One of the things I took into account when discerning my call to ministry was the satisfaction and enjoyment I have felt when serving on church Boards and committees. In my lay-led NE Iowa UU Fellowship here in Decorah, I served as secretary to the Board for two years and Vice President of the Board for a year. I also chaired the Welcoming Congregation Committee and the Sunday Services Committee, each for a year.
My background in bookkeeping has been helpful as I have worked with Boards in analyzing budgets and accounting policies, proposing annual budgets for congregational meetings, and assessing the fiscal health of the congregation. I also gained valuable insight into non-profit Board leadership and Policy Governance in my 20 months as the assistant to the Board secretary for our local member-owned food co-operative.
I have considerable life experience in seeking win-win solutions, consensus, and buy-in for projects and disagreements that come up from time to time in the life of every family, church, and business. I definitely learned to cultivate a non-anxious presence through my years raising eight children, which has been a great benefit in my subsequent business and church positions. I am a collaborative, facilitative worker and leader, and I know how to pass the baton of responsibility as others become skilled in their own leadership abilities.