It is good to join in and rejoice with you who are rejoicing. It is good to give thanks and praise the Lord as long as we have breath but also good to stop along the way and take a deep breath and thankfully fixate on what 50 years as the South Bend Christian Reformed might mean.

For me it means ten years of my life when our family worshipped and served with some of the greatest people we have ever known. It’s where three of our four children were born and baptized. It’s the place where my wife tripped a blind man who then fell to the floor and called out her name for all to hear. It’s where I boiled water in a few tea kettles under which the fire continued to burn long after the water vaporized. I remember my pulpit water glass seasoned with goldfish, salt, sugar etc. I also recall the many joys that were weaved among the disappointments and sorrows.

However as I understand it now, almost all of those who shared all or part of those years have scattered to many places, some even to the safest of all places, the arms of Jesus. Your anniversary celebrates that ultimate journey and all the smooth and rough steps in between. My wife and I recall South Bend as some of our favorite years as a young family, and now, as an older family with seven grandchildren, often retell moments and recall names and wonder how they all are.

Since I am not there with you I am spared any personal memories you would share in front of every one else. There will be no David Eisen telling how many times I used the word “particular” in a sermon. Since he said that once in front of the whole congregation I have never used the word since. I purchased a Thesaurus just for that purpose.

Enjoy each other. Have fun telling stories. Laugh and even cry if necessary. Pray with thanksgiving and hope. Remember that your fifty years is a testimony that it is worth it being a church for God’s glory in today’s world.

Serving the Lord together,
Roger and Tammy Kramer