Today I will preach at my father’s anniversary for about the tenth time. I have particularly enjoyed this time of year for the past few years.  Very shortly we will celebrate my father’s many years of service to one particular body. I enjoy observing and listening to him and others recount wonderful memories. It blesses me to be an integral part of the celebration.

This time of year causes me to become excited about my own anniversary. On today, every year for four years, I begin to look forward to celebrating my years of fellowship with United. Joyfully, this year I celebrate four years as part of this family. And this year I celebrate with a special addition to my family and to our United family. As this has been a year of many changes, I hope to change up the way we celebrate the anniversary of my union with United this year.

God often encouraged the Israelites to remember the landmarks of life. I consider the joining of myself and United as a great landmark in my life. I am excited to be so near to commemorating our union again, and I hope to celebrate with the jubilance and energy the occasion deserves. I thank God for the wonderful family that you have been to me and my family. Thank you for so much for your continuous love and support.