Well friends, you'll not be calling me deaconess, at least not this year. It's just Judi for now. 

Last night David Peebles, Dan Clopine, and Kenton DeVries were elected. These are all men who have served on the board in the past and done an excellent job serving our community. I am not at all disappointed in not being elected. I am however disappointed that two of the expired terms were vacated by women, and all the people replacing them were not. I was really hoping one of the younger people with children in the nursery or children's church would get at least one of the seats. I just feel like our board make-up does not adequately represent the population of this church.

I was also disappointed (again) in how few people my age were actually in the meeting... or even people under 60 in general. If there were ever a reason our board does not look like our congregation, a large factor has to be because our business meetings do not look like our congregation. But still, we keep pushing for progress however we can.

For those who prayed for me, had encouraging words or voted, thank you. You are my peeps! It really was an honor to even be considered an option for that position.

Those of you who live here... I hope you are enjoying another ice storm day home. I made it into work, and now wonder if I shouldn't have done so. I am not sure about getting home! It was worse in North SGF than it was at my house in Willard. It was 20 mph all the way in for me. And forget about brakes. You can tap them all you want, but you probably won't stop anyway.

I desperately hope this doesn't mess up our plans for the MySpace retreat this weekend.... I REALLY want to get out of town!

And for those of you out of here who are enjoying nice weather (or at minimum safe driving conditions.... Enjoy it for me!!

TTFN!

Ack! So I can FINALLY tell you my news....

I've been sitting on information for like a month now, and I've only told a few people outside my family about it. But now the secret is out. Try not to laugh when I share it with you.

I've been asked to allow my name to stand as a nominee for a position on the board of deacons at my church. I am one of about 10 people being selected to serve in 3 open positions, which will be elected on Wednesday night.

This is a huge honor. And a scary thing.

Someone asked me today if I actually want this. I didn't really know how to answer that question. I kind of feel like this is one of those jobs you don't seek out. Do I want to do it? I am willing to, if the church feels I am a good representative of our congregation. But I am not really comfortable saying "I want this."

I am really quite humbled and honored by the opportunity, and by the vote of confidence my nomination gets from pastor and from the selection committee. It would be a big deal in any church I guess, but at this church it feels huge. If I were to be elected, I will be one of the youngest (if not the youngest) ever. Not to mention a single woman  (gasp!).

I was talking today to someone who mentioned just how important it is to be involved in this aspect of community life (in our church, but also in our society). Most people who vote tend to be older. I've been going to these annual business meetings for about 5 years now... and I can tell you that is a true statement even at Central. Its rare to find people my own age among the voting population. A lot of people think it's boring, or that it doesn't impact them. We are voting on our budget, on what happens to the camp grounds, and on another 4 year term for our pastor.... Don't tell me those things don't impact you... Plus three open spots on the deacon board.

I don't say this because I want you there to vote for me, but because I want to see our generation represented well, on the deacon board, in the voting membership and at every function of the church. We need this generation to step up and take it's place and to let the voices be heard. Its not someone else's job, its ours. It's yours and mine. Its why I allow my name to stand, though I feel most unworthy to serve our community in this way. So, that being said, I will see you Wednesday night. Right? 

P.S. Jeff Reeb is making posters and T-shirts.... "Judi in '08" Let's rock the vote. Think I should get the rest of my blue hair done before the vote Wednesday??  hahha!