On Sunday evening, November 12, members of Johns Creek UMC joined their neighbors across the street,at Johns Creek Presbyterian, for a community Thanksgiving service. Pastors from both churches participated, as well as members of both choirs.

The service was lead by Rev. Dr. Sondra Jones, Rev. Dr. Brandon Harris, and Lori Osborn of Johns Creek UMC, along with Rev. Dr. Gray Norsworthy, Rev. Brian Daoust, and Rev. Neal KuhlHorst of Johns Creek Presbysterian.

This is not the first time that Jones and Norsworthy have been neighbors. Norsworthy, the lead pastor at Johns Creek Presbyterian, served at Shallowford Presbyterian at the same time that Jones was appointed to Briarcliff UMC, almost right across the street. Together, they helped form a 14 church co-operative ministry with other local churches. The congregations came together for several combined services, and to complete service projects around the community.

Johns Creek UMC and Johns Creek Presbyterian have maintained a relationship through the Norcross Cooperative Ministry as well as the Stephen Ministry. The offering for the evening was evenly divided between the Norcross Co-op and Hands of Christ Ministry.

Pastors Dr. Sondra Jones and Dr. Gray Norsworthy hope to form relationships with other Johns Creek churches, as they did in Briarcliff. Any interested congregations can contact Rev. Dr. Sondra Jones: sjones@johnscreekumc.org

On Sunday, December 21, the two churches will come together again for a Longest Night service. This will take place at 7pm in the Gathering Room at Johns Creek UMC. Oftentimes, feelings of grief and pain can be magnified in the midst of the hustle and bustle and “holly and jolly” of the holidays. This service is a reminder that Jesus was born as an offering of hope in the face of despair and distress. Come, find space to hear a word of hope as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.