Bach Marathon

kangOn Saturday, February 28, 2015 starting at 10:00 a.m. in the Church, St. Philip’s Friends of Music presents the annual Bach Marathon, a celebration of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. At 10:00 a.m., organists Woosug Kang and Jeffrey Campbell present “Darkness and Light”, an exploration of major and minor key organ works. Woosug Kang will perform several prelude and fugue pieces in minor keys (“darkness”). Then Jeffrey Campbell will perform several prelude and fugue works in major keys to bring the “light” into this concert. The program will include the mentally and physically challenging Dorian, the giant “Wedge,” the dramatic Fantasia and Fugue in G minor, and many others to achieve the true feeling of “marathon” on the Holtkamp organ.

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The morning concert follows with “Bach’s lunch.” Lunches may be ordered before the morning concert.

 

marshallContinuing at 2:00 p.m., famed organist Dr. Kimberly Marshall will present “Handel and Bach, Cosmopolitans of the Organ”. The Largo from Handel’s Xerxes, two adaptations of Handel’s music by Alexandre Guilmant, and Bach’s Passacaglia in C Minor complement the program.

 

On Sunday morning, March 1, at the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services, the St. Philip’s Singers, soloists, and Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Woosug Kang will present Bach’s uplifting Cantata No. 4 “Christ lag in Todesbanden” in the context of the liturgy. Dr. Jeffrey Campbell will perform organ music of Bach. Because some of the music will be used as prelude, it is suggested that you arrive 10 minutes before the listed service time.

The suggested concert admission is $25 per person for either only morning session or only afternoon session; $40 for both; $10 Bach’s Lunch. The mission of Friends of Music is to enrich the musical experience of the parish and community through events such as concerts, outreach, education, scholarships, commissions, and support of special musical events. For more information click here or call 520.222.7277.

St. Philip’s is located at 4440 N. Campbell Avenue at River Road. Ample parking is available in the north parking lot or under our solar parking structure on the east side. The Friends of Music phone number is (520) 222-7277.

 

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Organist and choral conductor Woosug Kang is the Director of Music at St. Philip’s In The Hills Episcopal Church in Tucson where he leads a large and vibrant music program with six adult-, children’s- and mixed voice choral ensembles. He is responsible for all musical activities including the First Sunday Music Series, where major choral works with orchestra are performed within the liturgy monthly. Mr. Kang guides the largest Royal School of Church Music training program for young choristers in the Southwestern US. Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, Mr. Kang is a candidate for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in organ performance at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Mr. Kang received his Masters of Music Degree from Yale University and has also served as an adjunct faculty member at The University of Arizona School of Music, where he instructed students in organ performance.

Jeffrey Campbell has distinguished himself throughout North America as an organ recitalist, choral conductor, and clinician. A graduate of both the University of British Columbia and Northwestern University in Chicago, Dr. Campbell has specialized in the interpretation of Bach’s organ and choral music, as well as English and French romantic repertoire. Since August 2001, he has been associate music director and principal organist at the Episcopal Church of St. Philips in the Hills, Tucson. Recent engagements have included performances on the Fritts instrument at Arizona State University, and the Schoenstein organ at the University of Arizona.

Dr. Kimberly Marshall is a Full Professor at the Arizona State University School of Music where she oversees the graduate organ studio and presides over the Paul Fritts instrument. Dr. Marshall also maintains an active career as a concert organist, performing regularly in Europe, the US and Asia. Dr. Marshall’s compact disc recordings feature music of the Italian and Spanish Renaissance, French Classical and Romantic periods, and works by J.S. Bach. Her current CD celebrates the music of Arnolt Schlick on the 500th anniversary of its publication (2012).

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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.

Interfaith Memorial Service Commemorating January 8 Shootings

candles

Candles placed in the Baptistry at St. Philip’s commemorating the six who were killed and the fourteen who were injured on January 8, 2011. Photo by Greta Huls.

Service bulletin

On January 8, 2015, the four-year anniversary of the shootings in Tucson in which six were killed and fourteen others injured, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, St. Philip’s In The Hills Episcopal Church will host a special interfaith prayer service at 7 p.m. in the Murphey Gallery. The service will include prayers and readings from a variety of faiths and cultures, augmented with musical meditations. Mayor Jonathan Rothschild and guest readers from the Tucson community will lead us to consider ways we are in community with one another, moving to hope and action. The service is being sponsored by St. Philip’s Committee for the Prevention of Gun Violence.

All in the Tucson community are invited to attend.

