"The Moral Challenges of Arizona's Prisons: Torture, Privatization, and Executions" is the topic of an interfaith presentation by Tucson Quaker Fred Neidhardt on Wednesday, May 15, 5:30 p.m. in the East Gallery. The speaker represents the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT.) NRCAT is made up of more than 300 denominations and communities of faith, including the wider Episcopal Church and Pima Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers.) Light refreshments. For details contact Chuck Converse or call 825-9118.

On Wednesday, May 15, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., St. Philip's Caregiver Support Group will host a special speaker, Dr. Nancy Aton. She will discuss "Caring for the Caregiver," addressing topics such as communicating with your doctor, maintaining your energy, the importance of nutrition, and much more. All family caregivers are welcome ... there is no charge. To RSVP contact Shannon Reed or call 305-3413.

The Day of Pentecost is Sunday, May 19. Pentecost, or "50th day," is the great festival that marks the birth of the Christian church by the power of the Holy Spirit. On that day, it is said that there was a sound like that of a rushing wind and tongues of fire descended and rested over the heads of Jesus' disciples. This outpouring of the Holy Spirit empowered them to proclaim the Gospel of the risen Christ, and by a miracle of the Holy Spirit they spoke in the native tongues of the people present. We wear red on Pentecost to recall the tongues of flame of the first Pentecost. This day is one of the days appointed for Baptism, which we will celebrate at the 9 a.m. service (the alternative term "Whitsunday" comes from the white robes which newly baptized catechumens would wear on that day).

There will also be a "Comfy Space" service at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, May 19. "Comfy Space" services feature worship for families and friends of God who are prone to "wiggle" a bit in church. Worshippers of all ages are invited.

Also on May 19 will be the last Evensong service of the season. Choral Evensong is rooted in one of the daily monastic services that date from the medieval period, and our Evensong is based on the service that has been sung from the Book of Common Prayer from the 17th Century. This service provides the congregation time to reflect, transition from day into evening, and participate in a spiritual journey led by the Schola Cantorum. Followed by a brief organ recital.

Art Gallery Opening Reception

Featuring "Two Views," the art of Fran McNeely and JoAnne Hungate. Fran's paintings emphasize color and shape. Through manipulation of shape, color and abstraction, Fran's paintings are not an exact picture of something but paintings that convey the energy and feelings present at their creation. JoAnne says: "Every painting is a new adventure to me as I work to depict my impressions and interpretations of moods and rhythms,  offering my vision of a unique fusion of movement, color, and innovation as my art portrays a shifting scene that will engage the viewer." Come meet the artists on Sunday, May 19, from noon till 4 p.m.

"Seasoned" St. Philippians divorced, widowed, never married ... mark your calendar for Sunday, May 19, for lunch and museum visit. We'll meet for a no-host luncheon at Fini's Landing, northwest corner of Swan and Sunrise, immediately after the 11:15 service. After lunch those who are interested will visit the DeGrazia Museum. RSVP by May 16 to Joyce 529-7421 or Jo Ann 307-3376. Read more about "Seasoned" Singles here.

The Legacy Society gathers each year to share enthusiasm about the future of St. Philip's Parish and receive St. Philip's gratitude for including our parish in their legacy planning. The 2013 gathering will be in the afternoon of Sunday, May 19, from 3 to 5 p.m., at the Rectory. If you are interested in learning more about the Legacy Society by attending this gathering, contact the Rev. Canon John Kitagawa.

The next meeting for St. Philip's Prison Ministry will be held on May 20 at 4 p.m. in LaPaz. We invite you to join this formation process as we explore ways to satisfy the words of Scripture: "I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me." Matthew 25:36. Participation in this planning process need not necessarily mean that one must make a commitment to visiting any prison facilities. Rather, we invite you to share ideas about the best ways to reach out to our brothers and sisters. We have already encountered a wealth of ideas and information from folks eager to share their time and talents. We encourage others to come join us in this important work. Any questions, please contact Don Veitch.

