When we moved here from Cincinnati, it had been decades since I was a regular attender at church. I was struck by how often I was invited to visit a church – by neighbors, by service people, by strangers in the store! This was just not a part of my thinking.

Then, 9-11 happened, and I felt the need to go to church, just to be a part of a praying community after this great tragedy had happened in our country. I had been invited to Red Ridge by a couple in the local fire department, but when I arrived at the church, they were sitting right up front! I wasn’t ready to be in front! But, I have to say that as soon as I walked into the sanctuary, the first thought that I had was, “Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place!” I could just feel it! This is not a church with gold fixtures and fancy interior. It was a place of worship!

So, I sat towards the back, and a very nice lady started talking to me, asked my name, etc. Then, during the beginning of the service, the pastor came up and down the aisles looking for new people, and this lady introduced me! I was a little put-off, but felt welcomed, and included.

I came a couple of weeks, and met a few more people each time. I joined in early October of 2001, and made many friends. Now, I can’t imagine not belonging to Red Ridge – the friends I have made there have become like a family to me. I am active in Angel Dolls, Brown Bag and I sing in the choir –It is the center of my life.