St. Philip’s is located at 4440 N. Campbell Avenue at River Road. Ample parking is available in the north parking lot or under our solar parking structure on the east side. The office phone number is 299-6421.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Services

St. Philip’s In The Hills is a large Episcopal church on the northeast corner of River Road and Campbell Avenue, with a beautiful Joesler-designed structure and lovely grounds. We offer special services and other events throughout the Advent season (for a full listing click here).

church with wreath

A large number of people attend services on Christmas Eve. We offer five services on Christmas Eve and one on Christmas Day. Services are approximately one hour in length except for the Children’s Service, which is about a half-hour.

live nativity 2The 4 p.m. service on Christmas Eve is a communion service especially designed for toddlers and preschoolers and their families. Music will feature the Cherub Choir (young children’s choir) and the Choir Chimes. Attendees are invited to bring Baby Jesus from their home crèche (Nativity Set) to be blessed. The service is followed by a live Nativity scene in the church plaza, reenacted by children and a young family from St. Philip’s.

At 5:20 p.m., music begins, which leads into an All-Generations Eucharist at 5:30 p.m. This is a Holy Eucharist service for school-aged children and their families. Music is provided by the St. Nicholas Choir (children and youth choir), with trumpet, handbells, and organ, as well as congregational carol singing. The Chalice Players, a group of youth, will dramatize the Christmas story.

creche

The 7 p.m. Candlelit Eucharist with Carols is preceded by music beginning at 6:50. This quiet, reflective Choral Eucharist service is rooted in our ancient Anglican tradition. It includes carols sung by the Schola Cantorum; also the St. Philip’s ringers, harp, and popular carols for congregational singing.

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The 9 and 11 p.m. Festival Eucharist services begin with music 10 minutes before the hour. The service music is Haydn’s St. Nicholai Mass, scored for choir, soloists, and chamber orchestra. There will also be handbells and popular carols for congregational singing. The 11 p.m. service includes incense.

from back

On Christmas Day, congregational carol singing preceding the 11 a.m. service begins at 10:50, followed by the Feast of the Nativity, which is a Holy Eucharist Rite II service with choir and well-loved congregational carols.

xmas day

The public is cordially invited to attend. Worshippers on Christmas Eve should be aware that they will be waiting in line outdoors and should dress accordingly. Those who want to minimize waiting in line may wish to consider attending the less crowded services, at 4, 5:30, or 11 p.m. or on Christmas Day. We welcome everyone seeking to celebrate the birth of Jesus by worshipping with us.

St. Philip’s is located at 4440 N. Campbell Avenue at River Road. The main parking lot is to the north of the Church. Although there will be security on site, it is advisable not to leave belongings in vehicles. For more information about St. Philip’s, please click here.

Advent at St. Philip’s

Advent is often described as a season of waiting. Advent waiting is not passive, because this is a time of year pregnant with anticipation!

St. Philip’s has many special services and other events during Advent! Click here for a schedule in pdf form. The Advent Festival of Lights Service on December 2 and the Advent Quiet Day on December 6 are described below.

candles 1Advent kicks off with the annual Advent Festival of Lights Service, on Tuesday, December 2, at 6:30 p.m. This annual candlelit service seeks to illuminate the feminine face of God, with a theme this year of “Expecting Joy” and a focus on anticipating the joy of God’s works in us. The service will feature readings, prayers, instrumental music, and congregational singing. Prior to the service, beginning at 5:30 p.m., a light-fare potluck dinner will take place in the Murphey Gallery at St. Philip’s. A freewill offering will benefit Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse.  Emerge! provides domestic abuse crisis intervention and housing, prevention and education, and support and advocacy services to women and children.  Emerge! is the largest domestic abuse shelter and provider of domestic abuse prevention programs in Southern Arizona. The service ends with a candlelit procession into the garden.

teresaOn Saturday, December 6, St. Philip’s will host an Advent Quiet Day entitled “Teresa of Avila: Mentor for the Ages.” The retreat begins at 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., and includes lunch. This spacious and renewing day will include talks, prayer, music and time for reflection and contemplation.

Teresa of Jesus, OCD, known by many as Teresa of Avila, was a prominent 16th century Spanish mystic, saint, Carmelite nun, theologian, and church reformer. Through the past 500 years, the faithful across countless Christian traditions have been inspired by Teresa’s life of prayer and reform. In 2015, a group of St. Philip’s will begin a Pilgrimage to Spain in Avila, exploring her spirituality in the place of her birth. This day will appeal to all who yearn for an intentional day of spirituality in the midst of the Advent Season. Pilgrims planning to travel to Spain in 2015 will also find this day inspiring. (To learn more about the  pilgrimage to Spain, click here.)

  • Morning Retreat Talk: Teresa’s Life: Guideposts for a Whole and Happy Life. This talk will offer a brief history of Teresa’s life and Ministry, explore the universal Christian appeal of her writings and practices, and consider the many titles by which Teresa has come to be known and revered.
  • Afternoon Retreat Talk: Teresa and Prayer: The Call to Carmel Is a Call to Prayer. This talk will explore the centrality of Teresa’s contemplative prayer practice.

