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.
St. Philip’s In The Hills 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.).
The ofrenda will be used in conjunction with St. Philip’s All Souls’ Day memorial service on November 2. In the Anglican Communion, All Souls’ Day is the traditional time to remember loved ones who have died. On Wednesday, November 2, we will celebrate All Souls’ Day with a special Memorial Eucharist at 7:00 p.m. 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. Afterwards, the celebration of life continues with a festive reception.
For more information, please contact Stella Lopez (299-6421 or stella.lopez@stphilipstucson.org). 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 Columbarium Garden is located to the west of the main Church building. The office phone is 299-6421.
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 