From St. Louis to Marietta: A New Place to Call Home

I took a gigantic leap of faith when I made the move from St. Louis to the Atlanta area. When I came here for my first doctoral residency, something about Atlanta felt calm and peaceful. I was way more comfortable here than I was in St. Louis. So I prayed about it and made the move Fall of 2012. 

When I came here, I landed in Marietta, GA. I researched so many different locations, but Marietta seemed to be the right place in terms of location. It was close to the fun city-like things I enjoy, but peaceful enough for me to write my dissertation and study. I trusted that God had a plan, although I wasn't quite sure what that was. 

One of the first things I did was visit churches. I thought it would be a good way to meet others and slowly get involved in the community. In St. Louis, I did a lot of nonprofit work, and I wanted to continue that here. 

Shortly after my arrival, I visited John Knox Presbyterian Church on Powers Ferry in Marietta. I should say that it has been difficult for me to find a church that has felt like my "home" church in Carbondale, IL, even in St. Louis. Other Presbyterian churches came close, but not quite.  When I walked into John Knox and listened to a few sermons by Pastor Fritz Bogar, I felt like I arrived "home."

They say they're "a neighborhood church where the story is told." That story is one of Christ's love and living that love through fellowship. There is a song, "They'll Know We are Christians by Our Love" that Jars of Clay sings (my favorite version anyway). John Knox reminds me of that song. The congregation isn't just there to be there. They show up every Sunday to fellowship and make a difference. They get involved in the community and help others. I recently had the opportunity through John Knox to serve dinner at Must Ministries. There is an ongoing mission to help several organizations. I did take time to observe those who volunteered and were active in the church. I have to say that it was indeed out of love and calling to serve. Better yet, Pastor Fritz's sermons always call on us to serve and reflect. He makes it ever so clear how we can apply scripture to our daily lives and live Christ's love. That's what a good pastor does, in my honest opinion. Sometimes we lose the point of going to church on Sunday. It's easy for us to get caught up in our own lives and forget things like making a difference and not just telling others about our faith, but living it. 

That same idea of love and fellowship was passed to me, even my first visit at John Knox. I was instantly welcomed by one of the Sunday school leaders who noticed I was new. I met Pastor Fritz and kept coming back. I met someone knew every Sunday and have now developed friendships. 

As a transplant to the area, John Knox has been blessing. The congregation is small, but oh so mighty, with loving hearts that radiate Christ's love and mission. I know this much about God's plan for me. I was meant to find John Knox and become a member. The move from St. Louis to Marietta was worth it to have new brothers and sisters in Christ. 

As a transplant, I encourage those of you new to the area to consider a faith community as a place to start when making Marietta home. Even if you've lived here a while and you haven't quite found that "home," don't give up. John Knox Presbyterian is place to start.