Lent

Ash Wednesday and Lent at St. Philip’s

ashes3 croppedSt. Philip’s offers four services on Ash Wednesday, February 10. At 7:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist Rite I and Imposition of Ashes; at noon, Holy Eucharist Rite II and Imposition of Ashes; at 5:30 p.m., All-Generations Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes, and at 7 p.m., Sung Eucharist Rite II and Imposition of Ashes.

In addition, the “Ash Mob” from St. Philip’s will be administering “Ashes To Go” at various locations around town: Raging Sage Coffee House on Campbell (8–10 a.m.), Northwest YMCA (9–11 a.m.), Starbucks at Campbell & River (10–11:30 a.m.), the River Walk at Campbell & River on the south side of the river (10–11:30 a.m.).

Ash Wednesday is preceded by the annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 9, at 6 p.m. in the Murphey Gallery. The tradition of eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday comes from the need to use up such ingredients as sugar, fat, and eggs, whose consumption was traditionally restricted during the ritual fasting associated with Lent (“Mardi Gras” is French for “fat Tuesday”). Proceeds from this fun night of fellowship and yummy food ($7 person/$20 family) prepared by the J2A youth and parents go toward the J2A pilgrimage. At 7 p.m. we will transition from Epiphany to Lent with the Burning of the Palms in the Fishpond Garden.

On Wednesdays during Lent, the J2A youth and their parents host Lenten Soup Suppers at 6 p.m. in the Murphey Gallery. Hearty, homemade soups (including a vegetarian option each week), bread, salad and dessert ($7 person/$20 family). Why cook when you can support the J2A pilgrimage, share a Lenten tradition, and enjoy fellowship over a delicious bowl of homemade soup at the same time?

At 6:45 p.m., the Rev. Canon Ted Holt leads an evening class. He invites you to explore sin, evil, and guilt as realities that have affected us all ever since the mythical days of Adam and Eve and that Slippery Serpent. Weaving Biblical, theological, and psychological ways of viewing the themes of sin, evil, and guilt, he will do so in a way that will likely be quite new to you, and along the way expand your understanding of how each functions (as well as malfunctions) in your life and the lives of those around you. The class will end with Close of Day Worship at 7:30 p.m.

Miranda Agnew, trumpetOn Thursdays during Lent, Friends of Music presents noontime recitals beginning at 12:15 p.m. Entitled “Rising Stars in the Next Musical Generation,” the series showcases young high achievers in the Tucson area who will dazzle with their professional polish, maturity and technical prowess. Listen to the newest generation of musicians as they ascend to the professional stage — an entertaining and relaxing way to spend your lunch hour. All concerts are held in the Bloom Music Center. Suggested admission is $10. The series begins on Thursday, February 11, with trumpeter Miranda Agnew performing contemporary classical works. Click here to read more about the series.

rob voyleOn Saturday, February 27, St. Philip’s offers a special Lenten Retreat Day: entitled “Discover Your Purpose” with the Rev. Dr. Rob Voyle. Click here to read more about this offering and to register.

Click here for a schedule of Lenten services, classes, recitals, and other events.

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Thursday Noontime Recital Series

St. Philip’s Friends of Music presents noontime recitals during Lent on Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. beginning February 11, 2016 in the Bloom Music Center. Entitled Rising Stars in the Next Musical Generation, young high achievers in the Tucson area will dazzle with their professional polish, maturity and technical prowess. St. Philip’s Friends of Music proudly showcases the newest generation of musicians. Listen to them as they ascend to the professional stage — an entertaining and relaxing way to spend your lunch hour.

Miranda Agnew, trumpetThe series begins on Thursday, February 11 with Sound the Trumpet: Miranda Agnew, trumpet. A participant in the Arizona All State Concert Band for the past two years, Miranda is a member of the Tucson Jazz Institute’s award-winning Ellington Band, selected for the Essentially Ellington competition in New York City in 2015 where she received special honors. In this concert of contemporary classical music, Miranda will play works by Stevens, Arutunian and Tchaikovsky.

