PREFACE

I am greatly indebted to the congregation of The United Church of Los Alamos! When they called me to serve as their pastor in February of 1993, I never envisioned what an exciting adventure it would be, what wonderful friends my wife, Andrea, and I would make, and what terrific colleagues with whom I would have the privilege of being associated.

In August of 2001 the congregation granted me an exchange-sabbatical opportunity. Andrea and I traveled to Sydney, Australia, where I took up residence as pastor of two small churches in the Eastern suburbs, Vaucluse and Rose Bay. It was while there I had both the time and stimulus to write this small book.

Special mention must be made of the one who provided needed information for the chapter on The United Church History. Helen Lindberg is both a friend and author. Her book, One Body, One Spirit: The Ecumenical Experience at the Church on the Hill, gives in much greater detail the history of the church. The book was written in 1997 for the fiftieth anniversary of The United Church of Los Alamos. I encourage all who are interested to purchase a copy of the book, which is available through the church office.

Finally, I am indebted to my pastoral colleagues at The United Church of Los Alamos, The Rev. Kathleen Logan and The Rev. Deborah Church Worley. Not only has their competency given me the time to contemplate the theme of this book but their guidance in reviewing and helping edit it has been most appreciated. Kathleen and Deborah are not only my colleagues they are my friends.

Jay Dee Conrad

November 2002