Miami Lakes Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, welcomed and installed interim senior pastor Rev. Richard Sparrow in late January, following the retirement of longtime, beloved senior pastor Dr. Jeffrey E. Frantz.
Sparrow has extensive experience at both the local and national United Church of Christ levels in Massachusetts, New York, Illinois and Ohio. He concluded a 15 month interim at Sarasota, Florida in December.
A graduate of the University of Massachusetts and the Andover Newton Theological Seminary, Sparrow is specially trained to guide congregations through the transition between settled pastors.
“From the time I interviewed for the interim position last November, I’ve come to expect an open, warm and hardworking congregation, and that’s what I’ve found,” Sparrow said. “There is much to love here and The Growing Place Preschool is one. Five days a week 200 children and youth walk by my window; I’m surrounded by young life and I find that an incredible joy.”
Sparrow has a love of travel, pottery, photography, movies and poetry. He and his wife, Mary Jane, a retired primary school teacher, call Lakewood, Ohio home. They are living in Miami Lakes and enjoying South Florida.
Miami Lakes Congregational is celebrating its 50th Jubilee Year and the congregation plans to commemorate the church’s rich history throughout the year culminating with a weekend celebration in mid-October.
The community is invited to participate in all church events and activities. Worship service is held every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at 6701 Miami Lakeway South, across from Miami Lakes K-8 Center. For more information, call the church office at 305-822-4313.