 

Grace Sheppard, guitarOn Thursday, February 18, Guitar Masterpieces: Grace Sheppard, guitar. With international competition acclaim and her own YouTube channel, Grace Sheppard is unsurpassed as an “under 18” soloist and chamber music ensemble performer for guitars and harp. Grace’s program includes works from Rodrigo, Brouwer and Barrios.

 

 

Daniel Rosenberg, baritoneOn Thursday, February 25, The Life of the Wanderer: Daniel Rosenberg, baritone. Daniel Rosenberg began his career as a treble in the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus. He’s had national first place vocal recognition for four years running, plus Best Actor at the National Musical Theater Awards places Daniel in stratospheric musical territory.

 

 

Carissa Powe, violinOn Thursday, March 3, Voice of the Violin: Carissa Powe, violin. Hailed by the Arizona Daily Star for her “warm, rich tone,” at age 16 Carissa Powe is a rising talent not to be missed. Current concertmistress of the Tucson Philharmonia Youth Orchestra, Carissa takes top prizes in local competitions and has been showcased in performances with several regional orchestras, including the Tucson Symphony Orchestra.

 

Cameron Williams, pianoOn Thursday, March 10, 10 Fingers, 88 Keys: Cameron Williams, piano. In only seven years Cameron Williams has become a rising constellation. In addition to winning Tucson Young Composers competitions, his latest public acclaim was performing Saint Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra in 2014. Cameron Williams brings breathtaking interpretive technique and expression to this memorable concert.

Claire Thai, harpThe series concludes on Thursday, March 17 with Glissando! Claire Thai, harp. Internationally recognized harpist Claire Thai fell in love with the harp when she was 2, began lessons at age 5 and never looked back. She has won acclaim locally, nationally and internationally through competitions as one of the most accomplished high school harpists in the U.S.A. She will delight us with virtuosity and her personal musical portrayals of harp repertoire gems.

St. Philip’s is located at 4440 N. Campbell Avenue at River Road. Ample parking is available in the north parking lot. All concerts are held in the Bloom Music Center which is just south down the breezeway from the north parking lot. Suggested admission is $10 to St. Philip’s Friends of Music. Friends of Music provides support to the music program at St. Philip’s, through sponsoring concerts, special musical events, commissions, scholarships, and community outreach programs. For more information click here or call (520) 222-7277.

Lenten Retreat Day: Discover Your Purpose

Listen to the Rev. Dr. Rob Voyle talk about his program.

dod for lentSt. 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 rob voylebeing. 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 here, or call 299-6421 and give your information to the receptionist.

To learn more about the Rev. Dr. Rob Voyle, click here.

Note: this is a separate event from the in-service training for Southern Arizona clergy and other professionals entitled “Teach Them How to Forgive.” For information about that event and to register, click here.

All-Night Reading of Dante’s Inferno: Maundy Thursday Vigil

candlesA tradition on Maundy Thursday is to keep vigil through the night, meditating, praying, and remaining with Christ’s presence, as Peter, James, and John were asked to do in the Garden of Gethsemane. As we have the past six years, St. Philip’s will observe this time of vigil by hosting an all-night reading of Dante’s Inferno. On Maundy Thursday, April 2, beginning at 9 p.m. in the Church, hear the Inferno read the way Dante originally intended. Selected Cantos will be read by parishioners, distinguished poets, eminent translators, visiting scholars, and honored guests. Each half-hour segment will begin with the tolling of the tower bells and will include silent meditation, atmospheric music, and the reading of one Canto. The reading will continue until 10 a.m. on Good Friday. Attendees are welcome to stay for as much of the reading as they would like or to arrive or depart at any time. Other areas of the Church and Columbarium garden are available for prayer and to keep watch throughout the night.

