Brian Ortmeier
EDITOR’S NOTE: A church community is created when people gather together for the love of God. At the same time, Saint Philip’s is composed of many people who represent different ages, life experiences, and world views.
The “In conversation…” series is one attempt to create possibilities for connection between the different people in our community. As varied as we all are, there are also similarities and mutual interests waiting to be discovered. And there is one thing we all share: a desire to know God and be in relationship with him.
This week’s conversation is with Brian Ortmeier, a Saint Philip’s parishioner and volunteer.
How long have you been a part of Saint Philip’s?
I discovered the parish about 12 years ago.
What about Saint Philip’s speaks to you?
There are two things. The first is the music and beautiful liturgy.
I was raised as a Catholic and fell away from the church for a while. But I always felt the need for a spiritual home. When speaking with friends, they would often mention Saint Philip’s, so I decided to attend a service… which happened to be a First Sunday.
The full choir and orchestra combined with the beautiful liturgy was extraordinary. I was blown away!
The second thing that I especially appreciate is the parish’s inclusiveness—not just of me but that God is loving and forgiving and wants the best for us. Between that and the music, I’ve been hooked for 12 years now.
What are your volunteer activities at Saint Philip’s?
My longer-term volunteer service has been as a verger at worship services. That person “leads” throughout the service—the procession into the church, the lectors to the podium, the priests and deacons when they read the Gospel, etc.
I really enjoy that role but I also very much appreciate sitting in the pews and attending service from that perspective, too. Both options compliment each other.
A new volunteer activity started about one month ago. I lead a hospitality team for Mosaic. That means I find volunteers, plan, and help prepare the evening meals.
It’s great fun! I’m meeting lots of new people and getting to know them while we cook together and serve the meal.
This is all a real treat because I have time to do this only since I retired two years ago. While working, I commuted to Los Angeles from Tucson Monday-Friday for 16 years. I never had the time to get involved the way I do now.
What did you do professionally?
I was a health economist for the bio-pharmaceutical company Amgen. My role was to assign financial value to health care interventions.
My specialty area was “quality of life.” In other words, I helped research how Amgen’s drugs impacted a patient’s ability to be productive, interact with family, participate in the work force—generally live a healthy life.
I’ll never forget one example of how a drug can change a person’s life.
I was giving a talk to parents who had children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. After my presentation a mother approached and said she wanted to introduce me to her daughter. The six year old girl ran over to us shortly thereafter. The mother told her daughter, “This man works with the new medicine you take.” The young girl wrapped her arms around my legs and hugged me. Her mother explained that six months prior, her daughter had been confined to a wheelchair. Since taking the new drug, she was running around and enjoying life.
That encounter happened 24 years ago but it is still fresh in my mind. Whenever I think I’m having a bad day, I remember that little girl.
How did you choose your career?
It was random! I chose pharmacy only because I liked the neighborhood pharmacist. He would come out from behind the counter and help people.
What’s a fun fact about you?
My mother gave me the middle name Gerard because he is the patron saint of difficult births. She has always said it was fitting that I was born on June 21—the longest day of the year—because her labor with me was so long!