Church changes name;
faces, mission remain the same
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — While the name is different, the faces, building and mission are still the same.
On Dec. 16, 2014, members of the Christian Life Assembly, located at 40 Chandler Road, voted to come under the umbrella of the Assembly of God and CityReach Network to become CityReach Church Presque Isle.
Under the direction of pastors Dan and Nikki Holmes, who moved to the area in August 2013, the church recognized the need to go in this new direction.
“We thought it was a good opportunity to join the Assembly of God and CityReach Network to help continue to grow the ministry, and for support and future growth,” said Dan. “We’re the same church and same people; we just renamed ourselves.
“Nothing has really changed except the name,” he said. “We have the same mission and goal — we want to go beyond the four walls. We want to — within our time and resources — be more visible out in the community, and see where we can help out. The mission to reach out has always been there; if we could help someone out in need, we would, but now we want to take it to a higher level. Our focus is to really be a fabric of the community, help within our resources, and to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Holmes wishes to recognize the 34 years of Christian Life Assembly’s existence and thank all members over the years for their hard work and dedication.
“It is through their investments over the years that have allowed this ministry to reach this new chapter of CityReach Church Presque Isle,” he said, noting that 40-50 people regularly attend services.
While the Holmeses have met some local pastors in the surrounding areas, they are looking forward to meeting others.
“The Gospel of John records it best by Jesus saying in John 13:34, ‘Love one another,’” he said.
Holmes said things have been going well with the new change.
“With the new change brings new life,” he said. “We’re very happy with how things are going.”
After graduating from Hodgdon High School in 1981, Holmes worked at Grossman’s Hardware and was the plant manager of Mil Mac, a wholesale cedar mill. In addition to serving as the Hodgdon town manager, Holmes managed the Brewer North/North East Distribution Warehouse for Good Shepherd Food Bank for 10 years. He recently worked for Northern Lighthouse in Presque Isle in administrative support/HR and as a behavioral health professional.
He received his bachelor’s degree in theology and Christian education from Northpoint Bible College (formerly Zion Bible College) in Haverhill, Mass. Holmes also attended NMCC where he received an associate’s degree in business administration.
Holmes’ ministry experience includes serving as the executive director of the Teen Challenge of Maine youth program for four years. He also traveled with his family for 20 years singing Southern gospel in many churches.
“I’ve worked closely with pastors over the years where we’ve attended church,” he said.
Nikki graduated from Mattanawcook Academy in Lincoln, and went to Beal College where she received an associate’s degree in medical assisting. She has worked in that field in Houlton and Bangor, ran an after-school program for Bangor Christian School, has been a stay-at-home mom, and recently worked at Katahdin Trust Co.
She heads up the women’s ministries, as well as the Sunday School and children’s church programs.
The Holmes have two children: Sam, 13, and Hannah, 10.
Sunday School is held at 10 a.m., with an 11 a.m. worship service. The evening service is held at 6:30 p.m. In addition, a women’s prayer and Bible study group meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, while youth/family night and Bible study is held Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Music Café Night is held on the last Saturday of each month at 4 p.m.
For more information on CityReach Church Presque Isle, call 764-1352.
