We’re welcoming Pastor Kathleen Decker to our congregation!
On March 9, 2025, Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton appointed Pastor Kathleen Mary Decker to Union Church of Belgrade Lakes UMC as our next full time Pastor. Pastor Kathleen is a Full Elder and has been serving the United Methodist Church of Cape Elizabeth, commuting from the Winthrop area. She is excited about her appointment to Union Church and is excited to move into the parsonage as she enjoys kayaking and swimming. Pastor Kathleen shared she is a pastor who not only serves the congregation to which she is appointed but also serves the surrounding community. As we at Union Church place a high priority on serving our community, she will be a great match for our congregation. SPRC shared with her that she will have her first opportunity to serve the community during the 4th of July Festivities. The coming months will be full ones for Pastor Kathleen, as her youngest son graduated from Winthrop High School and they have begun the college tours! We look forward to welcoming Pastor Kathleen officially in our worship service on July 6, 2025.
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I was called to pastoral ministry after a 20+ year career in the US Air Force having served as an intelligence officer at various bases. As a young cadet, I was required to attend a presentation by a General Officer. He emphasized three things: know and do your job, know and do your job, know and do your job. Decades later, attending my first Annual Conference of the New England UMC, the presiding bishop Peter Weaver preached a sermon with three points for clergy: know and love your people, know and love your people, know and love your people. I think that together, these two elders offered some good advice: to know; to do; and to love.
On March 9, 2025, Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton appointed Pastor Kathleen Mary Decker to Union Church of Belgrade Lakes UMC as our next full time Pastor. Pastor Kathleen is a Full Elder and has been serving the United Methodist Church of Cape Elizabeth, commuting from the Winthrop area. She is excited about her appointment to Union Church and is excited to move into the parsonage as she enjoys kayaking and swimming. Pastor Kathleen shared she is a pastor who not only serves the congregation to which she is appointed but also serves the surrounding community. As we at Union Church place a high priority on serving our community, she will be a great match for our congregation. SPRC shared with her that she will have her first opportunity to serve the community during the 4th of July Festivities. The coming months will be full ones for Pastor Kathleen, as her youngest son graduated from Winthrop High School and they have begun the college tours! We look forward to welcoming Pastor Kathleen officially in our worship service on July 6, 2025.
* * *
I was called to pastoral ministry after a 20+ year career in the US Air Force having served as an intelligence officer at various bases. As a young cadet, I was required to attend a presentation by a General Officer. He emphasized three things: know and do your job, know and do your job, know and do your job. Decades later, attending my first Annual Conference of the New England UMC, the presiding bishop Peter Weaver preached a sermon with three points for clergy: know and love your people, know and love your people, know and love your people. I think that together, these two elders offered some good advice: to know; to do; and to love.