Pastor Jim
Pastor Jim (Rev. James R. Proctor) grew up in Maryland and received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Frostburg State College in Frostburg, MD. He moved to Morrisville, Vermont, where he taught fifth grade in the public school for four years. Having heard a call to ministry, Pastor Jim attended Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, graduating in 1987 with a Master of Divinity degree.
Ordained as an Elder in Troy Conference of the United Methodist Church, Jim has served for twenty-three years as pastor of the United Church of South Royalton in South Royalton, Vermont. During that time he and his wife, Caryl, served as missionaries in Russia for one year. In addition, Pastor Jim has participated in short-term mission trips in Ukraine and Ethiopia.
Ephesians 4:11-13 is a primary guide to Pastor Jim’s calling: “It was (Christ) who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
Pastor Jim has two adult step-children (in Atlanta, GA, and South Royalton, VT), three teenage children (one in college), and five grandchildren.
REFLECTIONS AND MUSINGS by Pastor Jim
“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (John 12:24-25)
So, you want Spring? Well, you’ll have to get rid of that snow, and give up skiing for a while. I’m willing if you are, you say!!
All right, let’s try another one. Want some flowers or vegetables? Well, as much as you like those seeds, you’ll have to be willing to let them go, never to be seen again. Sure, no problem, you say!!
Okay, one more. Do you want the abundant, joy-filled LIFE Jesus promised for His followers? Well, you’ll just have to die to who you are, and give up every earthly thing your life is focused on. Whoops, hold the phone, you say. Isn’t that asking a little much?
Well, consider what it cost God to make this abundant LIFE possible. He sent His Son to die so that we might have this LIFE. He gave His LIFE so that we might have LIFE in Him. But the LIFE He offers in not compatible with any other life. A life focused on self is not compatible with the LIFE focused on others that Christ lived before us and desires to create in us.
We cannot have summer (as we envision it) and have good skiing at the same time. We cannot have the fruit unless we are willing to give up the seed. Likewise we must die to self if we are going to have the LIFE Christ promised. But when we give up, give in, stop trying to have it all for ourselves - just then God steps in and blesses us with more than we could ever imagined.
This is the message of Holy Week. The cross showing God’s willingness to act on our behalf. The empty tomb showing God’s power to act on our behalf. The Resurrected Christ beckoning us to share in His glory by sharing in His sacrifice.
So, give away your life and receive LIFE!!
