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.
One thing I see a lot of is Jim taking the time, making the effort to seek out people. Not just the outgoing people, but all people. He greets them and asks questions on how they are doing. – Frank Bauknecht
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 – Rev. Leonard W. Silvester
He is adept at the pastoral skills of listening and caring as he ministers to this congregation. – Church of the Palms, Members in Discernment Committee for Jim Alexander
Jim was easily the one to go to for counseling or encouragement. He has been there for families as they say goodbye to a loved one as well as when families welcome a new member at a wedding or a birth. Jim retained these positive attributes from his years when he thought that he was, “wrong,” in God’s eyes. Jim served as a minister to my family when my father passed and even performed the funeral. This in and of itself is an accomplishment. Most of my family is non-Christian and many are homophobic. Jim, however, was still asked to perform this most significant service for our family. – Jeff Scruggs
During and after the divorce, I particularly needed understanding and consolation from family and friends. It was soon quite clear that I was an outcast- in my family circle, my church, and in most of the community. The one person who never wavered was Jim. He talked with me, cried with me, and prayed for me. He made contact with pastors in the town where I had moved, asking them to visit and reach out to me…it revealed to me the ability he had for demonstrating the love of Christ – without hesitation and without question. – Jane Zukowski
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
…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. – Dawn Bell
In addition to working with Jim in various church choirs I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with him in a professional secular woman’s vocal ensemble. I was relieved to find that he brings the same level of professionalism and spirituality to this group as he has to all of the church choirs that we have worked in. It is refreshing to know that Jim’s commitments to quality performance and spirituality transcends “boundaries” and are deeply ingrained facets of his personality. I feel that this embodies both his Spiritual Foundation and Strengthening Inter- and Intra- Personal assets. – Toni and Steven Berg
“Strengthening Inter- & Intra- Personal Assets” Jim is a serious person, but he doesn’t take himself so seriously that it gets in the way of what he’s called to accomplish. Based on my experience, Jim has integrity, & he respects the dignity of others. As we aging congregants struggle (some more than others) to live a life worth living, Jim is respectful of the spectrum. Related to an aspect of communication, Jim works with the church’s technology, sound, & visual options (or lack of) & has applied his expertise to facilitating or advising upgrades as time & money allow. I would expect that same operating procedure to be inherent in whatever he is called to take on. – Malinda Case
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
My husband, Allan, served with the U.S. Army during the VietNam War. He was exposed to agent orange (daily) and has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. (We recently celebrated fifty years of marriage). On March 16, 2017- 1 met with Jim at the church. I have been having a very difficult time dealing with the disease’ progression. Maybe, because of Jim and me both having a musical background, I have felt a “connection” to him. His kindness and mannerisms helped me to express my feelings. He is a very good listener and very compassionate. After our discussion, we prayed together for several minutes. This was/is very important to me. have felt much better after our meeting. I know that he holds Allan and me in his prayers. I have felt so much more at peace ever since. – Doris E. Gott
Dearest to my heart was Jim’s participation in my own wedding. Although I have known Jim for many years, my husband didn’t know him. We met with Jim prior to our wedding. He spent time getting to know my husband. We shared our thoughts for our future life together and our thoughts for our wedding. Jim knew my husband had been suffering with his PTSD and had been a rock to me during that time. He and I spent time talking about what my future held being married to a man with PTSD. We planned our wedding and discussed our vows. Jim’s true colors as a friend showed as he not only officiated but helped us set up for the wedding. It was a beautiful outside ceremony. Our family fellowship that surrounded the wedding will always be a great memory.
Jim and I were teachers together at an inner city school in Phoenix. Our students we 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 is articulate and a life long learner. He is an excellent speaker and writer. He takes pride in his understanding of the English language and it shows in both his speech and his writing. He is very organized and is a great leader. Working with Jim in a professional capacity was a pleasure. He was always prepared and things were ready on time. Jim is also well versed at delegating and checking up to make sure that all expectations are met. He is a true leader in all ways. – Harriet Fontenot
I’m writing to express my gratitude to Church of the Palms for sending Jim Alexander during the passing of my Father, Myron Masny. This past January, I called Church of the Palms and asked if someone could come to Royal Oaks, home of my parents, and comfort my Mother and Father during this time. My Father had just gone on hospice. It was a difficult phone call for me. My parents are members of the church, but have been unable to attend for awhile. The woman on the phone said someone would be there in twenty minutes. My Mother and I immediately felt relieved and grateful. Within twenty minutes, Jim Alexander arrived, explaining that he was the music director but wanted to be there for us. He spoke to my Father, and showed genuine interest, discussing the WWII photos on the wall of my Uncle, and my Dad’s college football team picture. I could tell it lifted his spirits, and that it was of comfort to him. Jim then lead us in a prayer. – Mark Masny
I am confident that Jim will benefit your organization in four ways. He is a good communicator, a good empathizer, an adventurer, and a healer for people in a hurting world. Through various circumstances Jim and I have had a connection over the years. This began when I was a troubled student unable to communicate with a new teacher and progressed to our becoming good friends. – Diana Garrett
Jim always speaks to the people as he mingles with them. He listens, honors and respects them as they share their concerns, issues, and joys. – Amy Alves
I believe that Jim has the heart to engage in the difficult conversations, and the education and ability to keep learning that will equip him as the need arises. I would also hope, that if this journey sees him becoming a full time Ordained Minister that his opportunities for continued spiritual development and education would further equip him in ways that he finds meaningful. Jim exhibits strong moral character and personal integrity and truly respects the dignity of all Gods people, in his communication and actions.
I believe that Jim’s life experience, his Christian charisma, his gifts, and most of all the power of his faith and his belief in the working of the Holy Spirit in his life and the life of this church equip him to serve with distinction as an ordained minister in the UCC. – Janet Hutchins