PASTOR
Dr. Thomas F. Pickering
Dr. Tom first came to Somerville in 2003 as our interim pastor. More recently he has served as pastor of the Cordova Presbyterian Church until 2014. At numerous times he says served this church when there has been a need. He describes Somerville as his adopted home town. The faith is important to him. “Grace changes all things, especially my life.” The gospel is something that is real and gritty, it touches real, concrete realities of life. It’s touch people where they live in the here and now as it gives them glimpses of the glory of the eternal.
Prior to that he Tom spent ten years in interim ministry serving churches in five different Presbyteries in our Synod where has gained a reputation for re-invigorating congregations. He has served churches in Texas, North Carolina and Missouri as pastor, associate and head of staff, in churches from 60 to 1,400 members. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska and earned a masters from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and a Doctorate from Columbia Theological Seminary. He also has had special training in political campaign management, interim ministry, managing business in transition, demographics, market segmentation, evangelism and conflict management.
He is past Moderator of the Synod of Living Waters and has served the Presbytery as chair of the Bills and Overtures Committee and member of the permanent judicial commission. Dr. Tom also chaired of the Synod's Finance committee. He also chaired the reorganization task group of the Presbytery, Vice Chair of Living Waters for the World, Vice Chair of the Board of Bellewood Children's Homes in Louisville.
His wife Marilyn is from Corpus Christi, Texas and has been a School Psychologist. They live in Lakeland where they are raising three boys: now 17, 15 and 13. Dr. Tom volunteered for years “handing our sporks” at the elementary School in Lakeland and now substitutes at the Middle and High School. Tom's outside interests include: puttering in the shop, reading history, bridge and watching old movies, and trying to play golf.
Before the ministry, Tom was on the staff of a national presidential campaign and was congressional relations officer for a presidential council in Washington. He also was in sales and product management with U.S. Plywood; has served as comptroller and vice president of a hardware firm; as well as founded his own company.
Worship Leader and Preacher
Tom Sauer
Tom Sauer, a commissioned ruling elder, leads worship and preaches twice a month. Tom was born and raised in Ohio. He and his family came to Germantown when he accepted a position with International Paper. He has degrees in chemistry, zoology, and environmental engineering.
A lifelong Presbyterian, Tom had always felt a call to ministry and enrolled in the Commissioned Lay Pastor program at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. After completing his studies, he began leading worship at the LaGrange Presbyterian Church where he served for nine years.
Tom has served on various congregational and Presbytery committees and held several offices, including deacon, elder, clerk of session, and Moderator of the Presbytery. He currently is Associate Pastor to Senior Adults at Germantown Presbyterian Church. We have been blessed with his worship and leadership skills since 2023.
Tom and his wife, Kim have 2 children and 5 grandchildren, all of whom live in the area. Tom and Kim are members of Germantown Presbyterian Church.