For the next 25 years or so, church life went along with ups and downs. Rev. Moore had been full-time, and so was Rev. Tom Torosian, but other ministers were part-time: Rev. Frances Wolf, Rev. Jim Simmons, Rev. George Taylor. During those years, the church was dependent on funding from National Capital Presbytery. There were good things that happened -- some successful youth ministry. The Preschool began, which brought new life and energy into the church. But overall, the church had not grown enough to be self-supporting.

In 1998 the Presbytery suggested that this church be part of a "Transforming Congregations Project," that was designed to help the church move to that next level. Many church members were involved in this Transforming Congregations Project. People took stock of the church, its assets and liabilities and its potential for growth. Consultants were consulted. The consensus was that the church needed to hire a full-time pastor, even though this would be a stretch and there were limited funds available. This was a time of hope and of new energy. There was a joyful celebration when Rev. Jane Dasher was installed.

But the church was not transformed into a new church so quickly or smoothly. There were disappointments and miscommunications. After Rev. Dasher left, an Interim Pastor, Rev. Andrew Snelson filled the gap. Then it was decided to go back to the old model -- a part-time minister -- while the church took a collective deep breath.

From January 2002 until June 2011, Rev. Ruth Everhart served as part-time Stated Supply. In that time, there were significant changes for our facilities: the preschool left to find more suitable space, and we bought a property contiguous to our sanctuary. More change was happening. After a "Transforming Congregations" process, we created the "Connection Cafe" in our fellowship hall (note that this program ended a few years ago). Over this period of time there was a slow but steady increase in membership.

On October 1, 2011, the Rev. Dr. David Williams became our current part-time Stated Supply pastor. Since his arrival we have created three major programs, all affecting the Poolesville Community at large in a positive way:

• In 2013 Poolesville Presbyterian partnered with Poolesville Green, local businesses, and the town of Poolesville to create the Poolesville Community Garden. We have been managing and maintaining the garden since then. The Garden gives Poolesville residents and church members alike a chance to grow and harvest food and to learn about gardening techniques.
• In 2019 the Backpack Bites program was started to provide supplemental food for the weekend to families on the Free and Reduced Meals (FaRM) program. Backpack Bites is a collaboration between Poolesville Presbyterian, local churches, and WUMCO Help, with significant contributions by KPC Buddhist Relief.
• In 2021 Poolesville Presbyterian Church launched the Little Free Pantry. It provides yet another way to fill the gap in food security for residents by providing a way for neighbors to give what they have and take what they need. This effort is supported by organizations in the area including KPC Buddhist Relief, WUMCO, Locals Restaurant, Community Farmshare, and several other local ones as well

Will you be a part of our future?

People of faith -- the Holy Spirit isn't done with Poolesville Presbyterian Church --
May we be open to the Spirit of God as it moves in our midst.
May we seek that Spirit and perceive it when it blows.
May we be filled with hope, and with new life by the power of the Spirit!