My family and I are members of a United Methodist Church in the Columbus, GA area. We found this church in May of 1998, as we were searching for land in which to build our new house.
We had just moved to the area in April and had been attending another United Methodist church, where we were not very happy.
I still remember walking through the doors of this small, white church and instantly falling in love with it! It reminded me so very much of our church that we left in Atlanta.
As we sat down in one of the beautiful wooden pews, a nice man sitting in the pew in front of us, introduced himself. He shared that he had two young daughters about the same age as ours. I was SO HAPPY to hear this, because I was concerned whether there were many children at this church, being that it was so small.
Then, as I was settling into my seat... I heard a beautiful voice to my left that said... "Welcome! I'm so glad that you are here!" I turned and saw a woman, dressed in a black robe, just as beautiful as the voice that spoke to me! I still remember being in shock because I had never seen a preacher that was a WOMAN!
Just after she greeted us, ANOTHER preacher approched us! This time, it was a man. He also had on a black robe. He greeted us as well and we learned that they were MARRIED!!!! He was the Pastor and she was the Associate Pastor. How awesome was that???? They were both so VERY sweet and I knew for sure that we had now found our new church home. -- His sermon wasn't bad, either! **Smile**
Just a few short months later, we transferred our membership to this wonderful church and it has been our "home away from home" ever since. We have watched it grow from about 300 members (with only about half that amount, actually attending!) to about 700 members (again... only about half actually attending).
Not only has the church membership grown, but the building has, as well. I wish I had photos to share with you of the growth, but I do not. That's something that I need! Here are two photos that I DO have. (You can't see the steeple, but it's there!)
Over the years, I have fallen more and more in love with my pastors. They have both been there for me through so many of the ups and downs of my life. I have also learned so much from each of them. They are a true blessing to our church and to our family!
I love you Howard and Lynn!
