Farewell to Pastor Dave

From Cheri Fallon, News-Linc Editor

The pews in our sanctuary were filled with well-wishers for Pastor Dave McMillan on June 18. It was his last Sunday at Lincoln Park before moving on to his appointment at St Paul’s UMC, North Wilmington DE, where he’ll live and marry his fiancée, Kim Walker, in the next year.

It was a bittersweet, combined service and farewell reception for a beloved Pastor, who has served at LP twice — as Senior Pastor for the last six years, and as Assistant Pastor in the early 90’s.

“It’s been all about the relationships,” says Pastor Dave, of his years at Lincoln Park. “I hope we’ve been able to provide pastoral care and a meaningful worship experience, reminding us of something larger — God’s grace over everything.”

The farewell worship included music from both the Praise Band and Beverly Perella’s Chancel Choir; a tribute from Worship Leader Becky Chadwick; and a presentation by Lay Leader Linda Lee and Staff-Parish Chair Dan Christopher of a pottery plate, commemorating Dave’s service here, and a scrapbook of pictures, messages, and memories.

Becky, in her heartfelt tribute, noted qualities that most of us know to be true about Pastor Dave: his “compassion, understanding, his commitment to his flock, his willingness to be open about who he is, his spiritual guidance.” Dave has, she says, “the ability to touch on what is wrong and help, lending a hand wherever it’s needed. And, with his sense of humor and strength of character, “He showed us how to try to be Jesus on this earth,” says Becky.

The messages in the scrapbook are telling of the fine relationships and meaningful connections Pastor Dave made with his flock:

 

You have been a friend to all.

Dave always remembered my Mom when she visited.

Thank you for your empathy and your enjoyable, insightful leadership of our faith congregation.

I love how you put a joke in every now and then when you spoke.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your ministry and never had the desire to “sleep-in.”

Pastor Dave gives a fresh perspective to well-known Bible stories.

No one should be able to hit a golf ball that far.

With tears in our eyes and sweet wishes for Dave and Kim in our hearts, we say farewell to our Pastor. “How blessed our congregation is,” says Nancy Dettra, “to have had you as our pastor, twice!”