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Everyone is welcome here.

We are a welcoming and inclusive congregation practicing God’s love together.

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Vision & Mission

A world transformed by God’s love.

Do justice. Love kindness. Walk humbly.

Our Practice

First Parish Church is open to everyone and welcomes participation in the full life, leadership, and ministry of the Church. We are a diverse congregation. We welcome  persons of any race, gender, ethnic origin, mental or physical ability, religious tradition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and economic circumstances. We affirm that the love of Christ for each person knows no bounds. 

No matter who you are, or where you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome here.

We are open-minded and encourage religious questions. We learn from each other’s insights and experience. We grow in faith together.

  • We build our lives together.
  • We pray together.
  • We sing together.
  • We worship together.
  • We learn together.
  • We grieve together.
  • We dream together.
  • We eat together.
  • We seek justice together.

 

People

Meet Our Staff

The Rev. John Allen

John is our Senior Pastor. He began his ministry in Brunswick in October, 2021. He has been a United Church of Christ pastor for 10 years.

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The Rev. John Allen

John is our Senior Pastor. He began his ministry in Brunswick in October, 2021. He has been a United Church of Christ pastor for 10 years. John is a graduate of Davidson College and received his Master of Divinity in New Testament from Union Theological Seminary. While at Union he worked in the chapel, planning daily worship for the community, and coordinated a lecture series on “Theology and Economics.” Before attending seminary, John worked as a firefighter and EMT in North Carolina. John lives in Brunswick with his wife Molli, and their daughters Cora (5) and Lydia (3), and their infant son Ezra | JALLEN@FIRSTPARISH.NET

Rev. Francesco Marshall

Francesco serves FPC as our Associate Pastor. Francesco was born in northeastern Ohio. Beginning a career as an elementary school teacher, Francesco taught for 12 years, ending his teaching career in the high school classroom.

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Rev. Francesco Marshall

Francesco serves FPC as our Associate Pastor. Francesco was born in northeastern Ohio. Beginning a career as an elementary school teacher, Francesco taught for 12 years, ending his teaching career in the high school classroom. During his teaching career, he majored in language arts, theological studies, speech, and drama. After attending seminary in San Antonio, TX; Francesco added spiritual care chaplaincy to his resume. Completing two Residencies in Clinical Pastoral Education; Francesco worked 13 years as a chaplain. Francesco’s last spiritual care assignment was in Seattle working with the residents of Horizon House, a multi-level assisted living facility founded by the United Church of Christ. | FMARSHALL@FIRSTPARISH.NET

Dr. Jane Hagness

Jane Hagness joined the staff in 2017 as Minister of Music. Jane is a conductor, organist and lyric soprano.

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Dr. Jane Hagness

Jane Hagness joined the staff in 2017 as Minister of Music. Jane is a conductor, organist and lyric soprano. She has earned a Master of Music from the University of Kentucky, a Doctor of Musical Arts from Shenandoah Conservatory, and a second Master of Church Music/Organ from Shenandoah Conservatory. An active recitalist in both voice and organ, Jane has presented at the National Association of Teachers of Singing National Conference and at the International Congress of Voice Teachers. She has composed several vocal pieces with varying instrumental accompaniment and especially enjoys hymn writing. In her spare time, Jane enjoys spending time with her American Hairless Terriers, “Moose” and "Charlie Brown," the sparkles of her eye. She also enjoys painting and walking in nature. | JHAGNESS@FIRSTPARISH.NET

Sarah Mills

Sarah is our Office Administrator. She is originally from Scarborough, Maine and has a B.A. in Theatre and Religion from St. Olaf College and two Master of Arts degrees.

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Sarah Mills

Sarah is our Office Administrator. She is originally from Scarborough, Maine and has a B.A. in Theatre and Religion from St. Olaf College. She also holds two Master’s degrees, one in Drama from the University of Kent in Canterbury, England and another in Educational Theater and Social Studies Education from NYU. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Christian Studies and Leadership through the Maine School of Ministry and is a Member-in-Discernment with the Living Water Association of the Maine Conference of the UCC. She lives in Waterville with her rescue dog, Buddy, who helps keep the squirrels away from the vegetable garden but isn’t quite patient enough to go on birding walks with her. | OFFICE@FIRSTPARISH.NET

Julie Crofts

Julie is our Finance Administrator. She joined the First Parish staff in 2023 after working as the bookkeeper of The Portland Club in Portland, ME. Julie also works part time as a landscape gardener.

