Zion Lutheran Church anticipates the arrival of Vicar Anthony Thomas. May 3 will officially be his first day leading the flock of Zion. Thomas hails from Lacombe. He and his wife are proud parents to Michael and Anthony, 10-year-old twin boys.

Thomas is originally from Chalmette in St. Bernard Parish. After 20 years in sales and civic work Thomas felt the call of God to use his abilities in the Lord’s service as a minister. His aptitude at working with people and bringing them together to reach common goals served him well as president of the Lacombe Chamber of Commerce. These same aptitudes and abilities will be put to use in serving and encouraging his new congregation in Bogalusa.

At 42 years of age when Thomas entered into his ministerial training, his life experiences proved invaluable. After two years he was ordained, and now he is anxiously awaiting the opportunity to continue the wonderful ministry of Pastor Bob Belknap.

“I was relocated by Hurricane Katrina. We moved to Pineville, La., for a while. During this time of upheaval and change I came to realize more fully that nothing is more consoling during a disaster than the church. Faith-based help is essential. Lutherans care. We care and work to reach out in love to the community.

“My vision is one of outreach. I want to see the Lutheran Church rebuild and move forward. I want to see it continue to grow. Bogalusa is a small town, but we have some big city problems. What better way to reach people than through the outreach of the church?”

Thomas plans to listen to his congregation and move forward with its input. He has plenty of ideas about potential programs and outreach into the community but knows the people of Bogalusa are the ones who understand the needs of this area. He has a heart to see Bogalusa and Zion Lutheran Church thrive in the coming months and years.

Worship services are held at 10:30 a.m. Sunday mornings, with Sunday school beginning at 9 a.m. Youth meetings are conducted each Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. All are welcome. Thomas may be reached at anthony.c.thomas@live.com.