Deer Isle Sunset Congregational Church, UCC

09/03/2026

08/31/2026

Recording from August 30th

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/BdZ1LL11ABuwdK6MXxLx1F_8aGo2FeT2yqBgnhiPs0EWqClUnAZccCKhp0SrnOll.NVuwsXL136TmVCFb

Dear Church Family:

On Saturday August 29 we were honored to host a memorial service for Carol Gotwals. It was a wonderful celebration of her amazing leadership of our music program for so many years. And of course, she and Vernon did that together, and we are the heirs of that precious legacy.

On Sunday, September 6th we take up the business of church discipline, in Matthew 18: 15-20. The gospel lesson shares some practical advice as to how a church should deal with a member who has sinned against another member of the church. The ultimate goal is not to punish. The goal is to regain the member into the fellowship and care for the offender. Members of God's family are responsible to and for each other. We are to remove conflicts from the shadow and bring them into the light of open discussion. An ethos of open dialogue, humility, and reconciliation should be our goal in the church.

We are so grateful that Alice Hildebrand, a former pastor of this church, shared wisdom from her memoir "A Matter of Death and Life." On Wednesday evening there were 35 people in attendance for her talk. Alice talked about the difficulties and joys of caring for her father when he was in hospice care. Alice, as a chaplain, was a professional caregiver. And yet, that expertise did not always translate into making it easier to deal with her father's needs. But as Alice shared with us, what you lack in expertise can be made up for in love and caring. It was a moving and useful presentation, because eventually we all confront aging and poor health in ourselves or loved ones. The book is available at Blue Hill Books.

A note that our profile team would like to have the pastoral position surveys back by September 6th. The on-line link to "survey monkey" is full, in terms of number of responses it can process. So please fill out a paper copy. Stop in the church and get one, or there will be copies available next Sunday.

Last, in several weeks we will start a study on the Bible. We will use as a guide Adam Hamilton's "Making Sense of the Bible." Copies will be provided through our church CE fund. Let me know if you would like a copy. Join us Mondays at 1 pm on zoom or in-person.

Shout outs and thanks: Thanks to Miriam King, Sue Bayley, and Karen Hill for providing refreshments for the Hildebrand program. And Dave Bayley and Alan Chesney for technical and logistical support. Irene Rissi and Edie had 2 fabulous duets on Sunday and we are so grateful that Irene contributes to our music program. Her accompaniment on hymns is so welcome. And the choir did a bang up job with "Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me." Carl and Lois Simmons were our fellowship hosts and we are glad that they are with us for a few more weeks before they return to North Carolina for the winter. And Janet Rice brought in lovely flowers from her garden for the altar. Thanks to Jack Scott for bringing his w**d eater and cleaning up the side entrance way to the church. And thanks to my scholars who join me on Mondays in our spiritual studies group. We have room for more. We are a small church with a big heart and somehow we always get the job done!

See you in church,

Pastor Kim

08/25/2026

Dear Church Family:

Another upcoming week that will pass by in a blur! I want to remind everyone that on this Wednesday, August 26 at 7 pm, we are privileged to host Alice Hildebrand for a discussion of her memoir "A Matter of Death and Life." This is her memoir of caregiving for her elderly father, and a reflection on the many "deaths" we all experience throughout life. Alice pastored this church for a number of years, and was instrumental in starting the Island Heating Assistance Program. And many of you may remember her father from her time among us. We look forward to the insights Alice will provide on the realities of aging and death; and in the process, teach us about living a life that matters. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

Please participate in our on-line survey regarding the direction DISCC should be taking, as regards calling a pastor sometime next year. The profile team has formed and seeks our guidance on what pastoral model works best in our current church life. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P6GD7JW

On Tuesday August 25th at 4 pm at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Blue Hill is the memorial service for our old friend Gerald Wheeler. Jean tells me that the family has a social hour planned for afterwards, with all of Gerald's favorite foods. We are all invited to attend.

And of course, on Saturday at 2 pm, we will hold a memorial service for Carol Gotwals. Carol was a saint of this church, and we are privileged to share in this farewell with her sons Frank, Phil, and Tom. The music will be wonderful, to honor the musical legacy of both Vernon and Carol Gotwals.

