Atkinson Congregational Church has announced the retirement of the Rev. Jim Thomas. His last Sunday worship service is scheduled for Sept. 7, 2025, when the congregation also plans to celebrate his nearly eight years of dedicated leadership – a timeframe marked by challenge, change, and revitalization.
During Thomas’s tenure, he led a wide range of evolvements at the church. A key example is the integration of 21st-century technology that paved the way for enhanced church experiences. This proved essential during the pandemic, when services necessitated a turn to livestreaming. Today, livestreamed services are an integral and permanent choice for congregants not wanting or unable to attend church physically, or desiring the online option as a guest. Today, eight out of 10 new in-person worshippers have experienced ACC for the first time online. Viewers have originated from various states and countries, and services are also viewable and archived on YouTube and the church’s website.
Another accomplishment was ACC’s 2022 Open and Affirming declaration, which stated publicly that all people are welcome, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. In addition to many other achievements, Thomas provided guidance in ways that are perhaps less obvious, such as transforming the church buildings and parsonage to rely on solar power. Above all, during his tenure, Thomas led an increase in worship and “Kid’s Club” attendance. Further, the music programs have expanded, including the church’s handbell choir and “popup” choir, which performs on occasional Sundays.
“Before settling at ACC, I was looking in several different directions. God nudged me here, and I am so glad He did,” said Thomas. “So much has happened because of the congregation’s willingness to cultivate change. It’s been an incredible chapter in my life. Now, a new one awaits the ‘Light on the Hill’.”
Thomas’s retirement will coincide with the end of his tenure as president of the N.H. Conference, United Church of Christ, as well as chaplain of the Atkinson police and fire departments, and the Atkinson Veterans Club. In addition, Thomas will be retiring from his position on the board of the Atkinson Lions Club. During his time in Atkinson, Thomas also served on the executive committee of the N.H. Council of Churches, and the board of directors of the N.H. Conference, UCC.
Prior to moving to N.H., Thomas was the associate conference minister for stewardship, church vitality, and finance for the Vermont Conference, UCC. He was also the pastor of First Congregational Church of Randolph Center, Vt. A native of Medway, Mass., Thomas served 20 years in the U.S. Seabees, part of the Naval Construction Force, living in various parts of the world with his wife, Lynn, while raising two children, Elizabeth and Patrick. Thomas graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of the State of New York. He is looking forward to his next chapter in life, which he expects will include long-term RV trips with Lynn across the U.S.
An interim pastor, as well as an eventual settled pastor of ACC, will be announced at a later date.
