Introducing The Reverend Janice Clark
Family Leave Pastor
Minister of Word & Sacrament
November 2001 - Present
Master of Divinity
Columbia Theological Seminary
Master of Education
University of Georgia
Bachelor of Science
University of Georgia
Pastor Janice has spent her career serving the Church as a Hospital Chaplain, a Hospice Chaplain, and Pastor in Florida and Georgia. She will join our staff from November 1 - February 7th to cover for Pastor Rachel’s Maternity Leave.
Check back in late October for Pastor Janice’s contact information.
Get to Know Pastor Janice
Where did you grow up?
As I grew up in Atlanta, it was a small city believe it or not. I lived around the area for 40 years before I left to take calls in ministry in Florida. I lived in Morningside and I am still good friends with some of my grade school buddies. Some of them are from Morningside Elementary, O’Keefe Middle School, and Grady High School. It was a multi-cultural upbringing as Morningside had a lot of Jewish students and I can remember playing dreidel as young as age 6. O’Keefe is where I first experienced integration in schools, so I have had a lot of lessons in diversity. At Grady, my closest friends’ parents were of different faiths—Jewish, Unitarian Universalist, Christian Scientist and I was the “Traditional Methodist Girl.” Haha. In addition, I’m still close friends with my best friend from Grace Methodist on Ponce where I grew up.
I have two very different grandmothers whom I think have been influential in shaping my life. My Granny Clark in Henry County was very well to do and received her education at Brenau College in 1910 and trained to be a concert pianist. She committed many Psalms to memory and there is a stained-glass window dedicated in her memory at our family church in Stockbridge.
On the other hand, my Mee Maw Peters had a third-grade education and was tragically widowed as a young mother. She never remarried and worked at the Smith House in Dahlonega for a livelihood. Mee Maw “loved the land” and used everything she had to survive the Great Depression. I think the milk from her cow would “fetch” about $12 a gallon now!
When did you feel a call to ministry?
When you go through the ordination process, you reflect on this story a lot and it’s interesting how the depth in the story changes over time. My first conscious sense of call was about age 34 which was about 1994. I knew I was called to go to seminary, but I insisted it was not for ordained ministry. After going to seminary, I finally realized that was the call, but I think I needed to be around other women who were called as I never had female role models. I did not see a female minister until I was 33, and I actually thought, “Well, that’s okay. As long as it’s not me!” Famous last words.
Upon a lot of years of reflection though, I think my first sense of call to preach was at age 26. A lady was “giving a message” in a pulpit in a dress promoting her inspirational story which shaped her desire to found a church ministry. My friend leaned over and said, “You want to do that, Janice. Don’t you?” I definitely said yes—but didn’t know it was a call to preach. Over the years, I have become more and more grateful that all of those who feel called to ministry can fill their roles in the church. As one of my seminary professors put it, “God’s will is our deepest will.”
What was your favorite non-ministry job?
Definitely working at Atlanta Gas Light Company was my favorite. First, I was a Consumer Information Specialist and taught consumer groups all topics related to Natural Gas. In the summers, I worked in a professional test kitchen and taught large cooking schools throughout the city. Later, I worked with a small team of people to develop a Realtor marketing program. It was fun being the “face” of the company.
Overall, I got to work collaboratively with colleagues and develop creative, new programs which are very life-giving to me. Also, I got to practice soft-sell marketing techniques which have been useful in understanding how to promote the church.
What do you like to do with your spare time?
When I retired, I explored a lot of things that were new in a lot of different contexts. However, what I really enjoy most is—going to church! PW work is a concentration for me in two different churches. Also, I’m sort of a church junkie, so I attend as many churches as possible around the city. That’s where you will find me most of the time.
Since I am in Atlanta with my immediate family now, I prioritize sitting with my little niece and nephews or going on playdates. Staying up to speed with exercise is important, so I do aerobics and walk. Live sports and live music are always of interest to me, too.
Do you have any family in the ATL area?
Most of my immediate family is here. One sister and her husband are in Roswell. One of her daughters is in East Cobb with her family. Her other daughter is in Jacksonville. My niece whose mother (my other sister) passed away lives down the street from me in Brookhaven with her family. My brother lives in Stockbridge where he inherited my parents retirement home. All the kids love to play together. They have introduced me to Pokémon video games where you jump and dodge all kinds of creepy things—great exercise!
Unfortunately, my ex-husband in Florida passed away and we were good friends. Yet, his family will always be dear to me, and they are all in Florida.
What are you most excited about during your time at JCPC?
From the time I met Rachel, George, Jim, and Allison, I felt right at home. The commitment to growing in Christ’s love is apparent and I believe the church is very open to the Holy Spirit’s leading and guidance. This will be a nice journey together.
After being in chaplaincy and practicing a lot of pastoral care in short visits, I am eager to concentrate on teaching and preaching in one place as it will fulfill my desire to dig deeper into God’s Word as we grow together as a church. I’m eager to get to know everyone and I am open to support you as a pastor!