Susan Gamble

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 Susan Gamble.

How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
Probably since about 1989—give or take a year.

Which service do you typically attend?
I like to sleep in so I go to the 11:15am service.

Were you raised in a faith tradition?
I was raised going to church but where I went depended on geography. If I was in Nogales, Arizona with my paternal grandmother, then we worshiped at the Episcopal church. If I was in California with my maternal grandmother, then we went to the Presbyterian church. And then there was my mother who was a Quaker for a while.

What about Saint Philip’s appeals to you?
I’m a visual person so my first answer is the beautiful building, the window behind the altar, and the nature one sees from the sanctuary. But it’s more than just that. It’s the people in the church with whom I’ve developed friendships. I taught Sunday School for years which helped me find a community within the parish.

All my artist friends back in the 90s would call me the church lady because I was the only one from that group who attended church. But no single community can provide everything, so as connected as I was to my artist friends, I also needed—still need—my church community and my friendships here.

How would you describe Saint Philip’s to someone unfamiliar with the parish?
I think it’s a very welcoming place to different kinds of people. I’ve never encountered judgmental behavior. And something else I very much appreciate is that the church doesn’t pressure me to participate in anything I don’t want to. We’re encouraged to explore different ministries and see what might be a good fit. I think that’s reasonable. In order to be part of something you have to show up.

How are you involved in the parish?
I have volunteered with CYFM (Children, Youth & Families Ministry). I have helped by teaching art projects like handmade cards at Mosaic dinners—-which lead to helping prepare dinners for Mosaic on Wednesdays. Currently I am part of Saint Hildegard’s Guild, Creation Care Ministry, and I am a member of the newly formed Creation Care Commission.

Oh! I guess you could also say I’m part of the Prayer Shawl Ministry. I learned that the group meets on Saturday mornings (10:30am-12:00pm) and welcomes newbies. The ladies couldn’t have been nicer when I showed up. They taught me some basic stitches and now I can knit. It’s a fun group and I enjoy being a part of their weekly gathering.

What did you do professionally before retiring last year?
I ended my career as a small business owner (of Santa Theresa Tile Works) here in Tucson. Beginning in the 1980’s, I produced  ceramics (dinnerware and sculptural pieces) that were sold in a gallery and the Tucson Museum of Art. My first public art commission was for Tucson International Airport. That began my public art making across the country, as well as Santa Theresa Tile Works.

It was very satisfying to be a small business owner. I was able to contribute to the community by employing people, having a popular tile shop for locals and tourists, and by teaching tile making. I got to make a living doing something I love. How many people get to do that?!

What’s something you’re proud of?
I’m proud that the business is still going and that it benefits Imago Dei Middle School—a private, tuition-free school for children from low-income families.

What do you do now?
My senior gig! I teach art to people on cruises.

It combines my love of travel with my love of art. The cruise lines want the lesson plan to connect with the different travel sites so I get to spend time researching the art-making and craft-making histories of people all over the world. It’s all great fun.

How do you refresh yourself?
I dabble. After spending over 30 years building a business and having to focus and concentrate on one medium, I’m in heaven exploring anything and everything I have an interest in.

I feel like I’m living my best six year old life. “Oooh—there’s something I’m interested in. Let me investigate. Oooh—there’s something else. Let me see what that’s about.” At home I have my knitting in one spot, some watercolors in another, my books in the corner… life is one great adventure after another.

What’s one of your guiding principles?
90% of life is showing up. Show up and be open to what you find.

What’s one of your super powers?
I’m not scared of much and can tap into my curiosity easily.

For example, I saw someone the other day with a serious mohawk hairstyle. I can’t remember how we started speaking but we did and I asked him all sorts of questions. How do you get your hair into that shape? How do you sleep? How often do you wash it? Being curious helps me not judge people based on appearance—and let’s me learn all sorts of interesting things.

What’s a fun fact about you?
I don’t have a favorite color. It changes daily.

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.