And on Sunday August 30th the wonderful music continues as Edie and Irene Rissi play harpsichord and violin duets. And the Gospel passage is challenging enough that we will need the enjoyment of music. We read from Matthew 16: 21-30 in which Jesus tells us that to save our life we must lose our life. In a world where we can do anything or be anything, we are told to do one thing. We must take up our cross and follow the Son of Man, wherever he leads. Peter and the disciples did not understand this any better than we do. Like them, we also need to grow further into discipleship to understand the mission of Christ.

This fall our Monday spiritual studies group will take up Adam Hamilton's "Making Sense of the Bible." No matter your level of Bible knowledge, it is an accessible guide to basic questions such as how and when the Bible was written. It also helps us wrestle with questions of biblical authority and inerrancy. Questions like: are Adam and Eve real people? Why is God so violent in the Old Testament? Is Jesus the only way to salvation? We will start the book in mid-September and we will purchase the books through our CE fund. Let me know if you want to join us and would like a copy.

Shout outs and thanks: Nikki Johnson and Barbara Lundblad were our fellowship hosts. We will be sad to see them leave their summer home and return to Minneapolis, but it was wonderful to have them here. And Lucy Vandermel brought in lovely cosmos blooms for the altar. And a shout out to our own Edie Dunham who won the recent "Wi******er Noyes" tennis tournament in Seal Harbor. She is a wonder! And thanks to the deacons for their hard work in keeping our worship life on track. And the Second Sunday suppers will be starting soon. Yay! We are a small church with a big heart and somehow we always get the job done!

See you in church,

Pastor Kim

Worship Recording from August 23rd

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/D0KXOe2jMhfzMMGac4W2jEdJ8iocA-tV2NMAyuqI6pJkLTl64t78XOx32g7pkv0.dj3g9Yu1irQNQFf2?startTime=1787493576000

08/17/2026

Dear Church Family:

As the summer activities reach a fevered pitch, take a moment to reflect on how very fortunate we are to live in this beautiful place. I am taking a fun watercolor class with Frederica Marshall which makes me notice things like…clouds! My goal is to be able to paint clouds, like the beautiful cloud formations I see over the Reach as I drive home in the afternoon. Although, it might be more effective to just paste cotton balls on the paper because my talent is very limited! But painting is enjoyable and a way to increase my appreciation of our island home. You might have your own approach for taking appreciative moments to savor the goodness of God’s creation.

On Sunday we read the passage from Matthew 16:13-20, where Jesus takes a moment to quiz the disciples as to what people are saying about him. Easy question to answer. Well, “some say you are a prophet like Elijah or Jeremiah.” But then Jesus hits them with the real zinger. But who do you say that I am? Simon Peter answers correctly and gets a promotion. “You, Jesus, are the Messiah!” Then Jesus blesses Peter and names him as the rock on which the church will be built. Our testimony that Jesus is the living God is still–what builds the church.

This fall our Monday spiritual studies group will take up Adam Hamilton’s “Making Sense of the Bible.” No matter your level of Bible knowledge, it is an accessible guide to basic questions such as how and when the Bible was written. It also helps us wrestle with questions of biblical authority and inerrancy. Questions like: are Adam and Eve real people? Why is God so violent in the Old Testament? Is Jesus the only way to salvation? We will start the book in mid September and we will purchase the books through our CE fund. Let me know if you want to join us and would like a copy.

As a side note, I had no idea that Adam Hamilton was running for the U.S. Senate in Kansas. I was going through older emails this morning and had missed one with a link to a Washington Post article about it. Thanks Kellie! Hamilton is the pastor of the largest Methodist church in the country, in Kansas City. I have used his study materials in CE classes, for years. Balanced, solid Christian scholarship and witness. Not too far left and not too far right. In my opinion, he would be a great senator with the gravitas to take on the rising Christian Nationalism in Congress. Anyway, join us for the study.

Shout outs and thanks: Jean V. and Anne B. were our fellowship hosts and served with style and grace! And Janet Rice brought in lovely flowers from her garden for the altar. Thanks to all of you who come out on Thursdays at 3 pm to witness for justice and peace. We are a presence in the community, and there has been a nice write-up in the paper this past week about our Stand-Out. Thanks to our summer choir for their faithfulness in worship leadership. You are great! And thanks to my scholars who join me on Mondays in our spiritual studies group. We have room for more. We are a small church with a big heart and somehow we always get the job done!

