Greg Silva
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 and volunteer Greg Silva.
How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
Since October 2018. I know the date exactly because my wife, Laura, started her job at the University of Arizona in January 2018 and I stayed in Ohio until our youngest daughter graduated from high school.
What volunteer activities are you involved with?
Most of my time is spent singing in the adult choir.
What does that involve?
At a minimum, the choir rehearses for two hours on Thursday evenings. Then we sing at one or two worship services on Sunday. On First Sundays (of the month) we always sing at both services.
If I were retired I could spend a lot more of my time participating in the myriad choir activities.
Do you participate in any other volunteer activities?
The parish recently adopted a one-mile section of Campbell Avenue north of Skyline Drive. To maintain the sponsorship volunteers need to clean the road of litter at least twice a year. I joined other volunteers in March to do the inaugural clean up. It was the perfect mix of being outside, doing something tangible that makes a difference, and enjoying other people’s company.
That activity complemented what I already do on my own.
Can you say more about that?
I jog regularly and it’s become part of my routine to take an empty garbage bag with me so I can pick up any trash I see along my route. When I began the practice I was the only person doing it. (At least, I didn’t see anyone else doing it.) But now, enough people are picking up trash that a small cadre is hard at work and there’s almost no litter. I may have to find a new jogging route so I can make a difference somewhere else!
What do you do professionally?
I work for Verizon. And no—I cannot help you with your phone! I support internal software that a certain segment of the company’s sales force uses to sell different products.
It’s interesting work because I get to be creative and solve problems.
How would you describe Saint Philip’s?
It’s very large. I think that’s important because it means there are a lot of programs and different ways to care for people. Do you want to be involved with music? We have that. Bible study? We have that. Community service? We have that. Work with youth? We have that. There are so many options.
Saint Philip’s is also a welcoming place.
What does it mean to your relationship with God to be a part of Saint Philip’s?
Being a Christian is a team sport. I need other people. Because Saint Philip’s has so many ways to be involved and work with others—talk with others—it provides a lot of different ways to be fed. And that, in turn, helps me be present and help feed others.
It’s not as if any of us will ever be 100% completely perfect Christians. We all need help to know when to stop, go, be pulled along, have a mirror held up in front of us and be asked, “Are you sure?” None of those things are possible on my own.
There are so many different people at Saint Philip’s in varied places along their journeys that assistance and guidance are always available.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I’m a second degree black belt in tae kwon do.
It started when our youngest daughter asked to learn martial arts. I took her to classes, saw her punching and kicking stuff, and thought it looked like lots of fun. And it was! So here I am with a second degree black belt.
You’re a sci-fan so… Star Trek or Star Wars?
Star Trek. I prefer the more optimistic view of the future.
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.