Kathy Lautz
EDITOR’S NOTE: A church community is created when people gather together for the love of God. At the same time, Saint Philip’s is comprised of many people who represent different ages, life experiences, and world views.
The “In conversation…” series is one attempt to create possibilities for connection between the different people in our community. As varied as we all are, there are also similarities and mutual interests waiting to be discovered. And there is one thing we all share: a desire to know God and be in relationship with him.
This week’s conversation is with parishioner and volunteer Kathy Lautz.
How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
I arrived in Tucson in June of 2019 so ever since then.
What brought you to the parish?
My niece, Chelsea Bayley, and her family are parishioners so it was natural that I investigate.
What about Saint Philip’s appeals to you?
The music primarily. But also the friendships I’ve made.
How are you involved in the parish?
I sing in the choir. When I sing I feel a connection to God. Singing gives me a channel to spirituality that is personal and meaningful.
Were you raised in a faith tradition?
I was. My parents decided to go to Japan shortly after I was born; they were missionaries in Japan and we had church at home.
My faith has been a part of me since I was a toddler. I have a picture of me and my square haircut with my mother kneeling outside my crib prayer before bedtime. That’s how I grew up. I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t a Christian.
There were periods of my life—such as during college—when I didn’t attend church but I always found my way back.
How long did you live in Japan?
I lived there through high school graduation and then came to America for college. My family stayed until 1973—one year after my father died.
Did you learn Japanese fluently?
Yes. We spoke English at home but everyone learned Japanese, too. I was fortunate to start my immersion while in nursery care as a toddler. That let me reap the benefit of being with Japanese ladies for six hours a day. My accent was always better than my parents’.
How did your time in Japan influence you?
As I’ve gotten older, it’s diminished a bit but I still find myself bowing quite often. Whenever I enter or leave a room, I bow. And it took me a long time to learn how to smile showing my teeth. Oh - and hugging is also something I had to become familiar with.
What did you do professionally before you retired?
My last job was at an electronics firm. I was the Office & Human Resources Manager, as well as the accountant.
But before that I went to cooking school and worked at a restaurant. Later I catered with a couple of my cooking school friends.
When my husband decided to be a plumbing contractor, I helped him in that business. We did that until he died by suicide in 2001.
I made a conscious decision not to keep it a secret about how he died. That would make his death even harder for me.
What’s something you’re grateful for?
The cultural experience I had in Japan. It taught me that there is an incredible variety of people and how to do things—and what other people think is the correct way to do things. I’m grateful to have a keen appreciation for that.
What do you do just for fun?
I read a lot. I subscribe to The New York Times, The Atlantic, and The Washington Post.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I don’t have a TV. And everytime I think of getting one, I watch TV at a friend’s house and realize it’s not for me.
The Romans kept their populations busy—and under control. They gave them bread and entertainment!
What’s one of your guiding principles?
To try and have an open mind. I’m good at that sometimes. Other times not so much.
Nobody has all the answers and it’s ok not to know. I still remember when I learned that. I was a child and asked my father a theological question. He told me he didn’t know the answer. That was the first time I received permission not to know something.
What’s one of your fundamental values?
Hospitality. I learned how important this is from my mother.
I’m not shy; I’ll talk to anyone to try and make them feel comfortable.
What’s one of your super powers?
I like the under-dog and am a fierce advocate for people who might not ask for help but are grateful to receive it.
What’s something new you would like to try?
I wish I knew how to line dance. At some point I might make it to the Maverick.
What’s something about you that might surprise people?
I traveled the country by myself for 18 months in my RV. There were two specific places I wanted to visit.
The University of Austin held a symposium about Japanese food. It was free so I figured that would be my first stop.
The second thing to visit was the Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans. My youngest brother joined me for a bit, too.
There are lots of other stories during my time traveling the country...!
Missed an interview? All previous interviews can be found on Saint Philip’s website under the “About Us” tab. Click here to visit that page.