While relatively new to his role as senior pastor, and having started his appointment in July 2023, Pastor Joseph Sanford was not new to Franklin or Grace United Methodist Church (GUMC).
Sanford had served as youth pastor there beginning in 2008. Upon his return to Franklin, he recognized tremendous changes as far as the growth in Franklin in his years between ministries. He brings along family growth with him. Now married with four children, Sanford returned to Franklin with his wife, Lauren, as well as his son, Noah, 20, twin daughters, Juliette and Lyla, 9, and daughter, Audrey, 6.
Sanford grew up on a farm in Hancock County and showed sheep in 4-H. He said that while he enjoyed rural life, he favored the arts over sports and farm-related activities. As a youth and young man, he thrived in a camp setting. A good portion of his youth and young adulthood was spent at church camp either as a camper, counselor or full-time staffer. He describes himself as having been “spiritually raised at camp.”
Already invested and involved in Johnson County’s community, Sanford serves on the Good Cheer of Johnson County board, and on the United Way of Johnson County board as well. He serves on various committees with his church as well. Currently the congregation is participating in Operation Grocery Sack, which provides extra pantry items for the Interchurch Food Pantry of Johnson County. Twenty-five baskets of food will be delivered to the families of Needham Elementary School, and 25 baskets of food will be delivered to Webb Elementary, neighbors of the church. In addition to that, United Way’s Angel Store is hosted at the church.
When asked by Associate Pastor Jenothy Irvine if he could imagine and achieve anything in the next 10 years, Sanford laid out a plan of collaboration between agency leaders and business leaders in the community. His wish would invite those people who love Franklin and are invested in assisting the growing needs of the community. He envisions informal lunches including agencies relaying current needs, and those sitting around the table responding with ideas and solutions.
GUMC continues a tradition of responding to needs in our community in a variety of ways. Every week the congregation serves a free meal on Friday night called Soup’s On. In addition to this, they also hold their annual Potato Drop, where 10-pound bags of potatoes can be picked up, as well as their annual Christmas Day dinner.
As the holiday season approaches, ministers, pastors and church staff prepare for additional people to attend services. “Where we see the most influx of new people attending church is on Christmas and New Year,” says Sanford.
To meet the growing and varied needs of his congregation, Sanford says his church hosts a variety of services. While it may be the most wonderful time of the year, it can also be difficult for those who are facing the season alone or who do not have fond memories of Christmas gatherings – or those who lost a family member and are going through their first Christmas season without their loved one. GUMC has a service called the Comfort and Joy Service, which will take place on December 12.
Beginning on Sunday, December 1, Sanford has prepared a four-week sermon series titled “The Heart That Grew Three Sizes”. This Grinch-themed series offers a seasonal message sure to delight and enrich the hearts and souls of all ages. The kickoff Sunday will include a chili luncheon, and a showing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” following the service. Sanford is also excited to include “The Service of Light” this year, a Christmas Eve service.
“I am conflicted on being named a Hometown Hero,” Sanford says. “While honored and at the same delighted to share my passion for serving God, my job is overseeing the church. But the overall work of the church is done by the people of the church. My goal is to fan the flames and identify our church’s vision.”
