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STAFF
Rev. Dr. Amy Lignitz Harken, Interim Minister
Greetings from the Pastor’s Office! I am so happy and grateful to be in ministry with you, as your new Interim Minister. By way of introduction, my full name and title are: Rev. Dr. Amy Lignitz Harken. Please call me “Amy.”I live in Sabattus with my husband, Bruce, and our cat, Irving.
Most recently, I served the Mattapoisett (Mass.) Congregational Church, UCC, in Massachusetts, from 2011-2021. Before that, I served congregations in the Kansas City, Mo., area. So, yes, I am a native Midwesterner, and yes, I was crushed by the heartbreaking defeat of the KC Chiefs in the playoffs!
I am a second career minister, following a 10-year career as a journalist. My undergraduate degree in journalism is from Northwestern University. My Master of Divinity degree is from the University of Chicago, and my Doctor of Ministry degree is from Hartford Seminary, now known as Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. In my spare time, I like to sew and garden. Any tips from you gardeners out there would be greatly appreciated, especially some advice on which variety of tomatoes are best for Maine. I truly look forward to getting to know you, and joining you in this truly exciting time in the life of the church.
Joel Pierce, Organist/Choir Director
Joel comes to us from Green Valley, Arizona. Joel lives in Topsham, ME, and teaches piano and organ to 50 students! Joel spent part of his childhood in Massachusetts before moving to Arizona. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance. In 2017 he received a Master’s of Music in Organ Performance/Sacred Music from the University of Arizona. He began playing in church when he was 14 and has been an accompanist and/or music director since then. He has been a pianist, organist, vocal and handbell choir director and eventually oversaw the entire music program at a large Presbyterian church in Green Valley, Arizona. In addition, Joel has worked in Episcopal, Lutheran, Catholic and UCC churches. He has also accompanied musical theater productions. Joel moved back to the northeast 3 years ago after 20 years in the southwest. He is very happy to be in Maine and even enjoys our cold weather. Joel appreciates our old organ and looks forward to working with our vocal choir and our new chimes choir.
Ms. Mary McKinney, Sexton
Mary began serving as our church's sexton in 2011. She keeps our church looking it's best as she cleans and cares for our building! In addition to her work here, she works for Lincoln County as the Custodian. Mary is also a member of our church and serves on the Christian Education Committee. Mary, and her husband Jon, are the proud parents of Vivian, and reside on Westport Island.