Ruth Campbell
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 parishioner and volunteer Ruth Campbell.
How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
I’ve been here for over 20 years.
Which service do you typically attend?
The 9:00am service.
Were you raised in a faith tradition?
I am what is affectionately called a “cradle Episcopalian.” I was baptized in the Methodist church but my father was a strong, traditional Episcopalian so my home church was St Michael’s and All Angels in Savannah, Georgia.
What about Saint Philip’s appeals to you?
So many things. I’ve attended different Episcopal churches over the years and what struck me right away about Saint Philip’s was the reverent, profound feeling I had upon entering the sacristy. The window behind the altar is beautiful but what I love especially is that it unites us with the world. I’m in church and can see the mountains and the sky. It’s all one.
The music program also contributes so much to the worship experience.
The clergy are a key component of Saint Philip’s. I’ve found them always approachable and very knowledgeable. The sermons are consistently meaningful and challenging; there’s always something to take with me and think about. I especially appreciate that we have younger clergy. There are increasingly more young people and families that attend Saint Philip’s. I appreciate how children (at all ages) take part in the service. That enhances the services and the church community as a whole.
Another aspect of Saint Philip’s that I really like is the incentive to learn—and the opportunities offered. I appreciate talking to people in groups because I get to hear other people’s perspectives. It’s been a wonderful way for me to learn and grow in my faith.
How are you involved in the parish?
My main volunteer activity is with the food pantry (which operates 9:00am-12:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays) that is part of the Feeding Ministry. I was recruited by Peg Anderson about six years ago.
Six years is a long time to do something. What’s kept you involved?
The first reason is that I love people and adore feeding them. But beyond that, I meet people who I wouldn’t necessarily meet anywhere else. I believe that broadens me and my life experience.
I really enjoy the group of people who volunteer with me, and I get to see staff regularly. I’m a social person so it’s a wonderful experience that I look forward to every week.
How does participating as a volunteer contribute to your spiritual growth?
This relates back to what I said earlier—that I meet people I wouldn’t normally otherwise connect with. When people visit the food pantry they ask for help with a fundamental need. And that’s all that matters—not why they’re in the situation they are.
When people need help they are vulnerable. I’ve become less judgmental and look at people on the street or the grocery store in a different way. I think about our clients when I’m not at the food pantry and I pray for them. This volunteer activity inspires me to find the good—the beautiful—the Christ in every person I come across.
The work also helps me keep things in perspective. It reminds me to keep in check worries I might have about minutiae or little things.
Do you volunteer outside of Saint Philip’s?
For over 27 years I’ve been deeply involved with St Luke’s Home, a holistic, assisted-living community for people aged 55 and older of limited financial means. Right now I serve on the Development Committee to help raise money.
What did you do professionally?
I am a retired nurse. When my husband and I moved to Tucson (over 45 years ago) I worked in many nursing positions and ended my career in a special program of the Pima County Public Health Department. We followed at-risk babies who had been in hospitals’ intensive care units. Our team made home visits up to three years after the babies left the hospital to make sure they received what they needed developmentally.
How do you refresh yourself?
I’m not a morning person so I ease into the day with coffee and sudoku, then walk for 30-40 minutes. That’s my time to reflect, be with nature, and get my body moving. I also read the Daily Bread reflections. I really enjoy those, and appreciate the authors who contribute.
And I nap! They used to be 20 minute power naps. Now they’re a little longer….
Do you have hobbies?
I’m a long-time quilter and belong to a book club. I’m also part of a weekly group that gets together to sew, talk, laugh, and have lunch. And then, of course, there are six grandchildren and one great-grandchild!
What’s one of your guiding principles?
Have a positive attitude.
I’ve always tried to find something good in a situation. Certainly, there are times when I’m tired or down and the world can look a little bleak, but I trust and have faith that things will get better and something good will emerge. Being older helps here; my experience is that things do get better.
My mother had a great adage that I follow: “When you’re down, put your earrings and your lipstick on and get out the door!”
What have I not asked that is important to know about you?
My family is very important to me. My husband and I will be married 57 years on December 23. I think that’s important because it’s incredible that two people from different families and backgrounds can create a life together for that long.
Sammy and I are both first-born children and are definitely opinionated. But we love each other so we accept that there are some things we won’t agree on, and we allow the other person to be who they are.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I’m a natural sleuth. I’ve learned that I have a knack for investigative work.
For instance, when I worked for the Pima County Public Health Department many of our clients could be hard to keep track of because they were very mobile. I was the team member who would try to find them. This was long before the internet so there were many phone calls and visits. I discovered that I’m very persistent.
My daughter thinks I should put up a detective shingle but right now I’m using my skills to do research about my family tree.
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.