Mark Woodhams
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 Mark Woodhams.
How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
Since my wife Helene and I left Connecticut to move to Tucson 30 year ago.
What brought you to Tucson?
I was offered a job at the University of Arizona to be Director of Student Media—the department that runs the student newspaper, websites, radio and tv stations.
What about journalism captured your interest?
I grew up in a family that always had magazines and newspapers around and discussed public affairs. It was also a pretty sexy career in the 1970s. We had Watergate and the reporters Woodward and Bernstein as models. It also suited me as I enjoy being an observer.
30 years is a long time. What keeps you at Saint Philip’s?
To some extent an unwillingness to change. But Saint Philip’s has also become part of my life; I have friends, family, work…and church is one more component that makes up the whole.
Were you raised in a faith tradition?
My father was an episcopal priest so the answer is a most definite yes! I was an acolyte and loved being the crucifer because I thought that was how to get the girls’ attention. And yet after I left home and until my mid-thirties, I didn’t attend church at all. It was when our three children got a bit older that we started attending church again. And since then, it’s been a part of my life.
How have you volunteered over the years?
I’ve served on the Vestry twice but the volunteer activity I find most rewarding—and most fun—is ushering.
What’s involved with being an usher?
Fundamentally, you greet and welcome people as they enter church for worship so you need to be comfortable smiling at and speaking to people you don’t know. But beyond that ushers also participate in the service. They open and close the great doors, collect the offertory, guide the flow of communicants, help people settle into pews; there is a choreography to the role that asks us to stay on our toes.
Ushers work on teams of four generally so there is also a lot of camaraderie and collegiality.
How often do ushers volunteer?
Generally, one service every three to four weeks. Volunteers can choose which service they prefer and, of course, if they have to travel or fall ill then substitutes jump in.
Initially, a new volunteer shadows someone for a service or two before being assigned to a team and being put on the schedule.
Is there something you think might surprise people about Saint Philip’s?
Not everyone who attends is a mini-theologian. I’m not that comfortable talking about spirituality or faith and I’m not a student of the Bible. But I’m not alone in this and that’s one of the things I love about Saint Philip’s. It is a sanctuary for everyone; each of us can take what we want from the experience and the community. There are lots of ways to get involved depending on your interests.
What do you do for fun?
I retired about six years ago but am still adjusting. I play tennis a couple times a week and hike a few miles daily. Helene and I travel an awful lot, too, because our children are spread out. Our son is in Napa, one daughter is in Boston, and our other daughter lives in Frankfurt, Germany.
Cooking is a real focus. I’m not elaborate. I don’t use recipes and keep my dishes to under five ingredients. I can whip up dinner in about 30 minutes. It’s just as fun as ushering.
What’s one of your guiding principles?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. If I wake up and things don’t look so good, I’ll jump in the pool and swim some laps. Exercise makes everything seem more manageable.
What’s one of your super powers?
I am pretty playful and adventurous. All five of my grandchildren belong to the Marco Polo Explorer Club which I created. There are different levels and in order to move to another level they have to complete challenges—some of which can appear silly. For example, I’ll tell them a challenge is to jump in the pool with their clothes on. I’ll do it and they have to follow me. The fun is intentional but it can underscore an important lesson: it’s ok to feel uncomfortable.
One of my favorite things to do is flânerie, the French word for strolling. It’s ultimately about being an urban explorer and an acute observer of life. When we travel, I would much rather do that than visit a museum. I learn much more when I immerse myself in the feelings and energy of a city. And it’s just a lot of fun to see what I might discover!
What’s a fun fact about you?
I grew up in Italy as my father was Rector of St. Paul’s Within-The-Walls Episcopal Church (located in Rome). We moved there from Tacoma, WA when I was ten and my father retired there after 20 years.
I met Pope Paul VI when he was still a cardinal and attended ecumenical outreach events at the rectory. After he became pope, he would occasionally send my brother and me medals, stamps and coins. I still have a collection.
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.