wfn.org | UCC Church House bids farewell to John Thomas

[George Conklin <gconklin@igc.org>]

> UCC Church House bids farewell to John Thomas

> Written by Gregg Brekke
> September 22, 2009

UCC Church House staff and visitors to Cleveland joined together
Friday in a final farewell for outgoing General Minister and
President, the Rev. John H. Thomas.

Thomas, who ends 10 years as General Minister and President and over
17 years at the UCC's national headquarters on Sept. 30, was honored
with stories, prayers, gifts and a song, "Walk Like John," performed
by red-shoe adorned staff members in recognition of Thomas' "papal"
shoes received this summer during General Synod 27.

Calling the last six months a period of "the great goodbye," Thomas
thanked the Cleveland staff for their companionship, support and
prayers as he represented the UCC nationally and internationally.

"I will miss you all more than I can express today," Thomas told the  audience.

"We've had some exciting days and some incredible adventures," he
said, recounting his many travels and times in the national spotlight.
"I hope you've sensed in the midst of those both a courage and a
playfulness and an enjoyment that we've tried to instill in our life
together ­ and a GMP who wasn't afraid at times to say tough things in
public or even welcome SpongeBob into his office."

Thomas spoke of memories collected in pictures ­ now removed from his
walls in preparation for the arrival of the Rev. Geoffrey Black to the
General Minister and President's office. He recalled how each picture
and memento was part of his and the UCC's spiritual journey which
opens a new chapter as Thomas assumes the role of Assistant to the
President at Chicago Theological Seminary beginning Jan. 1, 2010.

"It doesn't take anything away from our excitement about the new
General Minister and President arriving to express our sadness over
John leaving ­ we will miss the many ways he has been our pastor,
friend and leader," said Hans Holznagel, a 25-year UCC national staff
member currently serving as associate for financial development.

"John's leadership as the UCC's ecumenical officer forged our
partnership with the Reformed Church in America, Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America and Presbyterian Church (USA)," said Holznagel. "It
may not have happened if it weren't for his eloquence in sharing our
theological and biblical reasoning for why we are the type of open
church that we are."

Thomas concluded his remarks by encouraging staff to welcome the Rev.
Geoffrey Black, "with deep encouragement and expectation."

"I hope he will find from you the same affection that you have shown
to me," he said.