April Richards
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, April Richards.
How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
10 years.
What brought you to the parish?
I wanted to be with my folks, Mary and Robert Walling.
How would you describe Saint Philip’s to someone unfamiliar with the church?
It’s an old, historic, absolutely awe-inspiring beautiful church with all sorts of secret treasures. There is a book Treasures of Saint Philip’s. The history here is remarkable—as are staff and clergy.
What Sunday service do you typically attend?
The 7:45am. I love Rite I.
How do you volunteer at Saint Philip’s?
I’ve been on the Altar Guild for six years now. I used to also serve as the acting chair for Church Mice—the ministry that handled receptions after funerals.
What do you do professionally?
I’m a licensed realtor and manage other people’s single family properties for rent. I secure the tenants, do the leases, collect the rent, handle the repairs, etc. The list is long!
I think the thread between my volunteer activity and my professional work is taking care of people. Church Mice didn’t have to plan much; their primary role was to be hospitable and make a sad affair more pleasant for the family. The Altar Guild is all about setting the stage for the liturgy. I really enjoy the ladies I volunteer with so we have a good time while we help support the worship service.
What about your work appeals to you most?
Property management is about more than renting a place to stay. I help people find homes. I help a family find a house that can make a dream come true for them—whether they own it or not.
Most of my clients come from apartments and when they have a single family home with a yard that is for them alone, filled with their belongings… that’s life changing. The homes I help families rent are stepping stones. They very often leave the rental after some time and buy a house.
What do you do to refresh yourself?
I quill. It’s the art of rolled paper. The Little Shop recently started selling my cards and I’ll have something in the upcoming art show that debuts on Sunday, April 16. I also sew—mostly quilts.
Weekend trips to Prescott or Pine Top are also ways I unwind.
And then there’s my puppy. Foster Brooks is a 90 pound Pit bull/Mastiff/Great Dane mix. He brings me a lot of joy!
What’s behind your nickname?
People call me the flip flop girl because I wear only flip flops. When it’s really, really cold I’ll wear shoes, but even in the snow sometimes, I wear flip flops. I’m a beach girl at heart.
What’s something you’re proud of?
I’m very, very proud of my children. My oldest is a tax accountant; she owns and runs some tax offices. My middle daughter is an RN who works at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. And my youngest is a handyman of sorts; he’s a fantastic tile layer.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I cheered at Palo Verde High School and then coached cheer for 18 years. I was all in—we traveled to competitions in California.
Cake or pie?
Bundt Cake
Chocolate or vanilla?
Vanilla
What’s your favorite color?
Orange.
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.