NORWAY — The Second Congregational Church, UCC, Norway, is pleased to announce that its minister, Rev. Sara Bartlett, was recently elected vice chair of the Board of Directors of the Conference of the United Church of Christ at the annual meeting.

Pam Davison, a moderator, remarked, “We are so fortunate to have Rev. Sara as our minister. Her insight, enthusiasm, and dedication to her congregation, her creativity, and kindness, are not only evident here in our local church and community, but also extend throughout our great state of Maine.”  Rev. Sara also serves on the Board of the Spiritual Care Services and on the city of Auburn’s ethics committee.

When Rev. Sara Bartlett was asked, “Why do you want to pastor the Second Congregational Church?” her immediate reply was an enormous smile. Then she said, “I love their focus on kids and families and seniors. I love their missions, outreach, and connection with the local community. I love that in this COVID time, the church is flexible and caring. I can use my love of God, my experiences, my sense of humor, and be creative in how to make the Church accessible and relevant to our everyday lives.”

Rev. Sara Bartlett grew up in North Yarmouth, and as a child and young adult attended the North Yarmouth Congregational Church, UCC. She spent many summers at Pilgrim Lodge, the Conference of the United Church of Christ summer camp as a camper, counselor, and later a dean. In high school, she was a member of the State Youth Council of the Conference. Those formative years were the beginnings of her call to teach and encourage love, kindness, peace, and justice.

                 

Rev. Sara Bartlett graduated from the University of Southern in 1994 with a degree in history and a minor in education. After multiple continuing education courses and working twelve years as a licensed social worker in , Rev. Sara felt the call from God become stronger. She entered seminary, commuting from her home in Auburn to the Boston area, where she graduated from Andover Newton Seminary in 2015. During this time in seminary, Sara was the Christian Education Director at Old South Church in Hallowell, the youth group leader at First Congregational Church, Cumberland, and completed advanced field education at the Foreside Community Church. She also ministered with people at Grace Street Ministry, Portland, and through that work, earned an award for social justice.

After graduation from seminary, Rev. Sara was the Youth Ministry Director at the South Portland Congregational Church, and the pastor at Alfred Parish Church. She also provided pulpit supply at Stevens Avenue Congregational Church, Portland. Rev. Sara Bartlett was ordained in May 2017.

Since September 1, 2021, Rev. Sara Bartlett has been the minister of The Second Congregational Church, UCC, Norway. She is a frequent worker at their indoor yard sales and monthly free drive-through suppers. She has been busy meeting members, attending meetings, conducting worship, encouraging children in Sunday school, and putting her outstanding storytelling skills to work, not only in worship but at events like Halloween Stories in the Parsonage.

Rev. Sara, her husband Jeremiah Bartlett, and their youngest son Tristan reside in Auburn. Tristan attends Park Avenue School, Auburn. Their oldest son, Josh is a freshman at the University of Southern . Mr. Bartlett is the city of Portland’s Transportation Systems Engineer. He volunteers with the City of Auburn in their Complete Streets Committee as well as the Comprehensive Planning Committee.

The friends and members of The Second Congregational Church, UCC are thrilled to have Rev. Sara Bartlett and her family join this community. All are welcome to join in worship, study, service, and fellowship at the Second Congregational Church, UCC, 205 Main St., Norway.  Please come meet Rev. Sara Bartlett. Worship is in person on Sunday at 10 a.m. and online on the church’s Facebook page.