The comments below support this Mark of Ministry. To read the reference in its entirety, please click on the bold text at the end of each comment.
“Working Together For Justice & Mercy” Jim’s leadership of the Board of Worship & Fine Arts is an example of engaging in mission & outreach & building relationships of mutual trust & interdependence, in that he organizes &/or oversees organization of events I trips where church members & guests can come together. In so doing, new friendships are made that can enhance trust & interdependence within the body of Christ. – Malinda Case
He works well with folks across a spectrum of beliefs, interests, and abilities. He strives for excellence in all things, and does so with an infectious spirit that inspires and uplifts. He is effective at recruiting, motivating, training, and encouraging working teams. He takes good care of the people he shepherds – tending to their spirits as much as their production. Jim is ultra-reliable, emotionally secure, spiritually mature, and exhibits the finest in ministry ethics and boundaries
Coming from a very different background, “UCC-world” represented a challenge to him organizationally and theologically. Undaunted, he embraces a Spirit-led faith that continues to deepen; he has a clear, well-articulated commitment to peace, justice, and full inclusion for all in the church’s life. He has open eyes to the new forms of faith community emerging in these times. He has my full support. – Rev. Leonard W. Silvester
In the political climate we live in and the amazing diversity that is our humanity, we’ve seen how Jim connects with all people with compassion, gentleness and sensitivity. Just as we are all on journey and are being conformed to the image of Christ, this has been evident over the many years we’ve known Jim. He has matured in his understanding of who God is, who God has made him to be, and how to be Christ’s presence in this world. This growth has definitely shaped his character, which has ultimately changed how he lives in relationship to others, as well as his work ethic. He has always had a very strong sense of commitment to the church and to his personal relationships.
Having a heart for justice and mercy is one of the reasons that he desires to be a part of UCC. Recently he expressed that in the climate of injustice that we are facing these days, we can’t just sit back but need to have a voice and take a stand. We’ve also discussed how he deals with others that have different beliefs or views. We appreciate that he can listen and engage in conversation, but does not push his beliefs or agenda on others, even if they are trying to push their beliefs on him. Again, this is the sensitivity we were talking about earlier. Even with other church members with whom he may not agree, his main objective is to minister to them where they are, and be what they need. His willingness to engage with others allows him to enter into a relationship, which then can build mutual respect and trust. His love for people and his sincerity make him a comfortable person to be around. The gift of hospitality does not come easy to everyone, but seems to be quite natural for Jim. – Rev. Nancy Gunn, Minister of Worship, Church at Cactus; David Gunn, Pastor, Church at Cactus
Jim and I were teachers together at an inner city school in Phoenix. Our students were 99% Hispanic and 95% second language learners. All of our students received free breakfast and lunch. Jim made a major impact on the lives of his students. He embraced their culture and celebrated with them. He also opened their eyes to a world they didn’t know existed. He set the example we all want for our children. He dressed professionally. He shared their culture. He showed that he was a life long learner and how important it is. He introduced them to cultures around the world. He gave them the skills that they needed to succeed in life.
Jim has been with me through many trials and tribulations. My daughter is biracial and a lesbian. As a mother, I want the best for my children. I felt that I had somehow failed my daughter. I was at a loss. Jim stepped in and was my guide. He helped us both through her identity crisis. He gave her support and skills to make the right decisions for her. He helped me understand what she was going through and how best to support her. He was supportive as she dealt with an abusive partner. Jim helped me as a parent, cope with the fact that she was an adult and making her own decisions. He embraced her personality, loud and happy, and gave her the support that she needed while also giving me the support that I needed. He continues to be a part of her life guiding her through life’s ups and downs. – Harriet Fontenot
…the specific times he showed his love of God’s world, and his compassion for the people in it, when he created the service for my dearest friends’ son, a very young man who had taken his own life. Jim’s loving help and ministry in creating the celebration of Seth’s life, and giving comfort to the devastated family and friends who loved Seth, was nothing less than extraordinary. He assuaged despair, and instilled hope, and reminded us all of the way God loves ALL His Children.
This past year, my own son, Ben, was diagnosed with a fatal tumor. He suffered a year and a few months of slow deterioration of body, and mind. Through it all, Jim was supportive and continues to be so as we prepare the celebration of Ben’s life. He has continued to nurture and coax us moving forward through our griet anger, and pain, by being a reminding example of the way we are to proceed through hardships.
I have also witnessed his treatment of children and even animals as representing the importance of “Blessing the Beasts and the Children”, and can think of no one better to be in formal ministry and leadership, as a shining (and also witty) teacher /preacher in God’s ministry to His children! – Dawn Bell
Watching Jim through these years has been the most consistent Christian testimony I have had. God will continue to use him as he makes himself available to Him, and I am honored to recommend him for any position you may have. Jim just wants to be of service to our Lord. The harvest is so great… – Steven Dale Zukowski
When our son, Seth died on May 21st of 2010, Jim was there for us with comforting words and friendship even though he and Jeff were having their own trouble with Jeff’s health. We asked Jim to do a memorial service for Seth as he had known him while we attended Epworth. He was very organized and helpful with suggestions and our wishes and needs at this time. We felt his true caring for our feelings of loss and need for a steadfast Christian presence which he provided. There was never any judgment only comforting words and caring actions. – J. Garnet
1) my youngest son’s incarceration and, when he returned home, Jim was one of the first to offer him work and help him to reestablish himself as a contributing member of society, 2) the resulting 12 years of separation from our grandchildren and the ultimate reunion with our oldest granddaughter (he continues to pray with us for the full restoration of our family with the return of our grandson), 3} multiple surgeries for BOTH my husband and myself, some with long and complicated recoveries, 4) the loss of his father, both of my
parents and the near loss of his partner Jeff and the resulting transplant that saved his life, 5) the discrimination and alienation from church “families”- for a variety of reasons, 6) support, encouragement and funding for me to go on not 1 but 2 mission trips – to Peru and Zimbabwe – and the spiritual growth I received from them, and 7) ultimately finding a denomination that we all feel truly is the “church” God wants us all to be! – Toni and Steven Berg
I think what I appreciate most about Jim is his pastoral care. He has a keen ability to listen with a tender heart. His prayers are sincere and powerful. He loves helping people. It is so good to have someone who cares. – Mary Whitlock
…the man’s love of God and of mankind are reflected in the quality of his music as well as in his life. – David Wilson