Charles J Wiggins, Pastor:

A native of suburban Philadelphia, Pastor Chuck has been the Head of Staff at Trinity since 1996.  He lives in Englewood with his wife Kathi, also a Presbyterian (USA) pastor in Sarasota.  The Wiggins’ have four grown children and six grandchildren—the youngest being Evan Charles Wiggins!  Holding graduate degrees from Princeton Seminary, Pastor Chuck earned a doctorate in 1992.

What does our Pastor like best about Trinity Church?   “They are a Christ-centered, Bible-believing congregation full of people that are so wonderfully loving and supportive.”

His favorite scripture would not surprise you.  It’s 1 Thessalonians 2:13.  “We thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not merely as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.”

Outside the church, you will find Pastor Chuck a voracious reader of history, an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan, adoring six grandkids, and traveling with his wife Kathi.

Lewis E. Trotter, Seasonal Pastoral Associate:

Although Lewis was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, his childhood was spent in Oklahoma City and Memphis, TN.  A graduate of the University of Memphis, he went on to receive his doctorate from Columbia Seminary in 1987. Lewis and his wife Connie live in Parish, FL. They have three grown children and five grandchildren.

Since coming to Trinity he has enjoyed the presence of a caring, loving congregation whose witness in our day shares a vibrant message of God's love through Jesus Christ. Trinity is a congregation who reaches out in praise and witness, while serving our neighbors with care and love.

"From those formulating experiences of being a teenager til now, my favorite verse from Scripture is the verse where Jesus says to his disciples: 'I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full' (John 10:10b). It is special, for each day provides me with an opportunity to live on that cutting edge that Jesus invites his followers to live. Having that vision in my mind each morning and the Doxology in my heart give to me a great day to live."

Lewis loves to read, he collects vintage baseball/football cards, is a St. Louis Cardinal fan, and does a lot of walking. His bucket wish is watch a "real" major league game in all the stadiums of the MLB.

Juanita Fauser, Church Administrator:

Juanita came to Venice in 1991 and began working at Trinity shortly thereafter. She sees her work as a ministry rather than a job. She finds working with the people of Trinity brings great joy -- the people are a loving and caring group of Christians.

Juanita is a native of the great state of Oregon - and is the fifth child of seven in her family. She enjoys her time visiting with her siblings during summer vacations, going to the mountains, and the Oregon Coast.

One of her favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 3:5-6; "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths."

Juanita has two wonderful daughters, Erika, who lives in Pennsylvania and Erin who lives with her in Venice. In her free time, Juanita enjoys tinkering with electronics, working with computers, and listening to good music.

Linda Singleton, Finance Coordinator:

Linda Singleton was born and raised in a small town in Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota before moving to Sarasota in 1978.  She began working at Trinity when her son, Manuel, was six months old.  At that time she worked part-time entering contributions into Trinity’s first computer – an IBM 286 with a new software program called Shelby Systems.

Many changes have occurred over the years, but some things never change, and that’s the warmth and caring congregation that has always been here.  Believing God provided this job for her is a testimony of his promises that He will take care of us.

Now that her husband, Hosea, is retired, and Manuel has finished college, she is enjoying some help with everyday chores around the house. Whenever she gets a chance, she loves to be outside gardening.  She also enjoys reading and sharing computer interests with her son.

A scripture that Linda holds on to for direction in her everyday life is, “...do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”  II Corinthians 4:18.

Karin Barbito, Director of Community Assistance Ministry:

Karin was born to Eugene and Beverly Parvin on Nov. 1, 1958 in Grand Rapids, MI. Karin and her two brothers (Curt and Mark) grew up in Davison, MI. She attended Michigan State Univ and Western Michigan Univ before going to work in the Nuclear Field for Westinghouse in Pittsburgh, PA. When the nuclear field collapsed she went to work as a laboratory manager for an Environmental Chemistry Co. After years of climbing the corporate ladder, Karin came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior. Her priorities changed - people became her passion. In her mid 40's, she went back to college (Roberts Wesleyan, Rochester, NY) to become a Social Worker.

Karin attributes the drastic change in her life to the transformative power of Jesus - who when asked, can take the vilest of sinners and heal them. Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 30:2, "O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me."

Within weeks after moving to FL, Karin saw Trinity's ad for Dir. of the Community Assistance Ministry. A match made in heaven, Sept. 20, 2008 was her first day on the job at TPC.

John Cosgrove, Interim Director of Children and Family Ministries:

John and his wife, Lynn, moved to Florida in 2004 from Pennsylvania where for 32 years, he was the supervisor of the art department for a large textile printer. They have 2 daughters and 3 granddaughters in the Philadelphia area.

One of the things that John likes about being part of the church staff is the fellowship and comradery.  It truly is a blessing to work in such an atmosphere. One of John’s favorite scriptures is: Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Larry DeBruyne, Season Organist:

Larry and his wife Joy are residents of Grand Rapids, MI. In 2001, after 41 years, Larry retired from Old Kent Financial Corporation (now Fifth Third Bank) in operations and marketing.  Two years later after 50 years of service, he also retired as worship coordinator and organist with their Reformed Church in Grand Rapids.  He found that his retirement from involvement in worship resulted in emptiness and is so thankful that when the door closed back in Michigan, God opened another one at Trinity. They now spend their winters in Englewood and are affiliate members of Trinity where Larry pulls all the stops on the organ.

