Palermo Christian Church: there’s a new pastor in town

Pastor Eric Dubois, back right, with wife of 12 years Kaitlin, and children Caleb, Anna, Luke, Noah and Lydia. Contributed photo

compiled by Eric Dubois, Phyllis Thorne and Sandy Keller

Following months of interviewing numerous candidates, the congregation of Palermo Christian Church is excited to introduce their new pastor, Eric Dubois.

Eric is relocating to Palermo with his wife of 12 years, Kaitlin and children Caleb, Anna, Luke, Noah and Lydia (pictured). When you see them in the community welcome them. They are looking forward to meeting you and becoming part of the community.

Because Eric has lived all but seven years of his life in New England (New Hampshire and Maine), he is familiar with the environment and context of ministry that is unique to this area. While specifically looking for a position in New England he found the posting for Palermo Christian Church on the Ministry List website of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA. After applying for the position in February of this year, undergoing telephone interviews, emails and finally a visit in June, the church membership voted unanimously in July to call him as their next pastor.

Having worked 12 years at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Eric resigned and moved with his family to Louisville Kentucky where he completed his Master of Theology (having prior completed his Master of Divinity at Capital Bible Seminary). Over the years he has had significant experience serving in local congregations through preaching, leading youth groups and small groups, teaching Sunday School, and serving as deacon and elder. He has interned at two churches and recently participated in a pastor apprenticeship program at his last church. He is well prepared for his first position as Pastor.

When asked what his expectations are for small town ministry, Eric responded with: “First, to become part of the local community and make life-long friendships while establishing roots for our family. Second, to lead the local church community which comes from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, yet is unified by their common faith in the gospel, their common dependence on God’s resources, their common love for Jesus, and their common allegiance to Jesus as king.  Third, to deepen and strengthen the faith of God’s people by helping them lean on God as they go through the various seasons and joys and struggles of life.”

Palermo Christian Church has a 51 year history of teaching the love of God as revealed to us in the Bible. Godly leaders including Dale Flynn,(May 1968 – August 1968), Fred Williams (July 1969 – November 1981), David Jones, assistant pastor (April 1970 – January 1976), David Kibbe (September 1978 – June 1982), and Ed Hatch (June 1982 – Dec 2018) have led the congregation of Palermo Christian Church and the church is excited to add Eric Dubois to this list with great expectations for God to work through him as he leads the congregation forward.