October 22, 2025
42 years ago today, the weather was much like it is now, rainy, cloudy, dreary, windy, except a tad chillier. It was 1983. Cathi and I graduated from college a few months before and now, about 450 people came to witness my dad officiate our wedding. Cathi and I were married in Redford, MI and had our reception in Dearborn. We honeymooned in Southern California so we (I, more like it) could visit churches like Grace Community (John MacArthur), Shadow Mountain (David Jeremiah) and a few others. Recently, Cathi and I were visiting Charleston, SC and were the only customers on a guided walking tour of the city. Since it was just us, the guide asked if there was anything in particular that we would like to focus on. I asked, “Can you tell us about the churches?” (of course). That 90-minute tour turned into a 4-hour religious, social, and political education.
Cathi does not merely tolerate my interest in churches and in particular our church. She is all in. This is our church, not “my” job. The love that our kids have for the church has been nurtured by her. The sanctuary of our home for me and for many others is her doing. Her approachability and wisdom are gifts to many. But don’t let her stature fool you. Shortly after I became your pastor, Cathi was attempting to enter the church service when a seasoned member and usher pretended to stop her by saying, “we don’t let riff-raff in here.” Without hesitation, she looked at him and then pointed at me up on the platform and said, “See that guy up there? I wash his underwear!” He about split a gut and let her in.
Happy Anniversary Babe!
Bob
P.S. A few notes about Sunday:
- I am planning on preaching 4 sermons from the story of the 2 sons, Luke 15:11-32 (traditionally called the Prodigal Son). These 4 sermons will be great opportunities to invite guests.
- This Sunday we have 7 people who are getting baptized. The service may be a few minutes longer than usual, but obviously worth it.
- Many of you are doing better about getting into the Worship Center for the actual beginning of the service. Not all of you, yet. But thank-you to those who have been doing a better job on this.