Many of you know John and remember that he gave the charge at Michael’s installation in June 2012, “Let the Mint Be the Mint.” He is one of Michael’s closest colleagues and friends. He will be with us, and preaching on Sept. 6. It will also be a communion Sunday.
For those who don’t know him, below is the Florida Conference’s bio. on him; he is their Conference Minister.
The Rev. John Vertigan hopes that the conference continues to embody a covenant of welcome, mutual respect, and engagement in the church and in society. “We will build on those values of extravagant welcome, continuing testimony, and changing lives. We will strive toward multicultural and multiracial community building, advance the just cause of the Open and Affirming movement, and recognize the growing need for churches and buildings that are Accessible to All.”
Vertigan earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from State University of New York at Pottsdam, and his M. Div. from Bangor Theological Seminary in Maine.
He has a daughter, Allyson, who lives in California, where she is currently a student at the UCC’s Pacific School of Religion.
He was licensed as a pastor in 1989 and ordained in 1995 in the New York Conference. He considers himself fortunate to have served faith communities of various sizes and configurations.