More About Judy K. Kiser

I grew up on a farm in Madras, a rural community in central Oregon, and after graduating from high school in 1961, I moved to Portland.

In March, 1978, I attended my first worship service at MCC Portland, Oregon. I had read about the church in the local newspaper, the Oregonian. I had been attending the Unity Church but I was looking for a church where I could meet gay people. This seemed like it was the answer and it was. I began to make friends and soon I was getting involved in the activities of the church. I served on the Board of Directors for several years and filled the position of Treasurer.

It took a few years to come to terms with my sexuality and finally by the time I was 34 I got it. I have been so blessed by my association with MCC. It has been such a great joy and honor to have met all the people that I have. When I entered through those doors in 1978, I had no idea of the spiritual journey and opportunities that awaited me.

My family is small, my little brother John who lives in The Dalles, Oregon with his partner Barb. Delores and I try to get there at least every two years to visit them. They are very supportive of our relationship and Delores now has a brother. I also have a niece, Jennifer who lives in Central Oregon.

For relaxation and fun, I love to read, watch TV and do jigsaw puzzles. I also love to travel which I believe was inspired by my maternal grandparents. Every summer from the time I was about 8 and my brother 4, they would gather us up in the summer and take us on trips. We got to visit Disneyland just after it had opened. Every summer they took us on a two week trip to somewhere wonderful.

In 1993, I received the Recognition of Dedicated Service award from the Department of People of Colors in UFMCC for my leadership of Chair of Division of White People Healing Racism. In 2005 at General Conference in Calgary, Alberta, I received the Laity Service Award.