Ruth Allen shares her faith journey
People who know Ruth today are aware that she is firm in her faith. This however, was not always the case. Ruth came from a family who had a loose connection with the Church and but she did attend a Church school and went to Sunday School in a low church setting. Ruth realises now that she was always a ‘seeker’, and that as a child she used to sing ‘hymns’ which came from her and she devised her own prayer books! Ruth’s mother always tended to keep Jesus to the fore as she was inclined to settle arguments with, “well, Jesus said…!
Ruth was confirmed at age 14 without much understanding of the event and later she questioned everything and drifted away from the church. At College Ruth tried other denominations, especially Methodism, where she found some lovely people and went on holiday with a group of young people. Still unsure though, and quite confused, Ruth was greatly influenced by a much older man who, earlier in his life had been training as a Roman Catholic priest when he found that the teaching clashed with his interest in science, and therefore left and became an atheist. He was a great debater with very forceful arguments against the Christian faith. Ruth was swayed by this, but finally rejected it when he told her that he thought all the marvels of creation were ‘just an accident’!
In 1954 Ruth married Dennis in Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton and both she and her husband wanted to live Christian lives. When their daughters were born, they were baptized at their parish Church in Kidlington, and upon asking their vicar how to give their daughters a Christian upbringing, he replied, “Well the best way would be by example”. Ruth’s decision to try and do this brought her back to the church. She began to attend regularly and has done so ever since.
However, this was just the beginning. In 1967 Ruth and her family came back to this area to be nearer to her parents who were ageing and needed more care. The learning curve at Church progressed at Minchinhampton through regular attendance at church, an active Mother’s Union, Bible reading and discussion groups. Ruth’s father died in 1972 and Ruth had the joy of being close to her mother during her last years. Her mother was a seeker like Ruth and kept up many interests to the end.
After her Mother’s death in 1980, Ruth joined a 2 year study course, “Framework for Faith” meeting in Stroud. It involved a fair amount of written work for which Ruth was able to give much time and thought. Ruth also made new friends from other churches. At Minchinhampton, Audrey Waton was looking for someone to succeed her as Mothers’ Union branch leader and Ruth held that role for 5 years and it was a fulfilling time of much Spiritual Growth.
Now a widow and getting on in years, Ruth is happy to say, the journey of faith continues. These days Ruth’s faith has become more universal and she is passionate about Christian unity and also inter-faith understanding. Ruth is thankful to have been given time, over the years, to be true to herself and to find ways in which she can still be of service to others. Ruth has been an inspiration to others over the years and has encouraged many to read and study their bible through Bible Reading Fellowship notes. If you wish to receive BRF notes, Ruth would be very pleased to hear from you.
After reading Ruth’s faith journey maybe you have a story to share with others. If so please contact Revd. Sandy Emery, Curate.
In 1954 Ruth married Dennis in Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton and both she and her husband wanted to live Christian lives. When their daughters were born, they were baptized at their parish Church in Kidlington, and upon asking their vicar how to give their daughters a Christian upbringing, he replied, “Well the best way would be by example”. Ruth’s decision to try and do this brought her back to the church. She began to attend regularly and has done so ever since.
However, this was just the beginning. In 1967 Ruth and her family came back to this area to be nearer to her parents who were ageing and needed more care. The learning curve at Church progressed at Minchinhampton through regular attendance at church, an active Mother’s Union, Bible reading and discussion groups. Ruth’s father died in 1972 and Ruth had the joy of being close to her mother during her last years. Her mother was a seeker like Ruth and kept up many interests to the end.
After her Mother’s death in 1980, Ruth joined a 2 year study course, “Framework for Faith” meeting in Stroud. It involved a fair amount of written work for which Ruth was able to give much time and thought. Ruth also made new friends from other churches. At Minchinhampton, Audrey Waton was looking for someone to succeed her as Mothers’ Union branch leader and Ruth held that role for 5 years and it was a fulfilling time of much Spiritual Growth.
Now a widow and getting on in years, Ruth is happy to say, the journey of faith continues. These days Ruth’s faith has become more universal and she is passionate about Christian unity and also inter-faith understanding. Ruth is thankful to have been given time, over the years, to be true to herself and to find ways in which she can still be of service to others. Ruth has been an inspiration to others over the years and has encouraged many to read and study their bible through Bible Reading Fellowship notes. If you wish to receive BRF notes, Ruth would be very pleased to hear from you.
After reading Ruth’s faith journey maybe you have a story to share with others. If so please contact Revd. Sandy Emery, Curate.