St. Philip's In The Hills Episcopal Church
Parish News: Connecting Electronically
North Campbell Avenue at River Road, Tucson
December 2, 2010
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Did you miss out on receiving previous St. Philip's e-letters? You can read them by clicking here.
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Service Schedule
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Sundays7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I 9:00 a.m. Sung Eucharist Rite II Third Sundays: All-Generations Service (Sept. through May) Fifth Sundays: Morning Prayer and Eucharist 11:15 a.m. Sung Eucharist Rite II Fifth Sundays: Morning Prayer and Eucharist 4:00 p.m. "Come & See" Service 5:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II Third Sundays: Choral Evensong with Eucharist (Sept. through May) Tuesdays10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II and Healing Thursdays (Sept. through May) 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I Worship services at St. Philip's |
Click to Connect
| Latest News on St. Philip's Web site contains the Sunday bulletin, upcoming events, and links to Episcopal sites of interest
St. Philip's has a group on Facebook, the popular social networking Web site, where you can share reflections with our online community
St. Philip's Green Team has published Green Tips, suggestions for things you can do to help save our planet!
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Ministry E-Letters
| Various ministries at St. Philip's offer e-letters:
To sign up for the Adult Formation Ministries e-letter, contact Greg Foraker.
To sign up for the Children, Youth, and Family news, contact Rosalind García.
To receive the Music Ministry e-newsletter, contact Garmon Ashby.
St. Philip's new Border & Immigration Ministry has a weekly e-letter, posted on the Outreach page of St. Philip's web site. To subscribe, contact Suzanne.
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| Greetings! |
 Advent is often described as a season of waiting. Advent waiting is not passive, because this is a time of year pregnant with anticipation! Something new is about to be born in our midst. This Advent, we invite you to explore how you can cross over from hearing to doing God's word through the many opportunities for spiritual growth, community, and ministry at St. Philip's. We hope this season of waiting is a time of enrichment and inspiration for you. If you know of someone who might like to receive these e-updates, whether they're a parishioner or someone interested in St. Philip's, feel free to use the "forward to a friend" link to share the newsletter with them! That doesn't add them to any lists but gives them the opportunity to choose to subscribe. We hope this e-letter is a useful tool in connecting and staying connected with our St. Philip's community! |
| What's Going On | |
 Festival of LightsThe eighteenth annual Advent Festival of Lights is this evening, December 2, at 7:00 p.m. in the Church. This candlelit service seeks to illuminate the feminine face of God. The theme this year is "Women's Work," and the service will feature readings, prayers, instrumental music, and congregational singing. The traditional lighting of the candles and recessional into the garden is followed by potluck dessert and coffee in the Murphey Gallery at St. Philip's. A freewill offering will benefit Imago Dei Middle School, an Episcopal school that serves 5th through 8th grade girls and boys living in families with low income in Tucson and South Tucson. Attendees are asked to bring a dessert to share. Men are very welcome at this service!  God Across Borders: Intergenerational Advance "Cross over" in a remarkable journey of faith... Join a compelling journey of faith on Friday, December 3, and Saturday, December 4, as people of all generations participate in a "border advance." This event begins at 5:30 p.m., Friday, December 3, with supper and "Stations of the Crossing" at St. Philip's. On Saturday, December 4, at 9 a.m., we'll depart for the border for a day of service, education and reflection. Bring your passport, required to return to the United States. Cost $25.00 per person, $50 per family. Contact the Rev. Greg Foraker, Rosalind Garcia in the church office (299-6421). Friends of Music Concert St. Philip's Friends of Music presents "Like the Voice of an Angel" on Friday, December 3, at 7 p.m. in the Church. The program features Homero Ceron on marimba, Amilcar Guevara on piano, and Geoffrey Hamilton on string bass, performing classic Latin jazz and folk music with a little Vivaldi, Bach, and Faure added. Ceron, principal percussionist of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, is a multi-talented musician who has played professionally since the age of 12. He is a percussion instructor at Pima Community College. Guevara worked as musical director of salsa and charanga bands and continues to pursue his interest in Latin jazz with his own quartet. Hamilton has performed with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra for 27 years. He also plays jazz and pop music and is locally active as a commercial musician. Admission is by donation ($15 suggested). Prayer Shawl Ministry: Join the Flock! St. Philip's Prayer Shawl Ministry is offering classes for beginning knitters, starting December 4. Classes will meet at 11 a.m. in the Renouf/Nelson Library. For more information contact Helene Woodhams by email or at 529-0765 or Sue Cross by email or at 742-1398. Also, you are invited to join the Prayer Shawl Knitters at our holiday get-together on Monday, December 6, at 2 p.m. in the East Gallery. All that you have to do is come. If you'd like to bring your knitting we'd like that, because we can always trade ideas on yarns and patterns. Please email Nancy Converse or call 825-9118. We hope all involved in this ministry and those who are interested in knowing more will be able to join us. |
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| On the Horizon | |
Sunday, December 5 First Sunday MusicAs is our custom on the first Sunday of the month, we will have First Sunday Music at the 9 and 11:15 a.m. services on Sunday, December 5. Lessons & Carols for Advent will be presented by our adult and children's choirs.
