October 6th was the first sermon for the new pastor at Hope United Church of Christ in Sturgeon Bay. Reverend James Gary Brinn comes to Hope United from Maine. Brinn is in his fifties and he did not begin his path to being a pastor until after the September 11th attacks in 2001. Brinn was working in Manhattan at the time and the tragedy had a profound impact on him. He had to complete his bachelor's degree with students who were 15-20 years younger.
Brinn says the transition broke with standard protocol. Usually there is an interim pastor for two years when a UCC Reverend retires. Combining the streamlined changeover with Hope United's growth, Brinn doesn't intend to change everything. He does envision a mini youth movement though.
Photo courtesy of Hope Church