Letting the Light Shine

Roast Beef Supper

2012-01-16T23:31:00.000-05:00

The next supper is Sat., Jan 28th 2012 from 4:30-6pm. (more dates)

All-you-can-eat Roast Beef, Homemade Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Rolls and Pies. Only $9 for Adults, $7 for children over 13 plus college students with and ID, and $5 for Children.

Our prices have gone up $1.00 due to additional costs.

Volunteers needed starting at 7am to prep the meal and setup tables.

Need Directions? Google Us or MapQuest Us.

Easter Sunday - Rejoice

2011-04-22T18:00:00.001-05:00

06:00am Sunrise Service at the Eastern Promenade Gazebo*

10:00am Traditional Service at Stevens Avenue Congregational Church

* Breakfast following Sunrise Service ~ 6:30am at Stevens Avenue Congregational Church

Good Friday

2011-04-21T19:00:00.003-05:00

On Good Friday we meditate on the meaning of Jesus’ crucifixion.

Maundy Thursday

2011-04-17T13:33:00.003-05:00

04/21/11 @ 7pm - Maundy Thursday Service

Maundy Thursday leads us from the last supper of Jesus to the betrayal and crucifixion.

Easter Triduum

2011-04-17T13:32:00.004-05:00

With the setting of the sun on Maundy Thursday, the Easter Triduum begins. Triduum literally means “three days” and stretches from sunset on Maundy Thursday, through Good Friday and to sunset on Easter. These holy days became a recognized part of the Christian liturgical year by the fourth century. We continue to celebrate them within the Church today to prepare us for meeting the resurrected Christ on the third day.

Maundy comes from Old French (mandé), spoken from 1000–1300 C.E. and from the Latin mandatum novum (a new commandment). Jesus commands the disciples “to love one another” (John 13:24) after he washes their feet and shares a meal the night before Passover. For many, footwashing is a common liturgical rite of Maundy Thursday. Also Holy Communion or Eucharist traditionally occurs on Maundy Thursday. A Maundy Thursday service leads us from the last supper of Jesus to the betrayal and crucifixion.

On Good Friday we meditate on the meaning of Jesus’ crucifixion.

Source: www.ucc.org/worship/ways

2011-04-17T13:30:00.001-05:00

Earth Day is always observed on April 22 whereas International Earth Day is celebrated on the March equinox. We celebrate Earth Day to call attention to the environment.

History of Earth Day:

The first Earth Day was in April 22, 1970.
Former U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson was Earth Day's co-founder.
Senator Nelson got the name after reading about San Fransisco's Earth Day celebration which was held on March 21, 1970.

Source: www.internetfamilyfun.com/holidays/earthday/earthdayfacts.htm

Palm Sunday

2011-04-10T13:31:00.039-05:00

The story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and then of his passion — betrayal, arrest, torture and interrogation, and crucifixion as a criminal — form an essential part of the Christian story. Each of the gospel writers told that story with particular aims and individual messages. Yet for many worshipers, it is rare to hear the story in its entirety. This blog outlines the readings that represent the entire story.

THE ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM (LUKE 19:28-40)

Jesus departed from the Mount of Olives
Jesus told the disciples to go ahead and find a donkey
Jesus rode the donkey into Jersusalem with cloaks blanketing the road
Pharisees challenge Jesus to quiet the crowd
Jesus replies: "I tell you, if they were to keep silent, the very stones would cry out!"

