NEWS

Rev. Jim Longsworth Honored

By Rick Wolcott

The joy of the itinerant system in The United Methodist Church is the opportunity to meet, worship with and become “family” with so many great individuals.  There are always tears shed when it is time to say good-bye but that emotional experience makes the smiles brighter the next time paths are crossed.

Smiles, hugs, pats on the back and laughter were in abundant supply Sunday at Ridgewood United Methodist Church in Parma.  Rev. Jim Longsworth returned to the pulpit he occupied from 1991 until his retirement in 2007.

Longsworth was invited back to lead off the church’s year –long celebration of the sanctuary’s 60th anniversary.  A different former Ridgewood UMC pastor will preach at the church on the 5th Sunday of April, July and September.  Bishop John L. Hopkins has been asked to preach at the October celebration.

Longsworth shared from the heart and the congregation reciprocated.  In a surprise ceremony at the end of the 11am service, Longsworth was presented with a proclamation awarding him Emeritus status.

Rev. Charlie Tobias, who had been mentored by Longsworth when he entered the ministry – only to succeed him years later, read the proclamation to the congregation before presenting it to Longsworth.

“It’s nice to be remembered,” Longsworth told me after the service at the reception held in his honor.  “It means my ministry mattered.  It’s good to be back.”

During his time at Ridgewood UMC, Longsworth started many programs that remain active today:

• Disciple Bible Study
• LOGOS  Youth Club
• Ridgewood Prayer Chain
• Ridgewood Friends
• Parish Nurse Program
• Host site for Interfaith Hospitality Network

Longsworth is enjoying retirement, although he remains active in his ministry.  He and his wife, Maria, reside in Middleburg Heights.  They have two children and one grandchild.