Friends of Music presents pianist Kathryn Christensen on Friday, February 22, at 7 p.m. in the Bloom Music Center. Entitled "Homage," her program includes 20th and 21st century piano pieces that honor various muses, including Hebrew folk song, the Sonoran desert, and religious figures from history. These captivating and challenging pieces will be interspersed with delightful "palate-cleansing" Scarlatti sonatas. As a solo pianist, Kathryn delights in sharing a variety of contemporary and familiar "classical" styles with audiences of all types. Knowing that this music is often deemed "inaccessible" to an average listener or a traditional music-lover, she is proud to perform challenging contemporary works in such a way that any audience member can connect and be enriched through both her educational introductions and communicative playing style. Kathryn received her Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the University of Arizona. She is active locally and nationally as a recitalist, clinician, and educator. Admission is by donation ($15 suggested).

At the 11:15 a.m. worship services during Lent, our liturgy will be inspired by the ancient Sarum Rite of Anglican tradition. The Sarum Rite was the liturgical form used in most of the English Church prior to the introduction of the first Book of Common Prayer in 1549. These special services will draw from ancient prayer forms that will invite our prayer and reflection through this sacred season and help us connect with our Anglican roots. Note: Incense will be used.

During Lent, paintings of the Stations of the Cross hang in the Church. They were painted by parishioner Kurt Anderson. Copies of a Stations of the Cross liturgy, which contains more information about the paintings, are available in the back of the Church and in the office.

St. Francis Guild, St. Philip's animal ministry, collects cat and dog food (cans for kittens and puppies, dry kibble for adults; Authority brand preferred) for Hope Animal Shelter the last Sunday of each month. Old towels and bath mats, bottles of bleach and Simple Green are also welcome. You may leave your donations in the Fishpond Garden near the entrance to the Church. For information contact AnimalMinistry@stphilipstucson.org.

This week the Episcopal Church's calendar of the saints honors the life and work of Emily Malbone Morgan, founder of the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross in 1884. This Society is composed of approximately nine hundred women, members of the Anglican Communion, called to live individual lives under a rule of intercessory prayer, thanksgiving, and simplicity of life. Companions pray and act with intentional focus on three themes: the unity of all God's people, God's mission in the world, and social justice. The SCHC became a strong force for social justice reform in the "Social Gospel" era, and remains active today with chapters in North America, England, and India. It owns and operates Adelynrood in Byfield, MA. Adelynrood offers silent retreats, quiet days, and study programs on religious, educational, and social justice themes. Southern Arizona has an active chapter. For more information click here or contact Companions at St. Philip's: Diane Dittemore, Jo Gillespie, Julie Johnson, Pat Kaim, Jeanette Renouf, Jen Tellman, and Annalyn Watt.

The new series of the grief support program Walking the Mourner's Path began yesterday. There is still time to join in the program. Sessions are on Wednesday evenings, from 5:30 until 7:00 p.m. The fee of $75 covers the cost of materials. To register, contact MournersPath@stphilipstucson.org or Brigid at 577-7792. Walking the Mourner's Path is a Christ-centered, 8-week, non-denominational grief program. Each session is coordinated by two Mourner's Path trained and certified facilitators as well as a member of the clergy. The 90-minute sessions use a workbook, discussion, and prayer as an opportunity to grieve loved ones and to "transform our grief into joyful living."

At 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, St. Philip's is privileged to welcome Roni Keidar to a special forum in the Music Center entitled "An Israeli's Mission to the Children of Gaza." Roni Keidar is an Israeli who lives in a village that borders Gaza. She arranges for emergency medical care for Palestinians in Gaza. She will share why she works with those across the border and why she chooses to live where she does. She also will talk about the conflict's effect on children in both Gaza and Israel. Please join her to learn about her perspective on the conflict, why she chooses to live in what might be considered Palestinian territory, and the hope the drives her mission.

The series of orientation sessions for those new to St. Philip's helps, held on Sundays at 10:15 a.m., provide a glimpse into life and ministry at St. Philip's. Sunday, February 24 (in the Renouf/Nelson Library): "Giving and Receiving" -- how the practice of good stewardship can enrich the lives of not only those who receive but also those who give, with John Waszczak. Sunday, March 3 (meet at the Great Doors of the Church): "Wander and Wonder" -- become better acquainted with St. Philip's campus and facilities. The series culminates in a luncheon ("Munch and Mingle") on March 3, at 12:30 p.m. in the East Gallery. Learn about St. Philip's and get acquainted with other newcomers and members of the parish family!