Title
Proclaiming Saturday, June 2, 2018 as Reverend Gloria Roach Thomas Day in the City of Saint Paul.
Body
Whereas, Originally a native of South Carolina, Reverend Gloria Roach Thomas has made Minnesota her home for the last 38 years and committed her life to education, faith, and community and is worthy of recognition for her many years of service to her church and numerous communities; and
Whereas, Reverend Thomas is retiring as Pastor of Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church in June 2018 and has touched the many lives of Saint Paulites by being a key supporter of numerous community initiatives, including the St. Paul African American Faith Community ACT Team (SPN ACT) in 2014; and
Whereas, She has worked collaboratively with the SPN ACT team to address health disparities such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease in the African-American communities, including the disproportionate number of Ramsey County African-Americans who are impacted by Alzheimer's disease, by informing youth about Alzheimer's - engaging them in activities, providing caregiver support through home visits, counseling, and fun activities; and
Whereas, In addition to her immediate duties, Reverend Thomas has served on many committees, including service as Associate Chaplain for The St. Paul Black Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance; and
Whereas, Under her leadership, Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church has attained new heights where Reverend Thomas orchestrated a major church renovation and extensive remodeling project, ensuring that not only would the church benefit tremendously from the renovation but also the surrounding communities within Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro; and
Whereas, Reverend Thomas’s inspirational, spirit-filled teachings have touched the hearts of many using a ‘holistic’ approach that is non-intimidating, non-judgmental, and culturally-sensitive; and
Whereas, During her tenure, she has enhanced the lives of not only Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church members, but also the people in the surrounding communities, where her ministries have truly reached across the world since she has benevolently fed the hungry, clothed the stranger, visited and comforted the sick; and now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the City of Saint Paul acknowledge the contributions of Reverend Gloria Roach Thomas to the great quality of life in our community and proclaim Saturday, June 2, 2018 as Reverend Gloria Roach Thomas Day in the City of Saint Paul.