Amy Minish
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 comprised 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 Amy Minish
How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
Our family moved from Washington, DC to Tucson in August, 2022. We started coming to Saint Philip’s in September so it’s been about eight months now.
How did you find Saint Philip’s?
My husband, Neill, and I wanted to find a church that is multi-generational and offers space for personal interpretation. We were invited by mutual friends of Tim and Chelsea Bayley to scope it out together—and were intrigued after that very first Sunday.
Were you raised in a faith tradition?
I grew up going to a Baptist church, and as an adult I have attended mostly non-denominational churches.
Both are different than the Episcopal church. What about Saint Philip’s draws you in?
Given my worship background, the formality of Saint Philip’s liturgy felt very rigid initially. But after a few months I grew to appreciate how moving and meaningful it is.
We now love the liturgy. The recitations that are repeated every Sunday offer a grounding and at the same time there is freedom to explore my own relationship with God. I appreciate that no one dictates how I should interpret “God.”
I also very much appreciate that Saint Philip’s (and the Episcopal Church) has women in leadership positions and welcomes and includes all people.
How are you involved at Saint Philip’s?
Neill and I have enjoyed the parent formation group. It’s been wonderful to meet other families at a very similar stage of life—and a huge support to have that fellowship. We all share the desire to raise our children to love church and God, and to create that environment for them.
We can’t force our children to want a relationship with God. But the parent group gives us tools to use at home to nurture our children’s interest in building that relationship. And guess what? Our kids love the catechesis class. There have been Sundays when Neill and I were tired but the kids motivated us to make the drive to church.
What did you do professionally before you became a full-time mom to your three children?
I earned a Masters in Art and Visual Culture Education (Art ED) from the University of Arizona. My main medium of art is ceramics.
Before having children, I taught middle school and K-8 visual art. And before that my background was in social work.
What’s one of your super powers?
Friends have told me that I can take something mundane and make it beautiful. Part of that is related to my art training. But I think it’s also about being resourceful and having a perspective that looks for beauty. I like to make things magical—both in appearance and in experience. My children motivate me to reinforce that instinct.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I joined the Peace Corps in 2009 when I was 23 and lived in the Republic of Vanuatu (a country in the South Pacific) for 27 months. I google imaged the country and accepted the invitation/location. I should have done more research…
The island where I lived was one of 83 islands. It took only an hour to walk the entire perimeter and a canoe was the single method of transportation between islands. I lived in a hut without any running water or electricity. All meals were cooked over an open fire.
It was a life-changing experience—not only for what I learned but who I met: my husband, Neill. But I’ll save that story for another time.
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.