Status update
By Liz Wood, Parishioner and Beloved in the Desert Board member
For three years (2019-2022) Saint Philip’s participated in Beloved in the Desert—a program facilitated by the Episcopal Service Corps. Each year it brought four young adults to Tucson to live in community, intern at local nonprofits, and participate in formation and worship activities. All activities were designed to help the “cohorts” discern what their next chapter in life would be.
The Beloved Board took a sabbatical from the program for the 2022-2023 year, and used the time to evaluate the enterprise. After considering the different factors that influence the success of such a venture, the Board made the decision to discontinue Beloved in the Desert.
Several things contributed to this decision.
First, the Episcopal Service Corps (ESC) has seen a dramatic decline nationally, and the majority of programs have either closed or taken an extended sabbatical. The future of the ESC appears uncertain, and the support Saint Philip’s used to receive (national coordination and a social media presence) is no longer available.
On the flip side, only eight people nationally applied to participate in the program this year. One explanation is the low rate of unemployment. Another reason is that young adults who had their education interrupted by the pandemic are keen to now begin “real jobs” as soon as they can.
A second Board consideration was that Saint Philip’s clergy staff is leaner now than when the program first began—and priorities need to be balanced with what can be addressed.
And finally, the Young Adult Volunteers program (that operates under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church) which shared rental housing and other costs and resources with Saint Philip’s decided to close its Tucson location to focus on sites closer to the Mexican/American border.
The Beloved Board is disappointed that all signs indicated the program should be discontinued and believes it made the right decision.
Saint Philip’s is still committed to exploring other ways to connect with young adults, to forging a stronger bond with the Episcopal Campus Ministry, and to looking at possibly implementing a parish internship program in the future.
If you are interested in any of these ideas, please contact me at lizwood1325@gmail.com. Thank you!