Judy Shelly's MALC Tea Party

Veteran NCF staff Judy Shelly retired last year after 40 years of ministry with InterVarsity, but she still stays in touch with close friends who served on the Mid-Atlantic Leadership Council (MALC). These gifted and godly women were instrumental in developing the ministry of NCF by advising groups of students and RNs, encouraging and leading events, and encouraging one another. Twice a year they gather as a REASON group, "Retirees Encouraging And Supportive of NCF" (Read more of the NCF REASON report for retired nurses by Mary Thompson). Join the celebration. . . .

Photo: Judy Shelly, Sandi McGrail, Audrey Hay, Sandy Jamison, Arlene Miller, Linda Heckman, Beryl Stewart, Betsy Noble, Erna Goulding, [missing: Kathy Brewer-Smyth]

NCF ties don't easily break. On Dec. 7th I hosted a tea for the NCF Mid-Atantic REASON group to pray for NCF, enjoy each other's company, and celebrate Erna Golding's 89th birthday. Erna has been a teacher and mentor to all of us. She retired as Vice President for Patient Care at Children's Hospital in Philadelphia and has served on the board of InterVarsity, NCF-International and NCF National Council.

All of the women who gathered around my table have been leaders in nursing and NCF over the years. They have been mentors, encouragers and supporters to NCF staff and, in many ways, shaped the regional and national ministry of NCF.

Years ago, we used to joke about "the NCF Nursing Home" where we'd all gather in our old age. We laughed about that while we were together. Linda Heckman (who is going on a mission trip to Burkhina Faso with her granddaughter) commented, "We all thought MALC had been dissolved, but here we are, still together!" NCF ties us to each other, even now!

We rejoice in this verse: "O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to all the generations to come" (Psalm 71:17-18).

--Judy Shelly