Judy's Story

St. Luke’s became my home in 2005, after many decades ministry of trying to find a spiritual nest. The quiet, the liturgy, the spacious place to listen for the Spirit to work on my questions and find some rest—It was a generous atmosphere for a very tired girl! God is BIGGER here.

I have worked as an art teacher for elementary students and done years of eldercare. I love all forms of art, pottery, and mosaic, and do my best thinking when I write or hear poetry. I have always loved to plan projects and try to learn new things. I have planned and catered many events…because food is also art! On my happiest days I am walking in the woods. I need a LOT of moss and ferns and birds in my life. It is my favorite form of contemplation (and exclamation).  I’ve always been a traveler, RV camping but when I’m home, I’m gardening. And I do love my chickens! I am at my most content when reading a great book aloud to my children – but they are now in their 50’s! So now I blissfully read to my husband, Jack. We are always picking out our next read, one for home, one for the car!

Since 2006 I have loved the Labyrinth Ministry. It was built the year I came and I was soon asked to be the Director. What a learning curve! It is a metaphor for me of the life pilgrimage my faith calls me to walk and also the wideness of God’s love and mercy;  as it’s “our church without walls.” I’ve always been on the Coffee Hour Team until recently, when I went on the Vestry….to facilitate our Care Team. And now I find myself the Senior Warden. Why did I say yes to this, at nearly 80 years old? It’s odd, but I knew I was supposed to accept, because there was a word I never understood, and it felt like it was not too late to learn its meaning. The word was Community. My time with the Vestry and as Senior Warden has been life-giving and life-changing. It is a joy to be part of the Ministry and COMMUNITY of “Dr. Luke’s!”