Rev. Rich Kirschner to Preach at United Church

United Church of Marco Island welcomes Rev. Rich Kirschner as guest preacher on Sunday, June 14, as part of the church’s inspiring summer sermon series, “Underdogs of the Bible.”

Rev. Kirschner brings decades of pastoral leadership, community engagement, and ministry experience to the pulpit. Born and raised in Bristol, Connecticut, he retired from active ministry in the United Methodist Church after serving congregations in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as Paducah, Kentucky, and Naples, Florida. From 2003–2014, he served as Executive Minister and Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church Naples.

He is a graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan University and pursued graduate theological studies at Methodist Theological School in Ohio and Vanderbilt Divinity School.

Rich and his wife, Nancy, are the proud parents of two children — Jeff of New Albany, Indiana and Stephanie of Nashville, Tennessee — and have one grandchild. Together, Rich and Nancy have also served as dedicated Rotary Youth Exchange host parents.

Currently, Rev. Kirschner is a member of Naples United Church of Christ, where he serves as Chair of the Board of Christian Education. He is also a past president of the board of Meals of Hope and previously served as District Governor of Rotary for Southwest Florida.

“We are delighted to welcome Rich to United Church of Marco Island,” commented Ed Brandt, Pastor of the church. “His depth of experience, heart for service, and engaging spirit will be a blessing to all who attend.”

Worship services are held Sundays at 8:30 AM with a communion service in the chapel and at 10:00 AM in Disseler Hall on the church campus.