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Julie Crofts

Julie is our Finance Administrator. She joined the First Parish staff in 2023 after working as the bookkeeper of The Cumberland Club in Portland, ME. Julie also works part time as a landscape gardener.

Bridgette Hodgkins: Children & Youth Ministry Leader and Teacher, Grades 5-7

Bridgette has been working at FPC in the Children's program in growing capacity since around 2016. With a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, 25yrs of Nanny experience for all ages, combined 14yrs of Jr High Ministry, and combined [...]

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Bridgette Hodgkins: Children & Youth Ministry Leader and Teacher, Grades 5-7

Bridgette has been working at FPC in the Children's program in growing capacity since around 2016. With a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, 25yrs of Nanny experience for all ages, combined 14yrs of Jr High Ministry, and combined 6yrs of High School Ministry under her belt, it is safe to say, Bridgette loves working with children and youth. The rewards are endless. In her free time Bridgette loves to knit, snuggle with her kitty, read a good book, and games and puzzles of all sorts. | BHODGKINS@FIRSTPARISH.NET

Jocelyn Hooydonk: Infants & Toddlers

Jocelyn, a Brunswick native, has been working in the FPC nursery since sometime around 2008. With her BA in Early Childhood Education from UMF, Jocelyn taught preschool for several years before moving into her current position in the functional skills classroom [...]

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Jocelyn Hooydonk: Infants & Toddlers

Jocelyn, a Brunswick native, has been working in the FPC nursery since sometime around 2008. With her BA in Early Childhood Education from UMF, Jocelyn taught preschool for several years before moving into her current position in the functional skills classroom at a local elementary school. In her free time, Jocelyn enjoys word games and hanging out with her family. She lives in Topsham with her husband and daughter. 

Danielle Moody: Preschool – Kindergarten

Danielle is Brunswick born and raised. Her nurturing nature started early with her mother operating a daycare out of their home growing up...

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Danielle Moody: Preschool – Kindergarten

Danielle is Brunswick born and raised. Her nurturing nature started early with her mother operating a daycare out of their home growing up. Danielle and her partner have an adult son and a very active German Shorthair pointer puppy. Danielle has worked at Lowes for 14 years and has volunteered with many of the Lowes hero projects, including the Harpswell Community school playground, and the garden project at the Togas Veteran Hospital in Augusta. In her spare time Danielle loves to go camping and spend time out on the ocean on her partner's lobster boat with her nieces and nephews. This is Danielle's first year teaching Church school and she is very excited about this upcoming year.  

Gwen Roberge: Grades 1-4

Gwen is our grades 2-4 Church School teacher and is excited to continue to meet and work with the youth at First Parish Church!

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Gwen Roberge: Grades 1-4

Gwen has been working with kids of all ages for 7+ years. For her full-time job, she is a nanny to three toddlers including her own, young son. She is so excited to start a new school year with First Parish in the 1st-4th grade classroom! She really enjoys reading to groups and getting outside. You can expect to find her class building many marble runs, drawing with chalk and doing arts and crafts. She is looking forward to meeting all the new friends moving up this year!

Melissa Moody - Assistant

Melissa, a Brunswick native grew up less than a mile from First Parish Church. Melissa has many memories throughout the years involving the church and its community...

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Melissa Moody - Assistant

Melissa, a Brunswick native grew up less than a mile from First Parish Church. Melissa has many memories throughout the years involving the church and its community, singing on the fellowship hall stage in the Little Bo peep nursery school Christmas concerts is one of them. Melissa has volunteered for various organizations throughout Brunswick, Girl Scouts of Maine and the Brunswick School department to name a few. She is looking forward to a new endeavor of substitute teaching with the school district this coming school year. Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband, two children and dog as well as curling up with a good book.

The Church Council and Leadership

Our staff collaborates with elected leadership groups to set goals for our life together. We have four selected groups in total.

The Church Council is authorized to make decisions on behalf of the congregation between congregational meetings.

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The Finance Committee supports the council by generating and maintaining church funds to support the organizations.

Deacons of the Church assist the council and perform various functions like baptisms, marriages, sacraments, and others.

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Our Ministry Forum comprises the Church Council, staff, committee, and team chairs. They facilitate communication and collaboration between the Church’s various ministries.

