This past week has been an amazing and wonderful ride; and yet I know that so much of it would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our paid staff, so thank you for all you do. Pulling off so many activities and coordinating the efforts was, as I have previously said, “amazing.”
With so many visitors, especially at the 9:15 a.m. services, I can only hope that we touched at least one, perhaps many more lives with our music, sermons, and joy felt across the campus.
Here are some thoughts and recollections
- The beautiful music from the many talented musicians, choir, and of course all of it under the direction of Woosug (Woosug Kang, Director of Music).
- The teamwork and fun we had at the Maundy Thursday supper; special thanks to Herb and Sylvia Burton for their help and shopping (Vestry member Herb and his wife Sylvia).
The hard work and coordination by Greg Foraker in putting together the all-night reading of Dante’s Inferno (the Rev. Greg Foraker, staff clergy).- The somber and solemn tone of the Good Friday service, and the excellent interpretive reflections from our guest clergy.
- The deeply introspective Easter Vigil on Saturday night, my first time attending this one, a very moving service.
- The magnificent owl that appeared and landed on the cross on top our front entrance as parishioners filed into the Church at 7 p.m. Saturday night. Reminded us of all of God’s magnificent creatures.
- The beautiful flowers on the altar on Easter morning, along with the dawn of a new day … a truly wonderful setting.
- The bright and shining visitors arriving on campus for the first time, all dressed up and looking a bit lost as they found their way … many told me they found us online and decided to come at the last minute.
- Vicki, Bruce, and all who coordinated the outdoor children’s service at 9:15 a.m. … what a great service with an even more calming and peaceful setting in the Children’s Center courtyard (the Rev. Vicki Hesse, staff clergy, and Bruce Phillips, Director of Children and Family Ministries).
- The contributions of so many, who have talent to play an instrument, read a scripture, and make the services so meaningful.
Finally, Holy Week is like a multi-course meal. One course does not satisfy nor does it do the significance of the week justice. The sum of all the events is greater than the individual components.
Sunday helped me realize more than ever the significant role we play, and have the added potential to play, in the Greater Tucson Community.
Peace and love to all.
—Doug Burke, Junior Warden
Good News from St. Philip's 