See you in church,

Pastor Kim

08/11/2026

Worship Recording from August 9th.

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/wa_-lrzsRkM_m0xfRlA6UN05chbzDpl5luw2XeDH1awRKXHBrKc5KPXSW-41z9VG.oHzpoGlsW1Ae8z95

Dear Church Family:

I enjoyed my week off and we went to Boston to see our beloved Red Sox. Sadly, they snapped their winning streak. But it was tons of fun, even in the murderous heat. I have not yet had a chance to listen to the worship recording, but will do so later today. Thanks to Josh Kercsmar for providing pulpit coverage. I know it was well received.

On Sunday August 16th we read the always perplexing story from Matthew 15:21-28 of Jesus and the Canaanite woman. This bold woman begged Jesus to heal her daughter, and initially Jesus refuses! Imagine such a thing...what could Jesus be thinking when he so readily healed so many others? It's a complicated story that involves crossing a cultural divide before Jesus is ready to do so. Jesus, at that point, understands his mission to the world as being exclusive to the Jewish people. But the faith of the mother is so strong, that Jesus grants her plea. And we do see, as Jesus continues his ministry, a great widening of his blessing to the whole world.

In other matters, please pick up a Habitat for Humanity volunteer application at the church. Leave them on my desk and we will get them to Habitat. We want to assist Chastity in amassing her "sweat equity" hours. Habitat home ownership comes with a requirement to perform 250 hours.

Our church has provided the funds for an all-accessible swing for the playground across the street. This was possible with a generous contribution by one of our members. It happened because of discussion at the Deer Isle Recreation and Parks Committee, on which several church members serve. One of whom is Valerie Meckras, who lent her professional expertise and personal experience to recommend the swing. It will honor the memory of Victoria, daughter of Greg and Val, who tragically died so young from Huntington's disease.

Shouts out and thanks: Thanks to Kate Caldwell and her musician friends who provided us with a nice concert last week and fundraiser for our community fund. Kate handled a lot of logistics is getting the musicians and all their equipment here, and it is greatly appreciated. And a shout out to Karen Hill who tackles the publicity details. Thanks to all of you who come out on Thursdays at 3 pm to witness for justice and peace. We are a presence in the community, and there was nice write-up in the paper this past week about our Stand-Out. Janet Rice and Susan Greenlaw were our fellowship hosts yesterday, and Janet also provided the flowers for worship. We are a small church with a big heart and somehow we always get the job done!

See you in church,

Pastor Kim

08/04/2026

Don't miss this amazing performance event!

08/04/2026

Dear Church Family:

So much coming our way this week, in a musical way!

On Wednesday, Aug. 5th: 7 pm Kate Caldwell & Friends will offer a benefit concert for our Community Fund. It will feature sing along favorites, plus visiting guests Janine Wilson, James Key, and Basha Wyeth on piano. Wonderful music that spans roots-rock, alt-country, and blues. Reception following

On Sunday August 9th Jake Garrels will be with us to sing on Sunday. That is always a welcome addition to our music program. And the Island Bells will play a special selection on Sunday, as well.
In other matters, please pick up a Habitat for Humanity volunteer application at the church. Leave them on my desk and we will get them to Habitat. We want to assist Chastity in amassing her "sweat equity" hours. Habitat home ownership comes with a requirement to perform 250 hours.

I am off this week and Joshua Kercsmar will be providing pulpit supply. Josh is from the Belfast church, is discerning a call to ministry, and you met him when he was here in April. The gospel lesson is the fascinating story of Jesus walking on the water. Impetuous Peter jumps out of the boat, becomes frightened and starts to sink! But Jesus caught him and together they get back in the boat.

The passage reminds us that we are to step out boldly in faith, even in the midst of troubled waters. Even when it does not seem like good idea! A famous pastor of Riverside Church in New York, Ernest Campbell, was addressing a group of pastors about the crisis of declining churches. He said," the reason that we seem to lack faith in our time, is that we are not doing anything that requires it." It takes faith to do big things, to take big risks.

Our church has provided the funds for an all-accessible swing for the playground across the street. This was possible with a generous contribution by one of our members. It happened because of discussion at the Deer Isle Recreation and Parks Committee, on which several church members serve. One of whom is Valerie Meckras, who lent her professional expertise and personal experience to recommend the swing. It will honor the memory of Victoria, daughter of Greg and Val who tragically died so young from Huntington's.

