The Rev. Susan Detterman has served as Pastor of St. Mark UCC since 2007. Prior to this call, she served UCC churches in Ohio, Virginia and New Hampshire. She has also served UCC congregations in Florida as an Interim Pastor. For more than 20 years, Sue has been active in civic and ecumenical activities and has led workshops and retreats, written curriculum materials and articles, primarily about Christian Education. These have been used by many denominations.Professionally, Sue enjoys empowering people to embody faithful discipleship in both church and their daily lives, while exploring new ways to affirm and celebrate the diversity of all God’s people.
Personally, Sue enjoys movies, the theater, sports, travel, music and home improvement projects. A native of Ohio, Sue is a graduate of The Defiance College. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Christian Education from Scarritt Graduate School and a Master of Divinity degree from The Divinity School of Vanderbilt University. Sue also holds a Certificate in Interim Ministry from the Interim Ministry Network.
Karen Conrad, Director of Music
Sarah Smith Whitt, Organist
Sarah is a native of Tampa, Florida and moved to Brandon in 1952. She is the Widow of Claude L. Whitt and has raised 2 adopted children, 2 grandchildren, and 1 great grandson. At the age of 8, she started taking piano lessons for 10 years and also took organ lessons. Since 1957, Sarah has held organist and pianist positions in various churches in central Florida. Served as organist for MacDill Air Force Chapel in Tampa, Florida for several years. She played the piano in a dance band for F.F.A. dances at BrandonHigh School. Marched and played the Lyre Bells for 3 years in the Brandon High School Band. Played the Timpani Drums in the Brandon High School Orchestra. Sarah has been a member of St. Mark United Church since 1992. She served as Assistant Organist and has been permanent Organist/Choir accompanist since January 2003. She is also a member of the American Guild of Organist. She offers her ministry of music in worship services, weddings, funerals, special performances and other events in the life of the Congregation. After working for the Florida Department of Revenue in the Collection and Enforcement of Florida Taxes and Child Support Enforcement as Administrative Assistant II for 15 years, she retired in May 2002, which has allowed more devotion to her music career.
