Rectors Ramblings

Rector’s Ramblings

by The Rev. Jim Stewart

     In everyone’s lives we must make some hard decisions about where we are and what we need to do.  It has come to that time when Sylvia and I must make that decision.  I have worked since I was 12 years old at one job or another. 

     The last 44 years I have been involved with the coal and the gas industry as a laborer, operator, mechanic, electrician and measurement technician.  These industries take a toll on our lives with the hazards of the job as well as the many long hours that are put in each year.  Taking time from every individual’s life because of the environment.

     Sylvia and I have raised a large family over the years, and we made the decision she would stay at home and be with our children while I worked long hours to support us.  It was also decided with God’s grace we would take time in our advanced years to do what we wanted and enjoy our later years.

    In 2008 I made the choice to follow the ministry and to become a deacon and then a priest.  This has been a large source of enjoyment knowing I am serving God.  I served the church in Cheyenne for 2.5 years working almost 90 hours a week during that time combined with the church and my secular job.  This almost burned me out as well as taking a toll on my body.  But finally, I was blessed with a retirement from the gas company and became St. Albans full time rector.  This has become one of the greatest blessings Sylvia and I have had serving God and the community, however it is time to make the decision to retire before we are too old to enjoy one another without constraints.

     We decided because of our age we will retire in September of this year and begin to enjoy life with one another with very few ties.  However, with this decision it was decided that I will be available to continue with Sunday services as a supply priest as long as St. Albans is in search of a new rector.  We will not leave this church without a priest for Sunday services.  I will also be in the area to do funerals, weddings and baptisms as needed.

     It is interesting that when we talked of retirement Sylvia said that would be great, however St. Alban’s will continue to be our home church.

     This is an opportunity to take time and get the right person to step in and become your new Rector.  When this happens, because of the Episcopal church’s rules, I will need to step away from the church for a year but as my wife said this will continue to be our home church.  This has been a short time for us as your rector and rector’s wife, but it has been very fulfilling for both of us.