December 1, 2022

If you know Galilee UMC, you know how seriously we take service in the community. Neighborhood charities have referred to us as “the church that says yes” when faced with a challenge that might daunt others. So when we posted a job opening for Director of Serve Ministries, our search was accompanied by more than a few prayers that we would find an applicant as dedicated to service as this church is—and as dedicated to Christ.

That’s why we’re so pleased to introduce Felicia Johnson as the latest edition to Galilee’s capable staff. Felicia started November 3 and will oversee all of Galilee’s volunteer service ministries, taking that role over from Rebecca Makowski (who, don’t worry, remains a vital member of our congregation).

Felicia comes to us with a strong background in service to the community and involvement in church.

Felicia front and center surrounded by daughters Kisha, Tamia, Shelah, Alecia, Raechelle and her son Terry

Felicia is from Jacksonville, Florida. “Born and raised,” as she says. “It’s a great place to live if you enjoy sunny beaches and fishing, boating, biking, golfing, running or nature walks. Jacksonville sits right at the border of Georgia and on a weekend, you can easily drive to the historical sites of Savannah or a couple of hours south to Orlando.”

“I worked at the Jacksonville Housing Authority for 30 years and retired in September 2018. I managed the day-to-day operations of the Neighborhood Networks Center, which assists clients with job training, literacy, and setting short and long term life goals. I designed a GED curricular program and was able to graduate 100 adult students. I also worked with various churches, colleges, and agencies to bring resources to  the members of this community.”

“After I retired, my youngest daughter, Shelah, asked me to come up to Virginia. For the last three years, I was back and forth between Florida and Virginia. In 2021, I decided to live here in Virginia permanently, and I was looking for a new role. I found Galilee through its post for Director of Serve Ministries. When I saw the job ad on Indeed, I quickly applied.”

“You see, I want to be a part of helping change people’s lives by showing the love of God through our works and deeds. We are Jesus’ hands and feet. Serving is instilled in me and I know nothing else. It’s impossible for me to sit around, while there is so much work to do in the vineyard. God has called me to serve and to be an example of his love and compassion through deeds.”

Felicia and Shelah near the Lincoln Memorial

After not quite a month in the role, Felicia is already impressed with the culture and volunteers of Galilee.

“The volunteer operations at Galilee are exceptional! Often it is difficult to encourage people to give back and to give up some of their personal time to help others. But that is not the case here at Galilee. The Backpack Buddies team is a close-knit group who step up and fill any capacity to assure children in the community have food over the weekend. This team (and others in local and global serve ministries) wear many hats and make themselves available where help is needed. I’ve seldom seen such a dedicated group of people. Everyone steps in to help: pastors, volunteers, and church members. They made me feel welcome and would welcome anyone else who wants to help, too.”

“I appreciate that in a church, because I was brought up in faith. My mother raised us up in the church and knowing about Christ. God has always been the center of my life. I was raised Baptist as a child, but at the age of 15, I converted to Holiness where I remained for 25 years until the death of my former pastor. During my tenure at this church, I was the youth director and I directed five choirs. I’ve been singing since I was five, but I don’t sing as much as I use too. Regardless of the church affiliation, or styles of music or worship, the Word of God always remains the same. My life would absolutely be horrible without Christ!”

Daughter Shelah and Felicia with granddaughters Jazzlyn and Jada on a cruise to Belize. Felicia loves to cruise. 

Pastor Jason says, “What I see when I look at Felicia is first of all joy and second of all, a heart for service. We welcome both these attributes at this church!”

Next time you’re in church, make sure to extend your welcome to Felicia. And why not ask her if there is something new that you can do to help a neighbor by being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ?