There's a new pastor at Arvada Presbyterian Church. Rev. Dr. John O'Lane and his wife Cynthia drove their two cars to Arvada from Illinois and unpacked boxes in their new home last week. O'Lane's first sermon will be delivered to the 620-member congregation Oct. 25.

Jaylene Wallace , editor of the church newsletter, said the church had been looking for a new pastor for a long time.

In late September, members of the board and congregation met O'Lane in person. Wallace said the board voted overwhelmingly to "issue a call" to him. O'Lane said although it was hard to say goodbye to his former church members, he was looking forward to getting to know the new congregation.

"I think they are looking forward to me being here to bring some stability," O'Lane said.

Although O'Lane and his wife will be living in a new place, the couple lived in Colorado in Rocky Ford from 1995 to 2001.

"This is an orientation time for me, since I don't know the church all that well. Over the next six months, I will get to know them, but not change direction until we are more comfortable with who we are and where we want to go together," he said.

O'Lane said his former career as a budget services officer for the government in California was a plus. "I understand how money works and flows."

Wallace said, "He's watching what we're doing here instead of coming in and imposing what he wants us to do. That's always important," said Wallace. For more information about Arvada Presbyterian Church, 5592 Independence St., Arvada, visit www.arvadapc.org.