Julia

Julia, from Holy Nativity Eastfield is a member of the Stepping Up group in Scarborough. She shares her story of faith.

The first memory of knowing God was when I was very young. I can’t remember how old I was. Both my parents were Methodist local preachers. During school holidays if either of my parents were preaching at an evening service I would go. On one occasion my Dad was preaching in a really old Methodist church and it began to thunder which frightened me. Then my Dad announced the hymn Angel Voices Ever singing. I remember holding on to my mum and thinking I’m safe God is here looking after me.

I attended Nottingham Road Methodist church until I left home to commence my nurse training, although I would go back when I went home on weekends off. As time went on and I had my children we attended another Methodist church in Alvaston near Derby, which was a really modern church with many young people.

As I came to live in Scarborough my abusive marriage ended. I met Ken and we didn’t attend any church but we both lead a Christian life. Three of my grandchildren have been baptised at Holy Nativity and both myself and Ken decided to give it a try. We have never looked back. We were both confirmed in January 2023. I said to Ken we will go to church enjoy and them come home. Well that never happened!! I help with Little Lambs, assist with baptisms, give communion to housebound church members, help in Sunday Club and Resting Place, help to mentor young people and I am part of the prayer ministry team. I also clean the church.

I’ve been part of Stepping Up since September, along with others from Holy Nativity, and it’s been an excellent way to grow in faith. It’s helped me deepen my understanding of what it means to follow Jesus, strengthen my prayer life, and given me the confidence to say yes to God’s call to serve as Church Warden. It was such an honour to be called by God to become Church Warden. God never ceases to amaze me in the work he does!

This isn’t just about stepping in to do a job—I genuinely feel called to this role. I trust that in God’s strength, he will enable me to serve faithfully.