A year after breaking away from Mt. Bethel Church, Grace Resurrection Methodist Church held a special “homecoming” celebration last weekend.
The independent congregation meets at the former location of the now-closed Lutheran Church of the Incarnation (1200 Indian Hills Parkway) and is led by Rev. Randy Mickler, who was the senior pastor at Mt. Bethel for 29 years.
During a special service last Sunday, Grace Resurrection members dedicated commemorative items, children filled a time capsule with mementos and had a church picnic lunch to mark their first year.
“These folks have worked so hard over the past year to create this church,” Mickler said in a release issued by the church, referring to a mostly volunteer initiative. “It warms our hearts to see everyone celebrating and connecting.”
Among those taking part in the festivities was a 106-year-old member who handed that day’s newspaper to a 10-year-old girl to put in the time capsule box.
Grace Resurrection started with 30 members who left Mt. Bethel after that congregation’s dispute with the United Methodist Church’s North Georgia Conference, and that ultimately resulted in a $13.1 million settlement (see previous ECN coverage here).
Since opening, Grace Resurrection has added mission programs, a music ministry, small groups, service projects, Sunday Schools, and children’s moments.
Services are composed of very familiar hymns and follow the traditional liturgy, but the congregation is focused on the future. “We welcome everyone. Three generations can often be seen in our pews,” said Rev. Charlie Marus, associate pastor.
Related:
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- New steeple raised into place at Sandy Plains Baptist Church
- East Cobb faith communities take part in new Habitat project
- East Cobb synagogue target of Nazi flags, anti-Semitic signs
- Cobb judge rules Methodist churches can have disaffiliation votes
- Ga. Methodist churches sue to restore disaffiliation process
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