St. Philip's Mental Illness Ministry is happy to announce the beginning of a support group for all family members and friends of persons living with a mental illness. Sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southern Arizona affiliate, experienced group leaders will guide discussions about challenges facing those whose loved one has a mental disorder diagnosis. All are invited for fellowship and support. The group will meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month, beginning May 22, from 2 to 4 p.m. in Salvia. For more information and to register, contact Sharon Nielsen or call 299-0682.

You are invited to experience St. Philip's meditation labyrinth by the light of the full moon. The next full moon labyrinth walk will be Friday, May 24, at 8 p.m., followed by refreshments and fellowship. Come enjoy this meditative, fun, and inspiring experience!

Are you a "sage-ing" senior looking for opportunities to share your wisdom, cultivate your value as an Elder, deepen self-awareness and develop a satisfying spirituality? Connect with like-minded people about the gifts and challenges of aging and of living a full, vibrant and vital life. St. Philip's Elder Circle, the last Wednesday of each month, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Room 10. Everyone is welcome to this gathering of savvy seniors. Join us! Invite your friends! There's much to talk about in this stage of life. No charge.

This summer St. Philip's will offer a week long Arts Camp June 3-7 from 9 a.m. till noon. We will explore the concept of pattern, incorporating fiber and fabric as a medium. Each camper will create and take home a wall hanging and will work with a team to create a banner to hang in the Children's Chapel. We will also experiment with rhythmic and musical patterns and create our own songs. Open to children attending grades 1-6 in the fall; campers will be divided into two age groups for lessons and materials appropriate for their learning level. The camp fee is $80 per child and includes all materials. Partial scholarships are available. Camp staff includes visual artist Linda Rosenfield and children's musician Bruce Phillips. For information and registration, contact Bruce at brucephillips@theriver.com, 971-6779 or 299-6421.

On Saturday, May 25, at 7:45 a.m., we will be making 850 sandwiches for Casa Maria Soup Kitchen and Primavera Shelter. All hands needed! Baggers, kitchen help, loaders, and sandwich makers gladly welcomed. Show up at the East Gallery at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 25. You will be earning a star in heaven, guaranteed!



We need people willing to spend 3 hours one day a week to put together and distribute food bags to those who come to our doors for help making ends meet! No previous experience necessary - we will pair you with an experienced food pantry worker!  Please join this very important ministry! To find out more, and/or join, please contact Nancy Atherton or call 269-0699

May was designated as National Mental Health Month 50 years ago to raise awareness about mental health issues-various disorders, treatments, and recovery. Because of increasing interest in removing stigma and advocating for those living with mental illness and their families, St. Philip's Mental Illness Ministry was established last year to welcome, educate, support, and advocate for all who are affected by mental illness. For more information, please contact Rev. Anne Strong (275-7582), Cheryl Mason (318-1511), or Dr. Sharon Nielsen (299-0682).

If your parish group or ministry plans to meet on St. Philip's campus in the Fall 2013-Spring 2014 timeframe, but you have not yet reserved a room for the meetings, please submit a Facilities Use Request Form. Please submit it no later than May 31 to ensure that your room requests are filled before reservations are opened to the general public. The forms can be picked up in the church office, or you can download the form as a .pdf or Word file from St. Philip's web site: under the "Facility Rentals" link. Not sure whether you reserved a room for the fall already? Please contact Steve Brong, Parish Administrator, or call 299-6421.

As you go about your summer activities, think about sharing your story with your fellow parishioners -- what you did, and more important, why -- how did your activity transform you or others, whose lives did you touch, what kind of a difference did your ministry activities make in the world. (Why do we do what we do?) Part of our responsibility as Christians is witnessing to our faith, which means telling our stories of doing God's work in the world, whether here at St. Philip's, in the wider Tucson community, or elsewhere in the country or even outside of the country.

You do not need to consider yourself an accomplished writer to tell your story. As Wayne Fulton, retired Loaves & Fishes editor, explains, "After all, it's like walking being putting one foot ahead of the other, only now you're writing one word after another. Simple." And while you're at it, don't forget to take those valuable photos! So, while you are engaged in your summer ministries, think about the story you'll tell, take photos, and while it's fresh in your mind write it down! Send it to parishnews@stphilipstucson.org. Stories will be added to our electronic publication "Good News from St. Philip's" and a digest mailing will go out in August.