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SOUTH PARIS – First Congregational Church of South Paris has selected Michael Carter as full-time permanent pastor, as recently announced by Church Moderator Rick Bennett.
The congregation’s choice comes at the end of a long Search Committee process that was complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are thrilled to have such a caring, committed, community leader as Mike Carter guide our faith family,” Bennett said. “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.”
Carter, a native of Whitefield, has been a teacher at Poland Regional High School, where he will continue until the end of this school year. He earned a bachelor of science 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, Carter 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.
“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,” Cartersaid.
Founded in 1812, the First Congregational Church, 17 East Main St., 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.
