BY SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Union Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America is honoring Pastor Johnathan D. Pickett’s first pastoral anniversary with a program centered on faith, leadership, and service on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
The celebration’s theme, “One Year of Faithful Service: Leading with Vision, Serving with Purpose,” draws on Proverbs 29:18. The printed program places Pickett’s milestone at the center of an afternoon of worship, music, and recognition.
The order of service lists a 2 p.m. start, with an opening song by the Liberty Primitive Baptist Church Choir and Pastor Pickett’s entrance. Prayer, scripture, a welcome by Brother Michael Holden, musical selections, and an offering follow.
Pastor Jukobie Jones of Liberty Primitive Baptist Church in Gurley is listed as the guest preacher and will lead the invitation to discipleship. Sister Dr. Deloris Smothers will introduce the speaker.
According to his biography in the program, Jones became Liberty’s seventh senior pastor in September 2024. A Decatur native, he accepted his call to ministry at age 12 and previously served at Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church.
The anniversary program also includes special presentations by Union Hill’s committees and deacons, a committee moment by Brother William Perry, a pastor moment, and the benediction.
Genevia Hughes chairs the anniversary committee, with Felecia Scruggs serving as co-chairperson. Members include Teleshay Hall, Angela Little, Lorraine Martin, Diane Matthews, Connie Perry, William Perry, Deloris Smothers, Breanna Scruggs, and Bertha Thomas.
The program recognizes Pickett’s first year while emphasizing the congregation’s shared commitment to purposeful service and spiritual leadership within their community.