For Sari, Christ Journey Church has been the setting for a lifetime of worship, family, and faithful community.
In 1975, newly married to her husband Alex, Sari joined what was then University Baptist Church. That same Sunday, Chuck and Debbie Bridwell and their daughters joined as well. From the very beginning, it felt like home. It was a place that truly poured into young married couples, offering connection, encouragement, and a place to grow together in faith.
Music quickly became a central part of Sari’s journey. She joined the choir and would go on to serve in the music ministry for 19 years. Throughout that time, she experienced the joy of worship in many forms, including singing in the Inheritance Trio for 14 years alongside Debbie Bridwell and Claudia Connoly-Glassen, participating in the Handbell Choir, and later becoming part of the church’s very first Worship Team.
Among her most treasured memories are the Miami Christmas Pageants, moments filled with creativity, celebration, and the beauty of sharing the story of Christ with others. These experiences were not just performances. They were expressions of faith lived out in community.
As the years went on, the church became not only a place of service, but a place to raise a family. Sari and her husband saw their daughter grow up surrounded by strong, godly influences. Through youth groups, camps, and music ministries, she formed friendships and built a foundation of faith that would guide her life.
It was also within this church family that her daughter met her husband, Mike Patino. They were married there, and in time, they too stepped into leadership and service, with her daughter serving as Director of Preschool and Mike as Director of Media. What began in one generation continued into the next.
Looking back, Sari sees a life filled with God’s faithfulness. The friendships formed over the years became more than connections. They became family. Through every season, the church was a place of belonging, growth, and worship.
She is deeply grateful that the Lord led her family to Christ Journey Church, where so many of life’s most meaningful moments unfolded.
And through it all, her heart echoes the same truth:
“Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song and praise Him in the congregation of His godly ones.” Psalm 149:1
To God be all the glory.
