Managing dynamic clusters that grow or shrink in their numbers of node membersis a challenging problem. We discuss the issues and approaches to this problem and report a simple model for scheduling tasks on a dynamic cluster. We show how this model can be implemented as a configuration management system using the features and capabilities of the Java language and development environment. We describe our experiences in constructing a dynamic cluster control system using the Java, Jini and JavaSpaces technologies. We report on our use of Join and Depart space tuple entries and use of the leases mechanism to partially address the problem of node failure.