Church Moderator Rick Bennett and Pastor Michael Carter

PARIS — First Congregational Church of South Paris has selected Michael Carter as a full-time permanent pastor, as announced by Church Moderator Rick Bennett. Following a special meeting on November 21, 2021, the congregation’s choice comes at the end of a long Search Committee process that was complicated by Covid.

Church Moderator Bennett said, “We are thrilled to have such a caring, committed, community leader as Mike Carter guide our faith family. Mike has a special gift for inspiration and communication. In his messages and his works, he connects scripture to the needs and challenges of real people living today in the Oxford Hills. We encourage and welcome all people in our area to come visit us and see if we might be a place where they can find spiritual sustenance.”

Pastor Mike Carter, a native of Whitefield, Maine, has been a teacher at Poland Regional High School, where he will continue until the end of this school year. He earned a B.S. in Social Studies Education at the University of Maine and a Master’s degree in History with a concentration in American social and religious history.

At First Congregational, Mike has been a member of the Board of Spiritual Life, Assistant Moderator, Moderator, and part-time interim minister since August 2020. He and his wife Jo-Ellen reside in South Paris.

Pastor Carter stated, “I am honored and humbled to be called to serve First Congo, a church filled with people who welcome anyone and everyone to join them and people who do so much community service in the Oxford Hills area.”

Founded in 1812, the First Congregational Church, located at 17 East Main Street in South Paris, is a welcoming faith community that encourages growth through openness. Meeting in the Christian tradition, First Congregational Church invites all members of the community to join them in pursuit of faithful living in a caring church community. A local and autonomous church, First Congregational is in fellowship with the National Association of Congregational Churches and the Congregational Christian Council of Maine. For more information, call 207-743-2437 or email congo@megalink.net.

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