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Ruth Gouldbourne
When did you first come to Bloomsbury, and why?
I arrived as a newly-married student in 1984 and we were in membership here for about five years. I came here because Ian was already attending. We then came back into membership in June 2006. That was because I was about to become minister.
What do you admire and enjoy most about the church?
I enjoy the people – the mix, the faithfulness, the surprises and the love. I admire the commitment of so many people to keeping this place going, and doing such a lot of amazing things. There are all sorts of folks who offer incredible amounts of time, talents and energy to enable all our events, and all the back room stuff, to happen so well.
What one aspect do you especially love?
The music is very special, and leading worship with such a wonderful choir and musicians – and with a congregation that sings so energetically – is a delight. But I think the aspect I love most about the church is its refusal to take an easy or simplistic view of things, and the constant challenge that offers me about needing to think.
What do you hope for the future of Bloomsbury?
That we will go on working at being honest in our thinking, and at building our relationships.
Do you have a memorable moment of an event at the church?
The first time I took part in a dedication service here, it was an Advent Sunday. We lit the Advent candle at the beginning of the service, and very pretty it looked, too. The dedication of the baby was taking place, and the congregation was deeply attentive and concentrated. I really thought I was doing something very special and moving, and wondered what was so powerful in my words or actions. And then, as the prayers finished, and we moved back to our seats, I realised I had been standing right in front of the candle – and that my long hair was flicking closer and closer to the flame as the service proceeded. The attention and concentration I had sensed was real, sure enough – there was a great deal of discussion about just how quickly I was going to set fire to my hair, the baby and the church! Since then, I have bound my hair up when faced with Advent services.
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