Dear People of St. David’s,
On August 1, it will mark the two-year anniversary of my family’s time here at St. David’s. It’s been an amazing two years, and we love being in this community of God’s people. There are many things that make St. David’s a special place, but what I have observed is that there are two hallmark characteristics that make it special. The first, is our pastoral care and how we care for one another through emotional and spiritual support. This community shows up for one another when they are dealing with a crisis, and when they are experiencing suffering and pain. We have a network of committed parishioners who are genuinely interested in building up the body of Christ through prayer, compassion, and love. Our pastoral care ministries are robust: prayer companions, caring meals, driving angels, eucharistic visitors, Monday Morning Flowers, Needleworks Guild, and Walking the Mourner’s Path. I encourage you to explore these ministries more on our website by clicking here.
The second characteristic that makes St. David’s so unique is our outreach ministries. We have partnerships with many local organizations and churches in our area, as well as three international partners in Cuba, Guatemala, and Uganda. We are committed to growing the Kingdom of God through service to others. Every year, we make financial gifts to our partners in support of their work. We can do this because of the proceeds generated from the St. David’s Annual Church Fair and the Gift Shop & Art Gallery at St. David’s. However, if it weren’t for the many volunteers in our church community who are committed to helping others, we wouldn’t be able to do this. It’s amazing to witness! When we are all united in the love of God, we can share it with others.
On Saturday, Elliot VanHoy, our director of youth ministry, and I, will lead a group of youth into Philadelphia for a service trip called Mission Philadelphia. We are partnering with Trinity Episcopal Church in Solebury. The youth will do some urban farming and help transform abandoned spaces in the West Philadelphia Corridor. We will be working in a few locations, St. Barnabas (Episcopal Community Services Resource Center), West Philly Peace Park, Pearl St. Orchard & Garden, and North Philly Peace Park. This work helps provide concentrated, substantive advances in developing safe, inviting places for underserved neighborhoods, while also educating the area children on the environment and healthy living. Trinity has been leading this mission for 30 years and we are grateful to partner with them.
These two characteristics of St. David’s are part of our identity as the Body of Christ in Wayne, PA. As we continue to grow and move in the love of God, it’s our duty to let the light of Christ shine in us as we minister to those in need, and as we serve others. It’s a blessing and a gift to be able to do this work at St. David’s.
See you in church!
Blessings,
The Rev. Thomas Szczerba
Associate Rector
Published June 27, 2024