THE PASSION (LUKE 22:14-23:56)

The Last Supper

Passover preparations were underway
Satan possessed Judas Iscariot and he offers to deliver Jesus to the Temple Guards
Jesus asks disciples to prepare seder and offers first communion
Jesus explains the upcoming betrayal

Mount of Olives

Jesus prays, the disciples fall asleep during their vigil
Judas and Temple Guards appear and arrest Jesus
A disciple cut off a guard's ear and Jesus heals it
Disciples flee for fear of their arrest
Peter denies Jesus three times before the dawn

Crucifixion

Jesus was brought before the council and Pontius Pilate
The crowd demanded the release of Barabbus and Jesus was sentenced to be crucified
Jesus carried the cross through the city and was crucified
There was an eclipse before Jesus died, and the curtain in the sanctuary was torn in two
Jesus was laid in a tomb with a boulder placed in front of it

From Palms to Passion: The Story of Jesus’ Last Days in Jerusalem for Palm/Passion Sunday (Year C) was written by John A. Nelson, Pastor and Teacher of Niantic Community Church, Niantic, Connecticut

Ash Wednesday Service

2011-03-06T13:59:00.001-05:00

This week, there is an Ash Wednesday Service at 7pm. Come join us with this solemn observance starting the search for Christ ending with Easter.

World Day of Prayer

2011-02-27T13:32:00.003-05:00

The World Day of Prayer, observed the first Friday of March, grew out of women’s involvement in mission work. Through World Day of Prayer, women affirm that prayer and action are inseparable and that both have immeasurable influence in the world. World Day of Prayer dates back to 1812 when women encouraged one another to engage in personal prayer and take leadership in communal prayer within their mission auxiliaries and associations.

Today, people in more than 170 countries and regions will unite in a prayer service to give thanks.

Source: http://www.ucc.org/worship/ways/

2010-12-22T19:14:00.002-05:00

May the Blessings, Peace and Light of Christ be with you this Christmas.

Advent and Candles

2010-11-26T07:07:00.001-05:00

Advent is a season of preparation. Advent candles are symbols which help us to reflect and prepare for the birth of Christ - the true meaning of Christmas.

There are four (4) candles lit during Advent, leading up to the Christ candle which is lit on Christmas. The first candle symbolizes Hope. The second candle is Love. The third candle is Joy. The fourth candle is Peace. The Christ candle represents the birth of Christ.

In different religions the symbolism can be different for the candles. The colors of the candles differs, too. Typically the first three candles are purple and the fourth candle, Joy, is typically pink. The Christ candle is white, and in the center of the other four.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-21T13:31:00.000-05:00

Mission Moment

2010-11-11T07:17:00.000-05:00

This year’s Thanksgiving mission is to donate canned fruit (or other non-perishable food items) to Project FEED. We’re asking for you to bring in your items for Sunday, November 14 @ 10am. We’ll be delivering these to Project FEED after the service. 2-3 volunteers to drive, load and unload are needed (from 11:15 – 12:00).

Feel free to drop off your bags anytime, or if you'd prefer, monetary donations are always welcome. (Please make out checks to Stevens Avenue Congregational Church, and enter Project FEED in the memo line.)

About Project FEED
Project FEED (Food Emergency Exchange Depot) is an emergency food depot located in the basement of Woodfords Congregational Church. Project FEED was founded in 1975 by a group of clergy and lay-people concerned with the growing number of Portland residents who were without a reliable source of food in emergencies. Project FEED is supported by 23 churches and 2 synagogues in the Greater Portland area and is staffed completely by volunteers.

Project FEED provides food to take home for individuals and families in crisis. We offer supplies for 1-7 days per person in the household. Usually this is the bridge people need to their next source of income.
Source: www.woodfordschurch.org

Veterans' Day

2010-11-10T13:32:00.001-05:00

Please honor our past and present Veterans as they have helped to give us the freedom that we know today.

2010-10-31T13:33:00.001-05:00

Bountiful Fair 2010

Date: Saturday, November 6

Time: 8:30am - 4pm

Price: FREE

Click here for photos

Fair Items include:
Crafts, Jewelry, Marcia’s Famous Fudge,
Baked Goods, Antiques, Knits,
and Basket Raffles
Don’t forget to visit our Luncheon Counter
for the best Corn Chowdah you’ll ever eat!
The crab meat roll are back - yum :-)

Live music entertainment all day.Randy Lindsay of Kanogisdi will be on stage from 11am - 1pm.

