Leah Sandwell-Weiss
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 Deacon Leah Sandwell-Weiss.
Leah Sandwell-Weiss
How long have you been affiliated with Saint Philip’s?
It will be 23 years in February.
How long have you been a deacon?
I was ordained the end of January 2011 so this month marks 12 years.
What do you focus on as a deacon?
In addition to the usual tasks related to worship, my umbrella focus is social justice (which I consider work that helps change systems that don’t honor all individuals).
At Saint Philip’s, I help coordinate events on the border, including the annual Christmas trip to the Naco Wellness Clinic to provide toys and food, co-facilitate the Anti-Racism Discussion Group, and write Daily Bread reflections for the second Monday of each month.
Beyond Saint Philip’s, I work with Pima County Interfaith, a broad-based organization which develops leaders and institutions to speak out and act on issues impacting our families today, such as the education system and immigration issues; I’m a faith leader with the Arizona Democratic Resilience network (a new non-partisan group that works to strengthen confidence in the election system); and, I serve as a Regional Deacon leader for the Diocese of Arizona (which involves planning the first in-person deacon’s retreat this March).
Were you raised in a faith tradition?
I was raised in the Disciples of Christ Christian Church but strayed a bit from formal religion as a young adult. I later joined the Methodist Church and was fairly active in it. When I moved to Washington, D.C. I was invited to attend an Episcopal Church…and began to feel called to become a formal member. I was confirmed in 1997 in Ft Worth, Texas.
When I moved to Tucson and discovered Saint Philip’s, Outreach was one of the ministries I became involved with. Outreach and different experiences with that ministry eventually piqued an interest in becoming a deacon.
What did you do professionally before you retired?
My first career was as a librarian. I then joined the Air Force (USAF). I chose the Air Force because the Army required basic training and I didn’t want to get that dirty! Through a USAF program, I attended law school and, upon graduation, became a judge advocate (JAG) for the remainder of my 20 years of service.
The last 21 years of my professional life melded my two loves: I worked as a librarian for the University of Arizona’s School of Law.
What’s one of your superpowers?
I’m good at helping people make connections. It’s what I did as a reference librarian.
What’s something you’re really proud of?
I dared to end my 37-year marriage 5 years ago, and have created a good life for myself.
Missed an interview? All previous interviews can be found on Saint Philip’s website under the “About Us” tab. Click here to visit that page.