Annual Meeting Notice
The 2015 Annual Meeting of St. Philip’s In The Hills Parish will be held on two Sundays: 18 and 25 January 2015. On both Sundays we will observe the usual service schedule. The annual State of the Church report will be given as the sermon on January 18, and the Senior Warden’s report will serve as the sermon on January 25. On January 18, the Annual Meeting Part I, at 10:15 a.m., will include reports on mission and ministries, with opportunities for discussion and conversation. On January 25, the Annual Meeting Part II, at 10:15 a.m., will focus on the fiduciary aspects of the parish, with opportunities for Q&A. Elections of three Vestry members for 3-year terms, two Vestry members for 1-year terms (to complete terms of members who moved or stepped down), the Junior Warden for a 1-year term, and five lay delegates to the Annual Diocesan Convention will take place at Part II of the Annual Meeting (January 25) only. Bios of the candidates for Vestry and Junior Warden are included in this issue of Good News. Nominations from the floor will be accepted at Part I of the Annual Meeting (January 18). In order to be nominated, the nominee must be a Pledger of Record for 12 consecutive months, communicant in good standing (attends worship and communion at least 3 times a year), and an active participant in ministries of the parish; must have previously agreed to serve, if elected; and must bring 150 copies of a one-sheet biography with picture. There will be no nominations from the floor during Part II of the Annual Meeting (January 25).
The Constitution & Canons of the Episcopal Church provide that decisions are made by vote of the Vestry, who represent the parishioners who elect them. Therefore it is important to be informed about your representatives and to attend the annual meeting and vote.
Who May Vote
To vote, one must be a member in good standing of St. Philip’s In The Hills Parish according to the following definitions from our Bylaws and the Canons:
- Qualified members shall be all of the communicant members of the congregation as shown by the Church Register who are over 16 years of age, and all other members of the congregation over 16 years of age who have been regular contributors for the past six months, as shown by the treasurer’s books.
- Communicant members shall be those meeting the qualifications of the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona. (From Bylaws, Article I, Section I.)
- All communicants of this Church who for the previous year have been faithful in corporate worship, unless for good cause prevented, and have been faithful in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God, are to be considered communicants in good standing. (From Title I, Canon 17, and Sec. 3 of The Canons of the Episcopal Church.)
Number of Nominees
Again this year there are three nominees for new 3-year Vestry terms rather than five (as was the case until a couple of years ago). This is the result of the Vestry’s study of best practices in large congregations as a part of our strategic planning initiative. A twelve-vote governing body comprising representatives of our parish’s interests, ministries, and demographics allows us more effectively to oversee the church’s business, enhancing our ability to pursue planning, policy, and financial goals in a more strategic, long-range manner. Parish by-laws have been amended to accommodate this change, while preserving the flexibility to increase the number of Vestry members if future needs demand.
Nominee for Junior Warden
I spent 36 years of my professional career at Bell Laboratories and AT&T, where I contributed to the development of data communications systems, computers, and a variety of business communications systems, rising through various technical and management positions to Executive Director and Chief Technical Officer for an AT&T business unit. Later, as Process Management Vice President, I led work to improve operational performance and quality results that contributed to the business unit’s receipt of the AT&T Chairman’s Quality award and a Baldrige Award site visit. Sylvia and I were members of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Little Silver, New Jersey, for almost 40 years, where I served as Vestryman, Warden, lay reader, superintendent of the church school and sang in the choir. After returning to Tucson in 2002, first as snowbirds and then as residents, Sylvia and I joined the choir at St. Philip’s. We love the music program here. I served as treasurer and then co-chair of Friends of Music. For the last three years I have served on the Vestry, and as co-chair of the Committee for the Prevention of Gun Violence. I was awarded the Centennial Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Arizona and am a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Engineering.
