Sunny Bal
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 Sunny Bal.
How long have you been a Saint Philip’s parishioner?
Since 1979.
That’s a long time. What’s kept you here?
I think the main draw is the worship service. Over the years I was involved with helping the parish grow; I helped build the Children’s Center and the Music Center. I was also on the Vestry. But the liturgy is still what means the most to me.
What is it about the worship that speaks to you so powerfully?
After so many years, the liturgy is familiar to me and the prayers and rhythm of the service are part of me. And then there’s the really good preaching. Fr Roger Douglas’ sermons were outstanding and thought provoking—and Fr Robert continues that tradition. But in addition to the superb preaching it’s also the sense of community I find here.
Were you raised in a faith tradition?
My father was a practicing Hindu Brahman and my mother was a devoted Christian. They had a wonderful marriage with no particular faith tradition that I was demanded to follow. I was able to choose and discover for myself what I wanted.
How did you find your way to the Episcopal church?
I attended Roman Catholic schools in my early life. My experience there was that the practices were quite rigid and the expectation of compliance were somewhat inflexible. That drove me towards the Anglican tradition which is more accepting generally and allowed for more freedom of thought.
But I believe in the universal Christ and hold that there are many paths to salvation. I happen to follow this one.
How would you describe Saint Philip’s to someone unfamiliar with the parish?
I think it depends on what someone is looking for.
If you are on a spiritual journey, this is a really good place to be.
If you’re discovering yourself, then this is a really good place to be.
If you want to explore and practice your faith in tangible ways, then this is an excellent place to be.
What are your current volunteer activities?
I serve as a subdeacon at the 7:45am Sunday service. My other volunteer effort is connected to that: after the 7:45am liturgy, I visit one of several assisted living communities in town and facilitate a worship service there.
Can you share details about how that works?
It’s a volunteer effort that combines being a Lay Eucharistic minister with pastoral outreach. Volunteers generally work in teams and commit to two Sundays a month at an assisted living facility. The service lasts 30 to 40 minutes.
The ideal volunteer is someone who enjoys interacting with people and is comfortable speaking in front of a small group.
Do the volunteers receiving training?
They do. There are guidelines for Lay Eucharistic ministers and there are mentors available to help.
You’re passionate about this outreach activity. What’s behind that?
While I understand that assisted living facilities can be a source of comfort, I also know that many people who live in such establishments feel abandoned. They tell me they feel imprisoned by their aging bodies and can’t participate in a lot of activities that used to mean a lot to them.
I think society—we—have an obligation to be present to such folks and offer spiritual comfort as much as physical well-being. I have been volunteering with this outreach effort for six years now and I know our weekly visits are appreciated greatly.
What did you do before you retired?
I did two things professionally full-time. I managed brokerage offices—most recently the Morgan Stanley office here in town—and supervised portfolios and brokers. For many years I also had a family business that built homes, including sub-divisions in and around Tucson and Green Valley.
I still trade our family accounts and dabble in real estate development.
What’s something you do for fun?
I play duplicate bridge competitively here in Tucson and out of town.
What’s one of your life principles?
Good always triumphs over evil. It may not triumph immediately and things might have to be worked out but my experience is that good is stronger than evil.
How do you navigate the secular and religious worlds you inhabit?
I don’t think the religious and secular worlds have inherently incompatible goals. Both invite me to be committed to making things work and changing my approach or methods if something doesn’t work.
I think there are lots of moral guidelines from my faith that have proven useful in business. The Book of Proverbs is a font of guidance for how to live one’s life, deal with people sensibly, and avoid foolish mistakes. For instance, “one who forgives an affront fosters friendship but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend.”
What’s a fun fact about you?
I learned how to play a number of instruments (the harmonica, keyboard, and guitar) without any formal training. I can’t read music but can play fairly decently by ear.
What’s your favorite type of music?
I love jazz! But I’m slowly broadening my listening repertoire to include Beethoven and Bach.
What do you use your phone for most?
To search for information on Google.
Cake or pie?
Cake!
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.