Many St. Philippians will participate as readers, hosts, and musicians. Guest readers for 2015 include Dr. Fabian Alfie, Head, Department of French and Italian, University of Arizona, who is a six-year veteran of the event. Other special guests include Patrick Baliani, playwright, and David Alexander Johnston, a well-known local actor.

dawn in church

Dante’s epic poem the Divine Comedy is an allegorical account of Dante’s journey through the three realms of the dead, during the last three days of Holy Week (which begins with Maundy Thursday) in 1300. The portion entitled the Inferno tells of the journey through Hell, guided by the Roman poet Virgil. Dante’s trip through hell is an inward journey to the dark heart of the human soul.

richard croppedThis annual tradition draws a wide and diverse community. It has become the custom of a United Methodist youth group from Phoenix to arrive in the wee hours of the night and keep watch until the break of dawn. More than 140 attended last year’s Inferno reading and some point during the night, and “meaningful” was a common refrain among the varied reactions to the experience. One participant remarked “Observing the early light of Good Friday through the altar window is too moving to put into words.” Other comments included “It really brought my faith alive,” “I felt a kind of wonder on Maundy Thursday night,” “It was all rather ethereal. Although we were reading about hell, we were experiencing something of heaven,” and “It was an amazing experience.” The format of 30-minute segments enables attendees to participate in the experience on their own terms and find meaning in their own way. This event offers the opportunity to delve more deeply into meditation on the final days of Jesus’s life.

The public is cordially invited to attend. St. Philip’s In The Hills Episcopal Church is located at the northeast corner of River Road and Campbell Avenue (4440 N. Campbell). Ample parking is provided on the church campus at the north or east sides. Security will be on site all night. The office phone number is 299-6421.

Lenten Events

veiling the crossSt. Philip’s offers a full slate of Lenten activities: services, classes, suppers, and recitals, plus other special events. Click here to view the schedule.

Wednesdays: Services, Supper, Classes

On Wednesdays, there is a Rite II Eucharist service at 12:15 p.m. in the Church. Afterwards, at 1 p.m., the Rev. Vicki K. Hesse presents “Spiritual Awakening: the Dynamics of Experiential Faith.” Explore the changing cultural landscape today, discerning what it means to be spiritual, to be religious, and how as Christians today, we might be grace-filled witnesses to the reality we know and experience in God. Each session will include a DVD presentation from theologian Diane Butler Bass to fuel discussion and reflection. Segments include Arriving, Believing, Behaving, Belonging, and Awakening.

At 6 p.m., St. Philip’s J2A youth host a soup and salad supper ($7 person/$20 family). Gather in the Gallery for fellowship and help support the youth group’s pilgrimage.

After supper, at 6:45, we will adjourn to the Church for a Compline service before the evening’s classes begin.

lent cross 2At 7 p.m., there are three class offerings. In the West Gallery, our Rector, the Rev. Canon John Kitagawa, leads “Episcopal 101,” a journey of discovery about the Episcopal Church. Learn about the basics of the Episcopal Church tradition:  history, theology and spirituality, liturgy (worship), music, and decision-making.  There will be many opportunities to ask questions and enter into dialogue.

In the La Paz room, the Rev. Greg Foraker and Rabbi Helen Cohn of Congregation M’kor Hayim present “Interfaith Cooperation: Coming Together to Change the World,” exploring what it means to be a faithful person in an interfaith world. Group discussion and reflection will be fueled by DVD presentations with interfaith commentator Eboo Patel investigating what it means to be “literate” about other faiths, how interfaith cooperation “works” and why, the skills needed for interfaith cooperation, and the significant role that our faith communities play in this process.

And in La Parroquia, the 20s/30s/40s/50s group explores Lenten traditional practices in preparation for Easter. This series is designed for younger adults who may be working on establishing new family traditions or may feel unfulfilled with their current Lenten rituals. Topics include the tradition of fasting for spiritual enrichment and the biblical origins of this practice; the call to volunteer service (including an in-house volunteer project); different forms of prayer and why they can lead us into different spiritual journeys; why we are called to worship as a community and how it enriches our spiritual paths; and Stations of the Cross, visiting each station and exploring through small group discussion the importance of these stations.

