Ministerial Team

Senior Pastor:
Rev. Dr. John E. Syster is the Senior Pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ. Dr. Syster has served the church since 1983. He is a native of Massachusetts, grew up in the Midwest, and was educated at Doane College and Chicago Theological Seminary. He earned a D.M. from Eden Theological Seminary in 2001. He has previously served churches in Iowa and Florida.

Associate Pastor:
Rev. Gloria Van Houten, the Associate Pastor of the church, was called to this position in 2008. Prior to arriving in Sarasota, she served God first through the nursing profession in Houston, TX; and then as a Minister of Christian Education with congregations in Silver Spring, MD; Belleville, IL; and Richmond, VA.  She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Evansville, IN, and her graduate degree from Union Seminary-Presbyterian School of Christian Education, Richmond, VA.

Minister of Music:
Gregory Chestnut has served as Minister of Music since 1989. He received Bachelor and Master Degrees in Organ from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. A noted church organist and choir director, Mr. Chestnut has served churches in Indiana and Florida.

Moderator:
Jim Crumel

Vice Moderator:
Cindy Woodling

Other Staff and Volunteers:
Administrative Assistant: Donna McCalden; Secretary: Dolla Pinney; Parish Nurse: Julie Pennella; Sexton: Roger Hill; Groundskeeper: Bryan Zuerner; Treasurer: Nancy Morris; Collector: Kathi Hall; Little Pilgrim Preschool Director: Janet Maxham; Christian Education Administrator: Leigh Melton; Newsletter Team: Dolla Pinney and Wes Curry; Kitchen Coordinator: Natasha Bryant and Contributing Photographers: Susan Pallatto.