Getting to know: Zoe Stewart
In such a big church it’s a challenge for us all to know everyone. So to help out, we’re starting a ‘getting to know you’ slot. This week we asked Zoe Stewart five questions to learn a little more about her.
How are you involved with church life?
I come to the 9:15am service and I enjoy The Space when I can get to it. I do like a more contemplative space and really enjoy quiet or just music. I am the Alpha co-ordinator at High Street and lead Alpha groups. I’m part of a Home Group, that we call Connect, and we meet weekly. We are often found in Wesleys on a Saturday morning prior to getting down to work, but we do enjoy a tea and natter!
What does life look like for you outside church?
I’ve been in Harpenden since I was 4, apart from spending ten years living in London. I now live with my husband Don in Wheathampstead. We enjoy nature and spend a lot of time enjoying wildlife in the garden. Originally I studied Zoology and Environmental Science, and although this is still one of main interests, I have now worked for the NHS for over 25 years as an Occupational Therapist. I manage and lead Allied Health Professional (AHP) services in Hertfordshire and enjoy seeing people flourish at work and finding the best fit for them. I also teach mindfulness, compassion skills, nature as therapy, and practice meditation every day. I have an interest in everything psychology. I like designing things, painting furniture, writing, going to art galleries and love the Lake District and coast.
Who inspires you and why?
Peoples’ lives and what they have been through. I really like hearing about how people have managed through difficult times; what they called upon to help them. I like hearing about how God has helped people to overcome the challenges we all face. I also like seeing and hearing about the great work people are doing in the NHS; the sacrifice, love and devotion my colleagues give to older people is truly inspirational. I particularly love Alpha, when people really experience a community and God as love - its a really special time. I find this nourishes me and its a real a privilege to be part of this.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I’m looking forward to the day when we all come together to be kind and be our best selves. This will be a pretty special day.
What helps you connect with God?
My meditation ‘timeouts’ throughout the day are times when I can really connect with the silence and thats where I find God. Also Saturday mornings with my home group or just looking outside my window, at nature, I see God everywhere. I like to sit at the back of the church on a Sunday and I always get ribbed for it. But this is the best view as I get to see everyone in church and I see the wonderful space we are all in, and thats where I see God, with all of us.
