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Thomas visits; will return in January

December, 2000

Due to overwhelming interest, the Jan. 8 clergy luncheon with Rev. John Thomas, the United Church of Christ General Minister and President, has been moved to a larger location.

The luncheon was originally to be held at the Framingham Conference Center and limited to 80. But interest has been so high that the lunch has been moved to the Plymouth Congregational Church in Framingham, which can seat 240.

“There seems to be a real yearning among clergy for connecting not only with each other but with the denomination,” said Susan Dickerman, Associate Conference Minister for Leadership Development.

Thomas will make a brief opening statement about his vision for the UCC, and then answer questions and hear concerns.

“This will be an excellent opportunity to meet with our new President in his first year in office,” said Interim Conference Minister and President Erwin R. Bode.

Conference clergy interested in registering should contact Susan Dickerman as soon as possible.

In November, Thomas visited Cape Cod. On Nov. 11, he attended a dessert fellowship with the Barnstable Association, hosted by the First Congregational Church of Harwich. On Nov. 12, he preached at two worship services at the Federated Church of Orleans and responded to questions at a gathering between the services.

“A highlight was Rev. Thomas’ leadership of the children’s chat in the 8:45 service,” said Pastor Michele Rogers-Brigham. “He brought a beaded necklace with him that was given by a Native American congregation in North Dakota that had a UCC symbol, and he talked about the unity we share with people of all traditions and cultures within our UCC life.”