For many people, Christ Journey Church is where life’s most meaningful moments unfold. For one church member, it became the place of both an unforgettable birthday and the beginning of a lifelong love story.
In 1981, while celebrating his 30th birthday with the church singles group, he expected a fun evening of bowling and fellowship. Back then, the church had a different name, and the group planned to gather at one of the houses that once stood where the Riviera parking lot is today.
But the moment he walked through the door, something felt off.
The room was dark. Everyone was dressed in black. Black balloons floated through the air. Two people stood solemnly at the front holding shovels. The atmosphere was completely serious.
Then it hit him.
This was not a birthday party.
It was his funeral.
The group had orchestrated an elaborate surprise, complete with “gravediggers,” a casket-shaped cake, and mock eulogies filled with hilarious stories from his life. Friends recounted memories of him burying people in the sand at the beach and somehow managing to burn food every time he grilled. The night was outrageous, unforgettable, and so entertaining that no one ever made it to the bowling alley.
Looking back, he still considers it one of the funniest and most memorable nights of his life.
But the church gave him something even greater than unforgettable memories.
It was also where he met his wife, Maria.
One evening during a singles gathering in the old chapel, he noticed her sitting at the piano. She had a beautiful smile and sparkling eyes that immediately caught his attention. At the time, Don Guthrie was leading the singles ministry, and although he hoped to see her again soon, time passed and someone mentioned she might already be engaged.
So, he let the thought go.
Then one Sunday morning, he saw her again, standing in the back of the church with her mother. Determined not to miss the opportunity, he finally introduced himself. During their conversation, she mentioned not knowing how to get downtown for jury duty, and he gladly stepped in to help.
What seemed like a small moment quickly became something much bigger.
That conversation led to friendship. Friendship turned into dating. Dating became love. And eventually, they were married by Pastor Dan Yeary.
Their story began within the walls of Christ Journey Church, a place that became part of both their journey and their legacy.
As the church celebrates 100 years, stories like this remind us that sometimes the most life-changing moments begin in the most unexpected ways. Sometimes through laughter. Sometimes through friendship. And sometimes through a surprise “funeral” birthday party that no one could ever forget.
