Diane Dittemore
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 Diane Dittemore.
How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
My daughter just turned 38 and I joined when she was six. So I’ve been at Saint Philip’s for 32 years!
Which service do you typically attend?
It varies. When I need quiet, I’m drawn to the 7:45am service. I also like the 11:15am service a lot so you’ll see me there, too.
Were you raised in a faith tradition?
I was. Both my parents were Methodists and we attended church as a family regularly.
How did you come to worship at an Episcopal church?
I was invited to the Episcopal Church by two different people. The first was my older sister. I visited her in Massachusetts and she invited me to join her at the small, intimate church she attends in Rockport: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. I enjoyed the experience but, at that time, expected to continue worshiping at the Methodist church in Tucson.
But then I came home and learned that some of my best friends had begun attending Saint Philip’s. One in particular was also a Companion, i.e., a member of the Companions of the Holy Cross. At that time Companions had to be Episcopalian so that prompted me to make the switch.
Can you share a bit about Companions of the Holy Cross?
Sure. It is a national, welcoming faith community of Christian women from all walks of life who belong to local chapters.
Members are young—and older. They are reverent—and sometimes a little irreverent. They are lively. What we all have in common is a commitment to God to support each other through prayer, service, outreach, spiritual growth, fellowship, and simplicity of life. There are quite a few women from Saint Philip’s in the Greater Arizona chapter.
What about Saint Philip’s speaks to you?
So much. The clergy, the music, and all the art work. And then there’s the community. I really love all the people I work with in various ministries.
How have you been involved at Saint Philip’s?
For quite awhile I worked at The Little Shop. Then I was involved for many years with the Sunday morning breakfasts.
Do you volunteer now?
Yes! Now that breakfasts have resumed on “First Sunday’s”* I help with them. I’m also on the hospitality team that prepares dinner for Mosaic gatherings on Wednesday evenings.
How would you describe Saint Philip’s to someone unfamiliar with the parish?
White! But there are strong efforts made to broaden that. And Saint Philip’s demonstrates a very expansive idea of love. It is a very welcoming place for people who might be shunned in other faith environments. I think that we’re so open is one of our strengths.
The church also encourages us to use our mind—to read and to learn.
Is there something that you think might surprise people about Saint Philip’s?
Absolutely. The church has lots of different types of parishioners—not just rich people who live in the Foothills. People from all over Tucson are welcomed and participate.
Has being part of Saint Philip’s supported your relationship with God?
Definitely. It’s a place where it’s not only ok to ask questions but we’re encouraged to do that. That’s made me feel safe to explore.
And what I really appreciate is that as much as we talk about faith there’s equal emphasis on “doing” faith. I think it’s more important to live a Christian life than to get caught up in nuances that distract from that.
What do you do professionally?
I’m the curator of the Ethnology Collections at the Arizona State Museum, the University of Arizona’s anthropology museum. I’ve been there for 44 years.
My primary focus is Southwest Native American pottery, textiles, baskets—material culture. Basketry is my specialty.
One of my major goals in life is to introduce the public to the amazing people who made the works in the museum’s collections. What they created is extraordinary. But that’s only half the story. I want to expand understanding of and appreciation for the Indigenous peoples of our region—the artisans behind the objects.
I just finished a book I’ve been working on for 10 years. It’s about basketry and introduces readers to the wonderful Native American craftsmanship available in the southwest. It will be published in early 2024 by the University of Arizona press.
What’s one of your guiding principles?
I have two that come to mind immediately: do the best you can and honor everyone’s gifts.
What’s one of your super powers?
I’m very good at introducing people to each other and helping them find connections. I find real value in this because there are a lot of shy people who feel awkward and uncomfortable introducing themselves to strangers. We all need each other so this is one way I can be of service beyond myself.
What hasn’t been asked that you’d like to share?
My husband is Jewish and not particularly religious. We have a son and a daughter and it’s been interesting navigating an inter-faith family. I’ve focused mostly on the shared history between Judaism and Christianity.
What’s a fun fact about you?
My husband and I used to do an early version of square dancing called “English country dance.” I think it was mostly the wonderful 17th and 18th century music that attracted me but we had a lot of fun. We performed at “Tucson Meet Yourself” which was an absolute riot.
*First Sunday Breakfasts are served 7:45am-9:00am in the Murphey Gallery on the first Sunday of months October-May.
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.