Reverend Linda Thomson – Congregational Life, Lead – Central & Eastern Regions
Linda first found UUism in 1983, when she, her partner Gary, and their two young daughters, walked into the First Unitarian Church of Hamilton. Before beginning work supporting congregations, she was an active lay leader, serving as Chair of the Board, on the HR committee and as a Lay Chaplain. The children are now adults, both have married. One of the great delights of Linda’s life is her grandson.
In her work, Linda brings her experience of community development and program development from her first career in Parks and Recreation. Her interest and training in Conflict Management has translated into a passion for helping congregations develop sound communication and conflict processes.
Linda studied at Meadville Lombard Theological School, graduating with a Masters of Divinity in 2013. Her studies also included a semester as a member of the Spiritual Care team at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton. The First Unitarian Church of Hamilton ordained Linda in May of 2013.
In the role of Congregational Life Lead for the Central and Eastern regions, Linda’s work includes:
- supporting religious professionals and lay leaders, as they work to strengthen their faith communities.
- Involvement in staff transitions, ministerial settlement, conflict management, governance reviews, planning, growth strategies, program development, leadership training, needs assessment, worship, membership integration strategies and more.
- Developing and collecting resources for to aid in congregational vitality
- Creating and facilitating learning opportunities for congregations and leaders
Knowing first hand the value of religious community – having joys celebrated, care offered and assumptions challenged – Linda is committed to helping congregations and communities respond to the needs of the people they serve. Unitarian Universalism’s liberal and life-affirming theology has made all the difference in her life. She believes that our work will not be done until everyone who would join us has had the opportunity to engage with us, and be changed by the encounter.
Contact Linda: linda.thomson@cuc.ca