'Hi everyone! My name is Eve Ridgeway, and I am very excited to be coming to Hull in July to begin my curacy at Holy Trinity.
I am originally from 'down South' having grown up in Salisbury, but I have gradually moved north after studying Music at university in Cambridge. Before training for ordination I worked at St. Michael le Belfrey Church in York, primarily with university students in pastoral ministry, but also getting stuck in with musical worship, mission and prayer. I also worked in a cafe in York, which I loved - I would love to have a cafe as part of any future ministry!
I have always been part of a church community but found my own faith at 17, through friends taking me to a wonderful youth group and then a summer youth event called Soul Survivor. One way of describing that time was that it felt like I met Jesus, who I had read about in the Bible, face to face, in worship and prayer, and felt like a relationship had begun that was life-giving, encouraging and exciting. I also gained new brothers and sisters who I could share life with and encourage in return. Being a Christian for me isn't about having all the answers or being perfect, but knowing that I am loved and forgiven, so I can be free to love and forgive others. There's always more to discover of God, and often I discover that through other people!
I have trained for ordination with St. Barnabas Theological Centre and the Yorkshire Ministry Course, training contextually, which means I have been part of a church and community for my whole training (rather than moving to a residential college), and gathered with other ordinands for weekly teaching and some residential weekends, with a strong focus on practical ministry, mission and leadership. I am currently studying for a Masters in Theology at Sheffield University. Integrating study and practical ministry has been one of the best things about training that way I have. I have loved my training, and being part of a church community in Norton on Derwent has been a real gift.
Last year I was blessed to have an additional placement at Holy Trinity Hull, and loved every minute of it. The team were so encouraging and passionate, and members were welcoming, committed and servant hearted. I am really chuffed to be returning for my curacy. I hope to add to the team, bringing my gifts and commitment, but also know I have so much to learn, from everyone at HT and the city itself. The UK City of Culture 2017, no less!
Some personal passions are live music (most genres!), musical worship, good coffee and hospitality, and meeting people. I am a singer, and have sung in choirs since I was at school, and also conducted amateur and church choirs and music groups. I'm also a cellist, and play guitar sometimes too. I love sung worship, and enjoy encouraging people to experience God in that way, and to find their own voice. I love eating and drinking good coffee with others, and the chats about life that tend to rise from those occasions. I am always interested to hear people's stories, and think this is a key part of being Church together, and inviting others to experience God's love. To relax, I love a good cinema trip, time to read, or getting out into creation with others for a walk, hopefully ending at a good pub!
My parents live in Salisbury, and I have a younger brother who studies and works abroad - Skype is a gift from God! They and my wonderful friends have been so supportive in my journey so far, and I look forward to making new friends in Hull. Friendship and community are so important, and friendship and community centred around Jesus is what I feel called to serve and encourage.
So that's me for now - I look forward to meeting you in Hull!
Eve'