The Rev. Sandy Daly will lead the service at Wilson Memorial Chapel on Ocean Point this Sunday, Aug. 25, the last service of the 2024 season. Jim Swist will service as organist. The service begins at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome! 

Rev. Daly earned her undergraduate degree in transpersonal psychology at Burlington College (Vermont) and her master of divinity at Andover Newton Theological School in 1997. Earning a graduate degree in midlife had its challenges, but it also provided an opportunity to integrate many previous work and life experiences. As well as being a mother and pastor’s wife, Sandy operated a nursery school, ran a town recreation program, taught aerobics and weight training, worked at a bank, did bookkeeping, had her real estate broker’s license, and had a house painting business … not all at the same time! Amazingly, these have all been useful in ministry! For years she was involved in faith formation at church, especially with women and youth.

Ever searching for a way to make a difference in people’s lives, she found herself drawn to ministry and entered seminary in her mid-40s. Ordained in the United Church of Christ in 1999, Rev. Daly had the privilege of serving several churches throughout New England. She co-pastored with her husband in two churches, served as an associate minister in another, as sole pastor in two more, and as interim/bridge pastor in four churches in transition, as well as supply preaching in as many as a dozen other churches. It was a great honor to serve alongside so many wonderful people. Often her ministry was with youth and involved mission trips to various states and countries, a poignant reminder of the blessings and freedoms we often take for granted, and the ways we can share and advocate for others.

From 2009-2019, while still serving local churches, the Dalys also operated a retreat facility, Hallelujah Farm, near the southwestern corner of New Hampshire. They welcomed guests, feeding bodies and spirits of folks from all faiths and walks of life. Sandy was also very involved in and passionate about the local interfaith clergy association, often chairing it. 

Upon retirement in 2019, she and her husband Roger (also a UCC minister) built a house on the shore of the Sheepscot River in Edgecomb. Roger and Sandy have four grown children and seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild and another on the way… all of whom they are very proud. Their family is spread from Georgia to Colorado to Washington state, recently adding Phoenix and Chicago! Lots of places to visit! She is happy to find herself living in a part of Maine that was an important part of her childhood – visiting her grandparent’s cottage on Linekin Bay.