St. Philip's In The Hills Episcopal Church
Parish News: Connecting Electronically North Campbell Avenue at River Road, Tucson
August 16, 2013
|
|
|
Read Past Newsletters
|
Did you miss out on receiving previous St. Philip's e-letters? You can read them by clicking here.
|
Service Schedule
|
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 4:00 p.m. (third Sundays) Choral Evensong 5:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II Tuesdays10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II and Healing 6:00 p.m. Evening Prayer (second Tuesday) Thursdays (Sept. through May) 11:00 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.
Also, don't forget to "like" our Facebook Page so we can share our good news to a wider circle of friends.
St. Philip's has Wi-Fi! 
Password: StPhilipsTucson
|
Sign Up for
Ministry E-Letters
| Various ministries at St. Philip's offer e-letters:
To sign up for the Adult Formation Ministries e-letter, click here or contact Greg Foraker.
To receive the Music Ministry e-newsletter, click here or contact music@stphilipstucson.org
St. Philip's Border & Immigration Ministry has a weekly e-letter, posted on the Outreach page of St. Philip's web site. Subscribe.
|
|
|
|
We are in the midst of a special "Season of Welcome" at St. Philip's, during which we are practicing extending radical hospitality to everyone -- guests, new members, and long-term St. Philippians. We invite you to join with us as we strive to be a welcoming and engaging community that inspires and equips us to serve the needs of the world.
If you know of someone who might like to receive these e-updates, 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!
|
|
Being the Welcoming Community
|
 I was amused as I read, in last month's e-newsletter, our Rector John's story of doing something "un-Episcopalian." He reported asking the congregation to look around, smile, and introduce themselves to someone they did not know. I was amused and at the same time concerned that, as a congregation, we might need such a reminder.
My wife Jeannine and I started attending St. Philip's about two years ago. At the time, we were winter visitors and looking for a new parish family. We attended a number of Episcopal churches in the area and came to St. Philip's late in our search primarily because of the distance from our home. The parish we attended when in Illinois was small and struggling. In contrast, we found St. Philip's to be vibrant and large. We could have been easily lost in the crowd. I confess to standing apart as an ill-advised test of the congregation for friendliness and inclusion.
In all publications from St. Philip's, the mission statement is reiterated. "St. Philip's mission is to be a strong and loving community that welcomes, encourages, and empowers all to grow in Christ and to do God's work in the world." Is there action applied to these words? For Jeannine and I, there most definitely has been. As we stood apart sipping coffee in the Perry Garden, we received smiles and greetings. Once it was determined that we were new to the parish, others were introduced to us and we were directed to the Newcomers Kiosk to collect information on parish programs and ministries. Happily, we were introduced to the opportunity to have breakfast! Even though St. Philip's passed my initial test, the very next Sunday, we came early to have breakfast and I led Jeannine to an empty table . . . still testing. Very shortly we were joined at the table and were quickly engaged in lively conversation. We were blessed to meet many engaged and interesting people. We are continually impressed by the many gifted people who have found a church home at St. Philip's.
As we continued to attend St. Philip's, we were approached as to our interest and talents. We were shown opportunities to become involved and empowered to use our talents to help St. Philip's, as a community, to do God's work in the world. Jeannine sings in the choir, assists with the Food Bank, and is one of three parish leaders coordinating Parish Life functions. I assist with transportation and on the Advisory Board of the After School Music Program. Additionally I work closely with the Rev. Vicki Hesse, Assistant to the Rector, as the coordinator for Newcomer Orientation. In each of these ministry opportunities we have felt welcomed, encouraged, and supported.
And now it is our turn, and the turn of others who have been warmly welcomed at St. Philip's, to "pay it forward" toward those who are experiencing St. Philip's for the first time. Just around the corner, we have two opportunities to reconnect and recommit. On September 8, we can reconnect with this vibrant community as we celebrate Homecoming Sunday with great food and conversation (we'll meet in the Murphey Gallery for a potluck coffee hour at 10:15 a.m.) On September 29, we will have a community Open House. The Open House affords us a golden opportunity to practice hospitality by inviting others to come and see what St. Philip's is all about. Think about the people you know -- at work, school, children's play groups, or other activities, neighbors, or even family members -- who might find meaning and joy at St. Philip's, and invite them to come with you on September 29. I look forward to these opportunities and encourage everyone to join in, as they feel called, to do God's work in our parish, our community, and the world.
All of this is to say to John, the assisting clergy, staff, and parish leaders that although it's always a good reminder to smile and be welcoming, from our perspective, Jeannine and I testify to St. Philip's being a strong and loving community that has welcomed us, encouraged us, and empowered us to better do the work God has given us to do.
With thanksgiving, Roger Rainbolt New kid(?) on the Block
|
|
|
|
| What's Going On |
Prayer for Beginning the School Year
 Dear God, Fill each classroom with the joy of discovery, praise for every good and honest effort to master each lesson, and words of encouragement to try again on difficult subjects. Free our students from the stress of perfectionism. Give them the wisdom to ask for help when they need it. Draw their hearts and minds to their own special subject area that in the future will lead into something useful for the good of our world. Help them to make new and lasting friendships, and teach them compassion, patience, and how to get along with others. Thank you for calling our teachers into their profession. Help them receive joy from their work. We thank you for the promise and excitement that comes with a new school year. We thank you that You make all things new and You give us fresh starts in life. May Your love and grace fill all students, teachers, and parents today and always. Amen.  New Director for ASMP The After School Music Program is delighted to announce that Barby Goldschmid has been appointed to be our new Director. Barby has great experience working with children, especially through her tenure as the Director of Children's and Family Ministries at Christ Episcopal Church, Greenwich, CT, and also as the Co-Director of Family Ministries at St. Philip's. She brings much enthusiasm and expertise that will help the program to serve this meaningful ministry. Her duties will include overseeing the daily activities of the program, working with local schools for recruitment, and much more. Please welcome Barby into the community of St. Philip's once again. We are delighted to have her join us! Still Time To Join St. Nicholas Choir!