First Sunday Food DriveThe first Sunday of the month is also the day for our Food for Hunger Food Drive. Food offerings may be left in the Fishpond Garden. Food is shared between our food pantry and the Interfaith Community Services food bank. Bethlehem Market The Children, Youth, and Family Ministries invite you to experience a bustling market in Jesus' day. This popular interactive event will take place on Sunday, December 5, from 10:15 to about 11:30 a.m., in the plaza. Markets in ancient Bethlehem were exciting places filled with commotion. Merchants hawked everything from fresh produce to linen cloth to brass lamp stands. Exotic animals such as apes and peacocks were offered, along with sheep and goats for sacrifices. According to Middle Eastern custom, buyer and seller must haggle over the price of every item. Proverbs 20: 14 describes this type of exchange: "It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth." St. Philip's Bethlehem Marketplace will not include apes and peacocks, nor will sacrifices take place, but visitors may see animals of the less exotic varieties. You are invited to savor the aromas of the spice shop and fruit peddler, to stop by the bakery for warm bread, to taste olives and other fare. Watch the artisans hard at work and perhaps participate yourself in a craft. Pause for a refreshing cup of water at the well. Be sure to keep out of the way of the Roman Centurions as you linger! The sights, sounds, and smells of ancient Bethlehem will surround you as the children of St. Philip's lead you back in time. (Note: if you ordered a wreath from the J2A, please pick it up at the Bethlehem Market on Sunday.)  Meet the Monserrat Grand Piano On Sunday, December 5, at 10:15 a.m. in the Church, the Monserrat Grand Piano will be introduced. This exciting new piano is made in Tucson. Join us to meet the craftsmen from Ley Piano Company, who will be discussing the piano and the production process. The Monserrat piano is one of a handful of pianos still made in the United States. Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity.
 Art Gallery Opening Reception"Visions of St. Philip's" will be on display at St. Philip's for the month of December and then will travel to several venues in Tucson, returning to St. Philip's in May of 2011. This juried show includes 36 works by 33 artists, including watercolor, oils, colored pencil, clay metal, acrylics, and photography. A total of $1000 is being awarded -- the first time the Gallery has ever given cash prizes. Presented in celebration of St. Philip's 75th Anniversary and honoring our history of supporting arts and artists in the community. The reception will be Sunday, December 5, at 2 p.m. in the Murphey Gallery. Come meet the artists!  Rediscover the Joy of the HolidaysPastoral Care is offering a new program this holiday season for those who may find this season to be a special challenge due to the loss of a loved one. "Rediscovering the Joy of the Holidays" will include fellowship, discussion, reminiscing, and a short liturgy of remembrance. It is designed for adults in all stages of the grieving process to help honor your loved one and deal with their loss during the holidays. This free program is set for 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 11, in the Bride's Room. Registration is requested but not required. Please call Brigid Waszczak at 577-7792 or the church office at 299-6421. We invite you to join us for a day of sharing and ceremony in a supportive, confidential environment.
 "Comfy Space" Service December 12
Leave your shoes at the door and come into the Music Center for a time of worship involving dancing, singing, and celebrating the life of the Patron Saint of Children, Bishop Nicholas himself! Gathering will commence at 9 with special music and dance. We will be seeing a play "St. Nicholas and the Three Sisters," blessing Candy Canes, and talking about why we know St. Nick as Santa -- the one who gives in secret. Families will be invited to take a shoebox and fill it with school supplies to benefit children who attend Rio Vista, Holaway and Imago Dei. After the service, check your shoes -- perhaps you too will have received a mysterious gift from St. Nicholas? Wigglers of all ages are welcome. Comfy Space -- for all who wiggle in church and those who worship with them.  Friends of Music Concert: Trumpet SpectacularSt. Philip's Friends of Music presents "Trumpet Spectacular" on Wednesday, December 15, at 7 p.m. in the Church. The program includes an array of music for trumpets combined with other brass instruments, percussion, piano, and bass, and includes US premieres of two works composed by Jeff Haskell. Prominent local musicians, UA/Pima faculty, many of whom are "regulars" with St. Philip's First Sunday Music, include Jason Carder, Eric Heyland, Edward Reid, David Cohen, Betsy Bright Morgan, Adam Ackermann, Kenny Smukal, Victor Valenzuela, Scott Black, and Homero Ceron, as well as Jeff Haskell. Admission is by donation (suggested donation $15).
