Jeremy Furrer

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, Jeremy Furrer.

How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
I’ve been a parishioner at Saint Philip’s about 15 years now.

How did you find your way to the parish?
Two of my closest friends brought me: Unky and Tom Sundt.

What about Saint Philip’s has engaged you for 15 years?
Unky and Tom were big reasons. But I love the music and the sermons. I appreciate that they are delivered in a way that invites me to listen—and they have a lot of substance. I’m grateful that Saint Philip’s shares the loving aspect of God.

Were you raised in a faith tradition?
I was raised in the Evangelical tradition. My family attended Victory Assembly Church when I was a child. My experience there was that God was scary and to be feared. That didn’t motivate me and pretty much ended my interest in the church for a long while.

What service do you typically attend?
Usually the 11:15am service.

What do you do professionally?
I’m a General Contractor and have my own business, Furrer Construction, LLC. We do commercial and residential work; it’s not easy to acquire a license to do both and I’m proud that I earned it.

What volunteer activity are you currently involved in?
I help out with the First Sunday breakfasts. I enjoy the hospitality aspect, and busing tables and providing food are what I did when I owned a catering company.

We used to do big events where we would feed 1,000 people a day; Freedom RV events and the Wounded Warriors Project in Paradise City are two examples.

What made you leave catering to become a General Contractor?
It was 2:00am on a Saturday. I was in a diner washing dishes. I thought, “What am I doing?” I was grossing a lot of money but I had 19 employees to pay and the net bottom line wasn’t pretty. 

Has anything surprised you about Saint Philip’s?
Yes! I was surprised to learn about the garden columbarium and just how large the campus is. Another surprise is how expansive the music program is. The kids work for awards and are invited to perform in England. Those things are not found in most churches.

I also love that the parish has its own coffee blend.

What’s something you’re proud of?
I’m proud that I went back to school as an adult and I’m proud of my business. Neither accomplishment was easy but I persevered.

What is something you do well?
I’m really strong internally. I learned a lot from my grandfather who said if you want to be successful don’t fear, hesitate, or doubt what you want to become. He followed his own advice. He went from having to search for food during the depression to owning stores in New York.

What’s a fun fact about you?
I was on the TV show Good Cooking which aired in the UK. 

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.