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.
Jim was our Music Director and Pastoral Assistant during a crucial time at COTP, due to the health issues of our Ministries Coordinator and Associate Pastor… Jim’s service to Palms was invaluable during those months when he and I (along with our Office Coordinator) had to cover the duties of those two staff persons. – Rev. James Meadows
“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
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
Reaching into the modern world, Jim takes charge of the electronics in church. On the outside, this may not seem as essential as other parts of ministry. However, if we are to maintain a relationship with those under 40, we have to strive to find ways to connect in less traditional means. One of my favorite parts of the service is the artistic slides that accompany the various parts of the service. Jim recognizes that many modalities are needed to reach many different learners. As a visual person, I find the color and vibrancy of the pictures he selects engaging and thought provoking. He also leads the Worship and Fine Arts Ministry that finds other ways to en live the sanctuary with beauty. I find myself in conversation with people after worship not only about what we heard, but about what we saw. The artist in me is grateful for the connections to the spiritual realms found through the visual stimulus Jim presents to me during worship. – Wendy Whitlock