A tribute to the Revs. Claire Childress and Keith Thompson
On Sunday, June 27, we will celebrate nearly six years with Claire Childress and Keith Thompson as the Co-Pastors of First United Methodist Church. They came to us in September, 2004, bringing with them a unique partnership that provided a full range of pastoral gifts, from Claire’s inspired and eloquent sermons to Keith’s classes and witness on social justice issues. Keith’s frequent observation that together they make up “one pretty good senior pastor” is certainly an understatement!
At least twice each year, Keith has led church-wide study and discussion classes, introducing us to the insights and understandings of theologians such as Marcus Borg, Dominic Crossen and Henri Nouwen. As one member of his classes stated, Keith is “a deep thinker, well-read and a fun person too… and he’s certainly on the leading edge of progressive theology, which we appreciate.”
Claire’s gifts have been especially evident in the creative and thoughtful worship experiences she has brought us, as well as the profound reflections on life and faith found in her sermons. Her compassionate presence in times of need have comforted many members of our congregation, and she will be remembered for her beautiful prayers and meaningful rituals marking the passages of life. For one member, “she is a storyteller, actress and pastor all rolled into one!”
Keith and Claire also have left their mark on FUMC through the establishment of new initiatives for church growth and renewal. In their first year, they initiated a ReVision process to engage the entire congregation in assessing strengths of our ministries and developing goals for the future. As part of this process, we developed a comprehensive statement of beliefs, new mission and vision statements, and five-year goals to guide development of new strategies for ministry.
Under Keith and Claire’s leadership, we implemented Strategic Action Teams (SATs) to address areas such as adult Bible and theological studies, projects to make the church building more warm and inviting, and creation of a website to better communicate with church members and the community at large. Later SATs expanded publicity efforts, outreach and social justice activities. In large part due to Keith and Claire’s progressive outlook, we have welcomed a number of new members of young adult generations who had been missing from our congregation.
While their accomplishments are many, their most important legacy will be their impact on the lives of those who have been part of their church family during the past six years. They have inspired us through their words and actions, they have helped us grow in our faith and understanding, and they have been with us in the joys and sorrows of our lives. Thank you, Keith and Claire, for sharing your gifts with us. We love you and trust that your retirement will open new doors for you as you travel new paths in your ongoing journeys in ministry.