United in Purpose, Strong in Service
Learn How We’re Organized to Support Our Congregation and CommunityLeadership 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
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.
Officers
Teams
Staff
Rev. Dr. 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.
Harold Mezile
Past Moderator
As new arrivals to Florida in 2017, Peggye and I were invited by church member Clarence Rogers to visit the church. We appreciated the warm welcome and the friendly members. We ended our search and joined. I was immediately recruited and served as an usher and captain of the ushers.
I also joined the Worship Team and Bible classes. I later became a Church Council member, Vice Moderator, and Moderator and Immediate Past Moderator. Each step in my UCC Church journey has been a joy, working with committed people striving to make a difference.
I retired from a 40-year YMCA career, serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Kansas City YMCA, Sr. Field Consultant YUSA, President/CEO of both Central Maryland Y, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan YMCA. Having spent a career focused on Christian values, I appreciate how our church ministers to our church members and collaborates with community groups to address the community needs. We are inclusive, affirming, and welcoming in our ministry.
Peggye and I have two children and three grandchildren.
Ray Baker
Vice Moderator
Another of the “seasonal friends” of First Congregational, I find myself more involved with this wonderful congregation than I ever imagined I would be. Participating in the choir has become a source of great personal satisfaction not only from my fellow choir members but also the opportunity to expand and extend my love of sacred music.
Proud son of New Jersey, my education has taken me to Maryland, Missouri, and Virginia. My career spans 45 years in college classrooms as a professor of Economics, culminating in 32 years at Rockford University in Rockford, Illinois.
Janet and I are the fortunate parents of son Randy and daughter Laurie. They each have two children who are, of course, the most amazing grandchildren in the world.!
Since retirement in 2012, my wonderful wife Janet and I have been privileged to winter in Sarasota, where we found First Congregational UCC, and have been blessed by our chance to become members of such a wonderful congregation.
Carol McCloud
Moderator
Though we are “seasonal”, it does not stop us from becoming involved. I have met so many people by volunteering here. Be it painting (there’s always a project), serving as chair of Growing & Caring, preparing our monthly newsletter, or helping in the office, the best way to feel like this is home is to become involved.
Illinois has been our home base, first in Northbrook then Geneva and Batavia. My work experience includes summer factory work (making fire extinguishers), secretarial, and 35 years as a business education teacher at the vocational, high school, and community college levels. After retirement, we did kitchen, bath, and room addition remodels until 2016.
I am forever grateful for my early secretarial job which led to my employer reimbursing me for the expenses of my first two years of community college. This allowed me to finish at Northern Illinois University without debt—grateful!
I am most proud of our two sons and our four grandchildren, continuing to amaze me in the many ways they show kindness and generosity. This gives me much hope. I love this church community which reinforces these values.
Facilities & Grounds Team
The Facilities and Grounds (F&G) Team is responsible for maintaining and improving the church campus. Their work includes overseeing the upkeep of buildings, managing landscaping, and ensuring that all systems, such as air conditioning and irrigation, are functioning properly. They collaborate with other groups on sustainability projects, such as composting and energy-saving initiatives, and handle a wide range of repair and renovation projects. The team ensures that the church environment is welcoming, functional, and reflective of the church’s values.
Fellowship & Special Events Team
The Fellowship and Special Events Team is dedicated to creating opportunities for congregation members to connect and enjoy time together. They organize regular social events, including fellowship gatherings after worship services and special events like picnics, cook-offs, and seasonal celebrations. By offering a welcoming environment for both long-time members and newcomers, the team plays an essential role in fostering community spirit within the church. Their activities provide a space for fellowship, fun, and shared experiences.
Budget, Finance & Stewardship Team
The Budget, Finance, and Stewardship Team is responsible for managing the church’s financial health, including budgeting, financial planning, and stewardship campaigns. They ensure that income from contributions, investments, and other sources is maximized and aligned with the church’s mission. The team works closely with other committees, like Facilities & Grounds, to fund key projects and monitors expenses to maintain financial stability. They also oversee stewardship efforts to encourage financial support from the congregation, helping to sustain the church’s programs and operations.
