October 27, 2011, is a date that is etched on my memory. I walked into the Sligo Church office and announced that I was Don McFarlane, the one appointed to be the new Administrative Pastor of the Church. This was not my formal introduction to the Church community; it was merely a reconnaissance on my part to see the staff with whom I would be working. As one can imagine, there were warm words of welcome, but behind those smiling faces, I knew that there were many questions swirling around in the minds of Kathleen, Flor, Charlotte and others who were present that day. Those were questions, such as, “Who is this fellow?” “What does he have to offer Sligo?” “Will we be able to work with him?” “Will he be as supportive of us as previous Admin Pastors?”
My formal introduction to the Church community was on Sabbath, October 29. Pastor Tapp introduced Mary and me to the congregation in both worship services and presented me with the “keys to the city.” I am tempted to say that it was love at first sight on my part that Sabbath morning, but that would not be accurate, as I had previously sat in the congregation on a number of occasions. I was present on the Sabbath when Pastor Bath, with torch in hand, pointed to cracks in the ceiling of the church that needed attention and when he unfolded to members an ambitious plan to renovate parts of the Sanctuary. I was also present on the Sabbath when Pastor Tapp returned to the pulpit, following his sabbatical.
Once I discovered Sligo, it became my church of choice when I visited family in the Washington Metropolitan area. Its approach to worship, diversity and natural warmth, displayed through its individual members, found a responsive chord in my soul. How can I forget how I was made to feel at home by a member beside whom I sat one Sabbath! I later discovered that she was Moyna Daley. So, you see, I had been “in love with Sligo” long before I was invited to join its pastoral staff.
On stepping off the plane on my first visit to Ghana in February, 2011, I immediately felt an affinity with the place and the people. It was as if my spirit belonged there, later to be confirmed by numerous experiences. On the spiritual front, it’s a similar feeling that I experience whenever I am at Sligo. My spirit belongs here. Sligo’s understanding of doctrines, interface with scripture, appreciation of the brokenness of humanity and the boundless love of God fully align with my understanding of the new community that Christ came to establish and the witness that He expects His followers to bear to the world.
With this in mind, I welcome you in advance to Sligo’s Homecoming this Sabbath, when we will be reminded of the role that this church has played in our lives, meet old friends and make new ones. Our theme for the occasion is “Reunion.” Potomac Conference president and former Sligo Senior Pastor, Charles A. Tapp, will unpack this for us. Dr. David Trim, Director of the Office of Archives, Statistics and Research at the General Conference, will make a presentation during the Sabbath School hour, titled, “Filled with hope and courage: The Adventist churches and institutions of Takoma Park.”
Of course, the Homecoming that is most eagerly anticipated is that which will take place when Jesus returns, when the saints of all ages will meet around the throne of God. Sligo Church, with its rich history and desirable qualities is not an end in itself, but merely a community in which we encourage one another, in words and actions, to be faithful until the day of Christ’s coming.