It is often said, “If it is too good to be true, it probably isn’t.” Well, in this case, it is true and it is great news! Over the years, many of you have grown to love and appreciate the work done on your behalf by Rev Jim Landis, and I know many of you were disappointed when you heard that he was retiring and leaving the staff of HGUMC. I, too, was disappointed because I have known Jim for a few years and was looking forward to working with him. So, we found a way to keep Jim involved in the ongoing life of HGUMC. We resurrected a term often used in Catholic circles and some Episcopalian ones, but that can also work for us: Rev Jim is our new “Sexton.” According to Merriam-Webster, a sexton is “a church officer or employee who takes care of the church property and performs related minor duties (such as ringing the bell for services and digging graves).” Except for perhaps digging graves, Jim has agreed to take on the title and role of Sexton as a volunteer. What this means is that Jim can keep his office and can help take care of things around the church as he has time and availability. Over the years, he has done so much behind the scenes that losing him was a significant loss for the church: that loss is now ameliorated with his current role as Sexton. He does not replace the work of the Trustees, but supplements their work. I know many of you will be glad to hear this. I am also delighted because it means that when I am out of town on Sundays, which is the case on this upcoming Sunday, September 6th, I can ask Jim to preach for me and he is more than delighted to be back in this pulpit he loves so much. Join Rev Jim and staff this Sunday for a worship service on “Christian Living.” I will be back with you next Sunday, September 13th, which, if COVID cases continue to decline, we will have a limited opening.
Romans 13:8: “Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”