Jim Davis, the pastor of administration and ministries at Calvary Monument Bible Church (CMBC) in Paradise has spent the last 22 years serving the church. Through the years, his duties have included everything from leading various ministries and coordinating the staff to overseeing the maintenance of the church cemetery. "I preach five to six times per year; I have done weddings, baptisms and served communion. I have done everything here but lead the choir," he said with a smile.

Davis recently announced his retirement from CMBC, and he will be recognized during a retirement service set for Sunday, Nov. 9.

"(When I started), I was supposed to be the administrative pastor," he explained. "I was overseeing building and grounds and the finances of the church - anything administrative in nature. Within six months, the role changed. I led the children's ministry when we didn't have a children's director and at one time an adult ministry. I didn't lead the women's ministry, but I did oversee it for a short period of time."

Davis, along with lead pastor Chris Lenhart, lead a large congregation at CMBC, which includes a mix of age groups ranging from senior citizens to young families. "On a Wednesday night, we will have some 80 children to Awana," Davis reported. "Our church is averaging over 300 on a Sunday morning."

He said he is proud of the church's involvement in the community, such as supporting Cornerstone Reproductive Health and The Factory Ministries. "We try to join other local ministries to facilitate what they are doing," he said. "We also have a Great Giveaway every August." For the Great Giveaway, the congregation donates thousands of items, including clothing, books, household items and toys. The community is invited to take these items home, free of charge.

After retirement, Davis says he plans to spend more time with his family and possibly work part time helping other churches. "I am a certified church consultant," he stated. "I do plan to try to help out some other churches on a part-time basis that may need extra help. It may be bringing me in for a month to look at their finances and their ministries."

"With all my experience, I would love to go into other churches and help them in any way I can and make suggestions," he added. "Sometimes when you have fresh eyes look at a church, you see things."

Davis said he will miss working with all of the church's staff members, but he plans to stay in touch. "My wife, Karen, and I have been invited to continue to attend here," he stated, noting they live in Georgetown in Bart Township, about 3 miles from the church.

CMBC is located at 1660 Mine Road, Paradise. The Sunday worship service is held at 9 a.m., and Sunday school classes for people of all ages are offered at 10:30 a.m. Coffee and refreshments are available. The church service is also livestreamed at http://www.youtube.com/c/calvarymonumentbiblechurch. Links to the livestream and more information about church activities are available at http://www.facebook.com/CalvaryMonument.

For more information about the church, including the upcoming retirement service, visit the previously mentioned Facebook page or contact the church office at 717-442-8161 or cmbc@calvarymonument.org.