Senior Pastor

Dr. John E. Syster

First Congregational United Church of Christ of Sarasota, is a wonderful place to worship and to do ministry. As a congregation we are blessed with people who have a variety of talents and abilities and come from a multitude of differing backgrounds. We like to say, with the whole United Church of Christ denomination, “no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” We are a multi-racial, multi-generational, open and affirming congregation that tries to be faithful to God’s calling in our lives.

In worship we have a delightful tapestry of special Sundays: red balloons on Pentecost, flower communion on Mother’s Day, an annual gathering of waters in October when the waters for baptism are brought in from the places members have visited in the past year, Thanksgiving Sunday when we celebrate our Pilgrim heritage and the choir is accompanied by a brass quintet, dramatic Easter services, moving candlelight Christmas Eve services and one of my favorites, each year Abraham Lincoln comes for a visit in early February.

There are education classes for every age, small groups, theological discussions and presentations, Bible studies, practical classes in health and fitness, and in making small home repairs, musical groups of all sorts and even a Civil War round table.

My own background is that I was born in Massachusetts (the son and grandson of ministers), raised in the Midwest. I served United Church of Christ congregations in Reinbeck, Iowa and Daytona Beach, Florida before coming to this congregation in 1983. My daughters grew up in this congregation and still love it, from a distance. My wife and I are deeply involved in the community and cherish our relationships with the people here. I was educated at Doane College (Crete, Nebraska), Chicago Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity) and Eden Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry).

If you haven’t visited us yet, I certainly hope you will in the near future.