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Pastoral Biography

Since graduating from Wake Forest University in 1970, Rev. Dr. Thompson subsequently graduated from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1976 and was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).  Rev. Dr. Thompson has served as the minister to the Colfax Presbyterian Church, Colfax, Iowa; the Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; the First and Crooked Creek Presbyterian Churches, Ford City, Pennsylvania; the Shelocta Community Presbyterian Church, Shelocta, Pennsylvania; the Second Presbyterian Church, Pittston, Pennsylvania, and the United Church of Angel Fire, Angel Fire, New Mexico.  Dr. Thompson is currently serving as the designated pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Bloomfield.

 

 Dr. Thompson also served as a Presbyterian Chaplain in the United States Army.  Following his graduation from the ROTC Program at Wake Forest University in 1970, Dr. Thompson later graduated from the Chaplains Officer Basic Course in 1985 at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey; the Chaplain Officer Advanced Course in 1994 at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey; the Combined Arms and Services Staff School in 1995 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.  Dr. Thompson served with distinction while on tour in the Persian Gulf during Desert Shield and Desert Storm while assigned to the 101st Airborne & Air Assault Division of Fort Campbell, Kentucky.  Additionally, he served with distinction while on tour with the 7th Corps Support Group in Crailsheim, Germany, and Ghana, Africa.  His awards include: The Meritorious Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with three stars, the Southwest Asia Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), three Army Commendation Medals, the Overseas Service Medal, and the Army Service Medal. Additionally, Dr. Thompson has written several articles for the Army publication “The Military Chaplain’s Review.”

 

Dr. Thompson is a graduate of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary with a specialty in Parish Ministry.   He has written several articles about the Church and has had a book published on Church ministry. 

 
         Dr. Thompson’s wife, Karin, is a native of Clymer, Pennsylvania.  Mrs. Thompson is a professional executive secretary with experience in banking, insurance, and law.  The Thompson’s have five adult children.
 
The Thompson's both enjoy going out to dinner, taking walks, riding their bikes and reading. Having grown up in western Pennsylvania, both the Thompson's deeply appreciate opportunities to explore the great out-of-doors along with their beloved Golden Retreiver, Max.
 
Both Murray and Karin grew up in the small towns of Ford City and Clymer, Pennsylvania and are thankful to have the opportunity to be living in Bloomfield where they can once again enjoy the small town experience.