Growing & Caring Team
The Growing & Caring Team focuses on nurturing the spiritual and relational well-being of the church community. They welcome new members with hospitality efforts such as welcome bags and personal outreach, while also recognizing milestones like birthdays and special occasions through the support of “Communications Angels.” The team plays an important role in fostering connections within the congregation by organizing initiatives like the All Saints Day “Tree of Life” remembrance and celebrating members’ significant life events. Their goal is to ensure that every member feels valued and supported.
Mission Team
The Mission Team is dedicated to supporting charitable outreach through organized fundraising and resource mobilization. By coordinating initiatives like the Christmas Love Offering for community-based charities, the Easter Love Offering for global causes, and annual drives for Alta Vista Elementary and Sarasota Point, the team enables our congregation to actively engage in impactful giving. Through their work, the Mission Team embodies our commitment to serving others, both near and far, ensuring that our church remains a positive force for change in the world.
Music & Fine Arts Team
The Music & Fine Arts Team enhances worship and special events through the integration of music and artistic expression. They organize and support performances throughout the year, including seasonal services like Holy Week, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, which feature choir performances, instrumentalists, and guest artists. The team also hosts special concerts and events that bring the congregation together in celebration and reflection. Their efforts contribute to the spiritual atmosphere of the church, creating memorable experiences through music, art, and worship.
Peace & Justice Team
The Peace & Justice Team advocates for social justice through various activities and partnerships. They support gun violence prevention, food security initiatives, and justice reform efforts in Sarasota. Key programs include participating in BRADY Sarasota’s gun violence awareness events, supporting Project 180’s re-entry program, and organizing the Food & Hunger Group, which coordinates efforts with organizations like All Faiths Food Bank, Community Meal, and Family Promise. The team also works with SURE on issues such as affordable housing, and promotes awareness and action on justice-related legislation.
Spiritual Education & Growth Team
The Spiritual Education & Growth Team fosters spiritual development through a variety of educational and reflective programs. They support ongoing initiatives such as Sacred Conversations on Race, Bible studies, Drumming as a Spiritual Practice, and Artful Prayer gatherings. The team also organizes special events through the Oasis Center for Reflection and Renewal, including classes, book discussions, and spiritual workshops. In addition, they manage scholarships for students and engage the congregation in supporting students with midterm encouragement. The team actively contributes to church-wide efforts, such as updating the core values statement, helping the community grow in faith.
Staffing Team
The Staffing Team oversees the church’s personnel management and ensures that job descriptions align with the church’s needs. They have updated employment conditions and made adjustments to staffing configurations, including the addition of a Financial Clerk position. Currently, the team supports three full-time staff members: the Senior Minister, Minister of Music, and Campus Manager, alongside several part-time roles, including Office Administrator and Media Specialist. The team also appreciates the contributions of volunteers who assist in office duties and support the financial staff through training, ensuring smooth operations within the church.
Worship Team
The Worship Team plays a vital role in enhancing the worship experience within the church. They review and refine the Core Values, Vision, and Mission Statements, ensuring they align with the church’s goals. The team works to integrate significant days—such as Earth Day, Juneteenth, and Pride Sunday—into worship services through prayers, music, and sermons, fostering a sense of inclusivity. They encourage increased participation from the congregation in services, especially on important occasions. Additionally, the team collaborates with the Safety Committee to establish guidelines for ushers and greeters, ensuring a welcoming environment. They plan and design meaningful worship services throughout the liturgical calendar, including Lent and Advent, and are committed to exploring congregational preferences regarding communion practices.
Endowment Committee
The Endowment Committee oversees the church’s Endowment Fund, which was established to provide long-term financial support for the church’s mission and programs. The fund is guided by a Trust Agreement and church bylaws, allowing for annual distributions based on a percentage of the fund’s balance. This structure facilitates exponential growth over time, ensuring that the fund can support various designated purposes, such as scholarships and emergency funds. The committee also engages with members to promote planned giving and legacy contributions, fostering a culture of stewardship within the congregation. Annual events, like Endowment Sunday, celebrate the importance of sustaining the church’s future through financial generosity.
Racial Justice
Racial Justice Mission Group
The Racial Justice Mission Group focuses on promoting understanding and engagement around racial justice within the congregation and the broader community. The group has established a Racial Justice Covenant that serves as a foundation for ongoing conversations and activities aimed at fostering racial justice awareness.
