Jud Stailey is one of those people who I admire and look up to. Jud is a leader. His professional career found him rising to the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. A skilled meteorologist, Jud served as a weather officer. Although the Staileys became Good Shepherd members while living in our area back in 1995, duty called them away. After stints with the Air Force around the country, in Alaska and finally in Belgium, Jud’s final stop for the Air Force brought him and the family back to Washington, DC area --- and back to Good Shepherd! If I am not mistaken, my first Sunday serving as Senior Pastor in 2001 was the Staileys’ first Sunday back in town.

Being part of this church’s life is a common thread for all the Staileys. Jud’s wife Laura, who met Jud back in their days at Ohio State University, is active in Music Ministry, choir, bells, and she frequently plays clarinet in wind ensembles during worship. Daughters Breton Stailey and Elspeth Stailey Shaw both share their talents in the arts with their church family. We’ve enjoyed their performances at worship as well as during the annual Housing Benefit Concerts -- Breton as a dancer and Elspeth as a vocalist.

Let me rattle off some of the roles Jud has played here. You will see him sing bass in the Chancel Choir, play bells with Good Shepherd Ringers, and serve as a lay assistant at the 9 a.m. traditional worship. He has been the Worship and Music Committee chair and the chair of the “Building on Faith” Capital Campaign. As a leader for Adult Education sessions on Sunday mornings, he’s shepherded the fun and informative “Carol Café” -- focusing on international

faith traditions during Advent. Jud is currently team teaching a Lenten study “The Last Week” with Pastor Fritz Foltz. Jud now serves as our Church Council vice president and enthusiastically attends New Member Orientations to get to know newcomers to Good Shepherd.

Serving outside our walls, Jud, Laura and Breton are faithful volunteers on the meal line at Men’s Shelter Dinners. “Breton always bakes something special for desserts, and her goodies are usually the first to go,” said Penny Risen, who coordinates GSLC’s shelter servants. “All three Staileys came out at the last minute to help serve the hot meal as a blizzard was hitting our area last Winter. They really went the extra mile for our ministry that night, when getting back home on drifted roads was a big challenge.”

Jud is someone who is always helping our church move forward and I feel blessed to count him as a brother in Christ. His kindness and constant encouragement have meant a great deal to me. When I see Jud, I can usually count on it lifting my spirits.

Jud maintains a constant discipline of physical fitness which renews him and also helps him stay focused for his daily ministry. With that being said, I am rooting Jud on -- next Monday, April 18 he will compete in the Boston Marathon, in which only the best of the best compete. Good luck Jud!

"I'm really blessed to be a part of the Good Shepherd ministry and to have the opportunity to serve,” Jud commented.

Jud — thank you for your ongoing witness! - Pastor Dave Sonnenberg

Jud in Action at Good Shepherd

• Jud and Laura on Vacation
• Jud Singing in Men's Quartet
• Jud Playing Bells with the Good Shepherd Ringers
• Stailey Family Wedding
• Laura and Breton Serving at Men's Shelter