About Pastor Jim

The Reverend James R. Sands – or Pastor Jim, as he likes to be called – is a life-long United Methodist born and raised in Carmichaels, Pa.  Pastor Jim served his home church of Carmichaels First United Methodist Church in just about every way imaginable, from Sunday School teacher, to custodian, to president of the youth group, sound technician for worship, and even head of the trustees before being called into itinerant ministry.  A 1995 graduate of Carmichaels Area High School, Jim attended California University of Pennsylvania as an education major.

After graduation from Cal U in 1999, Pastor Jim served for seven years as a substitute teacher for two school districts. During that period, he also worked for a pizza restaurant, becoming general manager and winning several awards: Manager of the Month, customer service, and highest sales increase in the company. Pastor Jim served for 11 years as the chairperson of the Greene County Church Dartball League and served as league statistician.

In 2011, Pastor Jim began serving in itinerant ministry as pastor at Eldersville UMC while attending Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Upon graduation, he was awarded the Robert M. Ezzell Homiletical Prize for excellence in preaching. Pastor Jim was then appointed to Scalp Level Trinity UMC in Windber, and he was ordained an Elder in 2017.  Pastor Jim serves as the registrar of the Johnstown District Committee on Ministry and enjoys mentoring newer clergy.

Pastor Jim is an avid bowler. He is a self-described “Bible nerd” and enjoys studying Scripture with an emphasis on history, science, and philosophy. He is passionate about women’s issues, particularly as an advocate for women as leaders in ministry.

Pastor Jim met his wife Kristen while counting offerings at church. They have two children, Ryan and Molly.  Ryan is 10 and was born with cerebral palsy. He loves electronics and dinosaurs. Molly is 3 and loves pestering her big brother. Kristen is an avid reader who serves as the co-chairperson of the Conference Disability Concerns Committee. Pastor Jim and Kristen enjoy traveling and visiting museums and historic sites.

Pastor Jim was appointed to serve Monaca UMC and First UMC, Aliquippa effective July 1, 2022.