Barb and Rick

50 Year Ceremony Rick and Barb Brower

Rick and I to the Front

Family Procession

Mike Seats Lindsey

Mike Escorts Barb to the front.

Praise God for so a million little miracles – seriously Miracle upon Miracle that has us all gathered in this room on this day celebrating this incredible couple – Barb and Rick.

Join with me as we Pray…God you are the joy of every occasion. Your blessing and goodness are felt in the good times and the hard. Today is a good day – Thank you. Will you lead us today. Will you was over this home with your Spirit in such a way that we feel your presence as we celebrate Rick and Barb, and as they affirm after 50 years this Covenant marriage. – amen.

No one wants me to drone on for long but I do have a couple things I’d like to say if you’d afford me the opportunity. I personally want to thank you for your faithfulness to each other and to Jesus. 50 years…You know I am currently doing pre-marital counseling for 4 couples right now. My prayer for each of them is they will one day celebrate 50 years of marriage like you. That they will get to experience the ins and outs the ups and downs, and the round and rounds that life inevitably brings.

You two are a true inspiration. Not just for those gathered in this room – grandkids seriously this is a big deal – but for those who know you. For those who maybe even wondered if you’d make it 3 years let alone 50. But you didn’t just make it 50 years…you created a legacy. For the last 50 years you told a story of faith – you proved that it really isn’t about searching for the perfect person, but loving an imperfect person without excuse and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 – The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. When that is present in a marriage – that’s when a marriage becomes a legacy.

Actually, can I read the message version of those same passages. I love the way Eugene Peterson records it:

But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.

For the last 14 years I have witnessed God bring each of those gifts to you and through you to others. On behalf of this family, I just want to say thank you. We love you and we are all blessed because of you…

Rick will you do me a favor and Repeat after me.

Barb…All of those times…you were right I was wrong (haha)

Ok seriously. Rick repeat after me…

Barb Brower / It is still you / It is still you that I want / It is still / your grace that I need. It is still / your hand I want to hold. It is still / your love I will covet. It is still / your smile that brings me joy. It is still you / it will always be you. I thank GOD for you / That will never change / I love you.

Ok Barb, now its your turn…but I know you have some of your vows

May I have the rings –

Rick Repeat after me – Barb with this ring / I affirm my love / my affection / and my unbroken commitment to you.

Barb Repeat after me – Rick with this ring / I affirm my love / my affection / and my unbroken commitment to you.

Rick and Barb – 50 years and still kissing…

It is my pleasure to announce that after 50 years – a bond that is greater than it was 5 decades ago – Rick and Barb Brower aka Mom and Dad Grandma and Grandpa.