Rev. Jim Rapp, Pastor
If there’s one thing our pastor does well, it’s caring for people. Leading worship and preaching follow close behind. A strong desire to see the Church of the Isles grow in Spirit and number is on the list, too.
The Rev. Jim Rapp is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ who has helped churches in Florida for over 22 years. As a pastor, his passions lie in good worship, effective church administration, regular pastoral visitation, church growth results, and connectedness to the UCC. He received his Master of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary in 1988.
Pastor Jim is newly married. He (and his two left feet) met his bride-to-be, Rosa, at a ballroom dance studio while living in Melbourne, Florida. Jim is the proud father of two children: 20 year old Renae and 17 year old Evan. When he’s not working, our pastor loves travel vacations with Rosa and recharging his batteries by playing golf.
“I’m filled with enthusiasm when I consider answering God’s call to serve The Church of the Isles as her pastor. The church is a good one—full of faithful people with the building blocks for growth in place. I feel a real sense of vitality when working, worshiping, and having fun with the people of the Church of the Isles. It’s a blessed partnership, for sure!”
Jim Abegglen, Choir Director
In college, Jim Abegglen sang a song called “Music Is My Hobby.” That’s still his credo today. Having served churches in music ministry for 35 years, Jim directs the Chancel Choir and puts talent together to enhance the musical portions of each Sunday worship service. The Illinois native studied music at Lincoln Christian College and Eastern Illinois University. We learned of his passion for music and ministry in 2008 when he directed a variety show and we’re thrilled to have him on staff now. While music is his life, Jim will be the first to tell you the greatest joy in his life is his son who is married and lives in Indianapolis.
Sue Dobrzeniecki, Office Manager & Bookkeeper
Sue Dobrzeniecki’s work at The Church of the Isles combines her experience in administration & bookkeeping. She works closely with the congregation and the staff to ensure smooth running of the church office. She is the bookkeeper for our church and our school. She also does scheduling for weddings, baptisms and facility use. Sue joined the staff as church administrator in October 2003.
Before coming to Church of the Isles, Sue worked with various CPA firms in the area. She has lived in Pinellas County for 26 years, is married and has two daughters in college and a handsome poodle named Rusty. She like to travel almost anywhere and enjoys spending time with her family. You can contact Sue at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Brian Hirsch, Preschool Director
Brian Hirsch joined the Church of the Isles family in late 2009 with the idea of seeing the COTI Christian Community Preschool grow into something very special. He has succeeded beyond our wildest expectations! The preschool is at full enrollment now and we are opening a K-5 elementary school in the fall—all under Brian’s leadership.
Described as “the biggest kid in school,” Brian has a great passion for working with children. His energy and direction in working with staff, parents, and church leaders is clearly on display, too.
Brian attended
Dr. Larry Miller, Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Miller is a Clinical Psychologist who conducts psychotherapy at the Church of the Isles (COTI) Counseling Center. Dr. Miller has a long history of treating individuals since l976. He was the Director of Adult Services for a mental health system in two counties in North Carolina and then moved to Florida and worked for the Bay Pines V.A. Medical Center (BPVMC) in the Mental Heal Clinic for decades. During this time he also treated clients at the United Methodist Church - Seminole, Florida (part-time) for almost 20 years. He retired from BPVMC in 2006 and came to work at the Church of the Isles Counseling Center in 2006. He has Diplomats in Psychopharmacology, Serious Mental Illness, Child and Adolescent Psychology, Geriatrics. Substance Abuse and Pain Management. He also taught psychology courses at two universities and one college (BYU, UNC and Eckard College) part- time.
Don Finkenstadt, Sexton
If we had to vote for the best member of the Church of the Isles, then Don Finkenstadt would be the winner, hands down! Fortunately, we’re all equal in God’s eyes around here while this father of two and grandfather of two goes about his sexton duties when no one is around from 6am to 8am everyday! Don originally hails from New Jersey but has been a member of this church by the sea since 1963. He takes care of the church property through light cleaning, room set-ups, and light maintenance work—and in fact, the man whose motto is “Peace starts with a smile” was elected by the congregation to the office of “Lifetime Deacon.”