Dr. John E. Syster
Senior pastor

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.

Rev. Gloria Van Houten
Associate pastor

Welcome!  It is a blessing to serve God in this wonderful, joyful congregation, where we walk side by side on our life journeys.  We seek to grow in loving God and our neighbor through worship, spiritual nurture, and service. Together we seek to hear how God is still speaking to us today, and how we may best respond.   Small groups, a variety of educational opportunities, and fellowship events are offered for building relationships in our caring community.  Outreach ministries and mission trips provide a path for us to love and serve our neighbor.

All are invited to discover and share their God-given gifts, and to find a spiritual home with us.  Singles and families of all shapes, sizes, and ages are encouraged to find an extended family in our faith community.  Special activities are offered for our children and youth, so that as children of God, they may experience a closer relationship with God and one another.

Having lived on the Northeast coast, in the Midwest, and in the Southwest and Southeast, it is a delight to find my home in Sarasota!  I 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., before coming here in 2008 as the Associate Pastor.  I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Evansville, IN, and my graduate degree from Union Seminary-Presbyterian School of Christian Education, Richmond, VA. 

We celebrate our diversity, and rejoice in being made one through our unity in God.  Come join us!

Julie Pennella attended Mt. Sinai Hospital N.Y. City School of Nursing. She worked as an IV nurse at Hartford Hospital and an OR nurse in Greenwich Hospital in Connecticut and returned to Sarasota after many years. After a refresher course at Sarasota VoTech, Julie worked part time at IHS of Sarasota. She is an owner of a cafe in Venice and is currently studying Therapeutic and Healing Touch at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Julie is a member of the Parish Nursing Program of Southwestern Florida.

  Mission for the Parish Nurse Program

The mission of the Parish Nurse Program is to provide service within the faith community of First Congregational United Church of Christ that focuses on wellness through the integration of spiritual values with healing.

Parish Nurse Activities

BP screenings, confidential consultations by appointment, support groups, bulletin boards and articles, health surveys, advance directives, presence and prayer, assist people in adapting to chronic disease or disability, teaches classes on how to maintain good health.