Through dialogues with various partners, the group seeks to share best practices and strategies for addressing racial injustice. It hosts personal testimonies and recognitions during worship, offering insight into the history and impact of racial injustice.
The group also organizes events such as tours of Indigenous and African American art, lectures, interactive workshops, and trips to museums, all designed to deepen the congregation’s understanding of racial justice issues.
Additionally, they actively compile resources to educate the congregation and collaborate closely with other mission groups within the church to enhance their impact. The Racial Justice Mission Group is committed to fostering understanding and partnership, continuing their important work in the community.
Open and Affirming
The COLLAGE Group
Our church embraces the “Open and Affirming” covenant, which signifies our commitment to welcome and affirm LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies. This covenant reflects our belief in the inherent worth and dignity of all people, aligning with our mission to create a supportive and inclusive community.
The COLLAGE Group, dedicated to LGBTQIA+ advocacy, plays a vital role in realizing this commitment. Their initiatives include purchasing and cataloguing LGBTQIA+ books for the church library, staffing community outreach booths at local Pride events, and sponsoring educational field trips to foster understanding and connection within the LGBTQIA+ community. Through monthly luncheons featuring guest speakers, discussions, and recognition of important observances like Transgender Day of Remembrance, COLLAGE actively engages the congregation and encourages dialogue. By working collaboratively, we strive to embody the principles of our Open and Affirming covenant, creating a church that truly reflects love, acceptance, and justice for all.
Creation Justice
The Green Team
The Creation Justice Team, also known as The Green Team, is dedicated to living out our covenant, which calls us to cherish the earth and all living beings. This commitment emphasizes the intrinsic value of creation, recognizing our inseparable connection to the web of life. As a congregation, we acknowledge that our well-being is intertwined with the welfare of all creatures and that the health of our planet is in crisis, largely due to human activity.
To honor this covenant, the Green Team actively promotes education and awareness about environmental issues, advocating for respect and conservation of our natural resources. We engage in various initiatives to mitigate environmental degradation and to pursue justice for the earth, including partnerships for composting, native plantings, and exploring sustainable energy alternatives.
We continue to expand our library cart with books on environmental sustainability, participate in workshops, and integrate Creation Justice themes into our worship services. Our ongoing efforts reflect our commitment to promoting the health of our planet for future generations and to seeking divine guidance in our endeavors.
Through these actions, the Green Team strives to fulfill our covenant, fostering a community that deeply values and protects God’s creation.
Safety Team
The Safety Team focuses on ensuring the safety and security of the congregation during church activities. They develop and implement safety protocols, working closely with local law enforcement to address potential threats. The team provides training for church leaders and greeters on emergency response procedures, ensuring that clear instructions are available for various scenarios, such as evacuation and communication with emergency services.
In recent months, they have responded to heightened concerns following attacks on UCC congregations in other states. The team has developed guidelines for responding to unexpected incidents, received positive feedback from law enforcement, and created laminated instruction cards for key personnel. Looking ahead, the team will continue to assess security needs, maintain communication with local authorities, and explore options for enhancing safety, including recruiting additional greeters and considering potential security system upgrades.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee plays a crucial role in the life of our church by identifying and recommending individuals for various leadership positions within the congregation. This committee is responsible for ensuring that the church’s leadership is composed of dedicated and capable members who are committed to serving the community. By carefully evaluating the skills, experiences, and spiritual gifts of potential candidates, the Nominating Committee helps to build a strong and effective leadership team that can guide our church in fulfilling its mission and vision.
Technology Team
The Technology Team plays a vital role in enhancing the worship experience and supporting church operations through the effective use of technology. Our mission is to ensure that all technological resources are functioning optimally and are accessible to the congregation. This includes managing audio-visual equipment for services, livestreaming events, and maintaining the church’s website and social media platforms.
The team collaborates with various ministries to facilitate special events, ensuring that technology enhances the message and reaches a wider audience. We also provide training and support to staff and volunteers, helping them become proficient in using the available technology.
As we move forward, the Technology Team is committed to exploring new tools and platforms that can further enrich our church community, improve communication, and promote engagement both within the congregation and beyond. Our goal is to create a seamless and impactful technological environment that supports the church’s mission and values.
