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Pittsfield First Baptist Church

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SERVANT LEADERS


Elders

Bill Johnson

Senior Pastor

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Bill & Deb Johnson moved to Pittsfield in 1988 and came to serve First Baptist in 1989. They have four adult children. Bill was born in Maine but raised in Vermont and New York. The Johnsons began the youth soccer program in Pittsfield, and across the years Bill coached soccer for elementary, middle school, and high school aged teams. He has also headed up the adult soccer program for the MSAD #53 Adult & Community Education Program in years gone by. Bill has served on a number of Pittsfield town boards. He is a graduate of Elim Bible Institute and College, and has an M. Litt. in Family Life Education from Oxford Graduate School, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Birmingham in England. Currently he is the Director of Pine Tree Leadership Development Program, an adjunct professor of Philosophy and Ethics at Husson University, and a Professor of Philosophy at New England Bible College & Grace Evangelical Seminary. Bill is regularly a conference, college ministries, and youth camp speaker in different venues throughout the State of Maine and New England.   

    Ben Cawley

    Elder

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    Ben and his wife Sarah have attended First Baptist since 2004. They live in Dixmont with their two boys where they run a masonry business and enjoy outdoor activities and reading together.

      Alex Oakes

      Assistant Pastor

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      Alex and Karen Oakes began serving First Baptist in 2015. They were both born in Maine and have four young children with one on the way. Alex is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity through Reformed Theological Seminary and previously attended Grace Evangelical Seminary. He has been an active participant at the Pine Tree Leadership Development Network since 2013. Alex enjoys sailing, cooking, and good coffee.

        Mark Schumpert

        Elder

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        Mark is a retired school teacher. He and Susan, his wife of 45 years, have lived in Maine for the last 21 years and have been members of First Baptist Church in Pittsfield for 20 of those years. Mark believes God is who he says he is, and will do what he says he will do. He and Susan count it among their many blessings to be active and involved in this church.


          Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.


          Deacons

          Allen Knowles

          Head Deacon

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          Allen was born in Maine and has lived in Maine all his life. He is married to Wendi and lives in Pittsfield. He is a father and grandfather. He enjoys hunting and woodworking.

            Michelle Carr

            Deaconess

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            Michelle grew up in Stetson, Maine on a working farm. She graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington with a BS in Elementary Education, minoring in Visual and Performing Arts in 1993. She has been teaching school in a variety of grades and content ever since. She married her husband Christopher in 1993. In 1998, their oldest daughter Mikayla was born. In 1999, Michelle and Chris built their home in Pittsfield. In 2001, their youngest daughter Christa was born. In 2004, Michelle earned her Masters of Educational Leadership from the University of Maine at Orono. Michelle is very active in the Girl Scouts of Maine, having been a Girl Scout Leader for over 26 years. When not in the classroom, you will find Michelle outside, walking, hiking, canoeing, and teaching others outdoor and camping skills. Reading is also one of Michelle’s passions. She always has a new book title to share.

              Zech Jamison

              Deacon

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              Zech is a husband, dad, son, and friend. When he is not being one of those things he is a self-employed contractor in Pittsfield. Zech enjoys spending time with family and friends, chopping wood, traveling, and enjoying the Maine woods. His big laugh and satirical wit are enjoyed by all.

                Connie LaGross

                Deaconess

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                Connie loves Jesus and is learning to love Him more and more! She is happily married (praise God) to Mark and is the joyful mom to Gabrielle and Sarah. Her granddaughter, Lizzie, brings such light and liveliness to her life! She is truly grateful for her church family and how they lead, challenge, and care!

                  Erick Murray

                  Deacon

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                  Erick grew up in Sangerville, a small town in central Maine.  He attended Liberty University, graduating with a degree in Social Science/Secondary Education. He spent eleven years as a High School teacher.  After earning his Master’s Degree, he shifted from having his own classroom, to supporting other teachers and their students and currently is a Technology Integrationist for a local school district. Erick and Jennifer, his wife of 21 years, married after their first year of college and have three sons: Ryan, Jack and Luke.  Erick enjoys spending time with loved ones, dates with his wife, traveling, outdoor activities and video games with his boys, cooking, reading, and spending time on the water.

                    Sharon Goepner

                    Deaconess

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                    Sharon has been here at First Baptist since 2001. It was the best choice for her. She is retired and enjoy caring for her home and her husband. She loves reading the Bible as well as other books about the Lord. She enjoys gardening and quilting.

                      Seth Johnson

                      Deacon

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                      Seth is a retired USAF Sergeant and father of three with another on the way. He grew up in Pittsfield First Baptist Church and is blessed to be able to serve the Lord here.

                        Trustees

                        Jayne Hansen

                        Head Trustee

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                        Jayne is the mother of three boys and lives in Hartland. She is married to her high-school sweetheart and enjoys all things about life on the lake. She has served in women’s ministries, VBS, and Sunday school. She is currently serving as head trustee with a big heart and big mouth.

                          Deb Johnson

                          Treasurer/Trustee

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                          Deb is a long time member of First Baptist who has served her Lord in multiple roles over the course of time. She has worked in hospital finance for 23 years, is a devoted wife, mother and Meme to 13 grandchildren. Currently Deb serves as the Treasurer on the Trustee Board at First Baptist.

                            Rita Gordon

                            Trustee/ Financial Secretary

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                            Rita is a widow who lives in Pittsfield. She has two married sons (one who lives in Pittsfield and the other in Levant). She has three granddaughters. She has been attending church here for over six years and has assisted in nursery and junior church when needed. She has worked on several projects around the church in addition to helping with Alpha, the Marriage Course, and LDN.

                              Ken Thompson

                              Trustee

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                              Ken was born and raised in the Catskill Mountains of upstate NY. After graduating from high school he enlisted in the USAF. After traveling with the USAF and Air National Guard he landed here in Central Maine. He retired from the Air Guard in 2008 and works part time for Curtis Air. He is married to Peggy Thompson. They have three grown children and six grandchildren. They have attended First Baptist Church of Pittsfield  since 2001, and have been members since 2006.  During that time, Ken has served as a Deacon, the church Treasurer, and is currently serving as a Trustee for the second time. Ken enjoys camping, hunting and spending time with family and friends.

                                Dave Goewey

                                Trustee

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                                David has been an arborist for Lucas Tree Experts for 32 years. He has been married to his wife Brenda for 34 years. They have 6 children and 11 grandchildren. He was born in Connecticut but moved to Maine when he was little and grew up here.

                                  Miranda Lary

                                  Trustee

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                                  Miranda grew up in Nebraska. She started attending Pittsfield First Baptist Church with her family, when they moved to Maine in 1993. Miranda is married and has two adult children. She enjoys serving others, and takes joy in seeing their happiness.

                                    Support Staff

                                    Karen Oakes

                                    Secretary

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                                    Karen is married to Pastor Alex and has four children (soon to be five). She loves serving at First Baptist through youth group and ladies ministries. She is homeschooling her kids and enjoys being at the beach, gardening, and good coffee.

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