Reverend Michelle Grube was appointed pastor of Williamstown First United Methodist Church in June, 2008.Prior to that, she was in ministry in Maine for 15 years, having served in Boothbay Harbor and East Boothbay for 3 years and Union and Searsmont for 12 years.Previously, she has served various student appointments working primarily with youth and children in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.Michelle holds a special place in her heart for youth and children and believes that they are the church of the present as well as the future.
Michelle, as she prefers to be called, grew up in Pennsylvania.She is a graduate of Lebanon Valley College with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology and Religion.She received her Masters of Divinity degree from the Theological School at Drew University.In 2007, she received her Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Maine.In the process of completing her Social Work degree, she became very active in domestic violence issues and issues pertaining to the equal rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered individuals.Michelle believes that a Christian’s call is to end violence in whatever form it may take.
Michelle also believes that we are the hands and feet of Jesus.She believes that the Church must reach out beyond the four walls of its building.Michelle recently went on a mission trip to Chigamba Village, Malawi.The trip was life-changing and transformed her outlook on the cultural values of our society.She has a vision to help people slow down in their busy lives so that they can hear the music of life and learn to find joy in what they have instead of what they think they need.
While serving churches in Maine, Michelle served as an on-call chaplain to the mental health unit at the local hospital.She was chair of the District Committee on Ministry, a committee that works with those people just starting out in ministry and supervises local pastors.Michelle also served on the Board of Ordained Ministry, interviewing and working with those persons who are seeking ordination.Finally, Michelle served on the Bishop’s Task Force for Children and Poverty.
