methodist Church of Rumford and the diversity of the base chapels as key influencers of my life.  There were spiritual moments that layered into my journey as a result.  I felt an invitation to the table of Christ through a tapestry at the Vatican (not the Sistine Chapel).  My calling to the pastorate came when I was 16.  

In my youth I joined the Air Force and through a series of incidents would work in support of the Chaplains in Spain and Montana.  After college at the University of Maine in Farmington (BA in Psychology), I headed to seminary at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. There I began my journey as a pastor in 1987 as a local pastor in Fairborn.

For 37 years I have served from 1 to 3 churches at any one time.  One place was for 10 years, right here in New Harbor.  And now I’m back, not so much by popular demand, but the bishop and cabinets do the matchmaking and reappointed me here.  

During many of these 37 years I served Navy assignments as a reserve chaplain. Assignments included the Seabees, Coast Guard, Bethesda Det., Marines, and Souda Bay Det. Yes, I have worn the uniforms of 4 different services! Training included locations across the US and the Mediterranean.  

I have volunteered for a week each year at Camp Mechuwana since the early 90’s.  My role was as a counselor and dean of camps that included: Native American Awareness, Soccer Camp, and Creative Arts.

There are a few hobbies in my life: photography, gardening, wood working, hiking, travel, and hearing people’s stories.

Over the years my greatest growth in my relationship to God, my service to the churches and their communities, and in my own self-understanding has come in the difficult times. I don’t crave difficult times but have come to see them as valuable opportunities for fresh perspectives.  These perspectives aren’t instant or easy, but they are priceless.

My wife Joan and I have shared our journey for 44 years and look forward to our new adventures here.  The reunion with old friends has been a gift.  Connecting with new friends is an added treat.

What God will do with us in this season will reveal itself in due time since I just returned to New Harbor in July of 2024 after 17 years away.  I know that you and I have changed as have the times.

I am appointed to not just serve the church but, with the church, the community around it.  Together, with God’s help we will find the hurts and hopes that Jesus wants to speak to and respond with the hearts and hands that God has given us.

My personal vision is to “Create a Community of Hope: Where You and Me becomes We.”  If you or I achieve something it is OK; if we accomplish something together, it is more likely to have lasting power to change our world. 

Let’s join hands. 

A Maine native who grew up on a poultry farm in Pemaquid Maine, I decided to earn my degree at University of Maine in Agricultural Economics. My career choice was to become a loan specialist in the US Department of Agriculture, The Farmers Home Administration, now Rural Development was my employer for last a very satisfying 42 year career. 

Community service has always been important to me leading to long terms on town planning board, Bristol Lions, Elder Care Board, Community Housing Improvement Program volunteer carpenter and firewood crew for the many Mainers who burn wood , church trustee and treasurer for plus 20 years.

Margo Hope,Church Leader

I have spent most of my adult life in this small coastal town. Yes, it is very beautiful. Many residents cannot see their neighbors’ homes; this could create feelings of loneliness and

isolation but that is not the usual case.

As a many generation descendant, I have discovered that Mainers are actually a most varied population. Few jobs are sitting here waiting for the right person to find them. One

would need a wide skillset you have been taught or self- taught to earn a living wage. Creating an enterprise can lead to success. Michael Hope and I have raised three children here; they tell us that their classmates have many surprising kinds of high intelligence. Their families are not all the same. That is what they like most about their local education. Fishermen, boat builders, artists, historians, clergy, doctors, CEO’s, poets, scientists and musicians. We hold so many views and are grateful for what each person can teach us.