Charlotte Hinkle
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 Saint Philip’s parishioner and volunteer, Charlotte Hinkle.
How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
I attended in the 90s as a child but left when I was a teenager. I returned to church a little before my senior year in college when I was in Virginia.
My husband, Steve, and I moved to Tucson in 2022 and we’ve been at Saint Philip’s since then.
What about Saint Philip’s appeals to you?
I love the high church aspects and the ritual we embrace. Following the Book of Common Prayer fits with what I look for in a liturgy.
What makes you feel that you belong to this parish community?
Everyone is very welcoming but ultimately, I think I feel a part of this church because I volunteer; I’m involved.
How do you participate at church?
I volunteer in several ways.
On Sundays I serve at the altar as a sub-deacon or I acolyte, or participate as the verger.
Beyond the liturgy, I’m also a trustee of the Ministry Endowment Funds Trust (MEFT). This body manages small funds that have endowments associated with them. For example, MEFT funds help support the columbarium garden, some music activities, and some pastoral care efforts.
How did you come to be involved in these activities?
I had to volunteer for different opportunities before I figured out what I’m happiest doing. I looked at it as a big experiment.
How would you describe Saint Philip’s to someone unfamiliar with the parish?
The parish is multi-generational, friendly, and welcoming. There are lots of opportunities to do things on Sunday mornings and throughout the week.
What do you do professionally?
I’m a Senior Physical Scientist and work for the United States Government Accountability Office—an agency that provides Congress with fact-based, non-partisan information. My role is to write reports about technologies and about federal spending and performance, and make recommendations for how federal agencies can save money and work more efficiently.
What about the work engages you?
I learn about a wide variety of subjects and get to meet lots of interesting people. For example, I’ve learned about quantum computing, various issues with the electrical grid, and topics related to environmental clean-up efforts.
How did you get into this work?
Through my local Episcopal church in Virginia. I was in conversation with a parishioner who suggested I speak with her daughter. She gave me an informational interview, and I ended up applying for a position.
It was during COVID that I started to do my work remotely. And after life returned to normal, I was able to continue remote work. That’s why Steve and I were able to move to Tucson and keep our jobs.
What’s something you’re proud of?
I’m proud of earning my PhD in Theoretical Chemistry.
What’s something you’re grateful for?
Our four month old son, Joseph.
What’s something about being a mother that’s surprised you?
Everything takes more time than I would expect. I’m learning to be more patient and accept that I can’t do everything on the schedule I would like. Taking care of Joseph is the priority so some things (often lots of things) have to wait until I have time to focus on them.
What do you do to relax/replenish yourself?
I cook. We get a farmer’s market basket from a local farm share every week. The contents change week to week, and I work with whatever local ingredients are delivered to create meals.
And I cross stitch—even if it’s for only 10 minutes a day. Right now I’m finishing up Joseph’s Christmas stocking.
What’s one of your guiding principles?
Give myself grace. I can be a pretty intense person and have had to learn to be kind to myself.
What might happen is unknown so I try to roll with whatever happens and be kind and gentle to myself.
What’s one of your super powers?
I can figure out pretty much what to do with any ingredient in the kitchen and make an edible treat. The fun is in the challenge; it’s like a puzzle I have to assemble. I don’t have a perfect track record but 9 times out of 10, I end up with a satisfying meal.
What’s something you’d like to do that you haven’t yet?
I’d love to see more of the world.
The farthest I’ve traveled to date is Thailand and Singapore. But I’ve never been to Africa, South America or Central America. There’s so much still to see and experience.
What’s something you’re passionate about?
Plants! I enjoy looking at beautiful things in nature and am working on creating a beautiful front and backyard at our house. I love color so am choosing plants that will entice butterflies and hummingbirds.
What have I not asked that you would like people to know?
Come say hello to me. I’d love to meet you if we haven’t already.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I spent six years at Ohio State University and never attended a single football game. But I did have season tickets for ice hockey! From a physics point of view it’s a very interesting game.
What might people be surprised to learn about you?
I’m very picky so it might surprise people that my first engagement ring was a Ring Pop from Walgreens. (Ring Pop is a brand of fruit-flavored lollipops marketed in the form of a wearable plastic ring with a large hard candy "jewel.")
Steve didn’t dare pick out a ring on his own so he proposed with a Ring Pop and we then shopped for my real ring together.
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.