Faith Corner: Acworth United Methodist Church

Acworth contributor Cindy Butson asked Associate Pastor Linda Birchall about .

Acworth Patch: When was the church established? 

Associate Pastor Linda Birchall: The church, formerly called Acworth Methodist Episcopal Church South, was started in 1858 by South Carolina settlers. The first house of worship was at the corner of Main and Morningside. In 1957 the current location was purchased from the federal government, authorized by the 87th Congress, and the deed was signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. 

Acworth Patch: What are the fundamental beliefs of your church?

Birchall: In accordance with our Book of Discipline, “we profess the historic Christian faith in God, incarnate in Jesus Christ for our salvation and ever at work in human history in the Holy Spirit…with Christians of other communions we confess belief in the triune God”. We believe that God’s grace is at work in our lives, from the very moment of conception and all throughout our lives. We try to encourage people to grow in knowledge and love of God through the personal and communal disciplines of Christian life. We try to live our faith together and with the help of God.

Acworth Patch: Are you part of a larger association? 

Birchall: Yes. We are part of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church which is part of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church. We are connected to Methodists all across the world. 

Acworth Patch: How many members, pastors and staff do you have?

Birchall: We have approximately 2,000 members. We have a senior pastor and an associate pastor. In addition, we have 8 other staff members.

Acworth Patch:  When and where do you meet? 

Birchall: We meet on the hill, between Lake Acworth and Lake Allatoona at 4340 Collins Circle in Acworth.

Acworth Patch: Do you offer contemporary or traditional style worship? 

Birchall: We have both contemporary and traditional worship services:  we have an 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. traditional service and a 9:30 a.m. contemporary one. Often, people will attend more than one service, just to experience both styles of worship. 

Acworth Patch: What kind of fellowships or Bible study groups do you have and when do they meet? 

Birchall: We have a wide variety of fellowships and Bible studies. On Sunday mornings, we have 11 different adult studies, a youth group, middle school group and several different age-related children’s activities. On Wednesday evenings, we off various studies for children, youth and adults. 

Acworth Patch: What programs do you have for children (parents) attending Sunday school at the church? 

Birchall: In addition to the previously mentioned Bible studies, we have a host of other small groups from cancer care to a book club, scouts to grief support, knitting to AA, game day to bell ringers and a variety of choirs as well. 

Acworth Patch: What’s unique about being a pastor in Acworth? 

Birchall: I love serving in an area that has a healthy blend of history and "small town" combined with the convenience and culture of a big city. The greater Acworth metropolitan area is one of the best I've ever experienced. Families that have thrived in this area for generations worship with people who have just moved here from a far. You can eat at or drop by Waffle House, Chick-Fil-a or Krystal. Best of all, worshipping "between the lakes" at AcworthUMC you will discover one of the most exciting and supportive families of faith anywhere. 

Acworth Patch: Anything else you’d like to share about your church community? 

Birchall: This is a loving community of Christians who want to be involved in the community and with each other making disciples of Jesus Christ and transforming the world in the process through love, grace and fellowship. We welcome all who come to visit and we hope they plan to stay, grow in faith and love and serve God through the community of Acworth and throughout the world.