Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Frantz, minister at Miami Lakes Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) retired effective December 31, 2013, after 41 years of local church ministry. Coming here from South California, Frantz began his pastorate in Miami Lakes in May 2000.
A native of Aurora, Illinois, Frantz graduated from Grinnell College in 1966. Upon graduation, he served two years in the Peace Corps in Panama where he also met Yvette Dubois, to whom he has been married since 1970. After Panama, Frantz became the first American player/coach in basketball in Portugal.
In 1972, Frantz entered seminary at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, graduating in 1976 with a Masters of Divinity and being ordained that same year at his first church in Palo Alto, California.
Later, Frantz earned his Doctor of Ministry at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, and served churches in Buffalo, New York; Poway, California; Moreno Valley, California;, and lastly, his long-term pastorate in Miami Lakes.
Since 2001, Frantz has been the acting Dean of the United Church of Christ churches in the greater Miami area, convening monthly luncheons for the pastors and being the liaison between the Miami area-based local churches and the UCC Conference office in Orlando.
In the Miami Lakes community, Frantz has served in multiple ways, performing baptisms, weddings and memorial services for hundreds of people and families. He has also led numerous interfaith events and services.
When asked what most stands out for him over his four decades of local church ministry, he said:
“Over the years, the most rewarding thing about Christian ministry for me has been the honor and joy of being with people during some of the most poignant and meaningful times of their lives – in baptisms, confirmations, weddings and memorial services.”
Beyond local church ministry, Frantz has been a columnist of the popular “Echoes of the Heart” column in The Miami Laker since 2001.
Frantz and his wife, Yvette, plan on remaining in the Miami Lakes area, when not visiting their two daughters and grandchildren. Both university Political Science professors, daughter Natasha lives near London, England, with husband Lawrence and their children, Annika and Karolina. Younger daughter Erica resides near Boston with husband Cliff and toddlers Luciana and Felix.
Frantz’s last worship service was on Sunday, December 29. A retirement party for the couple is planned for Saturday, January 18. Those interested in attending may call the church office at 305-822-4313, to make a reservation.