This Advent day of prayer and reflection will be led by the Rev. Dr. Ivan Cormac Marsh, O. Carm, a Carmelite priest of the Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary since 1978 and now residing in Tucson. Over the years, Father Ivan has been involved in parish ministry, Carmelite retreat ministry and as spiritual director. Father Ivan lectures, gives retreats to laity and clergy around the United States, and has taught also in Canada in the area of spiritual direction.

$25.00 retreat fee includes materials and lunch. Contact the Rev. Greg Foraker or call 299-6421 to register.

Thanksgiving Service and Dinner

thanksgiving table 3At 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 24, we will gather to thank God for the blessings of our lives. The Rev’d Robert J. Hendrickson III, St. Philip’s Rector, will preach.

Afterwards, join your St. Philip’s family and friends for our annual Thanksgiving dinner in the Murphey Gallery. The Parish Life Ministry will provide the turkeys and wine. Please come and bring one of the following dishes for 8 to 10 guests, based on your last name: A-G desserts, H-P salads, R-Z vegetables. And, mindful of those less fortunate, please also bring a nonperishable food item for the St. Philip’s Food Pantry.

You can let us know how many are in your party and what you will bring by calling the office at 299-6421 or sending an email to Parish Life.

Bring your friends and come share delicious food and good company!

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thanksgiving table tgiving-setup-team

Kirking o’ the Tartans

bagpipes processionThe “Kirking o’ the Tartans” will be celebrated at St. Philip’s In The Hills Episcopal Church on Sunday, November 23, at the 9 and 11:15 a.m. services. The Tucson Highlanders, a pipe band dedicated to the music of the great Highland bagpipes and Scottish-style drumming, will head the procession to and from the church on that day.

Scottish and nae-Scottish parishioners and visitors are encouraged to wear their tartans to this service. They will be invited forward at the conclusion of the service to have their tartans blessed.

tartan blessing

Kirking o’ the Tartans is said to have originated during the 18th century, when the English rulers attempted to subdue rebellious Scottish people by prohibiting them from wearing tartans, symbols of their clans and family solidarity. Some hid wee bits of their tartans under their clothes and had them blessed at church. However apocryphal this tale, St. Philip’s uses this occasion to celebrate the Scottish heritage of the Episcopal Church. The Scottish Episcopal Church is important in our history because it is independent of the Church of England. This allowed the consecration of the first Episcopal bishop in the fledgling United States, Samuel Seabury, in 1784, because it took place in Scotland and thus he did not have to swear allegiance to the British crown. As a result, the Communion rite adopted by the Episcopal Church in 1790 was closely based on the Scottish liturgy, rather than the English. At the services on November 23, the Eucharistic Prayer will come from the Scottish Prayer Book.

bagpipes

The public is cordially invited to attend. A freewill offering will be collected.

St. Philip’s is located at 4440 N. Campbell Avenue at River Road. Ample parking is available in the north parking lot or under our solar parking structure on the east side. The office phone number is 299-6421.

Blessing of the Animals

bless of animals1The community is invited to join parishioners at 9 a.m. on Sunday, November 9, 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.)

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The public is cordially invited to attend the service. A freewill offering will be collected.

bless of animals3St. Philip’s is located at 4440 N. Campbell Avenue at River Road. Ample parking is available in the north parking lot, or under our solar parking structure on the east side. The office phone number is 299-6421.

bless of animals4

All Souls’ Memorial Service

On Sunday, November 2, we will celebrate All Souls’ Day with a special Memorial Eucharist at 5:30 p.m. In the Anglican Communion, All Souls’ Day is the traditional time to remember loved ones who have died. Particular attention will be given to remembering those who have died within the past two years, but we will celebrate all of our loved ones enjoying eternal life in the nearer presence of God. We invite families to remember their loved ones by lighting one of the votive candles found outside the church door prior to the service and placing it on the altar. The service concludes with a candlelit procession into the Columbarium Garden for prayers around the ofrenda.

all souls procession 12

An ofrenda is a shrine or altar constructed to present offerings to the spirits, used in conjunction with El Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. This event is celebrated in many Latin American countries, particularly in Mexico, and is a time to remember and honor the deceased. 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. St. Philip’s invites you to remember your departed loved ones by contributing to an ofrenda, which will be set up in the Columbarium Garden at St. Philip’s through November 2. Photographs, meaningful objects, and memorabilia are all suitable offerings. Objects may be placed on the ofrenda any time the office is open (Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

all souls ofrenda 2012

After the All Souls’ Memorial Service, the celebration of life continues with a festive reception in the Perry Garden.