Hill to retire as Glen Ellen Community Church pastor

Rev. Dr. James Hill, pastor of Glen Ellen Community Church, will be preaching his last sermon at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 20.

Hill and his wife, Brenda, will soon be departing for Southern California where they will be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Hill came to the church in September 2007, and is the second longest serving pastor in the church’s 124 year history. The Hills previously served at Lake Almanor Community Church where they got to experience living in snow country for several years. Prior to that, Hill served for 19 years at World Vision; ministering to the poor in over 45 countries around the world and co-authoring the book, “The Peacemaking Power of Prayer.”

When recently asked what he thought his legacy might include while serving at GECC, Hill said; “We’ve loved it here in Glen Ellen. I just tried to assist those in need, teach God’s Word from the Scriptures, and shepherd the flock here as best as I possibly could.”

Glen Ellen Community Church has been active in the community around them and especially as a result of the October 2017 fires. Church members have provided temporary housing, worked to rebuild fences, cut down and chopped up burned trees, dug out burned shrubbery, and other needed activities.

During the service, the couple will be commissioned as GECC’s Missionary Pastor to Southern California where he will be a substitute preacher and together they will lead Bible studies and provide spiritual guidance and counseling wherever they can.

A reception will be provided following the May 20 service. For more information, call the church at 996-1479.