Rees Olander

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 Saint Philip’s parishioner and volunteer, Rees Olander.

Rees Olander

How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
Since 2019—and we made our first pledge in 2020.

What Sunday service do you usually attend?
The 11:15am service.

What are some things about Saint Philip’s that you find compelling?
My husband, Wayne, and I visited several Episcopal parishes in Tucson but it was at Saint Philip’s that we immediately felt at home—from the very first time we sat in the pews.

The engagement of lay people in the worship service—particularly the ushers—is first class. They create an immediate welcoming presence upon entering the church; they make it easy to ask for help or directions. In many churches, worshipers are on their own to figure things out. And it’s wonderful that the ushers are at the door when the service is over, too.

I also really appreciate the obvious work that the choristers and musicians put in. The quality of what they do is excellent, and worshipers demonstrate their appreciation of that effort each time they sit quietly and listen to the organ postlude.

May I add one more thing? I have to mention the incredibly friendly and helpful seasonal bulletins. And the QR code is a game changer. It tells me that Saint Philip’s is not afraid of the future, and actively invites younger people to be part of the community.

How would you describe Saint Philip’s to someone unfamiliar with the parish?
It is a congregation that is warm and friendly and which demonstrates a lot of gratitude. Saint Philip’s is a place where I can participate in a variety of ministries to say, “thank you:”  the Children, Youth, and Family Ministry, the choir residencies, the medical debt relief. The list is long!

Were you raised in a faith tradition?
I’m a cradle Episcopalian.

What did you do professionally before you retired?
The short answer is that I was a lay professional in the Episcopal Church. I worked at St. Luke’s in Atlanta doing communications, administration, and stewardship. I finished my career as the Senior Associate and Canon at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis.

What’s a fun fact about you?
I love Korean dramas. We have a Korean-Canadian daughter-in-law, so I wanted to learn more about her culture and Netflix streams a ton of them. The plot lines are far more interesting than what American soap operas offer. The dramas teach me a lot about Asian culture and are helping me update some old-fashioned ideas I wasn’t even aware I had.