Need Directions? Google Us or MapQuest Us

Daylight Savings

2010-10-31T13:32:00.000-05:00

Turn back your clocks one hour on November 7!

Neighbors in Need

2010-10-10T13:33:00.006-05:00

Neighbors in Need (NIN) is all about thinking globally, and acting locally. It's when we focus on those who are less fortunate than us. Think about the most recent disasters: Hurricane Earl, earthquakes in Indonesia, and tsunamis in the Phillipines, to name only a few.

Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the UCC that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. The core belief is that we all make a difference with our faith, commitment and unique gifts we possess. This year, the collection for Neighbors in Need is Sunday, October 17, 2010.

To see the most recent situations requiring our help, click here.

3-Oct

2010-10-03T13:30:00.000-05:00

Wed, 10/06 @ 06:30pm - Bible Study info
Sun, 10/10 @ 10:00am - Service || Bottle Sunday

Upcoming Events (click here for a full listing)
Sun, 10/17 @ 10:00am - Service & Neigbhors In Need Campaign
Mon, 10/18 @ 06:00pm - Mens Fellowship info *rescheduled*
Sat, 10/23 @ 04:30pm - Roast Beef Supper info
Sat, 10/30 @ 10:00am - 12:00pm - Kaleidoscope's Autumn Harvest Workshop ($18 register)
Sun, 10/31 - Fri, 11/05 - Bountiful Fair Setup
Sat, 11/06 @ 08:30am - Bountiful Fair

Yard Sale

2010-09-12T16:33:00.003-05:00

When: Saturday, September 18, 7:00am - 4:00 pm (Rain or Shine)
Where: Stevens Avenue Congregational Church (Directions)

We have some great, previously owned pieces of furniture, books, kitchen items, and hand-made items. And, we've got food and beverages available throughout this great event.

Kanogisdi Guitar Assembly will be performing 2-4pm. You can check them out on Facebook, or see below.

Click here to see photos from the prior events.

Kanogisdi Guitar Assembly

2010-09-12T16:32:00.000-05:00

Please stop by the Yard Sale this Saturday (2-4pm) and see Kanogisdi Guitar Assembly perform.

Members performing:

Randy Lindsay, conductor

Dave Daniels

Adam Bourgault

Thomas Fitts

Ian Lawson

Kanogisdi...
- more than a class, more than a band

Kanogisdi is an on-going performing community guitar orchestra focusing on a wide variety of world-music styles. We have transcribed pieces for 3-4 contrasting parts, with professional musicians and dedicated amateurs in mind.

The major objectives for Kanogisdi are musical education and experience in performing, along with being a vehicle for members to offer their talent for charity fund-raising events.

Youth Car Wash

2010-09-05T13:33:00.000-05:00

The Youth Group is having another car wash fundraiser onSaturday, September 11 from 10:00am - 2:00pm. Rain or shine! $5 suggestion donation. Proceeds benefit the SACC Youth Group and their mission activities.

For Directions, Google Us or MapQuest Us.

2010-09-05T13:32:00.000-05:00

Best wishes and safe travels for this Labor Day weekend

Graphic by Christian MySpace Layouts

Summer Schedule

2010-07-04T13:33:00.023-05:00

The weekly activities postings will stop for the July and August. They will resume in September.

The upcoming events calendar will continue to be updated. Click here for the listing. You may also contact us via email at saccucc@gmail.com.

Pastor Ezra will be on vacation in August. The schedule of guest pastors & lay leaders will be updated on the calendar for the last 4 weeks in August.

Have a Safe and Enjoyable Summer.

2010-07-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Have an enjoyable Independence Day!

Graphic by Christian MySpace Layouts

Church Yard Sale and Girls Scouts Garage Sale

2010-06-07T13:32:00.000-05:00

When: Saturday, June 12 7:00am - 2:00 pm
Where: Stevens Avenue Congregational Church
790 Stevens Ave., Portland, ME 04103 (Directions)

Come one, come all. Rain or Shine.
Are you looking for some great, previously owned pieces of furniture? Lamps, chairs, kitchen items? Well, we've got them for you.

