By Judy St. John

I did not grow up in a Christian home; it was a loving home with three brothers, but we did not go to church as a family. At an early age I felt the need to attend church. I always have a feeling of peace when I walk through the church doors.

I remember when I was about 9 years old and we lived in Cammack, and I received the first Bible I owned for attending Sunday School every Sunday for one whole year without missing. A real commitment for a 9 year old. I still have that Bible, my first step in what I felt was the right direction.

Many of you know my story: I started attending Yorktown Methodist Church in 1956. My friends came here, MYF was our social event, and church camp was our first adventure away from home. I was married in what is now the chapel in 1963. My oldest son was baptized in that same chapel in 1965. My first husband's funeral was in the new sanctuary in 1967. That is when I began to question God's plans for me. I was mad at him! Very slowly I started to pull away, stopped feeling the need, was lax in taking my boys to church, found other things to do on Sunday morning. But you know, HE never gave up on me.

Sometimes we don't realize our lives are missing something. I think it could be called peace or fulfillment. That's where I found myself and knew what was missing. I found myself walking through those same doors I had walked out of in 1967, and many of those same people were there to welcome me back. Sometimes we have to walk through the darkness to find the light.

I became very involved in MY church, serving on many different committees and helping with the planning of many a church dinner under the watchful eyes of Rosemary Lillie and Ginny Mercer. I have made lifetime friends here, people who believe and need the same things I do. 

I love my church, my church family and my God. Do I ever question God? You bet I do, but then I remember he has a plan for me. Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord." One of my favorites, just a reminder to me that HE is in control.