 Tickets Available Soon for Gala Banquet for Presiding BishopThe Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, will visit St. Philip's on Sunday, February 6, 2011, as part of St. Philip's 75th Anniversary celebration. In addition to participating in several services, she will be celebrated at a Gala Banquet, at which St. Philip's ministries will be showcased. With the co-sponsorship of the Episcopal Campus Ministry at University of Arizona, the banquet will be held at the University of Arizona Student Union at 6:30 p.m. on February 6. Watch for a special e-invite next week, which will allow you to click through and order your tickets. We look forward to geeting you at the banquet! |
Food for Thought
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St. Philip's CD: The Perfect Gift
"Let Every Heart Prepare" is our new CD of Advent and Christmas music performed by St. Philip's choirs and instrumentalists, recorded to celebrate our 75th Anniversary. CDs have arrived! They are available on Sunday mornings during coffee hour, as well as through the Music Department. Priced at $15 ($12.50 for 2, $10 for 4 or more), they make excellent Christmas gifts.
Children's Christmas ProjectThe next two Sundays, December 5 and December 12, are your last opportunities to contribute to the Children's Christmas Project. This year our gifts will go to the children at Holaway, Rio Vista, and Imago Dei Schools, all schools with which St. Philip's has a special relationship. The money will be used to provide eye glasses, underwear, t-shirts, weekend meals and to fill other emergency needs. We thank all those who have already given so generously and encourage others to join them in this important outreach effort of our church. Please look for our table before and after services. Questions? Call Nancy Atherton 269-0699 or Peg Anderson 575-8929. 
 Still Time To Donate To United Thank OfferingLast Sunday was the United Thank Offering Ingathering, the day when we collect the gifts of thanksgiving for God's many blessings. These contributiions made in the blue boxes or blue envelopes represent our daily remembrance of these many blessings in our lives and go to assist those who are most in need in this country and around the world. There is still time to make your offering. You may place it in the offering basket today. UTO is a vital outreach ministry of the Episcopal Church and we thank you for your generosity.  Update on "Fill a Bag for TIHAN"December 12th is the last collection Sunday for your bag filled with non-food items. Please continue to drop off your bags during Coffee Hour in the Fishpond Garden or call Pat Brown at 293-6846. Well over seventy bags have been returned and will be distributed to 125 Tucsonans living with HIV/AIDS. "Donation Disciples" have donated gift certificates from Fry's and Walmart's. St. Margaret's Guild and Outreach have brought in raffle and door prizes. Volunteers have stepped forward to work and serve at the December 16 Poz Cafe sponsored by Cornerstone Fellowship and St. Philip's and run by Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network and Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation. Thank you all for your compassionate response--"moving faith into action." Tax Credit Reminder
 Don't forget to take advantage of State income tax credits for contributions to public and private schools. The state of Arizona allows a $200 state income tax credit for individuals ($400 for couples) for contributions to public schools and a $500 credit per individual ($1000 per couple) for contributions to private/parochial schools. This donation is a credit on your state tax and may also be deductible on your federal tax if you itemize. St. Philip's Outreach Commission has identified public schools that especially need help and private schools with an Episcopal connection. Complete information is provided in fliers available at the church and on the Outreach page of St. Philip's web site (scroll down to "education ministries"). For further information call Peg Anderson at 575-8929.
 2011 Stewardship Campaign UpdateWe are making good progress toward our 2011 Stewardship goals. As of Wednesday, December 1, we have received 430 pledges (62% of our 696 pledge goal), totalling $876,419 (73% of our $1,200,000 goal). Members of the Vestry and Stewardship Committee, along with other ministry leaders, will be making phone calls over the next two weeks to those St. Philippians who have yet to make their pledge for 2011. No pledge amount is too small. The pledge each of us makes will help our ministries continue to transform lives in Christ, and represents a key part of our individual committment to help do God's work. Our financial goal can be achieved if all 2010 pledgers were to increase their pledges by $1 per day for 2011 ($1 per day is less than a small cup of Starbuck's coffee!), along with an increase of 20% in the number of pledges received for 2011. Pledge materials are available in the office and on St. Philip's web site. If you have already pledged, thank you for your support! 
 Advent Meditation BooksLast Sunday, St. Philip's Adult Formation Ministries distributed an inspiring Advent Meditation Book as a gift of thanks to you, our parish family, as we look forward together to a blessed Christmas. Reflections have been prayerfully composed by a diverse group of St. Philippians. We hope these writings will spark thought, prayer, and praise, and provide nourishment for the journey. You may pick up a copy in the office as long as copies last, and you are especially encouraged to check out the meditations online (Latest News page, upper right corner) to see the illustrations in color.
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