“Former pastor Dale Ostema told me I was the face of the church because I connected
with so many church attendees, guests, and groups at Central.”
Bob McCutcheon
CUMC Lead Custodian
Bob is hoping to retire this year, and will be reducing his hours in the meantime. As you can imagine, he’s hard to replace! If you know of anyone who has a passion for this historic building, her missions and people, and has an aptitude for facility maintenance and coordination, please reach out to one of the pastors, or to the Staff-Pastor-Parish Relations Committee (SPPRC). Thanks for your help!
Our favorite lead custodian is making moves toward retirement. His role will be gradually shifting and he will be moving to part time as he makes a transition to full retirement. In the meantime, SPPRC and our pastors are working hard to fill his incredibly big shoes at Central Church. For now, we want to celebrate him and his ministry among us.
Bob’s work at Central began nearly 16 years ago when he was offered a part-time custodial job. The job quickly expanded into a life-changing experience for Bob, and a series of rich blessings for Central’s people.
Through the years, Bob gradually assumed responsibility for nearly all aspects of church maintenance within the building and outside, including general cleaning, snow removal, building and equipment repairs, security, and safety. He’s helped set up meals and the cleanups that followed and with weddings, funerals, and other church events.
On Sundays, Bob arrived at church early to turn on lights, check the heat and air conditioning functions, prepare coffee, and be certain the building is ready for the hundreds of guests that come through the doors. During his daily routines, he found a source of personal fulfillment by helping people feel at home at Central. He made sure needs were met.
Bob developed enduring relationships with church co-workers, church attendees, and others. In October of 2022 he was diagnosed with cancer, and found support and encouragement through the kind words, prayers, and gifts from the church family, “The love and support that came my way from Central was overwhelming and greatly appreciated, it was a real boost during a rough time and offered the needed support that led to healing.”
A couple of years ago Bob had the opportunity to share his faith and his time in God’s presence with the congregation, describing how his daily devotional time had greatly enriched his spiritual development.
In the coming months, we invite you to celebrate Bob’s ministry at Central Church! In 2008 when Bob moved to Traverse City, he and his life partner, Patty Ropp, felt a strong attraction to Central because of the warm friendships they quickly developed here. Bob said, “We felt welcome here from the start. Through these relationships with Central people, God taught me lessons of love, acceptance, and the value of friendships with ALL people, regardless of our differences.”
The Central Church family sends its sincere gratitude to Bob for his good work and for touching the lives of so many people.
We kindly ask that you leave comments of support and gratitude for Bob and his next chapter in the comments of this featured blog post.
Bob is a blessing and treasure!
Bob is a true messenger of what it means to’be a Christian. I have many fond memories of my interactions with him. He will be sorely missed. Best wishes for the future Bob!
I’m proud that Bob and I are friends. We’ve found areas of commonality that have made our lives richer.
Bob is an all-star! ⭐️ I love talking Tigers with him and he is so kind and helpful to the Outreach guests.
One of the best things about volunteering in the office is having great conversations with Bob. He’s a gem and will be very hard to replace.
Bob is the most caring person one could call a friend. I will greatly miss his warm hugs and Christian love.
Bob has been a major buddy of the “Pilates Ladies” over the 16 years he’s been at Central. We always appreciated his smile & sense of humor. He is our good friend.
Maurie & I connected with Bob & BSA Troop #36 sponsored by Central Church for 75-80 years. Many times after Scout& Cub Scout meetings we’d ask how it went….Bob’s reply, “It’s like herding cats!” 😂 That’s the best description of troop meeting ever! Bob you will be missed by so many of us.
Bob, you will be sorely missed! I wish you all the best for the next chapter of your life!
Thank you for your many years of service to the Church and to all the members of the congregation. Your dedication has not gone unnoticed. We all are thankful to know you and have appreciated the many jobs you have done over the years. We will miss you but will never forget you and your kindnesses. Enjoy retirement!
“Oh, Bob, you know I’m not a woman of few words, so it’s hard to capture our appreciation for your many years of such loving and kind service at Central, your professional efficiency and your caring.
Special fond memories of all your assistance for those wonderful chancel choir social hours. We hope your retirement years are long and happy. God bless.
How in the world will Central Church get along without you. You are always on your toes helping and welcoming….your special gift. We look forward to many more glimpses of your gifts and treasure what you mean to so many.
Bob is an all-star! ⭐️ I love talking baseball with him and he is so kind and generous with our Outreach guests. ❤️
BOB, DEAR. You are such a bonus to our church family. We have felt so welcome here because of you; always willing to help, smiling, a pure Christian, and a real gift to all of us. Sending love to you and your family.
Bob – You certainly have done so much for our church community. Including carrying a very heavy wheel hat from the 3rd floor to the entrance! I am forever grateful for your help they Advent night – along with John and was it also Tom? You are a blessing to all who know you. And Superman! God’s speed as you transition to retirement.
Bob will be totally missed. I look for Bob when I come in that building! His are the best hugs! He is a friend & fellow traveler. I am grateful for his unwavering care & concern for those that wander into “his” building!!
He has worked tirelessly at Central all of these years & deserves a good Retirement Party!!
Where’s the celebration gonna be?!?!
Bob – You’ve cleaned up after many. Always, you made certain the church was ready to host all the people. You were sure the church was beautiful. But your presence made it welcoming. A hello. A smile. And you certainly went beyond what was expected of you: the Advent night you and a couple other good men carried a VERY heavy power wheelchair from the third floor to the entrance, so I could get home on a winter night. I will never forget that effort. Not required but done without hesitation. I wish you great blessings in your retirement. You’re among the best.
Bob is one of the cornerstones of CUMC. Always thinking one step ahead when planning and during church events. I consider him a good friend.
Bob – you have been so helpful to us during outreach breakfast/lunch with your interaction with the guests, being our backup in times of conflict, and always having a smile and a sense of humor. You will be deeply missed but we wish you all the best in your retirement.
Bob, you are a blessing to all of us. We are sorry to see you retire, but hope that your retirement is relaxing and fulfilling in many ways. You have always been a beacon of light at CUMC. I’m glad you will still be around for some months. We love you!
Both Allen and I have so enjoyed Bob. He and Allen have a special relationship built on humor and care. And Bob has always been there for me, even giving me his cellphone number so I could find him when I needed him in the building. He will be greatly missed, but retirement is well deserved.
A warm feeling in my heart for Bob now and always. He has been my go to person whenever I needed help for any CUMC related issue. Cannot thank you enough. Best wishes from Carol and I for a fulfilling retirement. You do deserve it and know we cannot keep you forever.
We love you.
Bob – you have been so helpful to us during outreach breakfast/lunch with your interaction with the guests, being our backup in times of conflict, and always having a smile and a sense of humor. You will be deeply missed but we wish you all the best in your retirement.
Hey people!!!!!
Good mood and good luck to everyone!!!!!
Bob has been a consistent, friendly, patient, powerful presence at CUMC. While we will miss you in your role as Lead, you are ALWAYS welcome home under the Dome. We love you, Bob!