And, we've got food and beverages available throughout this great event.

We hope to see you there!

Youth Car Wash

2010-05-31T13:32:00.007-05:00

The first Youth Group fundraiser is a car wash scheduled for June 5 from 9:00am - 3:00pm. Rain or shine! $5 suggestion donation. Proceeds benefit the SACC Youth Group and their mission activities.

For Directions, Google Us or MapQuest Us.

Defining Moments

2010-04-18T13:30:00.039-05:00

Today's meditation was about "Defining Moments". Pastor Ezra queried the congregation on what we learned so far this month on the "Foundation of Faith" theme. Then, he asked for their definition of a defining moment. The definitions included:

A turning point
A definitive choice presented
An epiphany or "aha" moment

In today's reading from Acts, one such example was Saul's complete turnaround from a mission to kill Christians in Damascus to being blinded by God and guided to a meeting with Ananias. Pastor Ezra also related that Saul's talents (outside of God's work) were leveraged by God, just as our talents outside of church can and should be used for God's work in the church. When something good happens, spiritually, it is only right to share this with God's children - our family - to rejoice and praise God. It is only right to share the good news of God with others, and not keep it to ourselves.

Top 10 Reasons for Going to Church

2010-04-11T13:30:00.000-05:00

Top 10 Reasons for Going to Church
Every Sunday you have to decide whether you are going to get up and go to church. Well, here is a list of the Top Ten Reasons for Going to Church. Maybe it will help you to decide.
10. It doesn't cost anything to get in.
9. Your parents are going to church and they won't let you stay at home alone.
8. There's nothing good on TV at that time of day anyway.
7. It's a great place to show off your new clothes.
6. There's a fantastic all-you-can-eat buffet after church.
5. It's a good place to meet and visit with friends.
4. The choir sings some really cool music.
3. If you get sleepy, you can take a nap during the sermon.
2. You have a test in school tomorrow and you need to ask God for help.
And the #1 reason for going to church is.....
1. If you don't, you just might miss out on something really important.

What could that something be? Well, our Bible lesson today might help us to find out. It was the Sunday after Jesus was crucified and his disciples had gathered together in a locked room. They were together in that locked room because they were afraid. They were afraid of what Jesus' enemies might do to them. The Bible tells us that, even though the doors were locked, Jesus came in and stood there with his disciples. When the disciples saw Jesus, they were very happy. Unfortunately, Thomas was not there. So... what really important thing do we miss out on if we don't come to church? We miss out on the same thing that Thomas missed out on... the chance to be with Jesus!

New Features

2010-04-09T05:41:00.000-05:00

Please note a couple of new features on the blogspot. Just above this posting are several links, described below. The frequency of update is shown in parentheses.

Pastor's Message (monthly) - message from Pastor Ezra
Lectionary (monthly) - theme and the associated scriptures from the lectionary cycle
Photos (quarterly) - photo albums about the life of the church and its family
Events (weekly) - upcoming events in a simple list format
This Sunday (weekly) - preview of the sermon, music, readings and fellowship activities

Social Networking

2010-03-01T06:36:00.001-05:00

Check out Stevens Avenue Congregational Church on Facebook.

Haiti Appeal

2010-01-17T14:28:00.000-05:00

We can make a difference...

The UCC launched an emergency appeal for Haiti after a major earthquake struck the country. One Great Hour of Sharing funds are being rushed to our Haitian partners to support their initial emergency response. The need is massive.

How We Can Help:
1. Prayers
2. Monetary donations, checks payable to SACC marked for "Haiti Earthquake Relief"
3. Donate clean-up kits or hygiene kits (see below for kit contents). We will collect through Sunday, January 31.

