BRUNSWICK

Elizabeth Stookey is an ordained United Church of Christ minister who has spoken to thousands of people of many faiths, in addition to being a businesswoman, teacher, wife and mother. She holds masters degrees in ESL, French and Divinity. Noel Paul Stookey is best known as the “Paul” of the trio Peter, Paul & Mary, whose music became a prominent part of the 1960s folk revival, and were well known for their social activism. His “Wedding Song (There Is Love)” was a hit single that was covered by artists such as Petula Clark and he continues to write and record to this day.

The two have spent most of their five decades of marriage in Blue Hill, where they have made a life as business partners, parents and activists.

On Saturday, the Stookeys will present “One Light, Many Candles,” a program of spoken word and music that reflects on diversity, faith and a global spiritual community. The event is being held at the First Parish Church in Brunswick as part of the “300 Years on The Way” celebration of the church’s 300th anniversary.

Recently, The Times Record spoke with the Stookeys about the Maine influence on their lives, spirituality and healing divides.

The Times Record: What was the genesis of “One Light, Many Candles.” How did it start?

Elizabeth Stookey: It started when I was doing my work at Northfield Mount Hermon School (in Massachusetts) as the chaplain there for eight years. I just began to see differences in religion that were keeping people apart. Then we were invited to come to Wesley Seminary (in Washington, DC) to be artist-in-residence and minister-in-residence. They asked me to do a presentation to the faculty and I realized then that I was very, very passionate about being multi-faith and all that it meant.

TR: What is the experience like for someone who attends the event?

ES: So far, it’s been pretty amazing. People come away from there saying, “Where can I find this? This is what I want — this coming together and realizing we’re all the same, and religions should not be keeping us apart.” They leave happy.

Noel Stookey: I think there’s a lot more music in a spiritual setting than they’re used to. I think anyone who comes to it is surprised by the amount of music that’s referenced by the reading. Some of it is singalong, some of it is meditative and some of it is challenging. It’s a nice yin and yang of thoughts expressed by the people Betty has selected from — a wide spectrum of spiritual and religious walks. This non-labeled music that ties us together by our humanity.

TR: Two-parter: Betty, how has life in Maine influenced your ministry? Noel, how has life in Maine influenced your songwriting?

ES: It’s been challenging because, in Blue Hill, there’s no diversity. We don’t have a mosque. I think the closest synagog is in Bangor. There’s no diversity, so there’s no challenge. Otherwise, living in Maine has been a blessing.

Right now, we’re speaking from Massachusetts and we’re aware that everything you’ve ever wanted is right here. But, you have to deal with unbelievable traffic and noise and people. In Maine, we sacrifice a little bit of some things we might want, but we’ve got peace. I’m very grateful for that.

NS: In reference to Betty’s answer, I never thought of applying the term “homeschooling” to a worship experience before. But Betty and I find ourselves looking for a more accepting, worship experience when spending more time at home. Grace at meals has become much more important than it ever used to be. We find moments to express appreciation of creation.

When Betty and I got married, we had no idea that the trio (Peter, Paul & Mary) was going to be so impactful and take over so much of our lives. When we escaped to Maine in 1974, we both sought peace and an authentic way of living with our neighbors —

ES: — And raising our children —

NS: — And giving them the same kind of opportunity for upbringing that we had. Getting on your bicycle and riding forever. That freedom we had growing up.

The impact on the music is just an outgrowth of having a Maine experience. Some of the songs become allegorical, but also like (Maine singer songwriter) David Mallett, I think they draw on a more rural perspective of urban problems. I think there’s a peace and an insight that comes from living in the country that looks at global problems differently and, I think, exposes some of the basic concerns for all of us.

TR: You’ve witnessed a lot of social upheaval since the 1960s. Now, it seems we’re in another time of unrest. How would you characterized America’s divide then versus now?

ES: I don’t think it’s any secret it’s way more complicated and way uglier. It seems that now, the political system is not being very kind to the world. I think the incidences of bullying have gone up in schools. We never dealt with any of that. I think everyone’s angry, and worried, and scared. I didn’t feel that it was quite that way in the ’60s. How about you, Noel? Did you feel it was as bad as it is now?

NS: I don’t think we had an archetypical representation of intolerance, the way we do now. Because of that, our children are modeling what they see, whether it’s reality TV or it’s politicians yelling at each other. Our responsibility as parents has become doubly important now. It’s all small skirmishes. You can’t march effectively against intolerance as an enemy. You have to just understand it and deal with it on your own terms.

TR: How does faith and spirituality come into play in healing these divides?

ES: I think they have to. But I think people have to be willing to go there. The trick is getting people to understand that this is something that the need. I think people are so angry that they’re not looking to change. I think they’re just mad. Churches — with the exception of First Parish — are not doing well these days. I think it’s because they’re not reaching out to that population of people who really, really need it.

NS: There’s an increasing number of “Nones,” people who don’t adhere to any particular religion.

ES: They say they’re spiritual but not religious. That’s a big factor now.

NS: I think that “One Light, Many Candles” addresses that concern. There’s a natural affinity that we share. Some call it spirituality, some call it community. To be able to come together, we need to avoid the labels, and embrace the mystery and the wonder of our common humanity.

“One Light, Many Candles” takes place 7 p.m. Saturday at First Parish Church, 9 Cleaveland St. in Brunswick. Admission is free for all ages. For more information, visit www.firstparish.net/onelightmanycandles or onelightmanycandles.org.

jswinconeck@timesrecord.com