To close or not to close: that was the question

By Diana A. Stephen

Deacon Jody Goodwin, her daughter, Aimee, her granddaughter, Nola Grace, and Elder LaVerna House. Photo by Ann Marie Simone

To close or not to close?  Three and a half years ago that was the question facing the members and friends of the North Turner Union Presbyterian Church, a congregation in Androscoggin County, Maine, that had been serving its community since 1878. Attendance at worship had dwindled to six and the Presbytery of Northern New England had appointed an Administrative Commission. This group of faithful and committed members was not very happy about this action of presbytery. Rather than getting stuck in their displeasure, they marshaled their energy and resources with the determination that North Turner Union Presbyterian Church would live.

As a member of The Mission at the Eastward (MATE), a cooperative parish of eight churches in central Maine, this congregation had an immediate resource. If the church at North Turner was determined to live, the people of MATE would surround it with their loving support. A team from the MATE churches was formed to be present with the North Turner church as it began to move through a process that proved to be transforming.

This team, together with representatives from the presbytery, joined the members of North Turner as they began this time of transformation. Members of the team demonstrated their commitment by regularly attending the meetings. This required them to travel great distances. Distance is one of the characteristics of rural communities. The geographical scope of this cooperative parish covers 60-100 miles and the geographical breadth of the presbytery is far greater.

Goals were set for the congregation. Challenged by how they might be fulfilled in the specified time, the larger group began to exchange ideas about ministry and mission.  Participants from the presbytery and other MATE churches began to show up for worship to demonstrate through their presence support of the North Turner Church. The congregation began to realize that God wasn’t finished with them yet. The Holy Spirit was truly present and empowering them.

One of the challenges faced by the congregation was that of pastoral leadership. As they walked this transforming path, it became clear that they were not able to support a full-time minister of the Word and Sacrament. Another option was considere the possibility of calling a commissioned lay pastor. This was a different approach to pastoral leadership than they had known, but they were open to trying something new.

Ann Marie Simone, an elder in one of the MATE churches, had completed the required commissioned lay pastor training. After prayerful consideration, Ann Marie recognized that the Spirit was calling her to lead the North Turner Church.

The congregation is transforming from one that is simply surviving to one that is thriving in ministry and mission. The members experienced — and continue to experience — what it means to be part of a cooperative parish and what it means to be part of a connectional denomination. They recognized that every person — the members, friends from MATE and presbytery representatives — took responsibility to keep this congregation alive.  The members have reclaimed their Presbyterian identity. The ministry of presence, that is an essential part of reaching out to people who are struggling with life events, is equally essential during congregational struggles as well.

Now, the members are eager to tell others about their congregation and welcome them into the fellowship. Membership, in three and a half years, has increased from 6 to 30. Recently the congregation hosted a presbytery meeting!

Many people travel through Maine. Perhaps you might consider stopping and seeing first-hand the ways in which the Holy Spirit is leading the people at the North Turner Union Presbyterian Church in Androscoggin County.