Kit Contents
1 - Hand towel measuring approximately 16" x 28" (no fingertip or bath towels)
1- Washcloth
1 - Comb
1 - Nail clipper (no metal files or emery boards)
1 - Bar of soap (bath size in wrapper)
1- Toothbrush (in original packaging)
6 - Band-Aids®
Please do not add toothpaste. Seal all items in a one-gallon plastic bag with a zipper closure.

Bountiful Fair Photos

2009-11-08T12:45:00.000-05:00

added 11/8/2009

Supper Calendar

2009-01-04T06:51:00.012-05:00

Dates
Sep 09/24/2011
Oct 10/22/2011
Nov 11/19/2011 - early due to Thanksgiving
No supper in December

Doors open at 4:30pm. Serving ends at 6:00pm.

Themes

2009-01-01T15:46:00.008-05:00

2010
Feb "Planting the Seed of Faith"
Mar "Generosity"
Apr "The Foundation of Our Faith"
May "The Practices of Faith"
Jun "Stepping out in Faith"
Jul "Stepping out in Faith"
Sep "Spiritual Renewal"
Oct "Faith in Action"

2009
Jan"The Power of God"
Feb "The Power of Worship"
Mar "The Power of Prayer"
Apr "Victory"
May "Hope"
Jun "Growing our Faith"
Jul "The Church on the Move"
Aug "The Power of Faith"
Sep "Forgiveness" (more)
Oct "The Power of Words" (more)

Staff

2009-01-01T14:32:00.008-05:00

Rev. Ezra M. Chapola, Minister

Gary Dixon, Music Director

(not shown)
Carol Hill, Grammy's House Nursery School Director

Photo Archive

2009-01-01T10:30:00.012-05:00

Our Church

Bountiful Fair added 11/06/2010

Youth Group Activity-October added 10/31/2010

Easter Services added 04/04/2010

Christmas Pageant added 12/20/2009

Stewardship Luncheon added 11/15/2009

2009 Bountiful Fair added 11/8/2009

2009 Baptism added 6/21/2009

2009 Yard Sale added 6/20/2009

2008 Rev. Chapola's Installation

2007 Summer BBQ

Rental Pictures

2009-01-01T10:29:00.010-05:00

To inquire about rates, availablity or to visit, please click the button, below and supply your name, phone numbers and best dates/times to reach you.

About Bountiful Fairs

2009-01-01T06:22:00.001-05:00

Bountiful Fair

Date: Usually first Saturday in November

Time: 9am - 2pm

Price: FREE

Fair Items include:
Crafts, Jewelry, Marcia’s Famous Fudge,
Baked Goods, Grandma’s Attic Treasures,
Knits, and Basket RafflesDon’t forget to visit our Luncheon Counter
for the best Corn Chowdah you’ll ever eat!

Need Directions? Google Us or MapQuest Us

Bottle Sunday

2009-01-01T06:05:00.004-05:00

The second Sunday of every month, we encourage members and friends to bring in their returnable bottles. The proceeds go to the Bob Elder Music Fund. This fund was established in memory of Bob Elder to support the music program. It maintains the instruments and funds new music.

Historical Dates

2009-01-01T05:04:00.002-05:00

October 11, 1885 - First service in Morgan's Hall at Morrill's Corner, Portland, Maine.

February 10, 1886 - An Ecclesiastical Council organized Free
Church of Deering

October 28, 1886 - Church incorporated with forty-two members

February 29, 1888 - Church building was soon erected and dedicated

1913 - Church name changed to the Stevens Avenue Congregational Church.

