Simply Soul Searching
HOW IS GOD LOVING ME – AND WHERE IS GOD LEADING ME?
CELEBRATING JIM’S 30 YEARS OF MINISTRY
This morning, our two local churches–Cross of Grace Lutheran and St. Timothy’s in the Valley Episcopal–gathered together for an outdoor worship service and picnic. We also honored my husband, Jim, on his 30th Anniversary of Ordination into Ministry!
Today I am reflecting on his life of ministry and service. Years ago, his internship brought him from Little Mountain, SC, to Tiffin, OH (for this, I will always be thankful, for God was bringing him closer to me)!
Since that time, he has served as the pastor of several churches in Ohio, and more recently in West Virginia. As his wife, I have been privileged to witness him “behind the scenes”…
I have observed the prayerful reflection (and sometimes restless nights) he has put into his sermon messages. I have witnessed the helpful support he has provided for someone in need, quietly and often anonymously. More than once, I have heard him suddenly say, “this person is on my heart” and reach out with a caring call or text to check in. I have admired the friendly and humble way he has of connecting with strangers. I have seen him wrestle with his faith yet continue to trust in God’s goodness. I have marveled at his courage to take a visible stand for justice and defend the marginalized.
He has shared God’s love in our faith communities, but also with colleagues and students, coworkers and customer service folks, people in our neighborhood, our family, and me.
This 30-year milestone will move him to the “retired clergy” roster, but I know that he will continue to serve God and others, every day, in lots of ways. And I will keep learning from his example.
Thank you, Honey! You are a blessing in my life, and I thank God for you.
(Photos by Karen and friend, Angie T.)
Simply Soul Searching 
Congratulations Jim. You have touched and continue to touch so many lives in so many ways.
Cindy Scarberry
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Thank you, Cindy, he certainly has! (And so do you!)
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Team work. Rich Blessings. I still have a water color card you sent me perched on my Florida window sill. Thanks again.
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Oh Shirley, how lovely to find you here! Thank you for your kind note–and you have touched my heart to know that you have saved the card. Bless you!
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Congratulations to your husband! Thirty years is such an awesome thing. He has been a blessing to so many people…
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Thank you so much, Linda. He truly has. And your writing is also blessing me. 🤗
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Thank you! 🙂
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Karen – Congratulations to your husband. What a milestone…and such a blessing to see longevity in the ministry! I pray this next phase will be exciting and a blessing to both of you! I loved your words of tribute to Jim. He is blessed to have you alongside him!!
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Awww thank you so much, Jennifer!
I’m glad you commented here. I tried to comment on two of your posts this morning but kept getting an error message, “page not found.” I imagine it’s an issue on my end, but wanted you to know.
I’m thinking of you, and wishing you well on your mission trip! Bless you so. ❤️
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Good morning, Thanks for sharing, good luck
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Thank you, my new friend!
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Thanks, Karen. Although I’ve never met you or Jim I can identify with him in many ways. Thirty years is a long time to hang in there. I respect longevity that includes humility, and identify with wrestling alongside faith and trust. …And my experience is busier retirement in ministry rather than more sedate retirement from ministry.
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I’m grateful for your words, Malcolm, grateful to be connected here. Yes, I have gathered that you and Jim are similar in ministry and as humble, caring men. And you are so right about busier retirement! Thank you!
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