After 37 years of ministry, Pastor Jim Bowers has retired from his position at The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, 3461 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Emmaus.

As a youth, Bowers (known as Pastor Jim) was active in his church’s youth group at Atonement Lutheran Church in Wyomissing. When Bowers began his college career, he pursued a degree in math and physics, before realizing his life was meant to take a different path.

Quickly changing his degree, he decided to become a psychologist. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

It wasn’t until Ray King, an influential pastor from Atonement Lutheran Church, suggested Bowers become a minister, that he pursued ministry and was ordained in June 1981. He served as pastor and senior pastor to congregations in Wilkes-Barre and Easton.

From 2000 through the end of 2006, he served as an intentional interim pastor for three congregations in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod. He worked as a youth minister and counseled youth and their families. He also planned trips for the youth to explore local colleges.

In 2007, The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit announced the retirement of Pastor Sue McFadden and the congregation was looking for a replacement. Pastor Ric Elliott decided to call Bowers who was ordained as the associate pastor in December 2007. His pastoral duties included worship and preaching, pastoral care, counseling, visitation, teaching, working with the church growth and social ministry mission teams and the spirit support team. Bowers was with The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit for 11 1/2 years.

Throughout his ministry at The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Bowers served both the congregation and community. He volunteered for Lutheran Disaster Relief where he helped hurricane victims rebuild their homes. He taught youth in catechism class and attended National Youth Gatherings, as well as catechism camp. His sermons included stories, jokes, scriptures and song to deliver the message.

Bowers married his wife, Mary in 1976 and they have two adult daughters, Julia Bowers Simko and Allison Bowers Vovk. He has one grandchild Katya Vovk. They reside in Palmer Township, in the Easton area.

Although Bowers has retired from his call to ministry, he plans to continue his private practice on a half time schedule.

With his free time, Bowers also plans to complete “hubby” jobs, as his wife calls them, or projects around the house, go fishing, hunting and spend time with his current grandchild, as well as future grandchildren.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Pastor Jim for the last 11 1/2 years,” Elliott said. “He shared his wonderful gifts of worship, leadership, preaching and pastoral care with our congregation. I will miss him personally and I am sure the congregation will miss him.”

A banquet was held in his honor at Brookside Country Club.