Welcome to
Readfield UMC -
we are excited to meet you!  

We are excited to introduce to you our gifted and faithful site leaders! 

​

Reverend Elder Shannon Diana Keeney

guides us in spiritual care and worship and we are doing world changing ministries together! We hope you will join us in experiencing the Good News in worship and mission at Readfield UMC.  

​

 Shannon’s life has always been intertwined with the church. Her Grandfather Rev. C. “Lloyd” Voll helped with her baptism on September 9, 1984 in Bucyrus, OH. From then on she was hooked on the Good News, the Joy, and the Forgiveness of Christ. Shannon feels blessed to have had numerous powerful spiritual experiences and faithful people guiding her years. She attended and led Sunday School, church committees and camps, rallies, and workshops. Shannon received her first call to ministry in 1994, in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. Her second call came her Junior Year of Epping High School when she attended Andover Newton Theological School’s Faith Youth Institute. Shannon graduated from Hiram College and Vanderbilt University's Divinity School. She comes with experience in chaplaincy work both in hospital and college settings and is looking forward to her role as a chaplain for Kents Hill. This is Shannon's third appointment with the United Methodist Church in the role of Senior Minister (Riverside UMC in Kezar Falls, ME / First United Methodist Church in Littleton, NH / AND NOW US!) Shannon is the youngest daughter of John Keeney, an engineer and inventor, and Rebekah (Becky) Keeney, a writer and artist. She has two older sisters with wonderful families. Her dog, “Owen,” has the soul of a comedian. Shannon loves the arts, community building, travel, and random fact has a snow globe collection. 

Our pastor says “it is the story” that fascinates her most. She wants to hear yours, share the ones from the Bible with us, and see how our combined story changes the world.

 

Meet Our AWESOME Music Director: 

Phoebe Payne

​

Phoebe is a is cellist, pianist, and teacher, who brings to RUMC a lifetime of involvement with music in the church. She received her musical training in Texas and in New York City. Phoebe grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, where her mother was organist of a large Baptist church. Her late husband, Joseph, was organist of two prominent Boston Episcopal churches. In Boston, Phoebe directed the All Saints’ Ashmont Boy Choir and the Emmanuel Children’s Choir for many years. Both choirs sang for weekly church services and had numerous professional engagements, including performances at Boston Symphony Hall and live broadcasts on public radio. For the past nine years, Phoebe has been music teacher/specialist at Forest Hills School in Jackman. She also serves as a mediator in the Maine court system.  Her son, Christopher, is a photographer in NYC where he lives with his wife, Danielle, who is a teacher. Phoebe hopes to explore the rich musical tradition of the church with the choir and congregation at RUMC.

​

​

Shout out to our On the Ball Administrative Assistant:

Hannah Savage

Hannah has been an Executive Assistant for the last 15 years.  She has recently joined us and hopes to make a positive lasting impression. She lives in Jay with her son Eugene for the last 13 years enjoying life.  Her hobbies include reading, gardening and martial arts.  She enjoys spending time with her with her family and friends in the outdoors.

 

  

In addition to Readfield UMC’s Staff we are Soooo Blessed to have Great Volunteers! 

​

​

One example of our Incredible Leadership in the Pews is Lay Leader: Les Priest

​

Les Priest is a Realtor by profession and has been a member of Readfield United Methodist Church since 1987. He lives in Readfield with his wife, Betsy, who is also a very active member of the church. They have two sons and a grandson, who they spend as much time with as possible. Les loves the outdoors and the peaceful solitude of the woods. He and his family knew that RUMC was the place for them from their first visit in 1986 by the friendly and welcoming people with a strong sense of community. This was the way the church was then and it continues to this day. Come join our church family.

​

​

​

​