by Judy Gernand as told to Ella Reff

My sister Jenny and I were the third generation to attend Daleville Methodist Church. Our grandmother, Ruth Hatfield, was the organist and accompanied us and our cousin Cindy in a trio where I sang alto. I attended Methodist Youth Fellowship in my jr. high years and made a personal commitment to Christ at Camp Adventure, reconfirming it at Epworth Forest.

I grew up in Yorktown, and after high school I started attending Yorktown Methodist Church. Greg Gernand and I were married on May 23, 1970, by the Rev. Lloyd Willert. Our reception was in the church basement. My sister Jennifer and Greg's brother Steve were our maid of honor and best man, respectively. I went to Ball State for two years, earning an associate degree in secretarial science and worked for attorneys for two years. Following that experience, in order to get benefits, I worked at Ball Corporation as a secretary until our daughter Kim was born, and three years later our son Chad was born. I stayed home with our children until they were in school full-time. God had felt especially near to me at Jr. and Sr. High camps and stayed close to me as I directed the children's choir at YUMC when they were in elementary school and attended Sunday School.

I sing in the church adult choir, but no longer direct children's choir, as our youth at YUMC have gone to other churches where their friends go. School activities in these days take up a lot of the time and commitment of our youth here at YUMC, compared to when I was in school. 

I have served my church at Yorktown United Methodist in additional ways: Women's group leader, Sunday school teacher K-3rd grade, nursery worker during worship, United Methodist Women's projects, missions and church bazaars. I also served on the Board of Directors for the Sonshine Center, the nursery school and daycare held at our church for a brief time.

I returned to Ball State at the age of 38 to get enough hours to complete a Bachelor's degree in school library science. I retired from Hamilton Southeastern Schools as the Library Media Specialist at Fishers High School. Now I am happily retired and glad to be a resident of Yorktown.

A meaningful verse to me and the most encouraging during these times is, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10.

My favorite hymn is "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." To be truthful, there are many favorites.