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Methodist Church In Tarpon Springs Welcomes New Minister
Mark Schantz/SUNCOAST NEWS
The new pastor at First United Methodist Church of Tarpon Springs, the Rev. Doug Zipperer, looks over some of the food prepared for its cold night shelter.
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Published: February 14, 2009
TARPON SPRINGS - The newly appointed pastor of the century-old First United Methodist Church of Tarpon Springs was pleased to learn he had been chosen to lead a congregation famed in area religious circles for its outreach ministry.
A native of Savannah, Ga., the Rev. Doug Zipperer for the last 30 months led a congregation with a similar mission in Port Charlotte. He was asked to relocate to Tarpon Springs upon retirement of the church's former pastor, the Rev. Henry Crib.
He is no stranger to the west coast of Florida, having served as spiritual leader of First United Methodist Church of Brooksville, previous to his ministry in Port Charlotte.
Zipperer said he was "very happy" to be asked to serve the congregation here because it is "well-known for its innovative programs, devotion to outreach programs, history of strong mission work and very exciting dynamic worship services."
The church is also known for its youth programs and service to the homeless. It operates a nighttime cold-weather shelter that has earned great praise, Zipperer said.
He said he is eager to join a great staff in serving the community, helping to build the outreach mission of the 1,800-member congregation.
Zipperer will reside in the church's parsonage with his wife of 38 years, Suzanne. He expects the couple's grown children and grandchildren and members of their extended family will make frequent visits.
He decided to devote his life to serving the Lord during his college days, Zipperer said. While seeking a bachelor's degree in chemistry at Jacksonville University he changed his major to social work. The latter course of study would be better suited to devoting his life to church service, he believed.
Zipperer went on to earn a master's degree in divinity from the Chandler School of Theology at Atlanta's Emory University.
The church holds two Sunday services. There is a traditional worship at 8:15 a.m. and a service combining contemporary and traditional elements at 10:30 a.m.
Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.
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