Pastor Patti, as she is known in the community, began her ministry at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs in September 2024.

Prior to entering the ministry, Pastor Patti worked as an adjunct professor for 3 years, and in nonprofit management for 18 years, most recently as a director at Interfaith Hospitality Network and Habitat for Humanity, as well as the Executive Director at Clothes To Kids, Inc. in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties.

Pastor Patti has a Master of Divinity and Master of Communication degrees and research in UU Studies and organizational models. She was ordained in June 2024 at Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater, Florida, where she served as their ministerial intern.

Pastor Patti lives in St. Petersburg with her husband Mike and two doggies, Chica and Manny. She loves to study, sit in the garden and pull weeds, and take long, long walks around the bay. Patti especially loves being the “mum” of four children and  “muma” to five glorious grandchildren.

You can contact Patti at minister@uutarpon.org 

Hello, I'm Bonnie Whitehurst. Let me share with you my journey to this church, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs.

My first introduction to UUism was in Flint, Michigan in the 1970's, where I was invited to perform at a coffee house held in the church basement. I became a regular there and was frequently invited to provide music for the Sunday services. Having been raised Methodist, I found it a very different, intriguing worship experience.

When I moved to Florida in 1979, I met a woman who was a vital part of the Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater. She encouraged my involvement in that congregation's music and religious education programs and I was active there until 1997.

Since that time I have enjoyed being a guest musician and worship leader at many UU churches throughout the state of Florida and every summer I travel to the Southeastern Unitarian Universalist Summer Institute (SUUSI) in Blacksburg, Virginia where I join other musicians to make music for an entire week.

In 2000 I became the music director of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs, FL. It has been a pleasure to work with the ministers over the years. Together we strive to intertwine the message and music to form a seamless Sunday garment that the congregation can put on and take home. I have always been encouraged to be creative, inventive, intuitive, and free in the music I choose each Sunday. It is truly one of the very best positions a musician can have and I hope to continue providing music in Tarpon Springs for years to come.

blwhitehurst@verizon.net | 727-459-0438 | www.bonniewhitehurst.com

Gayle Gardner has joined the staff at the Unitarian Universalist Church as our office administrator. She is a native of Vermont and relocated to Florida in 2000. She met her husband, Mike, in 2004 and they have been married for 17 years. They have a blended family of four adult children, and now have seven grandchildren aged two through twelve. Quality time with family is the most important, they enjoy taking vacations together, boating, and cruising to the Caribbean. Gayle is a seasoned office administrator and will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns. Please feel free to contact her at admin@uutarpon.org

Jamilet “Jami” Cruz implements our Faith Formation for Children program, with the support of volunteer congregants, who are dedicated to the spiritual growth of our children, and in collaboration with Rev. Kristina. During the week Jami works full time as a youth specialist for Cops ‘n Kids where she has worked for several years and has earned her Directors Credential. Jami is also credentialed as Child Development Associate (CDA) and is CPR and AED certified. We came to know Jami through her service on the Community Garden Board. Most importantly, Jami loves working with kids. It is her passion and we love having her!

Rev. Robert F. Murphy, Minister Emeritus, served the congregation from 2015 until his retirement at the end of 2019.

Rev. Wes Stevens, Minister Emeritus, served the congregation from 1997 to 2007.