Larry and Joy have 3 children, including one who has preceded them to heaven;  and 7 grandchildren.  Larry and Joy enjoy the “family” atmosphere of Trinity and he appreciates the working together of the staff, as well as being able to volunteer in the Community Assistance Ministry.

One of his favorite scripture verses is Romans 8:38  “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Sherry DiGiorgio, Office Support:

Sherry DiGiorgio is support staff for the office at Trinity Presbyterian Church.  Being semi-retired, she works part-time Tuesday thru Friday mornings.  Born and raised in Pennsylvania, in 1967 Sherry moved to Florida for 12 years. For 20 years, she lived in the glorious state of Colorado where she was a member of Village Seven Presbyterian Church, Colorado Springs until she returned to Florida in 2001.

Sherry has one son, one granddaughter and one great-grandson living in Colorado.  With most of her family living in other states, she finds joy in sharing her home with her two cats, Mackie and Keira.

A favorite bible verse is:  Hebrews 13:6 “The Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Dawn Gouvellis, Volunteer Coordinator:

Dawn Gouvellis was born in Poughkeepsie, NY. She relocated to the Venice area with her family in 1978 and graduated from Manatee Junior College in 1983. She has a background in newspaper and public relations. Dawn has a daughter, Jessica, who currently lives in New York City.

The staff and the volunteers at Trinity are an inspiration to Dawn and she enjoys working with them. In addition to her job at Trinity, she works for a local chiropractor.

One of Dawns's favorite scriptures is: Jeremiah 20:11 " ' For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you to give you a future and a hope.' "

Doug Hamstra, Organist/Accompanist:

Douglas Hamstra, organist and accompanist at Trinity Presbyterian Church, has been a music educator for 37 years: 13 years in Indiana and 24 years in Florida.  Doug recently retired from teaching in public schools in order to spend more time at church, traveling, and visiting his family.  Doug is originally from DeMotte, Indiana where he was a member of First Reformed Church.  His mom lives at Oak Grove Retirement Village in DeMotte, and his sister and brother-in-law live in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Doug's favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13--"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".  He enjoys working at Trinity because the staff  is so motivating and the congregation is so appreciative of various music genres.  Also, during his 11 years at Trinity, the church has shown that music is so central to worship that a 56 stop Allen organ and 6' 7" Yamaha piano were purchased for use in the sanctuary.  Doug considers it a privilege to accompany our fine chancel choir and to lead in worship on these magnificent instruments - to the glory of God!

Manuel Singleton, Information Tech. Support:

Manuel Singleton graduated from Florida International University with a master’s degree in Management Information Systems.

A computer guy and an avid reader Manuel loves his Kindle. He has taken his interests and added education to pursue work in the business field analyzing and implementing computer technology.  The Community Assistance Ministry was a recipient of his abilities and knowledge through implementation of computers and the design of a software program specific for their needs.  He has also built several of the computers that are used in the administration wing, as well as, the sanctuary.  Whenever anyone has a computer problem, the first words we hear are, “Where’s Manuel?”  And with his gentle spirit, patience, and knowledge, we are soon back up and running.

A favorite verse of Manuel’s is from Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Sharon Sutherland, Music Director:

"There are so many ways to Praise!" is the phrase that defines Sharon Sutherland's music ministry. Sharon joined the staff of Trinity Presbyterian Church in May, 2009, and just nine months later, the first contemporary worship service began.

Sharon began serving in churches as soon as she was old enough to sit at the piano bench, becoming church pianist at the age of 14. She has served as pianist, organist, choir and music director at many churches in Ohio and Florida. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Sharon was a labor relations and communications consultant in Ohio, North Carolina and Florida with heavy emphasis on PR and marketing. Sharon pursued additional course work at the Capital University Conservatory of Music, and most notably, studied piano with jazz great Dave Wheeler.

Sharon traveled across the country professionally with both One Accord and The Paul Caldwell Singers as pianist, arranger and vocalist. Sharon is currently performing with the duo RUSHour with Russ Struble, another Trinity member and bass vocalist. Sharon is a popular workshop leader known for her enthusiasm and excitement for worship design--from traditional to contemporary styles. Sharon teaches voice and piano privately, and continues her work in composing and arranging.

Sharon is married to Ray since 1983, and enjoys their cocker spaniel, Tiffany. Sharon is also a certified Interior Decorator and Home Stager. She enjoys cooking and entertaining in her spare time, and cruising for total relaxation.

"The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: 'He is good; his love endures forever.' Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God." 2 Chronicles 5:13-14

Reed Wilson, Custodial/Maintenance:

Since Aug. 2006, Reed has been employed with Trinity Presbyterian as Custodian. Prior to TPC, Reed had been employed by the State of Florida for 35 years and retired in 2006. He was looking for a job that involved hands-on skills and that would keep him physically active. He is happy to be serving Trinity in whatever capacity the church wants to use his skills and abilities.

Reed and his wife Kay share three beautiful daughters, two living in North Carolina, and the youngest still in college and working in Florida. Reed and Kay originally hail from Ohio, Reed from Salem and Kay from Cadiz. Reed graduated from Malone College, Canton, Ohio in 1968. His hobbies have evolved over the years. While he used to enjoy traveling, backpacking, hiking, hunting, and fishing, he now appreciates more tranquil activities, as woodworking, music, home improvement (interior/exterior) projects, walking, and biking, which he shares with Kay.

One of his favorite Bible verses is: Matthew 19:23-26; Paraphrasing, {it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.....the disciples asked Jesus,..Who then can be saved? Jesus looked at them and said..} "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible".