Brothers and sisters in Christ,

On behalf of Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson and District Superintendent Doug Thrasher, the Staff Parish Relations Committee at JCUMC is announcing our pastor appointments for the 2019-20 year. The United Methodist Church has itinerant pastors that work for the conference, meaning they are appointed for one year commitments and move to where, through prayer and study, the Bishop and cabinet think they are needed to best serve the conference.

We are happy to report that Charley Reeb, Lori Osborn, and Brittany Sanders have been re-appointed to Johns Creek. Brandon Harris will be taking a leave of absence from the ministry in June and seeking private sector opportunities.

This is an unusual situation so we wanted to give some more context. Although he had preferred to stay at Johns Creek, during the appointment process Brandon was offered a senior pastor role that would require him to move. He felt strongly that his family needed some stability after the multiple moves they have had over the past 5 years. Therefore, he did not accept that appointment and will transition to a leave of absence status in June. The church will have a reception for Brandon in the coming weeks to celebrate his outstanding service to JCUMC. It is also important to note that neither SPRC nor anyone at our church recommended this change for Brandon. It happened due to the complex and difficult problem of placing hundreds of pastors into churches in the conference.

This summer we will welcome the Reverend Allen Johnson as a new Associate Pastor for Johns Creek UMC. Allen is an experienced minister who has served as senior pastor, associate pastor, and chaplain to a university. Pastor Charley knows Rev. Johnson from work in Florida, and feels confident he will be a great asset to our congregation.

The moving of pastors is a spiritual process. Please pray for Brandon, Allen, and all the pastors who will be transitioning this summer.

The SPRC is available to answer your questions. Please feel free to reach out to Mike Dudgeon, SPRC chairperson, at 770-490-7983 or mjdudgeon@gmail.com.

Yours In Christ,
Johns Creek UMC Staff Parish Relations Committee

Saying Goodbye to Pastor Brandon

Pastor Brandon’s last Sunday will be on June 9. We’ll have a farewell reception in the Gathering Room after the 11:00 am service. You’ll have a chance to write a letter of appreciation to Brandon and his family, or you can bring your own and place it in the basket provided.

A love offering is being collected for the Harris family. You can place your contribution, designated to the Love Offering fund, in the offering plate on Sundays or you can give electronically through Shelby Giving. Be sure to select the “Loveoff” option when filling out your form online.