Matti Bowen
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 parishioner and volunteer, Matti Bowen.
How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
Since the fall of 2019. It was the worship service on All Soul’s Day that made clear to me that I should become a parishioner at this church.
What about your experience made that clear?
I embrace intense feelings and appreciate the parts of our tradition that help support us through grief and loss. The All Soul’s Day service was so beautiful and meaningful to me that I just knew this parish is where I needed to spend more time. I had visited sporadically prior to then but it was that particular service that reeled me in.
How are you involved at Saint Philip’s?
I participate in different ways. My first involvement outside of Sunday worship services was to attend Wednesday evening Mosaic. That was an easy way to meet people in the community.
I am also a lector; the 9:00am service is when I usually read. The prayer shawl ministry is lots of fun, and I’m also on the Board for Beloved in the Desert (the Episcopal Service Corps).
Another volunteer activity that I just started is to serve as an acolyte.
Has anything surprised you about Saint Philips’?
I’ve been surprised at what close relationships I’ve been able to form. I grew up in a smaller church environment so assumed it would be hard to develop meaningful relationships in such a large congregation. I’m happy I was wrong!
How would you describe Saint Philip’s to someone unfamiliar with the parish?
It’s a vibrant, busy, and joyful place. There’s always something happening and there are a lot of ways to connect.
Were you raised in a faith tradition?
I grew up in an inter-faith family; my mother is Episcopalian and my father is a Zen Buddhist.
How did you begin volunteering?
When I met people they would tell me about different ministries they were involved in and, if it sounded interesting to me, I reached out to learn more. I signed up to receive the weekly e-newsletter, Bell & Tower, to learn about events and generally put myself “out there.” Everyone has been so welcoming and kind that it was easy to participate in anything that caught my eye. As I got to know more people I heard about more opportunities.
What do you do professionally?
I’m a career non-profit professional. I currently work in development for a Tucson area non-profit.
Non-profit work can be challenging. What keeps you motivated?
My faith has always compelled me to want to be of service. Yes, it can be taxing but lots of things are hard. I’ve always found so much fulfillment in my non-profit work—and been fortunate to have great colleagues—that my motivation stays invigorated.
What’s a guiding principle in your life?
I try to be curious about other people’s perspectives. Listening to diverse voices and getting to know people with different experiences has broadened my own life in wonderful, surprising ways. I have intergenerational friendships and have discovered common ground with people who would appear to be the complete opposite of me.
If you knew you couldn’t fail, what would you want to do?
I would learn to sail so I could sail the Great Loop—a continuous waterway that includes part of the Atlantic, Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, Canadian Heritage Canals, and the inland rivers of America's heartland.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I can’t ride a bicycle.
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.