Allen Ettenger
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 Allen Ettenger.
How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
Four years. I know exactly because we found Saint Philip’s shortly after my wife Molly and I moved to Tucson.
What brought you to Tucson?
Molly and I wanted to be closer to our children. I retired in December 2018 and we left the small town in Pennsylvania where we’d been for 34 years. We have two sons and one of them lives in Oro Valley so we followed him and his wife there.
Which service do you typically attend?
During the winter season we generally attend the 9:00am service.
Were you raised in a faith tradition?
I was raised Presbyterian but Molly and I were married in the Episcopal church. It took awhile to get used to the Anglican liturgy but what I once found hard to follow, I now find quite comforting.
What about Saint Philip’s appeals to you?
I appreciate how the liturgy makes me think—specifically, the music’s lyrics and the readings. And I’m surprised at how meaningful I find the Eucharist. Hearing that I’m a child of God and accepted makes a profound impression on me. Every time.
How are you involved in the parish?
I volunteer with two activities; one requires brawn and the other requires some brain.
The brawn activity is helping hang the different art exhibits in the Murphey Gallery. I get on the ladder and follow instructions from the Arts Committee members about where artwork should hang.
The other volunteer activity is with the Elder Mission Ministry. It combines being a Lay Eucharistic minister with pastoral outreach. I’ve committed to visiting an assisted living facility (The Atria) once a month and offering a short reflection and communion. We begin at 10:15am and spend about 30 minutes together. This has a special place in my heart because of my mother and her current situation.
Will you say more about that?
Sure. My mother is 98 years old and has lived in a retirement village on Hilton Head Island since 2007. She was a devout member of the Presbyterian Church and felt very strongly about attending church weekly. Unfortunately, her health has declined so she can’t attend church services like she used to.
She’s tried to watch church services online but it lacks the personal touch and the feeling of community. Unfortunately, where my mother resides doesn’t offer a Sunday worship service. But I know that if the Elder Mission Ministry were offered, there is no doubt she would try to attend despite her physical limitations. I volunteer at The Atria for people like my mother.
What did you do professionally?
I was a pediatrician. It was a wonderful career but I sort of fell into it. I thought about being a chemist, a teacher, or even a swimming coach. At one point, I considered joining the peace corps. At the end of my third year I thought I should try to go to medical school. I got good grades and was admitted. It was that simple.
What about pediatrics appealed to you?
The children themselves and their ability to bounce back. We certainly saw children with chronic illnesses but they still had a higher cure rate than adults.
What do you do in retirement (when not volunteering at Saint Philip’s)?
I go to the gym, read biographies, visit our grandchildren, walk with my neighbor, and play duplicate bridge. I also donate platelets every two to three weeks.
What’s one of your super powers?
Making omelets! I also think my equanimity; I don’t get upset very often. I’m pretty accepting of people and their positions on a variety of subjects. Nobody is all good and nobody is all bad.
What’s something you’re proud of?
I’m proud of my family. We have great kids who picked good partners and both sons are dedicated to their children. I give Molly great credit for that.
We have four grandchildren (two boys and two girls) and one in the oven (a girl) who will pop out in September.
What’s something about being a grandparent that you especially enjoy?
Being hugged! My granddaughter in Salt Lake City adores her father and transfers some of that love to me. She’ll ask my son to facetime with Pop Pop. Talk about an ego trip! And when we visit, I’m often the one to put her to bed. When a child cuddles with you and falls asleep because they feel secure, it makes me feel extremely special. It’s a wonderful gift.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I love bluegrass and Celtic music—Irish and Scottish stuff. Not necessarily bagpipes but I like them, too. And no, I have not clogged!
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.