ADDRESS: 544 Post Road

DENOMINATION/AFFILIATION: Protestant

HISTORY: The Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene began in 1957, when Nelson and Lester Kimball started a small fellowship of believers that met in a schoolhouse in Moody. These two young lay pastors had a dream for this new congregation. They took a step of faith and donated land for their new house of worship located about a mile up Post Road from where they began. This new work of grace became known as the Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene.

Born out of a belief in the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, they began a ministry to all age groups. For more than 50 years, families have come and experienced the welcome warmth of the love of Christ. Missions have always been a key ministry in the Church of the Nazarene. The Lighthouse has always been a sending church, where people from our congregation have gone into the world to make Christ-like disciples of the nations.

In 2007 the Lighthouse celebrated its 50th year of ministry to the community. Friends and family gathered to praise God for the mighty works He has done through this congregation. Many former pastors came and shared stories of struggle and victory.

MINISTRIES: Our pastor is the Rev. Edward Beecher. He is a graduate of Nazarene Theological Seminary and has more than 15 years of experience in ministry. A native of South Portland, he is an encourager, a relationship builder, and has shown us the meaning of true servant leadership. Pastor Ed also sings baritone in a trio, Voices of Grace, which travels across the state and is planning to record its first album this summer in Nashville.

Our assistant pastor is Pastor Ed’s wife, Kelly, who is studying for the ministry and assists with the music, educational, and women’s ministries. The Beechers have four daughters who assist with music and are excellent Bible Quizzers.

Ministries at the Lighthouse Church include Bible study groups for all ages. Our adult Bible study group, Living Water, is led by Shirley McMahan, who brings a background in biblical studies. Our ladies’ ministry, Faith Sisters, meets monthly at the parsonage for “pie and prayer” and also plans shopping trips, retreats and participation in larger events such as the Women of Faith convention. Our men’s ministry group is planning to attend the “Iron Sharpens Iron” conference in Portland, and also participates in prayer retreats and sports fellowships.

The youth ministries include a Bible study group, quiz team, participation in the Maine district youth events for the Church of the Nazarene, community service, camping and retreats. Our teen Bible quiz team participated in competitions in Pennsylvania and New York this year, and represented the church and the Maine district with excellence.

This summer, the Lighthouse will host our Summer Concert Series. One Sunday night each month, a special musician will be featured. The styles will vary, and some of the concerts will include a preconcert barbecue or a post-concert dessert fellowship.

WORSHIP SERVICES: Sundays, coffee and fellowship, 8:30 a.m.; Bible studies for all ages, 9 a.m.; worship, 10 a.m.; monthly concert series, 6 p.m.

Faith Sisters Ladies Pie and Prayer is held at 1 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month.

CONTACT: The church office is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday. Pastor Ed Beecher is available by calling 641-0603 or by e-mailing Lighthouse_Nazarene@maine.rr.com.

Our website is being revised. It will be advertised on the denominational website at www.nazarene.org under the “find a church” feature.