Life Journeys
Start a new life’s journey at Summit on 16th. Meet others who’ve come to Summit and learn how their spiritual lives have been renewed through their experiences at Sunday services and involvement in campus ministries, outreach and service. Visit Summit on Facebook and learn how your life can be enriched through the people of this community.
I joined Summit in 1948 because of the friendliness of the members and the joyousness of the new pastor. My membership transferred to Summit with the merger of Indianola, University and Wesley Foundation in 1976. That created Summit … I especially feel God’s presence at Summit when with each new member who joins. God’s presence is also felt in the efforts of our organists and the choir directors who provide excellent music.
Charles Lindabury
1948
I am in Summit’s choir. It is a diverse group with people of different ages and differing backgrounds. The choir is extremely lively, talkative, opinionated, friendly, warm, funny, and caring. In the midst of many changes it has remained a constant in my life. Being in choir gives me an outlet for making music as an offering to God.
Elaine Oelker
1975
I had spent nearly a year looking for a church where I would feel safe & accepted as a lesbian. The first Sunday that I came to Summit, “glb” was mentioned in the sermon in a positive way. I’ve been here ever since … I have increased my knowledge & experience of Christian faith by my participation in the adult “Sunday School” class.
Linda Bernhard
1988
I came here to work as director of music. I had already been in the building a number of times through its connection with The Columbus Women’s Chorus, and had met a number of the people who worship here. I had a good feeling about the church’s openness as a community. Summit has shown me more than I could have imagined about the good things that can happen when people gather and act together as a church congregation.
Sheena Phillips
2003
Naomi and I have been together for 20 years, 19 of them with Summit. After we got together, we searched for a church on the west side of Columbus where we live. The 3 or 4 that we visited were “starched” and stiff. Then some friends told us about Summit. It was love at first site.
Cindy Turvy
1988
When Summit was first formed. I was the young adult representative to the Building Committee. The committee’s task was to approve a design to re-purpose the former gymnasium/multipurpose room that is now Summit’s primary worship space. The original space had painted cement block walls, green and white linoleum tiles. I had memories of volleyball games and square dances held there in previous years; and now I was involved in a complete transformation...just in time for my own wedding.
Sandy Wycoff
At Summit since before it’s inception
I grew up in a Methodist Church but became disillusioned by power struggles in the church, so I had been away from the organized church for about 20 years. I was looking for a church where I could feel welcome and accepted for what I am, a Christian, who is also a lesbian. I found the people at Summit to be loving, accepting people who welcomed Judy & I into their church family. I’ve been a member of several groups at Summit including church council and staff, parish relations committee; but choir is my joy. We are so blessed with a talented director and organist and have a wonderful group of talented singers who love to praise God in many ways. I feel connected to God most when I’m singing.
Sharon Huber
1996-97
I became part of Summit at the beginning of my freshman year because I was
looking for a church on campus that was friendly and welcoming to
college students. I loved the open and accepting environment
at Summit and so I kept coming back. I am still here because
of the programs and the message of social justice at Summit.
The Summit Choir has been sort of like a home away
from home for me. I have made new friends through choir and I
feel so much more comfortable at Summit because of my involvement in
the choir. It was the gateway for me to be a contributing
member of the Summit congregation and I have a lot of fun doing it!
Adrienne Strong
2006
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