PCUSA

The Session is pleased to introduce to you the Reverend Dr. John M. Ross, our Interim Pastor/Head of Staff.  John comes to us with a wealth of experience in large churches like ours, as an installed pastor as well as an interim pastor.  He is a graduate of Muskingum College, Princeton Theological Seminary (with an emphasis on worship and pastoral care) and holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Eastern Baptist Seminary in Philadelphia. 

In his last interim position John was noted for his leadership in creative worship, endowment planning, sanctuary and organ renovation, staff-cohesiveness, leading a successful capital campaign, and re-building the self-esteem of the congregation.  The Transition Team was impressed by the abilities he brings as well as his keen sense of humor and thoughtful responses to their many questions.  His references describe him as a pastor who is able to bring people together, to handle difficult situations with grace, who lives out the Gospel. 

John and his wife, Tara, have four children and six grandchildren.   Tara is a licensed psychotherapist who holds a degree in Spiritual Direction from San Francisco Theological Seminary.  They come to us from Green Valley, Arizona and are excited about living in our beautiful city

Clayton A. Thomas, Associate Pastor

Clayton Allan Thomas, originally of Greenville, South Carolina, graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary in 2005 with a Masters in Divinity. While attending Columbia Seminary Clay was selected by President Laura Mendenhall for the C. Virginia Harrison Memorial Fund Award for his leadership during the 2003-2004 academic year. In addition his other honors include the Ludwig Richard Max Dewitz Biblical Studies Award for the best Old Testament exegesis paper, the Columbia Merit Scholarship Award for 2002 to 2005.

In addition to his academics Clay has had experience in hands on ministry. This includes being a drug and alcohol counselor, preacher, a chaplain at the Diagnostic Prison in Jackson, Georgia, a recreation leader at Montreat, NC and youth director at St. Andrews Presbyterian in Charleston, SC. He states: "My passion for people, justice and reconciliation fuels my excitement about my call to ministry."

Clay's desired church characteristics closely embody the character of First Presbyterian Church Sarasota. He says:

"I am interested in serving in a church that embraces the gospel of Jesus Christ as good news for everyone; where church members nurture one another in a mission-oriented discipleship that extends beyond Sunday worship; and where daily discipleship is rooted in gratitude for the grace of God, a conviction of the 'priesthood of all believers', and a concern for all human life. Finally, I hope to serve in a church that understands its own brokenness, and its ongoing need for reconciliation with God and neighbor."

Clay is married to Tricia Dillon Thomas and they have three children, Mason, Fields and Wellspring. Tricia is from Columbia, SC and is a 2006 graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary where she developed an interest in the laments of the Bible. She serves Peace Presbyterian Church as the Pastor for Youth and Families. In her ministry she hopes to search for ways to incorporate the honesty of suffering of these scriptures in our life and worship. Tricia's hobbies are photography and knitting, and Clay is a hunter and tri-athlete. Together they enjoy camping, running, swimming, playing at the beach and visiting new places.

Elders & Deacons