It was during that period in time, when I still pastored the Holmdel Community Church, UCC, and was actively involved in the New Jersey Association of UCC churches. The first three of the six years prior to my retirement, I served on the NJA's Church Development Committee. As a committee member, my two areas of concern included the new church start in Tom's River, and the transition of the Congregational Church in Passaic to that of an inclusive membership comprised of both Protestants and Catholics, and to keep the Church Development Committee of the NJA abreast of their respective progress.

It was during this time that I came to know Rev. Ann Hess, the pastor of the Passaic church, and was much taken by her enthusiasm and her vision of what the church might become. I'm sorry to say that I never had the opportunity of meeting the married Catholic priest, who shared and supported Ann's vision. As I recall, because of his wife's ill health, they moved to Florida before I had a chance to meet him.

In time, Ann and I had become pretty close friends, who met for lunch on several occasions to discuss the progress that was being made. She invited me to attend the committee meetings at the church, where I met the lay leadership, who supported and were working towards obtaining the "vision." The one who stands out in my memory is our dear departed Harry. It was during this period when I was introduced to Rev. Ralph Pinto and his wife. I was really quite taken by him, and warmly remember when he and Linda joined my wife Marjorie and me for a brief time at our place at Arrowhead Lake in the Poconos.

The Annual meeting of the N.J.A. was coming up and was to be hosted by the Holmdel Community Church UCC. As part of the planning committee, I believed this would be a great opportunity for, what one day would be known as the Inclusive Community, to be shared with all those attending the meeting so that all might have a better understanding of the vision held by the Passaic church. I believed a major part of this would be realized in the celebration of Holy Communion, just as it was celebrated in the Passaic Church, with both the Protestant Minister and the Catholic priest celebrating the Eucharist together. Both Ann and Ralph readily agreed to this. It was wonderful service, and it continues to hold a very warm place in my heart.

Subsequently Ann and Ralph each departed, but left a wonderful legacy of a vision, about to become realty, behind.

When I think of the Inclusive Community, one of the most rewarding experiences I have had, concerning it, was the day I first met Rev. Anthony Padavano at a NJA meeting. I had heard a great deal about him the previous months, culminating in the Ecclesiastical Committee's approval of his credentials as pastor of what would soon be known as the Inclusive Community. At the meeting, we sat opposite each other for lunch. Our friendship over the years has grown.

After my retirement from the pastor ministry of the Holmdel Community Church UCC, on September 9, 1990, I attended a few of the services of the Inclusive Community, which at the time, were held in the sanctuary of St. Paul's Church in Nutley. I indicated some interest in helping where I could, after which, Anthony invited me to be part of his clergy team. It took a bit for me to become acquainted with the route to Nutley, but eventually, I got it, and shared the pulpit one Sunday a month for a four year period. Being with the fellowship of the Inclusive Community was always a warm experience, but then I came to realize my preaching days were over as being of the clergy team. The friendship I have with Anthony is one I shall warmly treasure for the remainder of my life.
Please extend my love and warmest regards to all the members of the Inclusive Community. May God's richest blessings be upon you all.

Fondly,

JOHN WALDRON