Paul and Joyce Wuthier - A Tribute

Paul and Joyce Wuthier founded Living Water Church in 1972.  Without formal religious education, Paul resigned his position at the University of Colorado Medical Center to become a full time pastor. One would have a hard time finding a parenting book or financial success plan which recommends quitting your good paying job with a young family, forgoing health insurance and other amenities for something much less certain.  But, Paul and Joyce were people of courage, believing and trusting God.

One of the great passions of Paul and Joyce Wuthier’s lives was the church – not the buildings and chairs, but the people. They hosted a small gathering of people in their home in Denver. Joyce banged away at the piano with some worship songs, followed by Paul who gave a talk about some parable of Jesus – what it meant to him and how Christ had the power to change lives. Some folks came and stayed; others were passing through.  A young church was born.  Paul and Joyce loved God and Paul and Joyce loved people. They were a servant to both.

In 2009, as a result of an accident, Paul stepped down as head pastor of LWC and served as an adviser and mentor.  In so doing, Paul found another passion – a love for the community. Many times he would question a waiter or waitress about their day – how their shift was going, how the business was doing, often followed up with “I’m a retired pastor…. I love to pray for people.  Can I pray for you about something?” Business acquaintances became friends. Grocery store clerks heard the Gospel – yet with a gentleness and tenderness of a father’s heart.

Paul and Joyce had a love for Jesus, a love for their family, a love for the church family, while also loving everyone they encountered on the street.  They loved well.  They lived well. On Dec. 16, 2016, Paul Wuthier left this world.  On August 19, 2024, Joyce joined him. Undoubtedly, they both heard the words from Jesus Himself, saying “Welcome home, good and faithful servant.”