Kids & Family
Shallowford Pres. Church Names Interim Pastor
An inspiring preacher, Rev. John Semmes provides leadership, pastoral care during transition
Shallowford Presbyterian Church (SPC) recently named John M. Semmes as Interim Pastor for this growing 1,000-member church located in central DeKalb County. As the interim pastor, Rev. Semmes comes on board as head of staff to provide leadership, preaching and pastoral care during a period of transition between senior pastors.
Rev. Semmes begins preaching at Shallowford on Sunday, September 16. Catch his relevant and inspiring sermons every week at 8:45 and 11:00 am.
“John is a skilled preacher and an experienced leader who possesses wisdom and insight to lead Shallowford,” said Associate Pastor Catherine Foster. “We are excited for our members and the community to get to know John and to experience his ministry here at Shallowford.”
Find out what's happening in North Druid Hills-Briarclifffor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Since 2004, Rev. Semmes served as Pastor and Head of Staff of the 850-member First Presbyterian Church in Oxford, Mississippi, a congregation that experienced significant growth during his service. Previously, he served as Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Kentucky.
“I am honored and excited to serve Shallowford,” said Rev. Semmes. “During this next period, we will continue building upon your established strengths in worship, music, education, fellowship and outreach…and we’ll have a lot of fun doing it.”
Find out what's happening in North Druid Hills-Briarclifffor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Prior to ministry, John enjoyed successful sales careers in both media and medicine in his hometown of Memphis before becoming a second-career seminary student at Princeton Theological Seminary. He earned a Master of Divinity in 2001 at Princeton and received the Jagow Prize for Preaching. John is a graduate of Memphis University School and the University of Tennessee.
“John embraces the idea that God needs each of us to be our unique selves, and so believes church should be a place where everyone is welcome to come as they are,” said Lynn Marie Trotti, Shallowford member.
John and Cindy, his wife of 27 years, are parents to two adult daughters, Emily and Sophie. In his free time, John enjoys music, art, reading, sports, exercise, and trips to the beach.