Marilyn Beug

EDITOR’S NOTE: A church community is created when people gather together for the love of God. At the same time, Saint Philip’s is comprised of many people who represent different ages, life experiences, and world views.

The “In conversation…” series is one attempt to create possibilities for connection between the different people in our community. As varied as we all are, there are also similarities and mutual interests waiting to be discovered. And there is one thing we all share: a desire to know God and be in relationship with him.

This week’s conversation is with Saint Philip’s parishioner and volunteer, Marilyn Beug.

Before anything else, how do you pronounce your last name?
Like the first syllable of the word “bugle.”

How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
I think it’s been about a year now.

Which service do you typically attend?
I like to go the 9:00am service. 

Were you raised in a faith tradition?
I was raised in the Roman Catholic church. I went to parochial school for 3rd and 4th grade but left when my mother got a new teaching job. My father died when I was very young so my mother and I moved around southeast Wisconsin to be wherever she taught school.

We went to church together but once I left home to attend nursing school I stopped going.

What brought you back to church?
I came for the music but then stayed for the worship and community. I would go home feeling good and grateful to have attended. I also discovered that I really treasure the liturgy. It’s real nice to worship with other people who are happy to be here just like I am.

What about Saint Philip’s appeals to you?
The longer I’ve been here the more I’ve realize that what’s special about this church is the community. People are so warm and inviting. And they’ve been very open and willing to get to know me. It helps that I want to get involved but I think I would feel this way even if I weren’t volunteering as much as I do.

How are you involved in the parish?
I am on the Murphey Gallery Arts Committee, and volunteer as an usher. I’m also a knitter so I join the ladies on Saturday mornings in The Lounge.

What’s something you’re grateful for?
I’m grateful to have found Saint Philip’s. That might sound corny but it’s true.

For years I went to church only to attend a wedding or a funeral. I was the last person anyone would expect to attend church on Sunday—including me. But being here is helping me get closer to God, and for that I’m very grateful.

What inspires you to volunteer and be involved at Saint Philip’s?
My life hasn’t always been easy but right here and now life is wonderful. I want to give back and show my thanks for the kindnesses I’ve been shown.

What did you do professionally before retiring?
I started out as an operating room nurse and eventually ran the department of surgery for eight years. After that I turned to the business side of health care.

I did a lot of traveling in my business career and missed out on things at home—including volunteering. It’s been very rewarding to participate at Saint Philip’s because I feel the volunteers make a real difference in helping make this parish—this community—what it is.

What’s a goal that you achieved?
I’ve always been a little on the shy side but I’ve become more comfortable being in front of people.

How were you able to do that?
I’m very motivated to help people achieve their goals so that inspired me to develop my own skills related to that. 

At one point in my career I designed a method to more accurately identify if medical packaging was still useable. The sales representatives who sold medical instruments were excited to learn about this so I was invited to speak to them around the country. Once I started doing that it became a little easier; I was able to manage my anxiety because I knew I was helping share good data that would make a difference to patients.

So now I’m still shy at heart but not in practice.

What’s something you’re proud of?
I’m proud to have moved to Tucson not knowing anyone and to have created my best life.

My husband and I moved here just before COVID shut everything down. Luckily, Molly Ettenger is our neighbor and she introduced me to Saint Philip’s. And here I am.

What’s something you’re passionate about?
Good nutrition. I have always thought it doesn’t matter how long I live. What’s important is how well I live. I can’t control everything but I do my best to eat well. I’m lucky to have good genes so that helps, too.

What’s one of your core values?
I’m a real strong believer in each of us making a difference and developing our strengths to do that.

What’s one of your guiding principles?
I have two. The first is that I believe everything will be alright in the end. If it’s not alright, then it’s not the end.

The other one is that I have a choice about whether I’m happy or sad. There are a lot of bad things in this world but there are just as many good things. I get to choose what I focus on.

What’s one of your super powers?
I’m good at meeting new people and making them feel comfortable.

How do you make people feel comfortable?
I’m naturally encouraging. But I’m also curious to learn about them—and listen well. 

If you couldn’t fail, what’s something you’d like to do?
I would like to be good at painting watercolors so I could create my own notecards.

What’s something you would love to do that you haven’t…yet?
I would love to visit Paris. I’ve never been. I read a book written by a woman who explored Paris without a map. She discovered a city that was definitely off the tourist grid. That’s the city I would love to get to know.

How do you relax?
I read mystery books. Anne Perry is one of my favorite authors. I also like to cook—provided I don’t have to rush.

Missed an interview? All previous interviews can be found on Saint Philip’s website under the “About Us” tab. Click here to visit that page.