PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Senior Pastor Ron Chaffee of the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church in Presque Isle celebrated his first Graduation Sunday as pastor of the church June 6. During the pre-service music, the congregation was treated to the musical talents of Presque Isle High School Senior Adam Scott on the trumpet. Organist Dan Ladner began the service by playing the traditional graduation march as the five members of the PIHS Class of 2010 entered the sanctuary. Dressed in their blue caps, gowns and stoles, the graduates entered the sanctuary to a standing audience, full of proud parents, grandparents and supportive members of the congregation, some of whom have watched these young adults grow from an early age.
The service featured hymns and special music by the chancel choir, but this service had an Easter Sunday encore performance by the singing duet of Madelyn Buzza and Sydney Robichaud. At the request of many members of the congregation, following the Easter service, the girls returned to sing another song. The song chosen was another upbeat, toe-taping one titled “Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego.”
Pastor Chaffee selected three particular scripture verses for the graduate recognition Sunday service, all directed toward the seniors as they approach the next phase of their young lives. Verses read by Associate Pastor of Youth Ministries Wes Lavigne included: Psalm 119:66, “Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe your commandments,” Psalm 199:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” and Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Following the reading of the scripture verses, Pastor Chaffee invited all of the graduates to speak briefly to the congregation. Kelsey Park, daughter of Jan and Jim Park and granddaughter of Edith and Larry Park, approached the podium first. She recalled being a young child and how “snack time” was a priority for her every Sunday. As she has grown in the church, her priorities have changed. She said that her church family has “impacted her as a follower of Christ” and has provided her with “strength, grace, and forgiveness … all qualities of a Christian.” Park will be attending Colby College in the fall to major in child psychology and neuroscience.
Graduate Kailee Ireland, daughter of Lorie and Jack Ireland and granddaughter of Winnie Beaulieu, spoke of being baptized and confirmed in the church. She also noted that, “I enjoyed seeing the Pastor at the school’s sporting events.” She said it was an “uplifting experience to be a part of this church” and it has “taught me to give back to others.” Ireland hopes to one day give back by pursuing a degree in pharmacy at the University of New England. She wants to help others “love this thing called life.”
Alyssa Huston, daughter of Vicki and David Huston and granddaughter of Marilyn Wheeler, was “thankful to have the opportunity to grow up in church.” Her most memorable experience was traveling to Greensboro, N.C. for the Methodist Youth Convention 2007 trip where the group attended concerts and fellowshipped together with thousands of other faithful youth. She also mentioned how much she has enjoyed working with the young girls of the church, as the liturgical dance instructor. She shared that one scripture that has “given her comfort” comes from Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Senior Deidre Dicker, daughter of Anne and Roger Dicker and granddaughter of Christine Dicker and Janet and Jack Duncan, was “thankful for the support from Grant Memorial.” Growing up in the church took on a new meaning when she became one of the youngest members of the PSPR (Pastor Staff Parish Relations) Committee, the group of church members that oversee the Pastor and the staff of the church. As a member of the committee, she enjoyed learning how the church operates. Like Huston, Dicker recalled two of her “life changing experiences” were attending the Methodist Youth Conference 2007 trip to North Carolina and the United Methodist summer church camp, Mechuwana, located in Winthrop.
As the last one to approach the podium, Adam Scott displayed his sense of humor by telling everyone that he “didn’t know about having to give a speech.” Son of Richard and Tammy Scott and grandson of Dan and Barb Ladner, he shared that even though he is not a member of the church he “felt like a member” because “everyone always made me feel welcome.” He has enjoyed coming to the church to provide special music, playing his trumpet, accompanied by his grandfather on the organ.
Other PIHS Class of 2010 graduates connected to the church, but unable to attend the morning service, were Jerica Fox, Alicia Kierstead and Philip Boulier.
Lay Leader Shelia Currie was called to the front to present scholarships to the graduates. The first scholarship she awarded was the Lightbody Scholarship. Walter and Irene Lightbody were very active members of the church and set up an account with the church trustees to provide a $1,000 scholarship annually to a young man or woman who has gone above and beyond as an active member of the church. This year, the Lightbody Scholarship was awarded to Kelsey Park. Also receiving church scholarships were Kailee Ireland, Alyssa Huston, Deidre Dicker, and Adam Scott. In addition to the Class of 2010 scholarship recipients, former PIHS graduates who are currently enrolled in continuing education courses also received scholarship provided by the church. Those college students were Emily Currie, Rachel Dicker, Amber Griffin, Corey Park and Michael Gudreau.
Before the conclusion of the service, Pastor Chaffee allowed each of the five graduates of the Class of 2010 to select a prayer shawl from several that were made by the ladies of the church displayed on the altar. Remarking at the time, effort and love that went into making the shawls, he encouraged the five to take their shawl to school and wrap up in it while in their dorm rooms, remembering the love and prayers that will surround them while away at college.
Along with Pastor Chaffee and his wife, Sue, the graduates greeted the members of the congregation as they exited the sanctuary. All were invited to stay and enjoy a time of fellowship and a piece of cake in honor of the graduates.
Grant Memorial United Methodist Church is located on Fleetwood Street in Presque Isle and has a traditional service every Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. with nursery care provided. Sunday School is offered for children in grades pre-K through high school during the morning service. For more information, please contact the church office at 762-9531 or visit the church website at www.gmumc.net.
