by Arline Applegate as shared to Ella Reef
"You shall be my witnesses . . . . to the uttermost parts of the earth." Acts 1:8
As a young child Arline Baker Applegate attended the First United Church of Christ in Muncie, Indiana, not too far from the Fieldhouse. Later her parents, Barb and Al Baker, began attending the Yorktown Methodist Church. As a young adult, Arline would occasionally attend YUMC.
In 2000 she began attending a small church in Chesterfield, First Freewill Baptist Church, later named Lake Street Church. Arline made a personal commitment to Christ on January 2, 2000 and was baptized on September 16, 2001. She wore many hats at that church. She served on the Board, taught Junior church, and found that God was leading her to be a co-youth leader. During her time as the youth leader, she led the VBS program “Son Zone,” attended Acquire-the-Fire events, took students to Tac-Rallies for youth, and participated in lock-ins and 30-hour Famine programs. In addition, she was part of the worship team, helping with a lot of the special programs during the holiday season, as well as directing many plays. She had a lot of fun working with the people there.
In 2016, the Lord began nudging her to move back to Yorktown Methodist Church. At the time, she thought it was so she could spend more time with her parents, Al and Barb Baker. However, she soon realized the nudging was meant for her to grow in her walk with Christ. At YUMC she attended the Alpha study, participated in a small group study, and is currently completing the Foundations class. She served on the staff-parish committee and currently sings in the choir. She feels honored to volunteer as one of the liturgists.
Arline said, "I can honestly say I have had several moments where I felt God was there for me. In 2017, I lost my job of 34 years at Marsh. I know God was there for me during that time. I was only out of a job for 6 weeks, and I was blessed with a new career."
Her favorite Bible passage is Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