May 5, 1961 - Joined the United Church of Christ

March 2006 - Officially registered as Open and Affirming (ONA)

Minister Chronology

2009-01-01T04:51:00.001-05:00

1888-1894: Rev William T. Jordan
1895-1897: Rev Charles E. Andrews
1898-1899: Rev Thomas M. Davies
1900-1900: Rev Charles E. Andrews
1901-1903: Rev R. T. Harbutt
1903-1906: Rev C. H. Harrison
1907-1910: Rev I. A. Flint
1910-1921: Rev H. L. McCann
1922-1931: Rev Harold G. Booth
1931-1934: Rev Clarence M. Macon
1934-1957: Rev Walter K. Miller
1957-1964: Rev Winston E. Clark
1965-1968: Rev William F. Hamel, Sr.
1968-1970: Rev Robert H. Millar
1970-1996: Rev Raymond W. Williams
1995-2000: Rev William Heinrich
2000-2001: Rev Garvey Mclean
2001-2002: Rev Nancy Foran
2002-2006: Rev Martha Hoverson
2007-2008: Rev Karen Kate Janus
2008-now: Rev Ezra M. Chapola

History

2009-01-01T04:45:00.007-05:00

The Stevens Avenue Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, had its beginning on October 11, 1885 when Rev A.C. Marsh of Woodfords Congregational Church preached in Morgan's Hall at Morrill's Corner in Portland. The service was attended by thirteen persons and was followed by a prayer meeting.

An Ecclesiastical Council of neighboring churches was called on February 10, 1886 and the Congregational church known as the Free Church of Deering was organized. On October 28, 1886, the church of forty-two members was incorporated. A church building was soon erected and it was dedicated on February 29, 1888.

In 1913, the name of the church was changed to the Stevens Avenue Congregational Church. On May 5, 1961, on the event of her 75th Anniversary, the Stevens Avenue Congregational Church voted to join the United Church of Christ.

The church has been served by eighteen resident ministers, and her ministry has been sustained by countless dedicated lay people who have labored faithfully through each generation. But our ministry in this community has just begun and out continual prayer is that we serve more faithfully tomorrow than we are serving today.

See also:
Historical Dates
Minister Chronology

A New Chapter for SACC

2008-08-01T14:56:00.001-05:00

As I look back at 2007 and 2008 up till now, I think about all that has happened around us here at Stevens Avenue Congregational Church. In January 2007 we bid farewell to our Pastor Rev. Martha Hoverson and her family after a little more than 4years as our pastor and teacher. For almost 2 months we were blessed by guest pastors like Reverend Paul Day and our good friend Reverend Steve Carnahan from Open House UCC who helped us through the beginning of yet another transition in worship leadership. Then Reverend Karen (Kate) Janus arrived as our interim pastor and helped us through the next 15 months. During these past 3 months Reverend Joanne Painter, Reverend Steve Carnahan, Reverend Peter Mercer, seminary student Pat Jackman and our own lay leadership led worship keeping us focused on the word of God.

On July 20th, our congregation voted to call a new pastor and teacher. The diligent and hard work by our dedicated search committee is about to come to an end. After months of developing the church profile, based upon membership feedback, discussions and meetings, and processing packages for 16 potential candidates, which included many hours of reviewing resumes, ministerial profiles, checking references and conducting interviews, and listening to sermons, our search committee recommended Reverend Ezra W. Chapola to be our new settled pastor and teacher.

On August 3rd, our church opens a new chapter in its history books as we welcome Reverend Ezra W. Chapola, his wife Taona; his daughter Maggie, who is 14; and his son Ezra, who is 9; into our church family. What a wonderful time it is to be part of Stevens Avenue Congregational Church! We owe our search committee a huge thank-you for their dedication to a very time consuming and lengthy process. The search committee had a huge task to accomplish and they met the challenge with enthusiasm and great success! Thank-you to Linda Linnell, Dianne Pasieka, Jeff Nordstrom, Beth Burgio and Gil Leary for your hard work and dedication to helping keep Stevens Avenue Congregational Church alive and continue to shine it’s light to our community.

Reverend Chapola and his family have been living in Bangor, Maine, but are formerly from Harare, Zimbabwe, where he was ordained by The United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe. His place of ministerial standing is currently in the Northern Conference of The United Church of Christ, Zimbabwe.

