Steve Wafler
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 Steve Wafler.
How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
Since 2006 with a pause during COVID when my wife Anna and I were in Minnesota. She died on All Saints Days in 2021 and I moved to Tucson full-time this fall.
What brought you to Tucson?
Anna and I traveled in an RV every summer. We drove all over the country and visited every state except two: Mississippi and Louisiana. One of our nieces lived in Tucson with her husband so we came to visit her one year—and loved it. After I retired, we visited Tucson every winter.
What about Saint Philip’s appeals to you?
I love to sing so it was the music program—and the liturgy—initially. But now it’s also the people I’ve met and become friends with.
Were you raised in a faith tradition?
When I was born, my family was part of the Evangelical United Brethren Church which eventually merged with the Methodist Church to become the United Methodist Church. We left long before that merger though.
My father had a gorgeous voice and sang at various churches until we landed at First Cathedral. In Minnesota there are two cathedrals and this one was in my home town of only 20,000 people.
I went to confirmation classes, my family became Episcopalians, and my father became a deacon and eventually a Canon of the Cathedral.
How are you involved in the parish?
I sing in the Adult Choir and the Scola Cantorum, and I’m involved with the Rising Stars concerts.
What’s something you appreciate about Saint Philip’s choir?
How dedicated the members are. We work extremely hard and everyone shows up for the rigorous weekly practices. There are choristers who have participated for many, many years. And it’s fun watching the younger ones mature. The youth choir is fantastic!
How would you describe Saint Philip’s to someone unfamiliar with the parish?
It’s robust! I’m amazed at how many activities go on here. So many groups use the buildings and campus. The other thing I would say is that many people give their time and talent to all those activities. I appreciate that very much.
What did you do professionally?
I taught elementary school in inner city Minneapolis for 30 years. Everything from kindergarten through 8th grade—but the majority of my time was spent teaching 1st and 2nd graders. And most of my time was spent teaching special education children.
What do you do for fun?
Two passions are hiking and gardening. I also love to read (mysteries and science fiction) and travel.
Where will your next trip take you?
I’m going on the UK residency next summer and afterward I’ll visit relatives in Greece and veg out on one of the islands.
What’s one of your guiding principles?
Faith is not about everything turning out ok. Faith is about accepting how things turn out.
My wife and I always had the philosophy that if something was meant to be, it would work out.
What’s one of your super powers?
I’m a compromiser.
How is that a super power?
The benefit of being able to compromise—or help facilitate a compromise—is that I help people. Or at least help them continue to talk to each other.
My brother and dad would have lots of philosophical arguments. I experienced the same thing in education. Regardless of the context, when people disagree they often stop seeing the other person’s whole being and focus only on the “other.” That doesn’t help anyone.
What’s a particularly special memory?
My wife was noted for her cookies. We used to have two freezers and one was devoted only for her cookies.
Anna died during COVID so we couldn’t have a reception after her memorial service. One of her friends helped me go through Ana’s 100+ cookie recipes. We gave four of the recipes to a caterer who baked and packaged them. We shared them with everyone who attended Anna’s service.
What have I not asked that I should know?
I’m 76 and my knees hurt. But aside from that I feel young and spry!
What’s something new on your horizon?
I plan to take a course at the Saguaro National Park West to be a trail guide. It will let me combine my passion for hiking with my love of teaching.
If you knew you couldn’t fail, what’s something you’d like to try?
Something artistic. I’ve always been afraid of not doing art well enough. I’d like to be able to draw—even if it’s just pencil sketches.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I am always on the look out for some small obscure organization that has a really good cause but doesn’t have a lot of funding. I donate to established nonprofits too but I really love helping unknown causes—especially when they help people get on their feet. For example, I donate clothes to groups who help people emerging from homelessness so they can go on interviews to find work. When I moved from Minnesota to Tucson full-time,I gave my furniture to a nonprofit that helps people set up their first apartments.
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.