Bridge Family,

 

We wanted to start this weekly update by sharing a meaningful piece of history that was recently passed along to us about our building!

 

The Springfield Township Historical Society recently highlighted the history of St. Philip in the Fields Episcopal Church at the 317 Oreland Mill Road location: 

 

"In the early 1940′s, Oreland was growing quickly, and Oliver Hart, then Bishop of Pennsylvania, requested that a survey be taken of Oreland families to see if there was enough interest to begin an Episcopal Mission in this area. Following this, several meetings were held and those attending agreed to form a new mission. 

The first service was held in the Fire House on Ash Wednesday, February 14th, 1945. As interest and attendance grew, ground was purchased and an architect hired to design the first of a three building church complex. The first building, completed in 1946 and now our Parish House, was designed to be the Church, Sunday School, Parish House and Vicar’s living quarters. Ground was broken for the new church in 1955 and it was specifically designed to include the beautiful stained glass windows donated from the Widener School for Crippled Children. The building was completed in 1956, and we officially became a Parish in 1957."

 

At our church-wide brunch last week, we shared an important shift in our fundraising approach.

 

On the one hand, we continue to praise God and give thanks for the success of our Capital Campaign - we reached and exceeded our initial goal of $500,000! And as we continue to settle in as homeowners in this new building, we continue to uncover needed improvements for the building. If you have not yet, but intended to join the campaign, we still are in need of your contributions. Please reach out to Kara if you'd like to further discuss or need next steps!

 

On the other hand, our imminent move means carrying the month-to-month costs of owning our own building. Everything from keeping the lights on to keeping pests out will be new costs for the operating budget. If you tithe monthly already, we ask you to consider increasing your giving. Even small increments go a long way! If you have not yet begun, but consider Bridge your home church, would you consider your church family in this way?

 

This past Sunday Rob (bookkeeper) and Steve (facilities manager) provided a detailed update of the renovations and our upcoming costs. If you were unable to attend brunch or would like to review the financial and fundraising details, you can email Rachel at rachel@liberti.org and she will send them to you!

Thank you for the ways you continue to pray, give, and walk forward together as we steward both the history and the future of this building!

 

With gratitude,
Bridge Community Church