06/05/2026
June 4 2026
Dear Church Family,
I gathered with a room full of clergy this morning for a conversation with Andy Root, Bonhoeffer scholar and professor at Luther Seminary in Minneapolis. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German pastor and theologian whose most famous book is titled The Cost of Discipleship. I learned from Andy that the original title in German is Nachfolge, which translates simply as "follow." This became a launching point to talk about what it means to different Christians to follow Jesus. Interestingly -- our scripture Sunday will take us into the story of Jesus calling Matthew the tax collector to "follow me." This felt like a Holy Spirit moment to me, as we look towards Candidating Sunday, and meet someone whose call to 'follow' has now led her to our congregation.
We are blessed to welcome Emma Thomas Mitchell to South Freeport Church this Sunday. After many months of forming a job description, spreading the word, interviewing candidates, and prayerfully discerning together, our Associate Pastor Search Committee has selected Emma as their candidate.
I am grateful to Judy Brown (Chair), Meg Broderick, Ollie Brown, Lizzie McIntire, Keith Monk, and Kathy Morrison for their dedication to the search process, guided by the Holy Spirit. Emma will preach and lead us in worship this Sunday. Afterwards, we will have the opportunity to vote to confirm her as our Associate Pastor, and gather together in the Community Hall for continued celebration and fellowship. Spirit, lead us!
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Sean Patrick Coady
Pastor, South Freeport Church
[email protected]
(207) 200-7538
Image below:
Emma Thomas Mitchell, pictured with Juniper and Aram
