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.
A large number of people attend services on Christmas Eve. We offer five services on Christmas Eve (3:30, 5, 7, 9, and 11 p.m.) and two on Christmas Day (7:45 and 10 a.m.). Services are approximately one hour in length.
At 3:20 p.m., music begins, which leads into the 3:30 p.m. Family Eucharist Service, a communion service especially designed for toddlers and preschoolers and their families. Participants will reenact the Christmas story, based on a story by Jerome W. Berryman. Music will feature the Cherub and St. Cecilia Choirs (young children’s choirs), with organ and trumpet. 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 4:50 p.m., music begins, which leads into a Family Eucharist Service at 5 p.m., a Holy Eucharist service for school-aged children and their families. Participants will reenact the Christmas story, based on a story by Jerome W. Berryman. Music is provided by the St. Cecilia Choir and St. Nicholas Choir (children’s and youth choirs), with trumpet, handbells, and organ, as well as congregational carol singing.
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 the Anglican Lessons & Carols tradition. It includes carols sung by the St. Nicholas Choir and Schola Cantorum; also harp and popular carols for congregational singing.
The 9 and 11 p.m. Festival Eucharist services begin with music 10 minutes before the hour. The service music is Sparrow Mass, K. 220, by W. A. Mozart, scored for choir, soloists, and chamber orchestra. There will also be handbells and popular carols for congregational singing. The 11 p.m. service includes the lavish use of incense, as a reflection of the birth of Christ as one of the moments in which history broke open and the world became something new.
As we mark the coming of Divine Love among us in the form of a babe, the Crèche draws our eye not only to one baby’s reality but to the very human realities of countless others to whom God would draw our eyes — those without home, hope, or haven. With that in mind and in heart, St. Philip’s will give the monies we collect tonight to serve children in need in our community. This is an act of faith, hope, and love. Please be generous with your offerings.
On Sunday, Christmas Day, there will be a Rite I Eucharist at 7:45 a.m. Congregational carol singing beginning at 9:50 a.m. will precede the 10 a.m. Feast of the Nativity, which is a Holy Eucharist Rite II service with choir and well-loved congregational carols.
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 3:30, 5, 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 see http://www.stphilipstucson.org.
Events at St. Philip's 