Rev. Dr. Wes Bixby
Senior Minister
Celebrating 10 years as our Pastor, Rev. Dr. Wes Bixby began his ministry as Senior Minister of First Congregational United Church of Christ in January 2014. Pastor Wes was born in Iowa. He attended United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. It was in the Twin Cities where Wes met his wife Gina. Ordained by the UCC in 2001, he has served congregations in New Hampshire and Wisconsin. Wes and Gina have two children, Ethan and Olivia. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, running, laughing, watching movies and maintaining his blog at https://gracetraces.blogspot.com/.
Racial Justice Covenant
January, 2022
We of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Sarasota, Florida, by vote of our Church Council and congregation, commit to God and one another our covenant with our sisters and brothers of color.
As we celebrate the diversity of the people of God, we commit to remain a congregation that welcomes all our brothers and sisters with love and support. We will be a place in which we all can be fully ourselves and where our full selves are embraced. We will serve as a refuge from hurtful words and harmful actions too often directed against others.
First Congregational United Church of Christ of Sarasota has a history of embracing diversity and racial equity. We have sought and still seek to confront racism and the oppression of people of color. We strive to model the love and grace of Jesus as he reached out to all, especially those on the margins.
We reaffirm our Christian call to understanding and unity through discussion, research and the sharing of personal witness to identify systemic racism in all its forms.
We lament current racial injustice conditions, and commit to actionable steps of hard listening and anti-racist engagement by our ministers, church officers, church community and as individual participants in our local and greater community. These steps will build on our current practices of intentionally selecting diverse lay leadership, and promoting programs and community activities that reflect our stance on diversity and inclusion.
We reaffirm our commitment to policies of equity and steps to dismantle harmful myths, actions, rules and laws. We also commit to celebrating different cultures and voices, both in worship and in our community.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere…. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8
This covenant statement is hereby adopted this 30th day of January, 2022, by unanimous vote of our Church Council and the vote of our congregation.
Please click here for a list of resources put together by the SCOR group (Sacred Conversations on Race). The group meets Wednesdays at 3 on Zoom. All are welcome. See the events page for more information.

Open and Affirming Covenant
March, 2021
We of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Sarasota, Florida, by vote of our Church Council and ratification by our congregation became an Open and Affirming Congregation in 2001, as documented in our church bylaws. We now re-commit to God and one another our covenant with our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning sisters and brothers.
As we celebrate the diversity of the people of God, we commit to remain an Open and Affirming congregation that welcomes all our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters with love and support. We will be a place in which they can be fully themselves, where their full selves are embraced and where their God-given talents are utilized in the life and work of the Church.
We honor the vision of those in our congregation who, more than 20 years ago, founded COLLAGE (Coalition of Laity for Lesbian and Gay Equality) to provide support for LGBTQ+ persons in the congregation and community. In league with COLLAGE, we will continue to reach out to and welcome LGBTQ+ persons into our church family. We will serve as a refuge from hurtful words and harmful actions and work toward eliminating social injustices too often directed against them.
This covenant statement is hereby adopted this 16th day of March, 2021, by unanimous vote of our Church Council.

Creation Justice Covenant
January, 2021
We of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Sarasota, Florida, by vote of our Church Council and ratification by our Congregation, do solemnly commit to God, one another, and all creatures, to walk in God’s ways by cherishing the earth and all living beings who dwell upon it. This is the divine creation and we commit to promoting its health and sustainability.
We acknowledge at the outset that we are inseparably part of the web of life; our well-being dependent on the welfare of fellow creatures. We recognize the utmost value in creation – inherent value independent of creation’s usefulness for us. In this covenant, we understand that our creation is in crisis, in large part because of human activity. As a consequence, we promise to educate ourselves and others about the causes of and solutions to environmental degradation.
We commit to finding ways to respect and conserve our natural resources for the benefit of future generations and for the future of the planet. Because of our covenant with God and the earth, we will seek divine guidance and strive to follow God’s will. We will pursue justice for the earth, protect vulnerable living things from exploitation, and seek remediation of the environmental damage humans have caused.
This Covenant Statement is Hereby ADOPTED this 19th day of May, 2020, by unanimous vote of the Church Council of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Sarasota, Florida.
RATIFIED this 24th day of January, 2021, by a Congregational vote of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Sarasota, Florida.