From the Rector
Dear Friends in Christ,
One of the challenges of the pandemic has been to figure out not only what current ministries will do as we’ve not met, but also to think about what we might do as we emerge from the pandemic that responds to needs exposed during it.
For example, Friends of Music is taking time to assess how to make concerts happen in the future and how to draw more volunteers into that work. It’s been a hard year for them, like it has for so many arts non-profits, to continue to do the things they have traditionally done in such a strange time. Even as they’ve wrestled with the concert question, and with how to draw in new volunteers, they’ve been able to support the commissioning of a new choral Eucharist that is still in the works, and plan for supporting the music we know we will be able to offer, our liturgical music that is part of our regular church year.
Another example is our Thanksgiving meal. We’re hoping to be able to gather as we have so often through the years. We’re also making plans to make meals available to those who cannot come by and to those who might have nowhere to be or no home at all during the holidays. We’re adapting to the pandemic but also looking to expand what we do and who we’re able to serve.
Every ministry has done some of this—figuring out what we can do with the people, resources, and time we have as we continue to wrestle with the ups and downs of the pandemic. Even as we adapt we’re also on the lookout for opportunities to serve in new ways as well.
Two things emerging that I’m excited about are a new choral compline service and a deeper partnership with JobPath. Both of these are a response to needs that the pandemic has made even more apparent.
Compline:
At Saint Mark’s in Seattle and Christ Church in New Haven, every Sunday night they offer a sung compline service by candlelight. In both places these services are packed with young people exploring church for the first time. They are also services where people who have been hurt by church or religion take tentative steps back, finding the beauty of holiness, together.
We’ve recently received a small grant from Princeton for new ministry startups. We will use the funds from that grant to find a location downtown, perhaps at the former monastery chapel or elsewhere, to offer sung Compline by candlelight. The grant provides for advertising and other costs so we will be able to get the word out.
We will be able to bring the beauty of our tradition to create a place of peace and connection with God. We will reach communities who otherwise might never be aware of Saint Philip’s or the Episcopal Church. In a year when so much has seemed so unsettled and disconcerting we will offer a way for people to find rest, holiness, beauty, and a sense of stability.
More details are being worked out but I’m excited to see this initiative moving ahead and look forward to being able to share more about it.
JobPath:
The pandemic has revealed deep economic gaps between many in our society. We saw people searching for jobs, dignity, and meaning. JobPath is a program with its roots in Pima County Interfaith that makes a tangible and positive change in people’s lives, their families’ futures, and our community. It makes it possible for people to start new jobs and acquire the skills to make them competitive and successful.
In 2020, JobPath graduates saw a salary increase of $42,200 compared to their salary before joining JobPath. In addition, the employment rate for Jobpath is 81%. This ensures JobPath graduates will enter the workforce faster and start earning a better salary for their families.
I’m helping to convene a group of faith leaders in September from across the city to find ways for us to bring others into the work of JobPath. Business, faith, and civic leaders are all in conversation about how to grow the program--especially in light of a recent $1 million grant they received to boost its capacity to train more students.
Each congregation will be told about ways their members can serve and help change the lives of JobPath participants--participants who have demonstrated the desire and commitment to work hard to make that change happen. JobPath has a proven track record and I’m excited about being part of expanding its work and finding new ways for our parish members to serve with it as well.
Bringing things together:
These two things are important as they tie together two historic commitments at Saint Philip’s—to be a place that pastors our community spiritually and to be a place that works to improve the lives and futures of our neighbors.
Not everything we’ve always done will be unchanged by the pandemic. However, the pandemic may reveal to us new opportunities and ways to make a difference in the lives and souls of our neighbors.
Yours in Christ,
Fr Robert
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