Thank You, John Thomson!

In A Man for All Seasons, actor Paul Scofield played Sir Thomas More, the 16th-century Lord Chancellor of England, who wouldn’t help Henry VIII annul his marriage nor recognize him as the supreme head of the Church of England. Ultimately, this stand of conscience leads to his downfall and death. However, we’re left with the example of a supremely convicted person who always follows his conscience and principles.

Perhaps you would think it odd that this example is what occurs to me as I think about our recent SPR chair, John Thomson but I cannot help but be struck by his incredible fortitude and unwavering North Star of conviction to do the correct thing by SUM, its staff, its “clergicals” (his word for me and Deacon Deb) and ultimately his family. While being dedicated to “getting it right” is never easy, the last two years, during which John has led our SPR committee have been full of turmoil making it nearly impossible for smooth sailing. Between Deb and I covering Copper Hill, helping to negotiate my and Deb’s appointment to the Quad (SUM, North Canton, Copper Hill, and Washington Hill), working to overhaul LLI’s pay scale and cost structure and navigating some tough conversation around antiracism for SPR committee, John has never been less than fully “in” on anything we’ve had going on at SUM.*

Perhaps this is a result of his Delaware County roots, something that he and I reflect on regularly, or growing up needing to do chores in the cattle barn after school each day, or a life lived in corporate America. What I do know is that we have never faced a challenge at SUM during his tenure that he hasn’t risen to and applied his gifts, graces and skills and witness to. In other words, John is truly a man for all seasons. Let’s all wish him and Susan well as they seek more time with grandkids and an opportunity to continue to worship here at SUM.

OTJ,
PG

*And truthfully, so many more items and journeys than could be included here.