Burgess speaking tour continues
The Rev. Thomas Burgess, pastor of Hope Christian Fellowship in Canastota and a case supervisor with Onondaga County Adult Protective Services, is in demand as a speaker on diverse topics this summer.
On Monday, July 16, Burgess was part of a panel presenting to a workshop on “Investigating Financial Exploitation” at the New York Public Welfare Association 149th annual Summer Conference, held at the Saratoga Hilton Hotel. Also on the panel were: Alan Lawitz, Esq., Director, Bureau of Adult Services, New York State Office of Children and Family Services; and Elvisa Grahovic, Supervisor, Webber CPA, LLC, MS Forensic Accounting. In attendance were various professionals from across the state including caseworkers, supervisors, administrators, and attorneys who learned about a newly developed tool, the Financial Exploitation Investigation Suite of Tools, and Onondaga County’s experience to date as one of the pilot counties.
On Sunday, August 12, Hope Christian Fellowship is partnering with Believers’ Chapel of Canastota and the Compassion Connection Food Pantry to sponsor a Community Appreciation Day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The public is invited to come join in under a tent that will be set up at 2657 Seneca Turnpike (Route 5).
Burgess will speak on the subject of “Revival” during the morning worship time. There will be food, fun, music, children’s activities, and water baptism for those who have repented and believed but have not yet been baptized or who may desire to do their first works over (Acts 2:38; Revelation 2:5). These local churches are united in love for our community and invite the public to come and let us celebrate you!
A life-long Central New Yorker, Burgess is a 1971 graduate of Canastota High School. He then attended Syracuse University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Communications and Education, and subsequently completed post-graduate work at Le Moyne College to earn certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
An educator in elementary, secondary and adult education for over two decades prior to working for Onondaga County, he now frequently presents to various agencies and community groups and is a trainer for a National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life grant. He is a past recipient of an Onondaga County Volunteer Award for his work with abused children and youth and a National Adult Protective Services Association Award for his work on elder justice.
In August, Burgess also celebrates the 41st anniversary of his ordination to the Christian ministry.