Reverend Chapola has a degree in Theology from the United Theological College of Harare, Zimbabwe. He has also received both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts from Bangor Theological Seminary, in Bangor. He is currently working on his PhD at University of Maine, Orono, and has completed his first year.

His experiences as a pastor and teacher include: from 1999-2000 the Norton UCCZ, with a membership of 80; from 2001-2003 he was the senior pastor of Highfield UCCZ (the second largest church in the denomination), with a membership of 600; in 2005, he was a student pastor at Blue Hill Congregational Church, with a membership of 200; in 2006, he was a student pastor at Hammond Street Congregation Church, Bangor, with a membership of 200; in 2007, from February to April, he served as an interim pastor at the Horton Congregation Church, Houlton; and from May to July, he served as a sabbatical pastor at the Pilgrim United Church of Christ, in New Hampshire, with a membership of 120.

Reverend Chapola brings a great deal of pastoral and life experiences to our church. Our leadership is very excited about this new chapter in our church’s history and we hope that all of our church family and friends will help us welcome Reverend Chapola and his family to our church.

We hope that you will come and join us for worship and fellowship as we share in God’s blessings today and for many years in the future. Let the light of hope and peace and the love of God continue to shine from Stevens Avenue Congregational Church!

Worship services are at 10am Sunday mornings followed by fellowship and coffee hour. Child care is provided in the Nursery School.

Harry L. Marsters II
Ministry of Worship and Community Life

Rev. Ezra Maxwell Chapola

2008-07-13T09:59:00.001-05:00

Reverend Chapola is formerly from Harare, Zimbabwe, where he was ordained by The United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe. His place of ministerial standing is currently in the Northern Conference of The United Church of Christ, Zimbabwe.

Reverend Chapola has a degree in Theology from the United Theological College of Harare, Zimbabwe. He has also received both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts from Bangor Theological Seminary, in Bangor. He is currently working on his PhD at Bangor Theological Seminary, and has completed his first year.

His past experiences as a pastor include: from 1999-2000 the Norton UCCZ, with a membership of 80; from 2001-2003 he was the senior pastor of Highfield UCCZ (the second largest church in the denomination), with a membership of 600; in 2005, he was a student pastor at Blue Hill Congregational Church, with a membership of 200; in 2006, he was a student pastor at Hammond Street Congregation Church, Bangor, with a membership of 200; in 2007, from February to April, he served as an interim pastor at the Horton Congregation Church, Houlton; and from May to July, he served as a sabbatical pastor at the Pilgrim United Church of Christ, in New Hampshire, with a membership of 120.

Things that you might like to know about him:

Does Reverend Chapola have a family?
Yes. They are his wife, Taona; his daughter Maggie, who is 14; and his son Ezra, who is 9.

What attracted Rev. Chapola to our church?
Many things including our vision of meaningful worship; serving the community as well as the church; our missions programs; the idea of working side by side with us as opposed to leader/follower; and our hymnal, which is familiar to him and liked by him.

How does Rev. Chapola view himself?
He views himself as a preacher, a teacher, a listener, a guide, open minded, and prayerful.

What have been some of his life challenges?
Some of his challenges have been moving to a new country; dealing with a different culture; and experiencing a different weather zone.

What has been a rewarding experience?
One major experience in his life has been the opportunity to complete school.

How does Rev. Chapola take care of himself and spend time outside of his church duties?
Reverend Chapola is very involved with his family. He spends time playing soccer with the children, visiting places, swimming, and reading.

What are Rev. Chapola’s future intentions?
He would like to complete is PhD. He would like to become fulltime with our church, if that becomes an option. He is committed to staying with our church long term.

Grace-Street Ministry New Website Launched

2008-04-25T11:03:00.003-05:00

Grace-Street Ministry now has a new website of its own. Please visit it by clicking here.

Grace-Street Ministry Article

2008-03-30T12:00:00.000-05:00

The Rev. Mair Honan recently published an article in the Portland Press Herald (March 1, 2008). Please click the link to read the article.

