New Thomson UMC Charters, Community First UMC Carrollton Holds Inaugural Worship Service

12/7/2023

From one side of the state to the other, there was joyful worship on December 3! Sunday marked milestones for faithful United Methodist ministry in two communities. Both are a testament to the gift of our United Methodist connection.
 

Community First United Methodist Church is “Where Community is First!”

 
It was standing room only as United Methodists in Carrollton gathered for the inaugural worship service of Community First United Methodist Church. Led by Rev. Dr. Robert Brown, Community First UMC welcomes all God’s people in the United Methodist tradition of “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors and Open Arms.” 
 
“We are a group of people who are earnestly seeking to love God, love others, and serve the world starting right here in Carroll County,” said Rev. Dr. Brown. “These are exciting times in the Carrollton faith community.”
 
Community First UMC will worship on Sundays at 9 a.m. in the Christian Life Center of Moore’s Chapel UMC. Rev. Dr. Edward Landrum and church members have graciously welcomed their neighbors, sharing space and hospitality with the congregation.
 
Fellowship activities are planned throughout December to help families connect and learn more about Community First UMC.

An outreach to area young people, West Georgia Youth, is being led by Britt Martin. West Georgia Youth will meet on Sundays at 5:30 pm at West Georgia UMC. Rev. Dr. Adam Roberts and members are excited to partner with Community First UMC in this ministry to area youth.
 
Follow along on Facebook and Instagram and at www.communityfirstumc.org as this exciting movement continues.
 

New Thomson UMC Officially Charters as a United Methodist Church


On the other side of the state, United Methodists celebrated an exciting and historic moment for our conference's newest church.

New Thomson United Methodist Church was chartered on December 3 with 64 adult members and 16 children. Rev. Dr. Sargent Nelson has been appointed pastor.

The congregation welcomed Rev. Greg Porterfield, South East District Superintendent, Dr. Dana Everhart, South East District Mission Specialist, Jennifer Byrd, District Lay Leader, and North Georgia Conference staff who joined the charter worship celebration and luncheon. The bulletin thanked United Methodists across the Conference who offered support through gifts of items for worship including United Methodists in Banks County who donated the cross and candlesticks for the altar. Oak Grove UMC Decatur donated offering plates (with Cross & Flame engraved). Fairburn UMC and Wesley UMC in Evans donated choral music. And these are just a few of the named generous contributions!

Organized for “the Glory of God to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” New Thomson UMC will hold regular worship services every Sunday at 11:00 am in the Palmer House at Austin Oaks located at 218 Jackson Street in Thomson.

The new space for New Thomson UMC captures the spirit of a 'house church,' shared charter member Virginia Wilson. (Read about the church's start in the Wilson's home!) The beautiful setting inside Austin Oaks is enhanced by a focus on "the basics," for instance there are no microphones in worship at New Thomson, they just aren't necessary. "What's old is new again!" said Virginia. 

New Thomson UMC offers ministry opportunities in many areas including music ministry, children’s ministry, and adult Sunday school. Dr. Bill Hobbins, Director of Music Ministry, leads the New Thomson Choir.

Children are an important focus of the ministry of New Thomson with children’s Sunday School every Sunday at 10:30 in the “Tree House” activity room. Children are invited to attend worship every Sunday with ministry moments.

On Saturday, December 9, New Thomson UMC hosted an Open House with children’s crafts & hot chocolate as the Thomson Christmas parade passed by the packed front porch. On Sunday, December 17th at the 11:00 am worship service, Dr. Hobbins will direct the New Thomson UMC Choir in an Advent Concert presentation with a guest string quartet!

Follow along on social media and at www.newthomsonumc.org.