Our Pastor
The Reverend Devon Thomas
I have always seen myself as a follower of Jesus Christ, and have tried to live my life open to Christ's call to love God and neighbor as presented to us in Matthew 22 and Mark 12. In my years of ministry, I have come to understand that love cannot be confined to a single person's understanding or faith journey. Everyone has a different experience of God’s love in the world, and I cherish the role that church communities can play in bringing people together to learn, grow, and support one another in this challenging period of human history.
I grew up in New England, with most of my time spent here in Vermont. My father is also a UCC minister, and he moved our family to Vermont when I was twelve. Vermont is a part of who I am, and serving Vermont communities has become the focus of my ministry. After ten years serving in the state, I realize that we are living through monumental times; times that are changing as well as challenging. And I wonder what role faith can play in Vermont today.
We are in an important moment, and the best we can do is be the best loving children of God we can be. That is the call of Christ in which I take comfort. How can we bring our calling to love God and neighbor to life in Vermont? As the Apostle Paul says, “you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” (1 Corinthians 12)
There is a lot of good we can do here in Vermont, for each other and for our communities. Together, I hope we can draw strength, knowledge, and empathy for each other and those with whom we share this world. In nourishing the hungry and the thirsty, in welcoming the stranger, in sheltering the homeless, and in supporting those who are sick or persecuted, we care not only for others but for God as well. (Matt 25).
The United Church of Northfield is a congregation looking to build a deeper connection with its local community by growing our understanding of love in the world and finding new ways to express it with our neighbors.
We invite all people in our mission. Changing the world starts at home, and together we can find new ways to let love grow in Northfield, Vermont.
The Rev. Devon Lee Julian Thomas
Hello there! I'm Rev. Devon Thomas.
I am an open and affirming pastor.
If you are looking for a pastor who supports all people, especially our LGBTQ+ neighbors in church leadership at all levels of the Church, that’s me.
If you are looking for a pastor who will perform same sex weddings, that’s me.
If you are looking for a pastor who will uplift the voices of our trans siblings, that’s me.
If you are looking for a pastor who believes you are made in the image of a loving God, perfectly as you are, that’s me.
I’m also a Star Wars fan….
Rev. Devon Thomas
802 310 6517
devonleethms@gmail.com
Daniel Bruce, Music Director
Daniel Bruce is a highly versatile musician, with experience that ranges from solo and collaborative piano to music direction in nearly every genre, from classical to Broadway to jazz. His performing credits include an acclaimed performance of Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto No. 1 in G Minor with the Vermont Philharmonic, as well as two-piano concertos by Mozart and Poulenc (with Alison Cerutti). He has also performed Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the Montpelier Chamber Orchestra, Burlington Civic Symphony, and with the Vermont Jazz Ensemble (Paul Whiteman orchestration) - the latter two performances conducted from the piano. As a solo and collaborative pianist, he has performed nearly every genre of music, from classical to country, from gospel to jazz.
Daniel has been playing music (piano, organ, trumpet) and directing the UCN choir for nearly 2 decades.
Laura Ranker
Church Secretary
Laura has been with the United Church of Northfield for decades. She has worn many hats in that time. Always ready for a new challenge, most recently she learned to set up and run ZOOM meetings. She ran the meetings, arranged our pulpit supply pastors schedule and kept us going for nearly a year before we settled our new minister, Rev. Julie Lombard. Laura does it all and we don’t know what we’d do without her.
One of her many hats is that of Howe’s Hall Coordinator. If you, or a group you know, wishes to rent Howe’s Hall contact, Laura at lranker@myfairpoint.net or call her at 802 229-4351.
Chris Southworth
Church Sexton
“I’ve been at the United Church of Northfield as the sexton for about 12 years. I’ve also been a church member for many years and sing in the choir. I like keeping the church looking good for everyone to enjoy. Also as a member of the Stewardship Committee I get to do more than cleaning. I help care for the whole building and grounds with a team of great people.”
Elected Church Officials:
Church Moderator- Peter Evans
Treasurer- Elizabeth Redmond
Financial Secretary- John Knox
Commitees:
Deacons, Laura Ranker ,Chair
Mission and Outreach, Debra Maloney-Evans, Chair
Stewardship, Peter Evans, Chair
Church Vitality Committee. Exploring the areas of Communication, Accessibility and Landscape. Church contact, Peter Evans