Rev. Rebekah Timms, Minister of Christian Nurture

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Greetings!  I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to each of you.  My name is Rebekah “Becka” Timms, and I have been a member of All Souls since my confirmation in 1998.  Although my official membership status has been 27 years – I have attended and been actively involved in this church for almost four decades.

I grew up in Holden, Maine and attended schools in the greater Bangor area as well as completed post-graduate degree work at the University of Maine. Today, I live in Brewer with my husband, Shawn and enjoy reading, hiking, swimming, and spending time with my big family and dear friends.  

The beginning of my teaching career was spent educating students in the first and second grades.  After obtaining a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, I felt compelled to experience teaching in the special education classroom which led to the pursuit of a M.Ed. in Special Education.  After 15 years teaching as a public elementary school teacher, I "retired" from the public-school setting as I pursued a call to authorized ministry through the UCC.  ​

 

In 2020 I began a path to authorized ministry that included course work through New England Bible College/Grace Evangelical Seminary, Pathways Theological Education, and Maine School of Ministry. As part of my preparation for ministry, I also completed the Clinical Pastoral Education program with over 300 hours of pastoral care in the hospital setting.  I was ordained into the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ and installed as the Minister of Christian Nurture and Family Mission, at All Souls Congregational Church on October 15, 2025.  

Jesus said that the greatest commandments were to "Love God and Love Others" (Mark 6:29-31). I am passionate about serving God through loving people and learning their story. I believe this is done through the building of relationships which are fostered through being available to others, meeting them where they are, and loving them for who God created them to be. To be able to see another human through His eyes is a powerful experience.  I am passionate about exhibiting deep empathy, being present and available to others, and, as author Bob Goff encourages, "giving away love like [I'm] made of it".

 

Growing up in this church shaped me into who I am today.  I have a passion for grief and bereavement work which led to the completion of a certificate study through University of New England in the area of End of Life Doula.  Locally, I have been a facilitator for Pathfinders and am currently co-leader of Beacons of Hope for Kids and Teens.  I have also worked with other leaders in the church to develop and facilitate a Christian based bereavement program entitled Grief Journeys.  ​

 

Another passion of mine is involvement in street ministry.  I am a member of the Greater Bangor Area Street Pastors management team as well as a team leader.  I volunteer with Jericho Road Ministries in Bangor and have had the opportunity to serve with our teens through their community outreach meals.

 

Other ministry areas that I have served within our church include leadership of the ASSIST JC Mission program, Sunday School Teacher, Director of Night in Bethlehem, Director of Summer Bible School Programs, leading Adult Education Programs on Sunday mornings and beyond, and facilitation of our Confirmation program.

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I am deeply honored, humbled, and without words to express my appreciation for the opportunity to serve God in this capacity.  I am amazed at how He has worked in and through me and very much look forward to continuing to serve Jesus Christ both at All Souls and beyond.  

 

May the Lord go before you to guide you,
Beside you to guard you,
Above you to bless you,
Beneath you to uphold you,
And behind you to forgive you,
Now and always.  Amen.