Messages

"Congratulations from the people of Roberts Wesleyan University. God bless you in this wonderful milestone of your lives." David & Alberta Anderson

"Of All the Years I've Known Them..."

"I was traveling in a music group with Joanna during the summer that we all met Jim. I think we crossed paths with the Lucas family at least five times that summer. It was pretty obvious that Joanna was a goner from the beginning. I'm not 100% sure when it was obvious that Joanna was excited about seeing the Lucas family (read that Jim!), but I'm fairly certain it was the 2nd time we saw them." Paula Kempton

"As I think of all the years I've known you both, I've probably only seen you in person a couple of times, mostly Jim at camp meetings, leading the singing and special music. But if I go way back, I remember seeing the siblings singing at the same camp with Uncle Hugh. Today, I love seeing all your posts. I love seeing all the wonderful things you do and the places you go. May God continue to bless your lives for many more years." Becky Baumgarner

"Happy Anniversary!" Bea VanValin

"Congratulations from another Lucas family, from Sean, Carrie, Payton, Simon, Maddox, and Judah!" Sean Lucas

"Half a Century Deserves a Celebration"

"Certainly a commitment and successful matrimonial partnership of half a century deserves a celebration. While my memories of you, Joanna, are few beyond pre-teen years I do distinctly remember the gift of music you were blessed to receive. I think Grandma Dean carried the dominant music gene that you inherited. The other standout characteristic I recall was your quiet kindness, representing a manner of humble reverence that seemed to be an aura about your presence. You always carried a calm, graceful spirit forward, never boisterous, unlike many of the rest of us at the time. I believe I’ve only seen Jim at one or two Dean reunions, but the attraction between you both was evident. Perhaps I’m even a bit envious. It makes me smile to know you have that enduring magic. A sincere congratulations and best wishes for your family." Daniel Schuller

"A Love Story for the Ages"

"Congratulations on your marvelous milestone, Jim & Joanna. Yours is a love story for the ages; a partnership that is rooted and based in Christ. True love, devotion and dedication to each other. Support when it is needed. Focus on family. Making memories and milestones together. I wish you both a very happy anniversary." Brenda Schuller-Daniel

"Your Strong Christian Faith"

"We adore you both, Jim & Joanna. Your musical talents along with your strong Christian faith. Your gift of music is inspiring. It's one of the pieces of the worship service that drew us to Grace Point in Ephrata. We wish you God's blessing on many more years of good health as well as traveling our beautiful world." Peter & Robin Staudt

"My congratulations to you both." Wendy Broome

"Congrats, Joanna and Jim! 50 years! Wow! Your love for each other has always been a great blessing to see. Praying for many more years together!" Angela Gray

"Happy Anniversary" Twyla Rose

"All You are Doing for So Many"

"Jim and Joanna, Congratulations on this very special moment celebrating your 50th anniversary! May our God of unfailing love continue to pour overflowing blessing into your marriage and family and all you are doing for so many." A Friend, Roger & Ellen Haskins

"Happy 50th Anniversary, Jim & Joanna! I've known you since you first came to the area. Your musical talent is an amazing gift from God and you certainly use it to give God the glory! I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of the choir and musical programs at Grace Point Nazarene under your music ministry. Thanks for all you do to build God's Kingdom. Many blessings to you both!" Joanne Stehr

"Jim and Joanna, we wish you a very Happy Anniversary. 50 years! Congratulations!!! We attended the first Lucas reunion you hosted. Family! Conversation! Food! Then came the MUSIC! What a Blessing to 🎤 sing… one by one other instruments were added… then I listened… overcome with the beauty of harmony!! I didn’t want it to end. 😃   Time passed and I was reflecting on that day. What made it so special?? It was the HOLY SPIRIT!!! All in one accord! A taste of heaven!! So, on this day of celebration, may the good good Father shower you with His blessings!! ♥️✝️ " Love, Connie & Bob

"A Blessing to More People Than You Realize"

"Jim & Joanna, We are so happy for your wonderful accomplishment! 50 years together is quite a blessing to more people than you realize! We were blessed to minister with you at Ephrata and have been blessed by your friendship and encouragement. While we don’t get to speak with you often, we enjoy traveling vicariously through your social media posts and pictures. We also enjoy your example of love and friendship, both in marriage and ministry. Thank you for serving the Lord, each other, and the church. We are praying for many more years of happiness and blessings! God bless you both and your family!" Ken & Heather Williams