Shouts out and thanks: Pat Dobbs hosted a nice fellowship time, and Sue Bayley and Rosie Guy served communion. Susan Greenlaw and Janet Rice also worked on preparing the elements for communion. And Lucy Vandermel shared her peony blossoms for the altar! Many thanks to Bill Anderson and Anne Bowes for helping to pull and trim the w**ds outside the church this past week. Very needed and very appreciated. Thanks to all of you who come out on Thursdays at 3 pm to witness for justice and peace. We are a presence in the community, and there was nice write-up in the paper this past week about our Stand-Out. We are a small church with a big heart and somehow we always get the job done!

See you in church,

Pastor Kim

07/29/2026

Worship recording from 7/26/2026

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/gbBLdgF7dCkxbjQnuN8Sl0u0VtCsRIpLVMAbPO1LaQHy-OgsOUYWSUC98Ek98rgJ.wVpIy3XM2eGvZFCV?startTime=1785074414000

Dear Church Family:

The auction to benefit our community fund closed this weekend to a resounding success. It garnered $4610! So much hard work goes into the auction, and we especially thank Karen Hill and Miriam King for their leadership. And it goes without saying that generous donors and buyers stepped up to be part of the effort. I plan to premier my new necklace very soon!

On Sunday we will read the story of the loaves and the fishes; and how all ate and were filled even though the basket held only five loaves and two fish. The feeding of the five thousand is a story where scarcity gives to abundance. Jesus and the disciples had just heard the shocking news that John the Baptist had been beheaded, and they wanted to get away from the crowds for a while. But the crowds wanted Jesus, and they followed him. Jesus teaches the disciples that they could take responsibility for feeding the crowd. They, like us, were to be the hands and feet of Christ, ministering in his name. And on Sunday we will observe Holy Communion so that we too may "taste and see the the Lord is good!"

So much coming our way in the next week!

On Wednesday, Aug. 5th: 7 pm Kate Caldwell & Friends will offer a benefit concert for our Community Fund. It will feature sing along favorites, plus visiting guests Janine Wilson, James Key, and Basha Wyeth on piano. Wonderful music that spans roots-rock, alt-country, and blues. Reception following.
And on Saturday August 1 at 7pm our own "Island Bells" and "Reach Singers" will perform at Open Mic Night at Blue Hill Congregational Church. You know our ringers already, and the "Reach Singers" are Andy and Anne Bowes, Jackie Pike, and Jean Vadeboncoeur. Come out and support our talented church musicians who are taking their act on the road!

And here is something of which we must all be aware. The war does not just affect our own wallets, our own family budgets. The cost is very high indeed, not just in lives lost, but in livelihoods that have been placed in severe jeopardy by the high fuel costs.
https://apnews.com/projects/days-disrupted-after-iran-war/
This is a very telling article from the Associated Press, about the impact of the Iran War on people around the world. Read it, and if it makes you angry, act. Come to our Thursday Stand-Out, write your elected officials, attend a demonstration, or simply pray for all those that have been harmed by this war. A war for which we have never been given a logical rationale.

Please pick up a Habitat for Humanity volunteer application at the church. Leave them on my desk and we will get them to Habitat. We want to assist Chastity in amassing her "sweat equity" hours.

Shouts out and thanks: Barbara Lundblad brought us the sermon on Sunday, in my absence. We are so grateful that Barbara shares her preaching gifts with us. And we appreciate Anne and Dana Douglass in hosting fellowship time. And kudos to Bill Anderson for bringing his w**d-eater and trimming away the w**ds outside the church. Very needed and very appreciated. And thanks to Edie Dunham for arranging to have Nomi and Juni sing Siyahamba yesterday. Great to have young voices!

See you in church,

Pastor Kim

07/28/2026

We have a new "Adaptive Swing" in the Deer Isle Playground! Thanks to the Deer Isle Congregational Church for helping to acquire it and the Recreation Committee for spearheading the effort. We have almost completed our ADA Trail in back. The Community Garden is gorgeous. Check it out.

07/26/2026

Our 2026 Auction has successfully concluded. We are grateful for all your support.