Rev. Salvatore Sapienza
PASTOR

pastor@douglasucc.org
Reverend Salvatore Sapienza is the pastor of Douglas UCC.  Pastor Sal is a graduate of New York University (NYU) and All Faiths Seminary in New York City. He is a former Catholic monk and an ordained interfaith minister with Privilege of Call in the United Church of Christ.
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Pastor Sal is the author of the books, Seventy Times Seven, Gay is a Gift, and Mychal's Prayer. He has facilitated workshops and retreats around the country. He and his husband, Gregg, have lived in the Saugatuck/Douglas area for over ten years and are actively involved in the community. 

Jeff Spangler
CANTOR & DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Jeff Spangler first attended Douglas UCC in 2001 and began singing in a small choir. He expressed interest in solo performance which led to his singing every other week.

When cantor/soloist Alan Mc Phail’s partner passed away and Alan was unable to sing, Jeff took on the role full-time. He was named Douglas UCC's Director of Music in 2006.

Over 20 years ago, Jeff was elected Mayor of Saugatuck, becoming one of the first openly gay mayors in the country. Since then, he was continued to serve on the Saugatuck City Council. 

Jeff is also a member of the Lakeshore Community Chorus. He and his husband, Doug, were married at Douglas UCC in 2018.

Peter Black
PIANIST

Peter Black has been the pianist at our church since 2004. 

Where most congregations begin filing out of the church during the final song, everyone at Douglas UCC stays seated each and every week for Peter's incredible postludes. It's like a mini-concert each week with our own extraordinary pianist!

In 2015, Peter officially became a member of our church. He is happy to be part of the music team at Douglas UCC!