When Loren and Josh Roberts arrived on Isle of Hope on Dec. 31, they quite literally stepped into the new year — and a new chapter — at the same time. With them came their two children, James, 11, and Elizabeth “Izzy,” 7, plus a lifetime of experience making unfamiliar places feel like home.

The move to Isle of Hope followed Josh’s appointment as senior pastor at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church. This move brought them from Marietta, where Josh previously served for more than six years and where their children spent most of their early childhood. As part of the United Methodist Church, pastoral appointments are determined by the bishop, and the Roberts family has learned over the years to embrace each new adventure with optimism.

Josh, originally from Social Circle, and Loren, a Snellville native, met years ago at Social Circle United Methodist Church. Loren was working with the church’s youth program while attending Oxford College of Emory University. They connected after several years of being in the church together, as Josh began discerning a call to ministry. They married in 2006 during Josh’s first semester of seminary and will celebrate 20 years of marriage this year.

Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Georgia and a Master of Divinity from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. Loren earned an associate degree from Oxford College of Emory University and a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Georgia College & State University.

Professionally, Loren spent the last 13 years with Jim Ellis Automotive Group, most recently as director of marketing. She continues to support the team remotely while settling into life in Savannah, enjoying the unexpected gift of extra time with her children during the transition.

James and Izzy are students at Savannah Christian Preparatory School. James plays trumpet in the band, loves baseball — especially pitching and catching — and has a particular talent for math, along with an impressive ability to solve a Rubik’s Cube in under 30 seconds. Izzy gravitates toward creativity, happiest when surrounded by art supplies and dreaming up her next project.

Josh is known for his skills on the grill, while Loren enjoys fitness, and both parents share a love for UGA football and meeting new people in the community.

Some of the family’s first memories on Isle of Hope came within days of arrival as church members brought meals and new neighbors invited the family into their homes for introductions and conversations. Seeing their children quickly make friends sealed the feeling that they had landed somewhere special.

For the Roberts family, Isle of Hope isn’t just their newest address — it’s the next place they’re grateful to call home, hopefully for many years to come.