As the "official" beginning of our journey together stands before us, it is difficult for me
to put into the limited space available here all the thoughts, hopes and prayers that are bouncing
around inside my head. I will have to admit that all these have had to share space with drawing
my ministry here in North Carolina to a close, saying goodbye to so many people that I have
known for decades and the all-consuming task of moving. However, the good news is that I can
anticipate my arrival in McLean this week and after "moving in", turning my attention toward
acclimating myself to the area and learning all I can about the ministry that we begin to share.
One thing I would like to lift before you is that both of these endeavors will require me to ask a
lot of questions. I hope you realize that I am not questioning what you are doing, just trying to
gain an understanding of not only what you're doing but why you're doing it. So I ask that you
bear with me as we go through the process of getting to know each other. I will do my best to get
to know all your names, relations, and the history that has brought McLean Community UCC to
where it is today, what needs are identifiable in the present and participate in the conversation of
what direction our journey should continue.

My plan is to spend the month of May meeting with the various boards and committees,
ascertaining the best times for the establishing of office hours, developing a visitation schedule
that meets the needs of the congregation and community, and gaining in the understanding of
where my time and efforts are most beneficial to the church. Because many of you have already
shared information with my through conversations, the newsletter, e-mailing me minutes from
several of the meetings and sharing with me the upcoming events for the next month or so, I feel
as if I am one leg up on things already. However, I have learned from experience not to rush into
any decisions or comments until I have both feet planted firmly. Having said that, there are a
couple of things that have caught my attention and I have started forming a plan in my head. One
is the upcoming "Happening in the Hamlet" that should provide an excellent opportunity to
engage a significant percentage of the community. Another is the interest in developing a youth
group at the church to provide activity for the young people of the area. Being informed of
several people already desiring to become members of the congregation through baptism or
reaffirmation is very exciting and I look forward to being a part of that celebration. These when
combined with all the other wonderful ministries that you have in place indicate a plethora of
opportunity to begin our journey together in a very active and productive manner.

It is with a great level of excitement and anticipation that I spend these final days in
preparation for our move to McLean. Even though the daunting ordeal of "moving" (your
prayers are appreciated) lies before me, I can easily see beyond it and grasp the vision of our
journey, worship and service together as we join in our efforts to become better disciples of our
Savior and servants to the Almighty God that loves us and offers us so much. It is to the praise
and glory of God that my prayers are filled with thanksgiving for the opportunity to come and
share in that part of the living body of Christ that is McLean Community Church UCC. May God
continue to bless and guide us all in everything we do. 



Pastor Dave

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