Thursdays: Noontime Recitals

On Thursdays during Lent, Friends of Music presents noontime recitals beginning at 12:15 p.m. An array of talented local instrumentalists and vocalists will provide forty minutes or so of music — an entertaining and relaxing way to spend your lunch hour. All concerts are held in the Bloom Music Center. Suggested admission is $10.

Mitchell Sturges smThe series begins on Thursday, February 19, with “Settings of the Masters’ Words.” Hailed for his commitment to exploring a vast array of song repertoire and his special passion for American song, tenor Mitchell Sturges with pianist Woan Ching Lim will perform settings of texts by James Joyce and William Shakespeare.

On Thursday, February 26, Skyline Flutes presents French Flute Fantasy: music by French composers, and American in Paris. This all-star flute quartet consists of founder Jerry Ervin, Fran Moskovitz, Christine Harper, and Sandy Schwoebel.

Skyline Flutes sm

gus woodrow smOn Thursday, March 5, guitarist Gus Woodrow presents masterpieces for guitar. Inspired at age 7 by music of the Beatles, Augustus Woodrow began playing the guitar and never stopped to look back. At 19, he has already earned top prizes in regional competitions. Do not let this opportunity pass to hear a major developing talent at the start of a promising career.

On Thursday, March 12, Nancy Monsman, cello; Kevin Justus, clarinet; and Elise Jackendoff, piano, perform Beethoven’s Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 11 for Clarinet, Cello and Piano and Schumann’s Fantasy Pieces for Cello and Piano. Was Schumann responding to the voice of Beethoven, creating a complicated musical dialogue between two masters?

Sheryll McManusOn Thursday, March 19, Sheryll McManus, piano, presents “Gems of Bach/Petri, Beethoven, and Liszt.” A former pianist of the St. Louis Symphony and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Sheryll brings riveting stage presence and keyboard mastery.

elena laurel smThe series concludes on Thursday, March 26, with “De-Lovely Duets!” presented by Tre Amici: Laurel Decker, mezzo-soprano; Elena Todd, soprano; and Marie Sierra, piano. The concert includes duets by Brahms, Massenet, Delibes, Guastavino, Britten, Balfe, and Irving Berlin … sure to be … De-Lovely!

Interfaith Retreat Weekend

The Rev. Dr. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook

The Rev. Dr. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook

A special Interfaith Spring Retreat Weekend, “Exploring the Pilgrimage of Life,” on March 20–22 is hosted jointly by St. Philip’s and Temple Emanu-El, with retreat leader the Rev. Dr. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook. Click here for more information.

Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, and Lent at St. Philip’s

palm burningThe annual Shrove Tuesday celebration is Tuesday, February 17, at 6:15 p.m. in the Gallery. Celebrate with a FEAST of jambalaya, chicken, and waffles! Don’t miss this great night of great food by the J2A youth and parents. $7 person/$20 family. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

At 7 p.m. we will transition from Epiphany to Lent with our Night Prayer and Burning of the Palms service. Begins in the Gallery and flows into the Fishpond Garden.

On Ash Wednesday, February 18, St. Philip’s offers four services. Holy Eucharist Rite I and Imposition of Ashes will be at 7:30 a.m. and Holy Eucharist Rite II with Imposition of Ashes will be at noon. At 5:30 p.m. there will be an All-Generations Ash Wednesday service (no Eucharist), and at 7 p.m. the St. Philip’s Singers will lead a Sung Eucharist Rite II with Imposition of Ashes.

ashes3

In addition, the “Ash Mob” from St. Philip’s will be administering ashes at various locations around town: Starbucks on River at Campbell: 7:30am to 11:30am; Northwest YMCA: 9am to 11am; Raging Sage Coffee Shop: 8am to 10am; Rillito River Path, across from Trader Joe’s on Campbell (on the south side of the river): 1:30pm to 4:00pm.

