On December 31, 2000 at a regular Sunday service, the congregation of Parma Greece United Church of Christ at Latta and Manitou Roads celebrated the end of a successful two-year interim pastorate by Rev. Phyllis Reed.

Rev. Reed received the Ron Brown "Bless Your Heart" award given to church members who excel in leadership. Sixty-four red, heart-shaped balloons were brought into the sanctuary by Sunday School members of all ages. The choir provided special music. Adam Klock offered a piano medley of Rev. Reed's favorite hymns. Doug (Genesis) and Kevin (Satan) Klock gave a dialog between an interpreter of the Book of Genesis and Satan. A buffet was served after the service.

Rev. Reed "passed the torch" to Gary Ferner who began his ministry on January 2, 2001. He will graduate from Colgate Rochester Divinity School in May 2001. He and his wife, Betsy, and children, four-year-old Grace and two-year-old Helene, reside on Apollo Drive in Greece, sharing a home with Florence Hoefler, a long-time member of the church.

Pastor Ferner's first Sunday at Parma Greece will be January 7.