St. Nicholas Choir is looking for new members age 8 and up! If you know youth, family, and/or friends who might be interested, please share the news that the St. Nicholas Choir is looking for new members. We offer vocal training, leadership skills, and other musical skills based on the Royal School of Church Music curriculum. We head out to Mt. Lemmon for our annual choir camp on Friday the 23rd, for a weekend of music-making combined with fun and friendship. For more information, please contact our Director of Music, Woosug Kang. Full Moon Labyrinth Walk
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 Tuesday, August 20, at 8 p.m., followed by refreshments and fellowship. Come enjoy this meditative, fun, and inspiring experience! 
Calling All St. Philip's Artists The September 2013 show in the Murphey Gallery, beginning September 1, is an opportunity for all St. Philippians to showcase their artistic abilities (sorry, wall-hung work only). If you wish to participate, please pick up the Artist's Agreement and instructions from the office. If you have questions, please contact Jo Ann Alldredge or call 307-3379 or Soame Dustin or call 577-1716.
|
| On the Horizon |
Homecoming SundayWho says "Homecoming" is just for college students? On Sunday, September 8, we draw on the great fall tradition of Homecoming -- to reconnect with each other and our traditions at a special fellowship time in the Murphey Gallery beginning at 10:15 a.m. Bring your stories from summer, along with your hopes and plans for fall. You are also invited to bring a potluck finger food to share. Pom-poms are optional.
Friends of Music Concert: Titan Valley Warheads
This popular five-piece bluegrass band returns to St. Philip's this fall for a concert on Sunday, September 8, at 2 p.m. in the Church. Known for their tight harmonies and instrumental skills, Titan Valley has been voted Best Bluegrass Band by the Tucson Area Music Awards and won the prestigious "Best Band" title at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. The band currently consists of Gary Kuitert (mandolin), Earl Edmonson (guitar), Ed Davenport (bass), Andy McCune (banjo), and Tom Rhodes (fiddle). Admission is by donation ($15 suggested). Lay Eucharistic Ministry Training
What is a LEM? A LEM (Lay Eucharistic Minister) is a member of St. Philip's who takes communion to members who are not able to attend church. We visit twice a month at homes or assisted living facilities. This enables members of the Body of Christ who have been unable to attend church services to join in partaking of our common meal. We LEMs often say that being a LEM enriches our lives, as it opens us up to the suffering, pain, and acute needs of others. This ministry to others is an expression of Christ's ministry to us; it is, in fact, one of the ways God touches others. Do you seek a deeper relationship with God? Are you being called by God to this ministry? The next LEM training will be held on Sunday, September 15, at 10:15 a.m. or 12:15 p.m. To enroll in the training or learn more about this ministry, please contact Kathy Zwald at 203-1234 or kzwald@aol.com. Mental Health First Aid Class
St. Philip's Mental Illness Ministry is offering a Mental Health First Aid course, presented by Community Partnership of Southern Arizona (CPSA). This 8-hour program teaches family members, friends, teachers, co-workers, and neighbors how to recognize and help someone who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis. Participants learn the signs and symptoms of the most common mental health problems, where and when to get help, and what type of help has been shown to be effective. Depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, and self-injury; suicidal behaviors, acute stress reaction after trauma, panic attack, acute psychotic behavior, and drug overdose. Thursdays, September 19 and 26, from 12:30 to 5 p.m. There is no charge, but registration is requested. To register, contact Sharon Nielsen, 299-0682 or snielsenn@aol.com.  Get Rid of Your Old Magazines Magazines are being collected for creative use at the all-parish retreat, "From Interior Journey to Outward Mission," being held November 8-10. Magazine donations can be placed in the marked box near the church doors on Sunday mornings. Registration for the event will begin in early September.
|
| Ministry News |
 Thank You from Interfaith Community Services St. Philip's recently received a thank-you letter from Interfaith Community Services for our participation in the "Gifts of Love" school supply program. The letter notes: "This year's program was very successful. Thanks to the generosity of many ICS friends, we were able to serve just over 300 students on the first day. . . . Thanks again for helping ICS be there for those who turn to us for help." St. Philip's receives many letters of appreciation from our Outreach partner organizations. They are posted on St. Philip's web site.  New NAMI Family & Friends Group St. Philip's Mental Illness Ministry now has two support groups for family members and friends of persons living with a mental illness. Sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southern Arizona affiliate, the groups feature experienced leaders guiding discussions about challenges facing those whose loved one has a mental disorder diagnosis. All are invited for fellowship and support. One group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Desert Sage. An additional group meets the first Wednesday of each month, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Desert Sage. For more information and to register, contact Sharon Nielsen or call 299-0682. EfM (Education for Ministry) has been totally revamped. It is a new curriculum with new study materials. We will begin in the late fall and run through next May with the new texts and study guides that have been recently adopted. Returning students will find the changes refreshing, and graduates are invited to return to update their knowledge. Newcomers are welcome to a fascinating program that explores the Old and New Testament, church history, and the philosophy of the Anglican tradition. For more information, contact the Rev. Ralph Taylor or call 229-9170.  Those Ladies in Blue
We see one or two them at every service, sitting quietly in the East Transept. Surely everyone recognizes them as the Altar Guild. The casual observer might assume that it is the same one or two that are always there without giving much thought to who they are, and what it is that they do. What they do dates back to the time of Jesus. Read more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