If you wish to comment on the article, please send an email to gracestreetministry@gmail.com.

Choir & Music Ministry

2008-01-01T13:28:00.003-05:00

Our choir is multi-generational ranging from 4 - 10 singers on any given Sunday. The choir rehearses at 8:30am September through June. Our Music Director conducts and accompanies the choir with selections ranging from the traditional hymns to more modern day selections from today's Christian performers.

Come sing with us, even if you cannot commit to singing every Sunday. If you have a play an instrument, please let us know if you'd be willing to accompany the choir, or play a prelude or postlude. All music is appreciated.

Hospital Visits

2008-01-01T09:28:00.004-05:00

Hospital visits are available upon request. Due to HIPAA (health privacy laws), the pastor may only know about hospitalization if you notify us. If you know of anyone needing a visit, please contact the church.

Rides Available

2008-01-01T09:28:00.003-05:00

Rides are available for those who wish to attend Services. Please contact the church to request a ride, or offer to drive.

Mens Fellowship

2008-01-01T09:14:00.007-05:00

Monthly Potluck Supper

We gather between 6 and 6:30pm
Enjoy Supper at 6:30pm
Program begins at 7:30pm

The Men's Fellowship will provide drinks (Coffee, tea and punch), bread and desserts. Bring a hot or cold dish or salad/vegetables to share if you're able, if not please come and join us anyway. There's always plenty of food!

Please let us know if you plan to attend and how many will be attending.

Contact: Gil Leary, Jeff Nordstrom, Wes Cressey or Harry Marsters at church or email Harry at: hmarsters@maine.rr.com .

About Roast Beef Suppers

2008-01-01T06:14:00.008-05:00

All-you-can-eat Roast Beef, Homemade Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Rolls and Pies.

Suppers are held the 4th Saturday of each month (Aug - May) with some exceptions around Thanksgiving, Christmas and Memorial Day. They are scheduled from 4:30-6pm. For upcoming supper dates, click here.

Prices: $8 for Adults / $6 for children over 12 plus college students with ID / $4 for children 12 and under

Need Directions? Google Us or MapQuest Us.

Photo Archives

2008-01-01T05:15:00.002-05:00

Christmas Pageant added 12/20/2009

Stewardship Luncheon added 11/15/2009

2009 Bountiful Fair added 11/8/2009

2009 Baptism added 6/21/2009

2009 Yard Sale added 6/20/2009

Our Mission

2006-03-26T08:21:00.002-05:00

We believe that God is still speaking, and we believe that we are called to be God's shining light, bringing about God's vision of loving community through prayer and action.

In Our Life Together, we are small enough to know each other and open enough to reach out to the world. We are a church open to all, regardless of race, age, nationality or sexual orientation, for the worship of God.

In Worship, we take time to pray for each other and for all of God's creation. We celebrate God's presence among us in music new and old. We seek the meaning of God's Word in this time and place, puzzling together over life's questions rather than claiming to have all the answers.

In Education, we offer opportunities for spiritual growth that range from a lectionary Bible Study to a Women's Book Group. Our growing Sunday School welcomes our children each week, sharing the stories and the love of Jesus Christ. We have a weekday nursery school Grammy's House, with close to twenty children attending each year.

In Outreach, our local efforts focus on feeding the hungry by supporting Project FEED food pantry and the Wayside Soup Kitchen; additionally, we sponsor Grace-Street Ministry which supports, through presence and prayer, the homeless and marginalized of Portland, Maine.

Our doors are open and we are waiting to welcome you!

Open and Affirming

2006-03-23T17:10:00.004-05:00

Our church has understood itself to be open to all for a long time now. A version of the following statement has been on our weekly bulletin for many years. This is the current statement:

The Stevens Avenue Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, is a church open to all, regardless of race, age, ability, economic status, nationality or sexual orientation,for the worship of God.