"I've never had the pleasure of meeting Joanna, but I was blessed to meet Jim at GracePoint when my daughter attended there. He always greeted us with a smile and a hug every morning. So I would like to wish you both a very Happy 50th Anniversary and many blessings for many, many more years together!❤️" Tonya Lee

"My parents moved us to North Chili in Oct 1964. Uncle Hugh and Aunt Amy had moved to Canada before we moved, so I didn't have much contact after that. They would visit us on our farm near Ulysses, where my mom's family was born. My sisters and I truly enjoyed visits from our family. Jim was always interested in the baby calves and any baby cats. We all loved to climb around on the hay in the barn. I used to build tunnels in the hay that usually led to a room I'd make. It was an unknown path to an unknown destination for my cousins. Exciting time in a fairly dark place and I'd try to make it scary. 

I remember when Jim and Paul were going through that awkward period, when a boy's voice changed to sound like men. Hugh did a most excellent job of training them to establish beautiful singing voices, like his entire family. I always wished I'd have time with him so he could have taught me too! I have my dad's voice, which isn't great for singing. I do try at family gatherings and sometimes I can even sound good to myself, I think. Ha!! Ha!!! 

Having to milk cows twice everyday meant no vacations away from our farm, and we couldn't visit long with the Lucas family, but we did visit when we could. They had a big beautiful house and it was always so much fun to visit them in North Chili. Everyone would gather around the piano on Hugh's order and we would sing some terrific songs. That was a lot of fun for me, too! Love you all!!!❤️" Keith Baumgarner

"Congratulations, Jim and Joanna, on your 50th!!" Bryan Cornish

"I met you, Jim, a few years ago when you did the music for our Highlander Christian Camp. But I knew your parents from my days at RWC, now RWU. I even took voice lessons from your dad, Hugh. Your musical ability and love for Jesus is a real blessing. May you and Joanna be blessed with a wonderful anniversary!" Carolyn McCarthy

"Dearest Jim & Joanna,

Happy 50th Anniversary❣️

It is with joyful hearts that we celebrate with you from afar. 

Since meeting you on the campus at University Park, our life ministries have separated us by many miles. Yet, the deep love and admiration we had for you then, remains.  

Your 50th Anniversary represents a life of service and joy…always happily sharing your many talents with others. 

May you enjoy God’s blessings on this special day and every day that follows…with good health, happiness, and joy❣️❤️🙏 " Dr. Joe C. & Carol Brown

"When I was the pastor at John Wesley Free Methodist Church, Jeremy used to sit with my wife while Joanna played the piano and Jim played the organ. I believe it was Grandpa Hugh who gave voice lessons to my brother in North Chili. In later years, I rented an upstairs bedroom (I believe) while on summer break in about 1963, in a house their family had previously owned. That's my 60-year memory.

But about that 50th: The honed and natural talent you both share, given totally to the Lord and ministry, brought blessings beyond compare during the years you (and Jeremy) attended the John Wesley Free Methodist Church of Indianapolis.  The beautiful pipe organ provided ample opportunity for you, Jim, to turn the console into a symphony of praise and accompaniment to Paul Benson with his bass, while Joanna, your expertise on the keyboard reminded listeners of the then-famed Dino Karsonakis. You were the John Wesley "Liberache" of that era. 

Though separated by years and communication, I remain confident that God has used and continues to bless your talents in extending the Kingdom of God." John VanValin

"Congratulations to two special friends on the occasion of your 50th Wedding Anniversary!! This is a noteworthy event to commemorate. My best memories of you both involved music--choir, worship team, the Christmas and Easter plays. I also especially enjoyed those times when you played piano duets; I loved watching your hands! I have never met such a musically talented pair, but even more than your musical skills, I admired your other unique traits, which you both shared so faithfully with others. We were enriched by YOU. I pray for many more years of happiness and love." Deb Hagey

"We love you both so much. We cannot begin to express your impact in and on our lives." The Birdsall Family

"Jim & Joanna have been a great influence in my life over the past several years. They have been so kind and helpful to me. I loved it when Jim was the pastor of the church and everyone was so friendly. Now I enjoy sitting with them at church every Sunday." Krista Kohler