On Sunday, October 1, 2023, Grace Resurrection Methodist Church (GRMC) parishioners spilled out of worship onto the church’s green and celebrated the year anniversary of its founding. Sunny skies, cheerful music, children’s games and bright blue gingham tablecloths decorated with yellow flowers complimented the scene of over 300 churchgoers joyfully picnicking on the grounds.
“These folks have worked so hard over the past year to create this church,” said Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Randy Mickler referring to the mostly volunteer initiative. “It warms our hearts to see everyone celebrating and connecting,” he continued as churchgoers lingered long after the food was finished.
The year anniversary celebration took place after a church service that included a dedication of commemorative items to mark the day. A history book, a brass plaque laid on a cornerstone, and a time capsule children filled with church mementos were some of the memorial items. Mickler said these children may be opening this time capsule 100 years from now as Grace Resurrection endures through the decades. A poignant moment came when a 106-year-old member handed that day’s newspaper to a 10-year-old girl to put in the time capsule box. The worship service included communion, a full choir performance of two significant anthems, and recognition of church members and milestones.
But this congregation has a longer history than the past 12 months. Their history spans centuries. After the nearby church, Mt. Bethel UMC split with the Methodist Church and rebranded itself, these long-time members of that 180-year-old church disagreed with the move and made the heartbreaking choice to leave. About 30 devotees started worshipping together in the fall of 2022 in a local borrowed Baptist church. They decided to build on the original church’s pioneer foundation and create a loving community for those looking for a new church home. Since that time, membership has grown tenfold; new members join on Sundays almost every week. The pews are filled to capacity and traditional worship and hymns are complimented by mission programs, a music ministry program, small groups, service projects, Sunday Schools, and children’s moments.
“Many of our members tell us ‘Grace Resurrection feels like home’,” says Rev. Charlie Marus, associate pastor. 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,” observes Marus.
The church is an independent church and explains on its website: “Our worship services offer preaching that keeps Christ in our lives. We observe the Methodist liturgy based on God’s Word and selected to share the story of Christ. GRMC is a non-affiliated Methodist Church.”
Join Grace Resurrection at Christmas. Their holiday con cert will be held in their sanctuary, December 8, at 7pm and Christmas services will be Sunday, December 24 at 11am and 5pm.
Grace Resurrection Methodist Church (GRMC) is located at 1200 Indian Hills Parkway, Marietta. Our mission is to honor God, share Christ, and serve others. We cultivate disciples, share God’s Grace, and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ our Lord. We welcome everyone looking to connect to a Christ-focused community. We are HOME. For more information go to: www.graceresurrection.org.