—Herb Burton
Nominees for 3-Year Vestry Terms
I grew up at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, in Albany, Georgia, where I served as an acolyte and was active in the church’s youth programs. At college, I joined the local chaplaincy and found fellowship, familiar liturgy, and spiritual growth. After graduating with a degree in history from Yale, I earned degrees in law and historic preservation at the University of Georgia. Josephine and I were married in 2004, and we began a series of moves to continue our training. Here in Tucson, Josephine is at UMC in hematology-oncology, and I am a graduate student in geography and water policy at the University of Arizona. I also work in watershed planning at the Water Resources Research Center, as well as promote regional food security through Native Seeds/SEARCH. We have been blessed to find supportive and spiritually engaging church homes along our way to Tucson. I have been involved in various church programs, from architectural tours to social justice/ interfaith initiatives to Christian formation programs such as Education for Ministry (EfM). At St. Philip’s I help with breakfast in the Murphey Gallery and serve as an usher at the 11:15 a.m. service. I am part of a lay eucharistic ministry team that visits an assisted living facility and participate in the EfM program with my co-pilgrims. I have served on other committees, including the Parish Retreat Committee. Over the last six months, I have served as a replacement Vestry member to fill a vacancy, and I am honored to be considered for a full term. I look forward to supporting the ongoing mission and ministries of St. Philip’s.
—Christopher Fullerton
I was born and raised in Phoenix and first moved to Tucson in 1989 to attend the University of Arizona. I received my Ph.D. in Geosciences in 1993 and later became a professor at Washington State University in Pullman. A convergence of family issues led me to leave full-time academia and return to Tucson in 2004. I am currently adjunct at UA and work primarily as a geoarchaeological consultant. I am married with two daughters in college. Upon my return to Tucson, I began attending St. Philip’s. My daughters were involved in the St. Philip’s Youth Program and had the privilege to go on Pilgrimage. I served as an advisor while my daughters were in the program, and I continue to help usher the 9 a.m. service. I am drawn to St. Philip’s because I feel it is a progressive faith community with several educational and outreach programs that make Tucson a better community. Much is gained by serving others, and by serving on the Vestry I seek to help sustain and strengthen the Christian community at St. Philip’s.
—Gary Huckleberry
Originally from Oklahoma City, I’ve lived in Tucson since 1977, coming here with my late wife, Pam, to attend the University of Arizona. I worked for the Pima County Health Department for 28 years, retiring in 2006. My last job there was as administrative services manager for health planning and vital records. I received a Masters in Public Health degree in 2004. After retiring from the Health Department, I co-taught graduate classes at UA in public health policy and management. My current volunteer activities include helping youth and young adults to access available mental health services, serving on the Pima County Attorney’s Community Justice Board (a juvenile offender diversion program) and serving on the Kino School Board of Directors. Pam, my son, Sean and I began attending St. Philips in 2000. We had been raised Roman Catholic and were seeking a more open and inclusive religious faith — a faith which challenges not only our hearts but our minds as well. We found it here at St. Philip’s. Sean participated in the J2A program and went on pilgrimage to the UK. He also sang in the youth choir. Pam, my sister, Ann, and I (along with Susan Gamble) helped coordinate the Greening of the Church in the early 2000s. Pam and I renewed our wedding vows at St. Philip’s in 2002 in celebration of our 25th anniversary. After Pam’s death in 2008, I had a hard time returning to our church, which held so many dear and sad memories for me. However, in 2013, when I was ready to rejoin the parish, the clergy, staff and parishioners embraced me with understanding, support and friendship. Since 2013, I have served on the St. Philip’s Committee for the Prevention of Gun Violence. It will be an honor to serve on the Vestry.
—Mike Humphrey
Nominees for 1-Year Terms (to complete the terms for recently vacant positions)
I was raised in the northeast, and graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Electrical Engineering. I did my graduate work (MBA) at University of Southern California. My primary career was with Verizon, where I was the Chief Engineer for Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire, and later the VP for Regulatory Affairs in Maine, managing legal and marketing issues. I am also a retired US Army officer. I have served on several boards including a hospital, two churches, a Science and Technology Foundation, an historic building organization, and several choral groups. I organized the establishment of a transitional homeless shelter and served on its board as well. My wife Sally and I split our time between Tucson and Jaffrey, New Hampshire. I was confirmed by Bishop Smith at St. Philip’s in 2010. I sing in the choir, have chaired the Friends of Music and have been a Commissioner for Music and Worship. Our association with St. Philip’s has had great meaning for Sally and me over the past 7 years. I believe I can give back by being an asset to the Vestry sharing my organizational, budgeting and managerial skill sets.
