First Reformed United Church of Christ

Again, I must begin with my deepest gratitude for the gracious welcome that I and my family have received from every quarter of the FRUCC community.  We are especially appreciative of the “get-acquainted” luncheon after worship on Sunday (April 20), and I have enjoyed immensely all the group events (e.g. Men’s Brotherhood, United Friendship Club, Choir Practice, etc.) which I have attended since arriving on Tuesday, April 15.  I even visited Carolyn Spivey’s Yoga Class, which I am considering joining, with her permission and that of the other participants!  (Actually, her Yoga class is offered to everyone, so maybe if I join, perhaps some of you progressive guys will sign up too!?)  I have also enjoyed meeting some of you in your homes and do look forward to seeing all of you in that setting.   

I am particularly grateful to Consistory President Walter Hoffman, the Executive Council and the Consistory for their partnership with me in getting our Intentional Interim Ministry underway.  Those of you who have attended the last two services have read a bulletin notice which explains, in some detail, our very first step in our specialized ministry together, namely the nomination and selection of your Transition Team.  Please find on the second and third pages of this edition of First News a copy of this announcement, entitled TRANSITION TEAM BALLOT ON SUNDAY, MAY 4. 

Even if you are only seeing this announcement for the first time now, there is still time for you to participate in this very important process and decision, provided that you are a member in good standing of FRUCC.  (If you are unable to be here personally to cast your ballots as indicated, please call Paula Lopp at the office and we will arrange for you to receive an official ballot for you to complete.  You may ask a member friend or a family member to cast your ballot for you it you cannot do so in person.)   Please plan to vote this Sunday during worship, May 4. 

I will address one question that has come to my attention since we published the first notice on Sunday, April 20:  Yes, it is perfectly fine for people who are already selected to serve on the Pastoral Search Committee to serve as well on the Transition Team.  In fact, that would be highly desirable, since the Transition Team’s work has direct bearing on the subsequent drafting of an up-to-date, accurate congregational Profile that the Pastoral Search Committee will be charged to compile.

Do note that I will be attending the Annual Clergy Retreat of the Southern Conference, from Monday, May 12 through Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center, 2800 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA (phone 757-481-9000).  However, please feel free to call me at any time you have a need to speak with me directly, using my cell phone 336-420-2728.  Our landline phone number in Greensboro is 336-632-1985 and my email address at home is This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it    Also, note that I am getting a new computer system in my church office and will soon have an email address there of This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Finally, I am especially grateful to Paula Lopp, Rev. June Grubb and Rev. Mike Hooper for their expertise and insights into our ministries here.  Let us all hold one another in prayer as we enter this very exciting time of discovery together. 

                                                                                                                    Blessings and Shalom.  Pastor Walt