As the Minister of Visitation, Jane Stegemann appreciates sharing the joys and sorrows of life with our beloved at Falmouth Congregational Church and beyond. She has always been led by God to focus her energies on loving God, her neighbors, including God's creatures and creation. Jane grew up in a Lutheran home in Pennsylvania and delighted in going to the beach with her family, riding bikes and playing the piano. In 1985, Jane earned a Ph.D. in Counseling and School Psychology from University of Pennsylvania. She became a Licensed Psychologist, where she enjoyed working with individuals and families in the following roles and locations: Family Therapy Intern at Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic, School Psychologist in South Carolina, where as a Caucasian person, Jane was a minority, Licensed Psychologist at community mental health center in West Virginia where coal miners were clients. During those years, Jane worshiped God in different places with different people and the same God! She also practiced Buddhist meditation.

After moving to Maine in 1989, Jane worked with children and families in private practice and in Cumberland, Freeport and Lisbon/Durham public schools. However, her desire to pray with folks outweighed her hope of doing the work without prayer! Therefore, in 2008, God led Jane to the Maine Conference United Church of Christ’s Academy for Congregational Life and Leadership where she earned a diploma, attended classes at Bangor Theological Seminary, and participated in Clinical Pastoral Education supervised for three years by the esteemed Rev. Larry Gilbert. Following this education, Jane earned a certificate in Commissioned Ministry with specialties in pastoral care, small group and evangelism. Through the years, Jane has delighted in providing the following: pastoral care, one-to-one encouragement to our beloveds who are living in assisted living /retirement communities, small groups to provide settings for open dialogue among people at FCC during the Open and Affirming process, prayer groups to enhance and encourage prayer, outreach groups to welcome folks, and youth group facilitation, to name a few.

While Jane’s work/call has always been important in her life, her family including her husband, two children and beyond, have been her priority. Jane has spent much time and energy throughout her children's lives encouraging and supporting them; they are now young adults! Jane homeschooled for 6 years and cared for her elderly parents for 8 years. Throughout Jane’s life, she has had health challenges due to misdiagnosed Lyme Disease in 1984 and a stroke in 2006. These events have led her to provide a more compassionate experience with those she listens to who have health challenges. Through daily prayer, Jane has been led to develop an attitude of gratitude and a focus on turning obstacles into opportunities. Jane cherishes and delights in life and thanks God for opportunities to give and receive love.

Jane’s email jhsteg@gmail.com.