United in Purpose, Strong in Service

Learn How We’re Organized to Support Our Congregation and Community

Leadership and Community

At First Congregational United Church of Christ, Sarasota, we’re more than a congregation—we’re a vibrant movement rooted in faith, unity, and love. As part of the national United Church of Christ, we share a mission that connects us with congregations across the country, collectively promoting acceptance, social justice, and peace.

Here at our church, empowering each member to lead and contribute is central to who we are. Guided by our church council and dedicated staff, we inspire and support each person who joins us in worship, fellowship, and service. While deeply grounded in our heritage, we continuously evolve, answering God’s call to be a light in the world.

The organizational chart below provides a view of how our church is guided by our officers, teams, committees, and covenant groups.  “The purpose of our Church is to worship God, to live the gospel of Jesus Christ, to celebrate the Sacraments, to join the Christian fellowship and unity within this Church and the Church Universal, to render loving service to all of God’s people and to stand for righteousness, justice and peace!” ~ By-Laws 2023.

Through our amazing volunteers, we actively support our Core Values of Justice, Fellowship, Worship, Caring, Welcome, and Faithfulness. Where do you feel God is calling you to share your time, talents, and treasures?

Explore below to discover how we are structured—from our UCC connections to the individuals and teams shaping our ministry each day. Be sure to click on the links to read more about each position or team.

The United Church of Christ

We belong to the United Church of Christ (UCC).  Formed in 1957, The UCC envisioned a world where Protestant, Christian denominations came together to live Jesus’ prayer from John 17:21, “That they may all be one.”  While there is still much work to be done for denominations to work together, the UCC passionately believes in unity and acceptance of all.

The UCC was born when four Protestant denominations (Congregational, Christian, Evangelical, and Reformed) brought their diverse heritage and histories together.  We do not believe in tests of faith, rather testimonies.  You can read our UCC statement of faith here.  Each congregation in the UCC is governed by the local people, who make faithful decisions that reflect the unique local church.  We believe in our covenantal connections to the other UCC churches in the Florida Conference and across the United States.  We encourage you to learn more about the uniqueness of the UCC by visiting the website: www.ucc.org.

Discover Our Church's Organizational Structure

The Congregation

At First Congregational UCC Sarasota, the ultimate authority rests with the Congregation. As the ruling body, the Congregation plays a vital role in decision-making, shaping the direction of the church’s ministries, leadership, and mission. Through collective discernment and participation, every member has a voice in guiding the spiritual and organizational life of our church, embodying the core values of shared governance and community.

Standing Committees

Ensuring the smooth operation and governance of the church.

Endowment  More

Nominating More

Safety  More

Technology  More

The Church Council

The Church Council is composed of the moderators, the team leaders, with the pastor and treasurers serving as ex-officio members. This leadership group collaborates to guide the church’s ministries, operations, and overall mission. In line with the values of the United Church of Christ, the Council works to ensure that decisions are made thoughtfully and inclusively, supporting the spiritual life and outreach efforts of the congregation.

Covenants

Each supported and led by a specific ministry group, fostering a deep commitment to these important values within our community.

Racial Justice  More

Open and Affirming  More

Creation Justice  More

Officers

Carol McCloud


Moderator
More

Ray Baker


Vice Moderator
More

Harold Mezile


Past Moderator
More

Susan Moore


Recording Secretary

Robin Reich & Roxanne Schwoch


Co-Treasurers, Ex-Officio

Teams

Facilities


More

Fellowship


More

Finance


More

Growing & Caring


More
Welcome Subgroup →

Mission


More
← Welcome Subgroup

Music & Fine Arts


More

Peace & Justice


More
Food & Hunger Subgroup

Spiritual Education


More

Staffing


More

Worship


More

Staff

Rev. Dr. Wes Bixby

Wes Bixby
Senior Minister (FT)
Ex-Officio
More

Open Position


Director of Music (FT)

Sherry Glover


Admin (PT)

Pam Gansch-Boythe


Bookkeeper (PT)

Heidie Heath


Financial Clerk (PT)

Douglas Kingsley


Media Specialist (PT)

Section Leaders


Lauren Patsos, Susan Raines, Rob Quarles and River Rogers (PT)

Church Governance and Commitments

Our church thrives through its dedicated committees and guiding covenants. The Standing Committees ensure the smooth operation and governance of the church. Each of our Covenants—Racial Justice, Open and Affirming, and Creation Justice—is supported and led by a specific ministry group, fostering a deep commitment to these important values within our community.

Standing Committees

Endowment  More

Nominating More

Safety  More

Technology  More

Covenants

Racial Justice  More

Open and Affirming  More

Creation Justice  More