“Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many… As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you.’” – 1 Corinthians 12:14, 20-21 (NRSV)
Dear People of St. David’s,
I’m writing this letter while accompanying a group of youth into Philadelphia for a service trip called Mission Philadelphia. We’re partnering with Trinity Episcopal Church in Solebury and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Ardmore. Our youth have been engaged in transforming abandoned spaces and supporting urban farming efforts in the West Philadelphia corridor. Over the course of the week, we’ll be working at several locations including St. Barnabas (the Episcopal Community Services Resource Center), West Philly Peace Park, North Philly Peace Park, and Chester Eastside.
This work makes a tangible difference. It helps create safe, welcoming environments in underserved neighborhoods while also providing education to local children about environmental stewardship and healthy living. Trinity has led this initiative for over 30 years, and we’re honored to be joining them for the second time.
St. David’s has a proud tradition of international mission work with our partners in Cuba, Guatemala, and Uganda. We’ve also traveled to places like Alaska, Houston, and New Orleans to support communities recovering from natural disasters. These experiences are invaluable for our youth, allowing them to live out the Gospel by serving those in need.
Yet I want to emphasize: there is also tremendous need right here in our own city. You don’t have to travel far to find people who are hungry, thirsty, or experiencing homelessness. It’s only a few miles down the road.
The work we’re doing this week is physically demanding. However, it’s the kind of labor that leaves you with a sense of deep pride and purpose. It’s transformative not only for the communities we serve, but for us as well. Philadelphia faces serious challenges with food insecurity. Many neighborhoods are “food deserts”, which are urban areas where fresh, affordable, and nutritious food is difficult to access. Our efforts are a small but meaningful step in helping to address that problem.
St. David’s has always been a church committed to looking beyond ourselves to serve others. That spirit of compassion and generosity is a defining part of who we are. We’ve been blessed with resources and abundance, and we take seriously our call to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us. As members of Christ’s body, we are helping to share Christ’s love through hands-on service, bringing light into places where many people feel forgotten.
Please continue to pray for us as we strive to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. We are on a mission to know God in Jesus Christ and to make Christ known to others.
Blessings,
Thomas
The Rev. Thomas Szczerba, Jr.
Associate Rector
Published on June 19, 2025