50 in P-Town: My Church

I am in love with my church....the local "body of Christ" that I attend. It is Roswell Street Baptist in Marietta, Georgia. I've written about lots of other subjects but not this one and I can't believe that! This is absolutely the most vital thing I do all week. Of course, I get to look at it from a unique perspective...I am on staff there.

I think the most obvious thing about my church is the concern and care that our members show to each other. Whether it's a death in the family, an injury, cancer or other disease, the members close to the family take over with caring actions..prayer, food, visits, whatever is needed. It can be overwhelming and it is wonderful!

Another quality our church has is its commitment to missions, whether by volunteering on mission trips or giving financially. Our pastor, Dr. Easley, has emphasized missions since he came in 2002 and, as a result, our international missions/home missions offering has added up to 350,000 to more than 450,000 dollars each year (just in the month of December). Our membership comes through every time and that is just another way they show their love for our Lord and for others. We are also a very patriotic group. The Fourth of July and Veteran's Day services are very important to our church and are always crowded and spirited.

We have ministries to the homeless, give food boxes and sack lunches out every week to those in need. There is a pregnancy center where women can come to talk about their crisis pregnancy and see an ultrasound of their babies. There are many children alive today because of this ministry because their moms did not choose abortion.

From babies to children's ministries, to middle school, high school, college, young adults, middle-aged adults like me and senior adults, there are active and happy folks in the many varied music and Bible study programs and classes. There is Upward Basketball in the winter months for 4 year olds on up through elementary school. Many children and their parents have come to know Christ and their lives are thus changed forever through this outreach and fun.

A Brazilian congregation is part of our church as well as contemporary worship and blended worship. Blended means a perfect mix of music...modern hymns and contemporary songs with traditional hymns. I love it! I always look forward to our worship services and not just because the minister of music, Joe Buckner, is my boss. I truly enjoy all the elements of the service, from congregational singing, prayer, choir and orchestra, and preaching. Our pastor does not worry what anyone thinks about his preaching of God's Word. He knows he is to tell us the Truth and that he does! I rarely miss...it's just too important to my life and my well-being. Sure it can become routine but I try to pray each Sunday that I will learn something new about the Lord or that He will show me something I need to see and hear to grow in His love.

We have wonderful musical programs for Good Friday, Fourth of July, and Christmas. I enjoy so much being in on the planning and preparation for these big events. I love seeing how these services all come together and hearing from visitors and members how much these programs mean to them in their lives.

I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was 10 years old and in another church. We joined Roswell Street when I was 12 and I "grew up" there definitely...in all ways, spiritually and emotionally. I was married there, dedicated my babies there and then watched my own daughter marry there and then dedicate my grandchildren at Roswell Street. That church supported us in prayer as we lived in Guatemala as missionaries for 10 years, publishing our newsletters for us, sending work teams to us, etc. When we returned, they welcomed us back and I felt like we'd never left. I'm so blessed and privileged to serve the Lord there as an employee and a member. I love my co-workers and enjoy great friendship with many.
A few pics in random order: