Join us in wishing Julie Mardis a Happy 25th Anniversary with PUMC!

Julie started working for PUMC in a part-time capacity on September 27, 1993.  Over the course of 25 years she has worked with five pastors appointed to PUMC.  The Staff-Parish Team thought it would be fun to get Julie’s answers to 25 questions one for each year.  We hope you will enjoy getting to know Julie a little better. 
 
Married? To Whom/How Long?  I have been happily married to Jim Mardis for 34 years – met at a wedding and got married 6 months later. We / He chose well :)
 
Kids? Ages/School/Job?  We have 2 great, adult children – Walker took the ‘black sheep’ trek to Purdue and graduated there like his father– Lauren chose and graduated from Indiana University at Bloomington - where all Mardis women in the family have attended/graduated. They are both happily employed. Walker is an Industrial Designer for Pacific Cycle in Madison, WI – he draws all day and creates accessories for Schwinn & Mongoose bikes.  Lauren has chosen to work in Indianapolis for a non-profit. She has been responsible for creating a new position as a housing navigator for all homeless veterans & their families – she works at Hoosier Veteran’s Assistance Foundation. I am grateful this church helped raise my children.  
 
Pets?  Boots (‘with the fur’) – A tuxedo, male black cat. He responds faithfully to many endearing names. 
 
Where did you grow up? Born in Oakland, CA and lived there for 10 years – My Mom then sold everything she owned and drove 3 daughters to Mitchell, Indiana, where she was born and raised and met my Dad.  We were all (Jeanne, Julie, and Jodi) raised in Mitchell, IN.
 
Where did you go to school? I attended Indiana University in Bloomington as Resident Assistant, IUSA Senator, and Dorm President – Good ole Teter Quad!
 
What's the first thing you do in the morning? Feed my furry friend and get hot coffee in my body!
 
What chore do you absolutely hate doing? Hmmmm….might have to ask Jim this one. I am very task-oriented and enjoy removing items from my to-do list. Can’t think of anything right now.
 
What's something on your bucket list? I would love to show my family where I grew up and how amazing my childhood was on the west coast. And…remain westward for a long family vacation.  
 
Best vacation? We were married only 6-weeks and Jim was a lead, feed salesman at Dubois County Cooperative in Huntingburg, Indiana.  We got a FREE trip to St. Maarten, Netherland Antilles. It was amazing!
 
If your house was burning down, what is the one non-living thing you would save? I would save as many precious photos as I could hold. (I learned first-hand in college that ‘things’ are just ‘things.’ My sister’s home burned down with all I owned. No one was in the home and we ALL survived!)
 
When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?  Well… we often enjoy the masterful skills of Jim, Lauren, and Walker as they recall every single famous and humorous movie line. I try to join them, but seem to ALWAYS miss a word or two. I believe I recently laughed hardest at myself.
 
What's your most embarrassing, face-palm moment? Don’t wish to share right now. Thank you very much.
 
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do? I would love to clean my home! Perhaps I am a bit obsessed regarding this, but it relaxes me in the long run. With cleanliness I like a pleasantly fragrant home. Boots would then fall asleep on my lap.
 
Chocolate or Vanilla? YES, PLEASE!
 
What's your guilty pleasure? I love all kind of coffees and chocolates!  Throw in some peppermint anywhere and some peanut butter in anything and I am quite happy as well. These delicious treats are like manna to me.
 
If you could have any super power, what would it be?  The older I get I am fascinated with so many small birds.  So, I know I would love to be able to fly.  (However, moving really fast (quantum speed) like Quicksilver does in the X-Men series would be extremely enjoyable and ornery. I could really cause some havoc and thoroughly enjoy it!)
 
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would play you? Heck, I don’t know.  Who do you recommend?
 
What would the autobiography of your life be called? From Then to Now:  And the Journey Keeps Getting Better
 
What's your favorite line from a movie/TV show? Well, we have many movie lines chanted around our abode! I often share the line from Calypso in Pirates of the Caribbean: “Would you love me if I was anything but what I am?”  (and I had to look it up so I would get it correct!)  This is my excuse line when I move all my family’s “PILES OR THINGS” when I am in cleaning mode!
 
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I would someday wish to learn to fly a plane.
 
What's the most interesting or unusual job you've ever had? Jim and I were asked to join his uncle’s successful business (Minyard’s of Atlanta) in the fragrance industry before starting our family.  We made potpourri, fragrance oils, aerosol sprays, and other upscale gifts. We met prospective buyers, traveled to trade shows across the US, and worked very hard. It was fun to work together.  
 
What three traits define you? Hospitable / Compassionate / Friendly
 
What do you like most about your job? I am respected and valued for my job performance.   
 
What would you like to ask Jesus? Oh boy!  We talk about this a lot in Bible Study.  I am thoroughly convinced I would be in such awe and overwhelmed to ask a single thing if I were in His presence. I would first want to feel His loving touch by way of a gentle hug. Those familiar arms have been wrapped around me so many times in my younger life.  No words would be necessary. Perhaps my first question would be, “Will you hug and hold me a moment, please?”  
 
What's your favorite Bible verse?  Sorry, but I have 3 that mean a lot to me:
 
Romans 8:28  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  Last Christmas Bible I received at 17 from my mom, this was scripture she wanted me to remember. I treasure this gift.

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Out of respect for my mother-in-law, Sue Mardis, she verbally shared this many times with our kids when they were very young.

Proverb 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight.” When leading children’s choir with Marion Brooks, many years ago, we belted this song out so many times!  I will never forget it.  To this day, my kids can break into a melodious chorus from this song.  Walker’s roommate at Purdue knew all these same songs from one CD.

We hope you have enjoyed getting to know Julie a little better, please be sure to wish her a Happy 25th Anniversary as you see her in the coming days!  Your PUMC Staff-Parish Team ​
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