Follow up
Thank you to everyone who attended Saint Philip’s Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 26. Attendance was robust and participants were engaged.
Technology presented some challenges, and the Treasurer’s report could not be played. You can watch it now below or, if you prefer to read it, then click here.
2024 Commission reports
If you didn’t pick up a hard copy of the 2024 Commission reports, you can read them here.
Rector’s Address
The three candidates for the Vestry class of 2028 were approved.
Renee Clift
My experiences as a high school teacher and a university professor and administrator have taught me about the importance of learning with and from others. I have found that there are many, many ways to understand the world, and that communal problem defining and solving are almost always more effective than unilateral decision making.
When my husband Richard and I first arrived at Saint Philips fifteen years ago we were not very active. Spirituality was an individual, personal endeavor. And then things changed.
I was invited to join the Altar Guild; Richard was asked to be an usher. We both now serve as volunteers for the Pastoral Care Commission’s ministry, San Pasqual’s Cocina. We also volunteer with First Sunday Breakfast. From these experiences I have learned about the power of invitation into a spiritual community. Outreach and inclusion are providing me with an opportunity to inquire and grow with others.
For me, Saint Philips has become an open, welcoming environment that emphasizes inclusion and tolerance. As a Vestry member I hope to maintain and expand this community.
Chuck Kirchner
Gillian, Emma, and I moved to Tucson from Bainbridge Island, Washington, in the summer of 2018 and joined Saint Philip’s that fall—about the time of the Thanksgiving service and meal. It was a very welcoming experience for newcomers to the Sonoran Desert!
After a career as an environmental and transportation planner in and around Seattle (plus NYC and Phoenix) and an occasional gig as a photography workshop leader, I’m now relaxing into the wonder of it all!
I have served on the Board of Beloved in the Desert and volunteered at the Inn of Southern Arizona serving the migrant community. Currently I serve as a subdeacon and occasional verger; I prepare the schedules for deacons, subdeacons, vergers, acolytes, thurifers and lectors, and help with the Angel Tree project. I’m also the Treasurer of the Tacheria Interfaith Spirituality Center and serve as a spiritual companion to several seekers.
My intention with Vestry service is to listen, ask questions, and provide input on the issues facing the parish, especially related to the liturgical life. Transparency and the fiduciary role of the Vestry are also points of importance.
Sherry Sterling
I am honored by the invitation to serve on the Vestry. Our community at Saint Philips has given me a spiritual home for five years now, after my own wandering in the desert, away from church for a time.
I’ve been blessed by my involvement at Saint Philips, deepening connections through participating in worship services, Wednesday Mosaic, The Sowing Circle book group, Centering Prayer, and Lenten discussion groups. Writing a Daily Bread offering every month is another way I’m grateful to serve, and I’ve wanted to be more involved in the nuts and bolts operations of our church.
Professionally, I am a psychotherapist, working with individuals and couples to sort out feelings, heal from traumas, and re-establish healthy connections.
Back in my school days, I served as a deacon in my church, represented my Synod in the Presbyterian national General Assembly, and led Bible studies. It’s been a while since I’ve been involved in the church in this way. Thank you for the opportunity.
The following delegates for this year’s Diocesan Convention were also approved.
John Bremond
Christopher Campbell
Beth Lee
Kelsi Vanada
Bonnie Winn
