Rev. Linda Hirst, Pastor
Reverend Linda Hirst
Linda grew up in Fairfield Connecticut and attended Bangor Theological Seminary with her husband, Brad, and is a graduate of Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. From there, she and Brad moved to Lee County, Virginia where they worked with the Appalachia Service Project, a home-repair and home-building ministry. After several years they made their way back to Connecticut and then to York, Maine and now to Kittery where they’ve been fixing up their house (like every true home owner!) Linda has been in parish ministry for over 20 years, most recently as the interim minister at the Congregational Church of Wells and First Congregational Church, Kittery Point.
Linda and Brad have two grown sons, Nathan and Andrew, and a black lab puppy named Lola. Linda loves to walk and on occasion attempts to run (more like a shuffle) and reads mysteries like they’re going out of style.
You can find Linda out in the community having coffee (Thursdays at 11 a.m. at Early Bird Cafe in South Berwick), or she can be found at a basketball, soccer, baseball or softball field (cheering on youth group kids...not playing...) She can be reached by e-mail at lbhirst@comcast.net .
Linda grew up in Fairfield Connecticut and attended Bangor Theological Seminary with her husband, Brad, and is a graduate of Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. From there, she and Brad moved to Lee County, Virginia where they worked with the Appalachia Service Project, a home-repair and home-building ministry. After several years they made their way back to Connecticut and then to York, Maine and now to Kittery where they’ve been fixing up their house (like every true home owner!) Linda has been in parish ministry for over 20 years, most recently as the interim minister at the Congregational Church of Wells and First Congregational Church, Kittery Point.
Linda and Brad have two grown sons, Nathan and Andrew, and a black lab puppy named Lola. Linda loves to walk and on occasion attempts to run (more like a shuffle) and reads mysteries like they’re going out of style.
You can find Linda out in the community having coffee (Thursdays at 11 a.m. at Early Bird Cafe in South Berwick), or she can be found at a basketball, soccer, baseball or softball field (cheering on youth group kids...not playing...) She can be reached by e-mail at lbhirst@comcast.net .
Rev. Brian Gruhn is thrilled to be serving at Federated Church of South Berwick as we begin Youth Ministry Rehab. We know our Youth are in need of meaning, belonging, and healing; we believe they need and deserve a space to be accepted as they are, to preserve their inherent worth and dignity, and begin learning about the Living God who walks with all of us throughout our lives. We also know that the Covid-19 Pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives. Even now that we attempt to "return to normal," we see clearly that nothing is "normal" for our youngest generations. Just as physical rehabilitation is required after a major medical event, we are convinced that God has something new and wondrous waiting for our church and our youth....it will just take some time and effort on our part to unlearn old habits and adopt new practices that will provide a thriving spiritual home for people of all ages.
Rev. Brian has been working with youth for more than 20 years. Raising two young children of his own, he is curious and determined to discover what the needs of our young people are in this moment and leading our efforts to assist God in meeting those needs. He will lead us in worship on Sunday July 23, sharing the message from Genesis 28: 10-16 & Romans 8: 12-25 "New Visions for God's Young People." We hope you will take time to get to know Rev. Brian in the coming weeks and join us on July 23 as we begin this new adventure in ministry!
Rev. Brian has been working with youth for more than 20 years. Raising two young children of his own, he is curious and determined to discover what the needs of our young people are in this moment and leading our efforts to assist God in meeting those needs. He will lead us in worship on Sunday July 23, sharing the message from Genesis 28: 10-16 & Romans 8: 12-25 "New Visions for God's Young People." We hope you will take time to get to know Rev. Brian in the coming weeks and join us on July 23 as we begin this new adventure in ministry!
Chris Klaxton, FPFC Choir Director & Music Minister
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A graduate of the University of New Hampshire (BA Classical Trumpet) and the University of Miami (MM Jazz Trumpet), Chris Klaxton is currently a music faculty member of the University of Southern Maine, Plymouth State University, and Portsmouth Music and Arts Center. A student of jazz trumpet luminaries Brian Lynch and Terence Blanchard, Chris has also studied with Jason Carder, Dr. Robert Stibler, Stephen Guerra, Whit Sidener, and Gary Lindsay, Chris has received a rich and varied education in trumpet technique, improvisation, jazz piano / theory, and composition.
As a performer:
•Chris has recorded two albums of original material under his own name
•Founded and performs with OURBIGBAND (17 Piece Jazz Orchestra)
•Performs with In Ears and Eyes, experimental performing ensemble featuring live “jazz painter” Roger Goldenberg and examining the dialog between sound and sight
•Performs and records with indie rock band, Tan Vampires (trumpet / guitar / perc / vox)
•Has performed as soloist alongside trumpeters Clark Terry and Dave Douglas
•Records with Boston MCEE, Moe Pope (Best Hip Hop Act - Boston Music Awards 2012, 2013)
•Has also recorded with the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra for Pharrell Williams, Randy Bernsen (featured alongside John Medeski), Steve Grover, George Garzone, Christine Correa, Frank Carlberg, Allen Lowe, Matthew Shipp, and Michael Gregory Jackson.
While still a relative "newbie" to FPFC, Chris cites his experience with our choir and congregation as one of the most formative, educational, and musically rewarding experiences of his life. Chris has been made to feel (by the FPFC congregation) like not only like a true musician, but a true friend and family member.
Betty Holbrook, Administrative Assistant
The office is open on Thursday mornings.
Betty can also be reached by phone 384-4091 or email fpfc.org@gmail.com