Drawn out of retirement to come “home,” The Rev. Jackie Thomson returned to Holy Comforter in October 2018. “It was in this community that my adult faith was formed. It was largely through my thirteen-year ministry here as Director of Christian Education that my call to ordained ministry emerged. It’s really good to be home.”
After nearly 25 years as a parishioner, Jackie left Holy Comforter in 1995 to attend seminary. Following graduation from Virginia Theological Seminary in 1998, she served as Curate at St. Alban’s in Annandale for two years and then as Senior Associate Rector for Pastoral Care and Adult Formation at St. Anne’s in Reston for thirteen years. In the Diocese she served as President of the Standing Committee and as Chair of the Committee for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct. In the years between retirement and returning to Holy Comforter Jackie lived out her priestly call serving as supply clergy for churches un the area, as chaplain at INOVA Fairfax Hospital, and as Nave Chaplain at Washington National Cathedral.
“As preacher, I love combining my background as a teacher (of high school English, Sunday school, and swimming) with my passion for the Biblical text to help the story come alive. As pastor, I value time spent with people during good times as well as challenging times. Creating a sense of welcome for everyone, just as they are, continues to be a ministry priority.”
Longtime residents of Vienna, Jackie and her husband Barney enjoy visiting their four adult children who grew up at Holy Comforter where they benefitted from the acolyte, youth and formation programs. Jackie and Barney delight in their twelve grandchildren.
