by Kristy Schmidt

Writing this column is bittersweet for me. Bitter, because this coming Sunday, August 7th, is my last Sunday at City Church; sweet, because I feel so privileged to have been asked to share my story.

I came to City Church when it was still The Well. Judi and Todd Doss invited my parents and I to visit. At the time, we were attending another church, my parents didn't know then, but I was ready for a change. I wasn't being spiritually fed and wasn't feeling the community with the high schoolers as they'd hoped. I was thrilled at the possibility of change, besides, I heard that Todd was leading worship and we all know how ridiculously talented he is.

As my family and I walked up to Godby's auditorium, we were greeted by an incredibly energetic staff member. I felt comforted as 'brother' Todd lead worship, it was incredible and much different than I had expected. I became enthralled in church... until the sermon series: "Dateable". 'Perfect', I thought. 'Just want I want to talk about with my parents'. Admittedly, it was awkward. But much less so than I imagined. The pastor was young, funny, and engaging. His way of communicating the Gospel felt geared towards people of my age, and it just made sense. Sure he did get a little off topic sometimes (a lot), making jokes about Lake Ella and whining about his Cubs that never win, but he was undoubtedly being guided by the Holy Spirit. I walked out of The Well more excited about the Gospel and church than ever.

I came back the next week, and almost every week thereafter. In January 2010, I brought my first ever boyfriend to The Well, and just as I'd hoped it changed many of the pre-formed thoughts he had about religion and church. We've been coming to City Church together for a year and a half now, and in that time have both been baptized. We've grown to love City Church, its staff, the music, and of course, Dean. City Church changed everything we knew about church and God.

August 13th, we leave for Gainesville to attend the University of Florida (Go Gators....for the few of you out there. Hey, at least its not the Canes). We're nervous about finding another church, but we know that God will guide us wherever He sees fit.

I would like to specifically thank Judi and Todd Doss for encouraging me to come to City Church. If it wasn't for their passion for Christ, this church, and its mission, I wouldn't be writing this column. They have been two of the most influential, encouraging, and loving people in my life.

This is my story, a very short part of it. The rest is about to begin, and though I am a little nervous about what Gainesville will bring, (other than crazy Gator fans,) I know that God is smack dab in the middle of my life, and that's what I'm most grateful for.