History of First Parish Church

First Parish was formed in 1717

The beginnings of First Parish Church are intwined with the origins of the town of Brunswick. That's because when New England was colonized in the 17th and 18th Centuries, you couldn't have a town without a church. Traders, missionaries, farmers, and entrepreneurs were pouring into New England to stake claims. But a settlement could earn the status of a town only if it had a church and a "settled minister." And so, First Parish Church was established in Brunswick, Maine, in 1717. All who lived in Brunswick were automatically members of the parish. Taxes supported the Church, and parish business was town business.

Our community kept growing

A prosperous relationship developed between Bowdoin College and First Parish Church. As the town grew, other churches were established. But First Parish continued to maintain its importance to the community. It took leadership in social and economic issues. It acted as an anchor as Brunswick evolved from a sleepy country village to a busy manufacturing town.

Emancipation for everyone

The Abolitionist Movement attracted many ardent supporters in the congregation. Harriet Beecher Stowe, whose husband was a professor at Bowdoin, was sitting in Pew 23 during a communion service. During this service, she had a vision of the death of an enslaved person, which became the pivotal element in her book Uncle Tom's Cabin. She was affected so deeply that she wept.

Fighting for freedom

Joshua Chamberlain first came to Brunswick as a Bowdoin student. He married Fanny Adams, the adopted daughter of First Parish minister Dr. Adams, in the new meeting house. After graduation from Bangor Seminary, Chamberlain taught at Bowdoin College until enlisting in Twentieth Maine. He won distinction commanding these troops in defense of Little Round Top at the Battle of Gettysburg. Joshua Chamberlain later became Governor of Maine and president of Bowdoin College. He was a faithful member of First Parish for much of his life. He served on various committees, moderated meetings, and eventually donated the East Window behind the pulpit in memory of his father-in-law, Dr. Adams.

Famous faces

Many notable people have been members or spoken at First Parish Church. Both Dr. Lyman Beecher and Dr. Henry Ward Beecher preached from the pulpit. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant was awarded an honorary degree here shortly after the Civil War. The Bowdoin Class of 1825 held its 50th reunion here in 1875. Class member Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was asked to read one of his poems. Disfigured by the fire that had killed his wife, he was initially reluctant to appear in public. But when it was explained that he would be partially hidden by the pulpit, he delivered his Morituri Salutamus (Salute to Death) to the packed house. Later came President William Howard Taft, Jane Addams, Ralph Waldo Emerson, England's Poet Laureate John Masefield, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Forming the United Church of Christ

In the mid-20th Century, when the four denominations decided to merge into one, The United Church of Christ, First Parish Church, was an early supporter. Two of our members were delegates to the conference which established The United Church of Christ.

Our first female pastor

In 2009 the Reverend Mary Baard became the first woman to lead the Church when she was called to serve as Senior Pastor and Teacher. During her tenure in 2012, the Church voted to be recognized as an Open and Affirming (ONA) congregation.

First Parish today

Today First Parish Church is the largest UCC congregation in Maine. We continue to grow our ministry of love, justice, and mercy to serve Brunswick and the surrounding area with God’s love.

Want to Learn More?

The early records and documents of the congregation are available online through the congregational library and archives.

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United Church of Christ

We belong to the United Church of Christ, a denomination that believes God is Still Speaking. We are always open to what God is doing next, which is why the UCC is called the “church of firsts.” Our denomination was the first in the nation to:

  • Ordain an African American pastor (1785)
  • Open a school for the deaf (1817)
  • Ordain a woman pastor (1853)
  • Ordain an openly gay pastor (1972)
  • Support same-gender marriage equality (2005)

Locally, we belong to the Cumberland Association, which is part of the Maine Conference Of The United Church Of Christ. In the UCC, local churches can call their pastors and develop their worship style and governance structure. At the same time, our connection to the denomination expands our witness and service in ever-widening circles.

We Build Our Lives Together

We come together to form a beautiful and loving community that holds each other up. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, we would love to share it with you. All religious questions are encouraged and gladly answered.

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Get Involved

First Parish Church is a vital and active community. Here are some of the ways to join us in ministry and community.

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Worship and Church School 10 am every Sunday. Nursery Care Provided.

An Open and Affirming Congregation

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9 Cleaveland Street
Brunswick, Maine
04011

207.729.7331

 

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