David Hoag
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 David Hoag.
How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
It will be two years in July. I know exactly because two years ago is when my wife Marti and I moved from Montana (near Yellowstone National Park) to Tucson.
Which service do you typically attend?
In the summer we attend the 10:00am service and in the winter, we usually attend the 11:15am liturgy.
Were you raised in a faith tradition?
I’ve been an Episcopalian all my life. I grew up in Montana and my family worshiped in a small church that was built in 1902. I was baptized when I was 2 years and 3 months old—and remember it well. That connection has been important to me.
This church was constructed on a rock-rubble foundation that was collapsing and the walls were bowing out. As co-chair of the capital campaign, we worked with the Episcopal Church Foundation and raised $400,000.00 for repairs—a new roof, siding, insulation, and foundation. Part of the fund-raising effort involved the Muir String Quartet, from the Boston Symphony, which gave two summer concerts and said they wished the Boston audiences were as enthusiastic and spirited as we were.
How did you find your way to Saint Philip’s?
While house hunting in Tucson the hotel was near Campbell and Sunrise so I dropped in on a Saturday afternoon. I met Ayden just as he was closing the campus. I explained I was new to town and would love to see the church so he gave me a tour. I was very impressed with how welcoming he was. I remember thinking that if everything works out and we purchase our home then we’ll definitely attend church here.
What about Saint Philip’s appeals to you?
How welcoming the community is. This is the first large church we’ve ever attended regularly but the liturgy and the staff have made us feel very welcomed.
How are you involved in the parish?
I’m on the Buildings & Grounds committee and I water the cactus garden once a week. I grew up on a ranch in Montana and we always had big vegetable gardens. It’s too hot for that in Tucson so I enjoy my weekly task here.
I also participate each week with Deacon Susan and a baker’s dozen of others in reading and discussing one chapter at a time from a book of the Bible. So far, we’ve read and considered Hosea, Revelation, and Genesis; we finished the month of June with Romans. The insight and discernment offered up by spiritually knowledgeable folks is amazing. Next up are Esther and Daniel.
I’m also finishing up training to become a Stephen Minister.
Tell me about your experience with the Stephen Ministry.
Stephen Ministry is a well-established Christian listening ministry that has trained thousands of lay people to meet with individuals confidentially, and to really hear them. More than 10,000 churches—from over 100 denominations (including Episcopal parishes)—are involved.
The training program began in March and we graduate next month. I’m one of 16 trainees. The program teaches us how to support people going through serious life crises, such as the death of a spouse or child, illness, loss of a job, or other similar challenges. There’s a lot of role playing in the training and we practice a lot of active listening. All conversations are confidential.
After completing the training I might work with someone who is religious—or not. This process has helped me grow by inviting me to peel another layer of myself away. Or maybe it’s more accurate if I say I’ve been invited to become more vulnerable within a relationship.
What did you do professionally?
I had a 20-year career in the Air Force followed by 20 years with the State Job Service in Boise, Idaho.
While with the military, I was a radar controller for the North American Aerospace Defense Command. It provides aerospace warning, air sovereignty, and protection for the United States. During my tenure, some of my interaction was with Russian Bear Bombers. We would scramble F-106 air defense fighters to intercept them.
My first command at Cape Cod Air Force Station, Massachusetts was my favorite. Our radar was a post-WWII analog system with a rotating antenna that could detect the bombers out to 200 miles flying over the Atlantic Ocean between Russia and Cuba. My last command was at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho where we operated the digitized Over-the-Horizon Backscatter radar that bounced a high-frequency radar beam off the ionosphere that could detect unknown aircraft out over the Pacific Ocean to 6000 miles.
I share all this as an example of how much technology has advanced. Our prayers and hope is that all this knowledge will make war obsolete.
During my career, Marti and I moved 12 times in 20 years; my last tour was in Boise, Idaho. After I retired from the Air Force, I went to work in Boise for the Employment Services division of Veterans Services. I helped veterans find employment. For many, this was the first time they ever interviewed so a lot of my work was about providing guidance on how to go about presenting themselves so they would be attractive to employers. Everything from using language the company does to how to complete a resume.
Was there anything you had to learn as you transitioned from the military to civilian life?
Definitely! I was probably a bit more direct when I first left the military. I had to learn how to relate to people differently. Soft skills, including becoming a better listener, were necessary.
What do you like to do when you’re not volunteering?
I read a lot. Right now, I’m on Day 29 of a one-year program to read the Bible. The book is, “The Bible Challenge,” by The Rev’d Marek Zabriskie.
The author invited 103 archbishops, bishops, cathedral and seminary deans, bible scholars, and priests from around the world to each write three meditations along with questions and prayers to stimulate reflection on the readings and help readers apply God’s wisdom to their daily life.
What’s one of your guiding principles?
Don’t take anything for granted. God offers me his grace and I can take it or leave it. Every day I choose to take it. I pray and give thanks.
What’s one of your superpowers?
I’m good at being present and paying attention to people. My goal is to find a spiritual connection. It’s rarely an obvious conversation about that initially. But the more you talk to people the more you learn what’s important to them.
My experience is that Christians carry a light within them that glows. There’s often a connection made without many words being exchanged.
What have I not asked that you would like the community to know?
Marti and I have a son who lives with his family on Bainbridge Island in Washington state. We have two grandchildren—a boy and a girl.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I loved Mad Magazine growing up and the old tv shows with Jack Benny and Don Rickles.
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.