Pastors & Staff

Regular office hours:
M-W 10am-5pm, Th 1pm-5pm,
Mornings at home working on sermon

Follow Pastor Joe MacLaren on Facebook.

My faith story: I have been a Christian since the age of 28. I attended Asbury Seminary for both my Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry. I have served three churches as a pastor before coming to UCUMC. I was Director of Celebrate Jesus, a mission organization for one year. The vision of our church is to help people who are not yet Christians in our community to understand God’s Word and commit themselves to Jesus as Lord and Savior. Our goal is for Christians in our church to become fully committed partners with Jesus. To accomplish this task, I pray for the Holy Spirit to fill and guide me (especially in planning and the giving of the weekend’s messages) and the ministry of this church. Over the last near-decade, we have built an outstanding staff who help run the ministry of this church.

What brought me to UCUMC: The Bishop and God's call on my life!

What I like most about my ministry here: People are excited about serving and worshipping God in this church. We are a church that gives beyond ourselves to impact the world for Jesus . Examples of these giving projects are the opening of our youth building (the EPICenter) to impact the lives of teens in our community, and the launching of two new churches (Christ for the Nations in Bonneville, and LifeSong Church in the Waterford/Avalon area). We continue to pursue new avenues of ministry, as God leads.

What's my greatest challenge: Keeping up with all that is happening in our church and in the lives of people in the congregation. Staying fresh in God’s Word and spending time with God in prayer.

What do I like most to do on my day off: Walks along the river behind our house; spending time with my wife, Pat, and our two granddaughters.

Three words I'd use to describe yourself: trustworthy, entrepreneur, faith

Family info: Married to Pat; three children: Suzy, Jenni and Joe (married to Trevor; two daughters)