Celebrating a lifetime together
David and Mary Pytches reflect on 50 of married life
Grandparents rarely have the opportunity to speak publicly at their grandchildren’s weddings. But when Grandpa is a retired Vicar and Bishop, and Grandma is a respected Christian counsellor and speaker – their blessing and wisdom might be more than welcome.
‘Grandpa’ David Pytches celebrated his grandson’s wedding earlier this year and ‘Grandma’ Mary Pytches chose the Bible image of the threefold cord which is not easily broken, to speak about what makes Christian marriage special. ‘The presence of God does make a difference,’ she says. ‘He produces in you the fruit of the Spirit such as love, patience and long-suffering.’
David and Mary celebrated their golden wedding this year. Drawing on 50 years of experience, they have tested the strength of that ‘threefold’ chord – God’s presence at the heart of their marriage. And although their ministry has led to significant church growth worldwide ‘It’s not numbers, but the presence of God that matters,’ David says.
Their friendship began when David was a young curate and Mary became secretary of the Young People’s Fellowship at St Ebbe’s, Oxford....
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