CAMDEN — The Reverend Kevin M. Pleas, senior minister of the First Congregational Church of Camden, recently announced his decision to step down from his leadership role at the Church. Pleas will leave his post at the end of June.

In a letter to the congregation, which he read from the pulpit Sunday, April 19, Pleas said, “I need to let you know that after long, careful, and prayerful thought, I've come to the conclusion that it's time for me to bring my ministry here in Camden to an end, effective at the end of June this year. I do this out of love and respect for this congregation, and for the wonderful ministry we have had together.”

In closing, Pleas said, “These last thirteen years have been far and away the best years of my ministry, and I will always cherish and treasure the time we have had together.”

Reverend Pleas began his ministry at the First Congregational Church January 7, 2002. During his tenure, the church became an open and affirming congregation and increased its outreach to the community through the Shields Mission, free soup lunches and Baccalaureate services. 

Pleas supported youth initiatives including mission trips, adventure camps and murder mystery dinners. He organized the church’s Trek Across Maine team for several years.

Tony Bates, co-president of the Church, also addressed the congregation on Sunday, saying “Kevin’s fine work here has allowed us to emerge as a strong, vital church family. 

Kevin leaves us in a position of solid faith, poised to think about how best to take our community into its next decade. We are grateful that he will be with us until the end of June as we and Kevin begin the process of transition, giving us the time to thank Kevin and celebrate his ministry with us as well as the bonds of love and friendship we share.”

Richard Anderson, co-president of the Church, said “Reverend Pleas’ decision to move on is a great loss for our church family. In the weeks ahead, we will honor a job well done and work together to make sure that both parties — the Pleas family and the First Congregational Church of Camden  — have bright futures.”

The Church’s lay leadership will commence the search for an interim minister as they also begin the tasks of clarifying needs, direction, and vision in seeking their next senior minister.

The First Congregational Church, founded on September 11, 1805, is the oldest church in Camden. The Church is an open and affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ.

For more information, visit www.camdenucc.org or call 236-4821.