06/28/2026
Today we gathered in thanksgiving to celebrate the ministry of The Reverend Deacon James Crews and his spouse, Jason Parker, as they conclude twelve years of faithful service to our church family.
For those twelve years, Deacon Crews answered God’s call, first serving as Lay Minister for Episcopal Church Pea Ridge and later leading Chapel of the Good Shepherd after it became a preaching station. Through joyful celebrations and quiet sorrows, through baptisms and burials, through sermons, prayers, laughter, and moments when faith was all we had left to hold onto, he reminded us that Christ never leaves His people.
Ministry is never the work of one person alone. Jason has faithfully walked beside Deacon Crews every step of the journey, sharing in the sacrifices, the celebrations, and the countless unseen moments that make ministry possible. Together, they have become more than leaders. They have become family. Their love for this congregation has been evident not only in the work that was seen, but also in the countless quiet acts of faithfulness that often went unnoticed, yet made all the difference.
While our hearts are saddened by this farewell, we also rejoice in God’s continued call upon Deacon Crews’ ministry. He has been called to serve the community of Trinity Episcopal Church in Van Buren. Though it is difficult to let them go, we know that the same God who called them here is now calling them onward, and we trust His plans with grateful hearts.
There is an old saying that people come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. We believe the impact James and Jason have made will last a lifetime. Their fingerprints are on this congregation: in our worship, in our fellowship, in our memories, and in the lives they have helped shape through Christ’s love. Long after today, the seeds they have planted through faithful ministry will continue to bear fruit in this parish.
So today, we do not simply say goodbye. We say thank you.
Thank you for every prayer offered, every hand held, every word of encouragement, every act of kindness, every visit made, every sermon preached, every celebration shared, every burden carried, and every reminder that God’s grace is enough.
James and Jason, thank you for twelve years of faithful service, steadfast leadership, and unwavering love for this community of faith. Thank you for walking with us, praying with us, rejoicing with us, and carrying us through difficult seasons. You have helped shape not only this church, but the people who call it home.
You leave behind more than memories. You leave behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and service that will continue to inspire generations to come.
May God richly bless you both as you begin this new chapter. May Christ go before you, may the Holy Spirit strengthen you, and may you always know that you leave behind a congregation that loves you deeply, gives thanks for you continually, and will always consider you part of the Chapel of the Good Shepherd family.
Once part of the Chapel of the Good Shepherd family—always part of the Chapel of the Good Shepherd family.
Godspeed, James and Jason.