On Thursdays during Lent, Friends of Music presents noontime recitals beginning at 12:15 p.m. An array of talented local instrumentalists and vocalists will provide forty minutes or so of music — an entertaining and relaxing way to spend your lunch hour. All concerts are held in the Bloom Music Center. Suggested admission is $10. The series begins on Thursday, February 19, with “Settings of the Masters’ Words.” Hailed for his commitment to exploring a vast array of song repertoire and his special passion for American song, tenor Mitchell Sturges with pianist Woan Ching Lim will perform settings of texts by James Joyce and William Shakespeare. Click here to read more about the series, as well as services, classes, suppers, and other events (click here for a complete schedule).

Click here to read about the special Interfaith Spring Retreat Weekend sponsored by St. Philip’s and Temple Emanu-El.

Spring Retreat Weekend: Exploring the Pilgrimage of Life

The Rev. Dr. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook

The Rev. Dr. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook, Retreat Leader

For a printable schedule of this weekend’s activities, click here.

St. Philip’s In The Hills Episcopal Church and Temple Emanu-El join to offer a special Spring Retreat Weekend entitled “Exploring the Pilgrimage of Life” on Friday, March 20, through Sunday, March 22. The Rev. Dr. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook will lead this weekend for growth, renewal, and community building. Pilgrimage is both an ancient and modern spiritual practice for Christian and Jews, calling each pilgrim to a deeper awareness of life, God, and community. This life-changing spiritual practice lies deep in the heart of many cultures and nearly every major religion of the world. Explore the pilgrimage of your life through this unique interfaith opportunity. The weekend includes opportunities for shared worship, shared meals, and teachings by the Rev. Dr. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook.

Friday, March 20, 7:30 p.m.: We will gather for the Shabbat service at Temple Emanu-El, with the Rev. Dr. Sheryl-Kujawa-Holbrook offering reflections on the Torah portion from the bimah to open our weekend together.

Saturday, March 21, 8:30 a.m.: The day begins with breakfast at St. Philip’s, followed at 9 by the morning talk, entitled “The Way of the Heart.” We will explore the archetypal senses of pilgrims and pilgrimage. It is through our hearts that we experience divine love and renewal.

Saturday, March 21, 12:00 noon: We will continue with a vegetarian potluck lunch at Temple-Emanu-El and the Rabbi’s Tish with the Rev. Dr. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook. Bring a dairy or vegetarian dish to share. The afternoon teaching, “The Journey Home,” explores belonging, pilgrimage, and the journey home. Integral to pilgrimage is the journey home and the pilgrims’ need to integrate the life they have lived with new insights gained as they return as changed persons.

Sunday, March 22, 7:45, 9, or 11:15 a.m.: At all three morning services at St. Philip’s, the Rev. Dr. Sheryl-Kujawa-Holbrook will offer reflections on where we go from here as pilgrims and community partners.

Our retreat leader, the Rev. Dr. Sheryl A. Kujawa-Holbrook, is vice president of academic affairs and dean of the faculty, and professor of practical theology and religious education at Claremont School of Theology, and professor of Anglican Studies at Bloy House, the Episcopal Theological School at Claremont. She is an Episcopal priest of the diocese of Los Angeles and was the national youth officer for the Episcopal Church for ten years. She is widely published, with a special interest in the intersection of spirituality with social justice and interreligious education. Having spent the last 25 years focused on the movement toward anti-racist multiculturalism in faith communities, Kujawa-Holbrook hopes to expand that work to include greater participation in the interreligious movement.

Suggested retreat donation of $25.00 helps underwrite this event. Scholarship assistance is available. Childcare will be provided. To register and reserve your place for this transformative weekend, contact the Rev. Greg Foraker at St. Philip’s or Rabbi Batsheva Appel at Temple Emanu-El.

St. Philip’s is located at 4440 N. Campbell Avenue at River Road. The office phone number is 299-6421. Temple Emanu-El is located at 225 North Country Club Road. The office phone is 327-4501.