Parish Staff
The Rev. Paul Briggs, Interim Rector
The Rev. Paul Briggs was appointed as interim to St. Thomas’ Church in September 2023. He is a native of Hartland, Maine, and was baptized at All Saints’, Skowhegan. Ordained to the deaconate at St. Martin’s, Palmyra and priesthood at St. James’, Keene, NH in 1981, Paul has served parishes in New Hampshire, Texas, Western Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. He retired from full-time ministry at the end of March 2022, when his wife, The Rev. Barbara Briggs, accepted a call to be rector of St. Margaret’s, Belfast. In addition to parish ministry, Paul served as chaplain at Doane Academy, Burlington, NJ from 2015-2019.
Paul has three adult children and three grandsons. He enjoys woodworking, gardening, hiking and sailing. He is a member of Penn Bay Stewards (Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition), and volunteers at the GBAM (Greater Belfast Area Ministry) food pantry. His favorite food is any pie.
He received a B.A. from Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB, 1976 and M. Div. from The General Theological Seminary, New York, NY, 1981. Continuing Education includes Appreciative Inquiry, Anti-Racism Training, Godly Play Certification, Benedictine and Celtic Spirituality, in addition to leading pilgrimages to Israel, Taizé, and Iona. He has wide experience in community and diocesan work and has served as congregational development consultant and clergy coach.
The Rev. Kristen Burkholder, Deacon
Originally from Pennsylvania, the youngest daughter of a Mennonite minister, Kristen has been living in New England for most of her adult life, and in Maine for 25 years. She is a licensed massage therapist and Reiki master with a private practice in Belfast, and attended St. Margaret’s Church in that city for 10 years. While there, she discerned her call to become a deacon and graduated from Province 1 School for Deacons (https://province1.org/school/) in September 2024.
Kristen enjoyed her nine-month field placement at St. John Baptist in Thomaston, and was ordained to the holy order of deacons by Bishop Thomas J. Brown on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at St. Margaret’s.
Kristen is passionate about seeking and serving Christ in all persons and bringing greater confluence between community and church. She is focusing on the prayer life of St. Thomas’, Christian formation (including the training of acolytes), and the work of the Outreach Committee. She also preaches once a month.
She lives in Morrill with her husband, Nathan Raleigh, and their two kitty brothers, Frank and Carl.
Scott Dyer, Director of Music Ministry
Scott Dyer was called to be the Director of Music Ministry at St. Thomas’ Church beginning June 1, 2026, after having served the Rockland Congregational Church and RSU13 Schools as general music instructor and beginning band director. A lifelong Episcopalian, Scott is excited to return to his spiritual roots and will bring a warm, collaborative style to St. Thomas’ music ministry.
Scott is married to Cindy York and together they make their home in Rockport.
Carrie Rossiter, Parish Administrator
Carrie is a resident of Camden and comes to us with more than 20 years’ experience in administrative support, primarily in the areas of healthcare and hospitality. She enjoys reading, walking, and hiking and has lots of volunteer experience. Carrie is a member of the Chestnut Street Baptist Church.
Tony Coyne, Sexton
I am very pleased to be working for St. Thomas’. I moved to the mid coast in 2009 from Vermont. I live in Rockland with my wife Pat. I am retired from work as a Residential Energy Auditor and also industrial glasswork. So happy to be a part of the St. Thomas’ team.