Rector's Ramblings

Rector’s Ramblings

by The Rev. Jim Stewart

     This will be my last ramblings as your rector at St. Albans.  This is a bittersweet time for my family.  I have been employed by someone since I was twelve years old and it will be a strange   feeling knowing I do not need to get up and go to work anymore. 

     I have spent so many years worried about making a living for my family and paying the bills that I sometimes missed out on the joys of having a family.  I intend on spending time with my wife and enjoying the love we have for each other.  In the past she had to sacrifice so that I had time to be on call.  This will stop and she will be first.  She has agreed that I need to preach on Sundays to keep my sanity and stay connected to God, but the other six days are for what we want to do in the presence of God.

     I have always heard that a priest can never retire, and I suppose this is true.  The truth is that I will never fully retire if my health allows me to go on.  I love to preach and share the Word of God with others as well as study the scriptures, so I will continue doing this for as long as God will allow me to carry on.  My intentions are to be a supply priest and go wherever that takes me.

     Although I am retiring, I will continue to supply for the state of Wyoming which means I will continue supply preaching at St.  Albans.  I do look forward to still being with you.  I will also be supplying at other churches so I may not be around for the other Sundays but know that you will always be in my prayers.  We have done a lot of good work while I have been here, and I look forward to seeing where this church will continue in the future.  All you need to do is keep your eye on Jesus and continue to move forward with love, compassion, mercy, peace and joy. 

Many Blessings.