Jones reflects on his years at the church, while looking forward to what’s to come.
“It’s bittersweet, but it’s time … it’s time.”
Those are the words of Pastor David W. Jones of Lord of Life Lutheran Church on his retirement, effective Oct. 28.
Jones’ ties to Lord of Life date back to 1985, as a mission developer during the start of the congregation. He reminisced on Feb. 2, 1986 — the date the first service was held at Indian Mills School in Shamong, before the building of the church began in 1992.
Jones said of the 201 people who signed the charter in 1986, there are still 16 original members who remain.
What has been a driving force to success?
Jones feels the attitude of not being afraid to reach out and serve the community has been the main reason for the church’s growth over the years.
“If there’s one area that I’ve grown in, it’s encouraging others to serve and help,” Jones said. “It’s always about looking out and helping people within the congregation reach to others.”
The church has taken part in 48 mission trips since its start, with a trip to the gulf coast after hurricane Katrina standing out in Jones’ mind.
There were about five trips taken to clean up in the aftermath of the hurricane, joined together with those of Jewish faith from Adath Emanu-El in Mt. Laurel.
Jones said that while there, he saw a sign that said “What happened here was an act of nature, what is happening now is an act of God,” and he feels that quote encompasses the journey of the trip overall.
Donna Yates, member of Lord of Life, has gone on several mission trips with Jones, and said he has always been a supportive, creative and trusting person.
“He’s not only just my pastor, but a really, really good friend,” Yates said. “I’m going to miss not seeing him on a day-to-day basis, he’s always been such a great leader to our church.”
Serving is in his DNA, Jones said, as he described his gift of giving people roots in something of value, to allow them to take wing to pursue wonderful things.
He has not only helped people with the joys of their lives, but the sorrows and challenges as well.
Throughout his time at Lord of Life, he has done 501 baptisms, 450 confirmations, 163 weddings and 280 funerals.
Jones has always placed importance on the children at the church, as he is able to take part in the most memorable moments of their lives.
“We’ve always had a very strong emphasis on children and youth ministry, and we believe children aren’t just the future of the church, they are the present church with us,” Jones said.
As he looks back on his 33 years at Lord of Life, he hopes to leave a legacy of inspiring others to learn, serve and celebrate.
“I’m looking forward for what’s to come, but I’m really thankful for where we’ve been,” Jones said. “Lord of Life is a place where we can look to the past thankfully, look to the future hopefully, but live into the present boldly.”
