By Julie Overholt
Hi ladies!
It’s time to
pull up a chair as we enjoy getting to know another special lady at SGC:
Marie
Schrock and her husband, Bob, have been attending Sugar Grove Church for 36
years. They wanted to find their own church as a married couple and found SGC
to be a place that shared their beliefs and had a large number of young adults
attending – many of which are still
their best friends today. Their children, Mandi (Paulo) Juarez, and Matt (Abby)
Schrock grew up at SGC and continue to attend SGC as well. Bob and Marie have
been blessed with one grandson (who is, of course, the greatest!), Kai Matthew
Juarez, who is a year-and-a-half old.
Marie served in various areas of
children’s ministries as her children grew through them: Nursery, AWANA, Sunday
School, and youth group. She served on
the Phase One Decorating Team and has also been a greeter for our First Impressions
ministry. She supports her husband as a Connect Group leader and Elder
Board chairman.
Bob and
Marie have been married for thirty-nine years and have known each other since
childhood. Their families were acquaintances when Marie and Bob were children, then the two of them re-met
as teenagers, as their fathers worked together at DJ Construction. “My husband
is a saint. He puts up with me! And loves me unconditionally. We love to laugh
at ourselves.”
Marie
originally grew up in Millersburg, IN (Fairfield HS). “I loved my childhood,
growing up in a small town. We didn’t have a lot, but life was simple and fun.
I learned values from my parents including working hard and being respectful
and kind to others. My parents influenced me greatly.” Marie’s father passed
away unexpectedly when Bob was in grad school and he and Marie were living in
West Lafayette ( 2 ½ hours away). Her mother became a widow at the age of
fifty. It was a very difficult time for Marie, and, because of the loss, they
moved back to the area to be closer to family after Bob finished his schooling. God led them to SGC and Bob to his family business a few years
later.
After returning to Elkhart, Marie worked in a ladies’ dress shop, and,
after the kids were born, was blessed to be able to stay at home to raise them.
She later returned to the workforce to work in the kitchen at Model School in
Goshen for five years. “For those who know me well, no I didn’t cook! I served,
washed dishes, and cleaned up.” She currently has her favorite job of all –
babysitting for her grandson, Kai!
Marie grew
up going to church and loved Jesus, but really didn’t understand or grasp how
one became saved until she went with a friend to her junior high youth group and heard the gospel communicated clearly. “I’ve always said that the Lord
has to have a sense of humor to be so patient with me!” Psalm 46:10, “Be still
and know that I am God.” is a favorite verse that Bob and Marie share. “Clayton
and Kay Bjurstrom wrote that verse on a plaque and brought it to us in the
hospital when Mandi was born prematurely. It still reminds me today to be
patient and trust the One who is in control.”
When I asked
Marie what some of her hobbies and passions are, she said that she is
passionate about her family and being with the people she loves. Her birthday
is on the Fourth of July, and her mother, who is now eighty-seven years old,
still hosts a cookout and family get-together as well as all of the holiday
gatherings. “My hobby has been my horses. I had five at one time, but only
Sienna remains, and she’s not rideable anymore. I also board a horse for a friend,
so I still take care of two. “ She loves interior decorating and
remodeling homes. Seeing it all come together when finished is a very rewarding
experience for her!
Marie's favorite
season is definitely summer, stating that she hates to be cold! She also enjoys
New Year’s Day, since that was her father’s birthday. “He’s been gone for
thirty-seven years and I still miss him.” Something you may not know about
Marie is that she is a vegetarian (sort of), and, when she turned fifty
years of age, her eyes changed color from green to blue!
Slapstick
comedy will make her laugh as well as when they show bloopers at the end of a
show or movie. “I still love the old Carol Burnett show. Also, Kai is so funny
and makes me laugh everyday! Bob is funny, too, and laughs at himself. I laugh
with him.” :)
Quick
questions:
Three words
to describe yourself: Sensitive, hard-working, and loyal.
Shy or
outgoing? Shy, until I get to know someone. Big crowds are overwhelming to me.
Tomboy or
princess? Tomboy, although I do like to dress nice once in awhile.
Coffee or
tea? Tea.
Oceanside or
mountainside? Oceanside, but I do think the mountains are beautiful.
The perfect
meal? Potato chips and iced tea! I would have them at every meal.
Worst food
ever? Liver.
Morning
person or night owl? Definitely a night owl! But, I have to get up early for
horse chores and babysitting.
I’d love to
travel to: I don’t particularly like to travel. But, I look forward to our one
annual get-away to Grand Cayman.
Favorite
Bible character? Mary. This time of year, I’m reminded and amazed at the level
of trust in God that she had to have.
Three
activities/things that bring peace to your life and/or help you relax?
Unfortunately I don’t get to relax much. But, a chair on a quiet beach 1,500
miles from here helps. At home in the evening, it’s a bag of potato chips while
watching HGTV or a good movie.
Thank you
Marie, for sharing your heart and glimpses into your life. May He continue to
bless you and your family, and thank you for all of the faithful serving you
have done in your long-term attendance at SGC!
We are
heading into the coldest month(s) of the year. I’m going to take a chance and
say that there are others who would join Marie in saying they don’t enjoy the
cold?! :)
During these often dreary days when we will begin to “Think Spring," may joy,
hope, and His grace shine brightly within your hearts.
