On July 31 of this year, after 25 years of service to the Episcopal Church, the Reverend James K. Minshew will be officially retired as rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Port Salerno where he has spent 23 years. He arrived on August 6, 1985 as the second rector of St. Luke's. Upon his arrival he and the parishioners restarted the construction of the present church building, which had been temporarily suspended when the first rector left in May of 1985.

When Father Jim arrived, St. Luke's was considered a mission church because it was still receiving financial support from the diocese. Within two years of his arrival St. Luke's got "off the dole" and became a self-sustaining parish. During his tenure as rector there have been many improvements to the property including: a large parish hall, a new organ, the former rectory has been turned into an office building, the former parish hall has become a Sunday School building, stained glass windows, stained glass stations of the cross, and pews have been installed, a unique steeple made from tuna tower material has been added along with a digital carillon, an existing building was remodeled and turned into a choir building, and a memorial garden was created. St. Luke's, under his leadership has acquired a reputation for being relaxed, caring, and friendly. In addition to Masses and Sunday School, the parish provides many services to the public including an annual Children's Christmas Sale, Vacation Bible School, Back to School Event, a Thrift Shop, and Bingo. St. Luke's also has assisted many people in the community through its TRUE Fund. When asked what he thought was his most important contribution he said, "Hiring two very fine associate rectors, the Rev. Cass Daly and the Rev. Carol Barron (who has succeeded me as rector)."

Father Jim was active in the Rotary Club for many years and participated in the Kairos prison ministry. Struggles with his own addiction to alcohol led him into extensive ministry to people with addictions. He is presently completing a book about the role of the clergy in the process of addiction recovery.

This past March, before the parish snowbirds headed north, St. Luke's hosted a grand, high flying celebration in honor of his retirement. Father Minshew's love of flying was the central theme as guests were welcomed aboard "The Spirit of St. Luke's", a simulated aircraft. Family members, present and former parishioners, clergy, and friends from within and outside the Diocese of SE Florida joined in the festivities. Love and laughter filled the parish hall as everyone spun tales of times shared together. Longtime friends including The Rev. Paul Rasmus, Rabbi Aaron Spiegel, The Honorable Dwight Geiger and Mr. Daniel Barwick "roasted" Father Jim in great style. The celebration made everyone feel as though they truly had been soaring.

Father Jim will still be seen around town as he plans to snowbird here in Florida and enjoy the Colorado mountains the rest of the year.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church is located in Port Salerno (Corner of Cove / AIA), 5150 SE Railway Ave, Stuart, FL 34997; 772.286.5455; www.stlukesfl.org.