—Bruce Larsen
I was raised in Nashville, Tennessee where I grew up in a smaller Episcopal church where my grandparents were charter members, my father served as Senior Warden, and my Mother led Sunday School. Naturally, I followed in the footsteps assuming various duties including acolyte, lay reader, and thurifer. I am still jokingly asked to serve when I return for a visit. My husband and I moved to Tucson in 2007 and started attending St. Philip’s. Since our two sons were born, we have only increased our participation in parish life. Both boys attend church school and are occasionally found teasing fish in the pond. I have an MBA with an emphasis in small business and non-profit marketing. I work at the University of Arizona managing operations for a computing infrastructure project funded by the National Science Foundation. At St. Philip’s, I currently co-lead the 20s/ 30s/40s group, and assist Friends of Music with their web site. My main interests include growing and strengthen membership in the 20s/30s/40s demographic, and increasing the welcoming feeling for newcomers. St. Philip’s is dear to me and I hope to use my professional talents to help where needed.
—Mary Margaret Sprinkle
Nominees for Convention Delegates
Linda Dewey, Raymond Dewey, Debbie Johnson, Jim Prescott-Smith, and Jane Prescott-Smith have been nominated to serve as delegates to Diocesan Convention 2015 in October.
El Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is an event celebrated in many Latin American countries, particularly in Mexico. The Day of the Dead is a time to remember and honor the deceased and is usually characterized by ofrendas, which are shrines or altars constructed to present offerings to the spirits. Since Dia de los Muertos is considered to be a celebration of eternal life rather than a sad event, ofrendas usually reflect whimsical portrayals of the dead as they were when they were living.
The community is invited to join parishioners at 9 a.m. on Sunday, October 23, to celebrate one of Tucson’s favorite Blessing of the Animals services. The service will be held in the church plaza of St. Philip’s In The Hills Episcopal Church. This observance was begun more than 35 years ago and continues to be one of the most popular events of the church year. It celebrates the loving relationship shared by humans and their pets, with opportunities to give thanks for the blessings animals give to us. Readings and prayers focus on the wonders of our world and our responsibility as humans to be good stewards of God’s creation. All types of animals are welcome at this service. Participants are asked to keep their pets appropriately restrained. (This service does not include communion. The usual Rite II Eucharist will take place in the Church, also at 9 a.m.)
St. Philip’s will celebrate our patron saint on Sunday, May 1. First Sunday Music at the 9 and 11:15 a.m. services will be Missa Gaia (“Earth Mass”) by Paul Winter, presented by St. Philip’s adult choirs with an unusual assortment of instruments. This work is in the genre of New Age/Jazz, which incorporates traditional mass texts as well as English texts — needless to say, it will be very different from our usual First Sunday Music repertoire! Attendees should plan to arrive about 10 minutes before the listed service time so as not to miss any of the music.
The celebration continues with festivities in the Plaza. Sometimes it is good to rediscover yourself, and on St. Philip’s Day, all are invited to do just that. Come enjoy a cookout, fun, fellowship, and games as we come together and take the time to be with each other as the community of St. Philip’s In The Hills Parish. Everyone is welcome at this wonderful event. ($10 person / $25 family)
St. Philip’s J2A (Journey to Adulthood) youth group invites you to a rummage sale on Saturday, April 23, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Treasures galore will be found in the Children’s Center Courtyard, near the north parking lot. Cool stuff in all sizes and price ranges will be available— furniture, household items, decorative accessories, clothes, kids’ toys/games, small appliances, sporting goods, bikes, kitchen items, pottery/china, artwork, books, luggage, and much more! Proceeds from the rummage sale go to support the J2A Pilgrimage in summer 2017.
St. Philip’s is sponsoring a special Lenten retreat day entitled “Discover Your Purpose,” led by the Rev. Dr. Rob Voyle, on Saturday, February 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Here is your opportunity to have your own personal “Day of Discovery,” to look at your own future using the same Appreciative Inquiry process we used at the Parish Day of Discovery last fall. Learn how what you love to do is your spiritual fingerprint; do an Appreciative Inquiry into your own life and discover yourself at your best; discern, from you at your best doing what you love, your core God-given purpose for 
being. The Rev. Dr. Rob Voyle is a leader in the development and use of appreciative coaching. Rob will enhance your ability to delight in yourself, your neighbor, and God through his insightful, practical, loving, professionally grounded, appreciative, and often mischievous coaching and teaching skills. No charge; lunch included. To register click 
Events at St. Philip's 