I’m so glad that you made the choice to check out this congregation and what we offer to you and to our community.  It’s a wonderfully welcoming group of people who really live out what we believe, “No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!”  People are important in our ministries, and it is through our people that we can help God transform lives.

Through the pages of this website you will find descriptions both of some of our ministries, and the mission of this congregation.  I’m sure that you will come to realize that it really is all about people.  We are a wonderful mix of people and we know that God has called us through Jesus Christ to make our faith come alive in the midst of our community.

I don’t know your circumstances – you may be a new resident (or are contemplating moving here) and are looking for a faith home. You may be starting a new chapter in life and need  support or the words of hope a church fellowship offer.  It may be that you have just started your journey of faith and you want someplace to ask, and answer the questions you might have.  You might even be looking for a place to put your desire for a better community to work and help others.

Whatever has caused your search, I am glad you found us.  And I personally invite you to “see us in person!”  Join us in worship some Sunday morning. Attend a concert or other community outreach. Look to us to help you form the questions that are important to your life, and then together we will find some answers. It has been said that our faith is 2,000 years old – but our thinking is not!

Remember, no matter who you are…you are welcome here!

A little about me…

There is a reason that I have served this congregation since September, 1988, and it has to do with much more than just the sunny Florida weather.  I served churches in Wisconsin from 1975 until the move south, and yet I have never experienced a congregation that has so willingly adapted as it provides ministry.  Our members and friends are a mobile bunch, and so it means that we are continually welcoming new residents and seasonal guests.  Punta Gorda was at the epicenter of the transformational Hurricane Charley in 2004, and yet despite significant damage to our building, we never missed worshiping somewhere in our building until the repairs were made eight months later.

My wife and I love the greater Punta Gorda area, and it has been a wonderful place to have raised our three children to productive adulthood.  All our children have returned to the and it is wonderful to be able to be involved in their lives and those of our grandchildren. We know that this is our “hometown.”

I have been ordained in the United Church of Christ since 1979 and have been active at all levels of the church. I am committed to our community and have been active in many non-profit and community organizations in the area.  I am currently the Senior Chaplain of the Punta Gorda Police Department, and have been on the Charlotte High School Baseball coaching staff for 16 seasons. Like the Apostle Paul, I love being with people “where they are and where I find them!.”