Reverend Michael L. Sloan is the new minister at the First Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) in Spencerport, and members of the church couldn’t be happier.
With a desire to be contemporary, adaptable, and flexible while retaining traditional values, the chuch was seeking a leader to help them step into a future to which God is still speaking. The members of the search committee identified three specific skills that they felt a new minister needed – a willingness to work with youth, the ability to move the church in a new direction, and the ability to present quality sermons. After searching for nearly a year, they found Reverend Sloan who they believe has the vision to lead the church forward.
Reverend Sloan arrived in Spencerport from Normal, Illinois. He began his ministerial career as an associate minister in Illinois and enrolled in Lincoln Christian University and earned a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and Master of Divinity in Homiletics. Upon graduation, he served five years as pastor of North Bridge Baptist Church in Normal, and also as pastor of Hudson Baptist Church in Hudson. After these positions in Illinois, he served as a chaplain in the Intensive Care Unit at a hospital in Clearwater, Florida.
Reverend Sloan was in the process of transferring his membership from American Baptist Churches to the United Church of Christ when Spencerport’s First Congregational Church called him to be their full-time minister. He started in February of this year and is happy to be back in parish ministry, where his passion dwells.
Reverend Sloan is pursuing his doctorate degree at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School and plans to graduate in May 2020. He has a daughter Michele, 18, who graduated from Normal Community High School in Illinois and will study fashion design at Genesee Community College. Both she and her father love music and travel. Reverend Sloan also enjoys volunteering, reading, journaling, and being with friends and family.
Reverend Sloan is getting to know the people in the Spencerport community, and the members of the church wish to invite the community to attend a service and experience his ministry. Sunday worship is at 10 a.m., followed by coffee and refreshments in the fellowship hall. All are welcomed to attend.
Rally Day, which is when Sunday School resumes, is September 8. There is a blended class of children 4 years and older. A nursery is available for infants and toddlers. A treasure hunt and pie-eating contest are planned for that day, as well as a Backpack Blessing. Children are encouraged to bring their school backpacks to church that day. After service, there will be a picnic for everyone.
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