The congregation of St. Philip-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Oreland, Pennsylvania, held its last worship services in its former church building in May 2016. Now, nearly 10 years later, that building’s legacy lives on in a new effort to support outreach ministries across the Diocese of Pennsylvania.
The Philadelphia-based diocese, using proceeds from the sale of the former St. Philip-in-the-Fields property, is distributing $130,000 to support various local ministries, with a particular focus on food assistance and emergency items for families in need.
“The diocese received a generous offer [to purchase the former church], and we are grateful that the ministry of St. Philip’s continues to give life to those in need,” Bishop Daniel Gutiérrez said in a message to the diocese.
He also thanked the congregation of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Glenside, which merged with St. Philip-in-the-Fields a decade ago, making the property sale possible.
The diocese has distributed $260,000 from the proceeds of the sale — $130,000 to the merged congregation at St. Peter’s and the other $130,000 divided among the diocese’s 10 regional deaneries, allowing each deanery to devote $13,000 to supporting ministries serving low-income residents. Additionally, the diocese previously distributed $5,000 to each deanery this year from the bishop’s discretionary account.
“I offer my deep gratitude to all who continue to feed, clothe, and pray for our neighbors in need. Your witness to God’s love is seen and felt across our communities. Let us never forget that Jesus taught us divine and genuine compassion,” Gutiérrez said.
His message listed at least 73 congregational ministries focused on food assistance. They include food pantries, donations to food banks, community meals, free lunches, soup kitchens and a community garden.
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Ardmore, for example, operates a food pantry on Mondays and provides home-cooked meals through a partner agency, Family Promise, for people experiencing homelessness.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Philadelphia opens its food pantry to the community every Friday morning and serves a community meal every Saturday. “On behalf of the people we serve: Thank you,” the congregation said in sharing the bishop’s message on Facebook.
Este artículo apareció originalmente en Servicio de noticias episcopal.
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2 Responses
What a powerful and counter-cultural witness this is. In an era where many churches are defined by their buildings, this congregation is choosing to be defined by its mission. The decision to sell and give the proceeds directly to food ministries is a profound act of faith that truly embodies the spirit of the early church.
My question is about the practical and spiritual journey: What was the pivotal moment or conversation that moved the congregation from simply considering this radical move to unanimously deciding to do it? Was there a specific scripture or shared conviction that became their guiding light?
I AM NOT SURE WHAT THE SALES PRICE OF THE PROPERTY WAS, BUT IF IT IS A NON-PROFIT, ALL THE PROCEEDS NEED TO BE GIFTED TO ANOTHER NON-PROFIT. THIS IS THE DEFINITION OF A NON-PROFIT. OTHERWISE THEY COULD BE IN LEGAL JEOPARDY REGARDING THE FUNDS.