Emily Swartz
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 Emily Swartz.
How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
Since 1988.
What about Saint Philip’s appeals to you?
More than anything else it’s a sense of belonging to the community. I think it’s connected to having volunteered over the years and feeling an investment in the parish.
How have you volunteered at Saint Philip’s?
My initial efforts were with the children’s programs. When participation numbers increased to where the program outgrew the space in La Paroquia, I helped with the campaign to raise money for the Children’s Center.
I also volunteered with the Sunday morning breakfasts—which I’m happy have resumed again (on the first Sunday of every month October-May). When breakfasts ceased because of COVID, I inquired about helping with the Garden Guild.
And now I chair the Buildings & Grounds committee.
How would you describe Saint Philip’s to someone unfamiliar with the parish?
It’s a very inclusive place. And beautiful. What really strikes me, though, is that many people have cared about different ministries for a long time and have carried their efforts forward. It’s the totality of all the different parts—the community, the physical beauty, the worship services—that makes Saint Philip’s so special.
What do you do professionally?
I’m a mechanical engineer. I started my career at Corning Glass Works as a thermal engineer; my focus was on reducing costs, improving quality, and introducing new products. When my husband and I moved to Tucson, I drifted into the operations/management side of business and worked for a number of companies in town, including a business that I started with my husband.
I now work for a company based in Ohio and focus on implementing engineering changes. It’s something I can do remotely, and it’s a bridge between engineering and manufacturing.
How do you sustain yourself?
I spend a lot of time with my family. I also love gardening. It’s a lot of work but precisely because of that it calms my mind and helps me to find my happy place.
My current focus is passive rainwater harvesting and planting native plants. I have a few native plant books next to my bed, and before I go to sleep, I try to read a bit to learn more.
What’s one of your guiding principles?
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Having my husband get sick, watching him go through his illness, and then experiencing his death was very challenging. But it sure helped me to realize what is important. And it isn’t the small stuff!
What’s one of your super powers?
I have faith in people. When I encounter a situation with someone that disappoints me, I try to remind myself that the other person’s intentions are as good as mine. There are, of course, times when that’s a challenge, but I try to remember to look for the good in people. And we often live up to the expectation that people have of us. Maybe that’s why I enjoyed being a Girl Scout leader.
Tell me about your Girl Scout experience.
I was never a Girl Scout myself so it’s ironic that I led two troops for many, many years.
The first time I led a troop was because an existing troop reached the maximum number of girls. My older daughter was in kindergarten, and I didn’t want her to feel left out so I stepped into the role. She and her friends formed a new troop.
By the time my second daughter was in kindergarten, I had some experience as a leader, so we opened a troop for her and everyone else who wanted to participate. It was a large troop and continued until they finished 9th grade.
What’s something you’d like us to know that I haven’t asked?
I have four children: two girls and two boys.
What are some fun facts about you?
I did ballet until I graduated from high school. I was never very good at it because I was more athletic than graceful. But I loved it.
I’m one of eight children. And I love cryptograms and other logic puzzles.
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.