Socoby named director of children, youth and family ministries

    The Houlton United Methodist Church is announcing the appointment of David Socoby of Houlton as director of children, youth and family ministries.
    “This is a new position created by our church as a result of a strong desire on the part of the members of our congregation to reach out to serve children, youth and families within our community,” said Gerald Karnes, chairman of the Pastor Parish Relations Committee.
    “This gives the members of our church the opportunity to teach children, youth, and families that are not affiliated with a church about Jesus Christ and our Christian and American heritage. It will also provide fun-filled activities suitable for children and families,” Karnes added.
    “We believe that David is uniquely qualified for this position. He is a retired Maine State Police officer, who has experience with youth. He is also on the coaching staff at the Greater Houlton Christian Academy. He exhibits a God-given love for working with our youth,” commented Rev. Naomi Sam-Kpakra, church pastor.
    We are thankful for the help we have received from the Military Street Baptist Church and the Wesleyan Church, as well as other community churches on joint programs serving our children.
    “We are blessed to have David working with Pastor Sam-Kpakra in these ministries. We are hoping that these programs will indeed be a blessing to the children, youth and families of our community,” said Jim Blois, chairman of the church’s Administrative Board.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Karen Donato
NEW PROGRAM AND DIRECTOR — David Socoby has been named director of children, youth and family ministries for the United Methodist Church in Houlton. Welcoming him to his new position are from left seated in front, Hunter McLaughlin, Nick Cowperthwaite, Jillian Moran, Kelly McLaughlin, Elizabeth Howe, John Cumming, Maggie Cowperthwaite and Sabra Scott. Seated in back, Paul Porter, Jim Blois, Gerald Karnes, Audra Cowperthwaite with Zach, Pastor Naomi Sam-Kpakra, Socoby, his wife, Sherry and Devon McLauglin. Standing in back, Eileen McLaughlin.
    Socoby is anxious to get started in his new role.
    “I was not brought up in a church,” he said, “and it wasn’t until after I was married nearly 30 years ago that I was introduced to church.”
    “I want to get the children out into the community doing mission work and volunteering. I hope that more children will become involved just by hearing about the activities going on in our program,” Socoby added.