September 2025 Update

Rooted Together: Moving Forward by God’s Grace

Greetings, Bridge! This first update begins a monthly series to keep you informed and connected as we journey toward making St. Phillip in Oreland our new church home. We’re grateful to share what has been happening recently and to invite you to what’s ahead as we take the next steps—by God’s grace. This will serve as a regular way to update you on our progress, to share opportunities for involvement, and to invite you to pray.

Dreaming Boldy. Beginning Humbly.

Building/Renovation Updates

This summer, many of you have been a part of dreaming big about what this building could become—sharing ideas, hopes, and visions for how it might serve our church family and community. From the very beginning, Steve Brandenburg cast a vision that we would “live in the space” before finalizing how we would use the space. The practical plan that evolved this summer through many walkthroughs with architects, contractors, and specialists now reflects that vision: we will begin with the essential updates that make the building safe, welcoming, and ready for ministry. This approach may even open the possibility of moving in sooner than expected, and we trust that God, who planted these dreams in us, will guide each step as the greater vision continues to unfold.

In addition, on September 14th, we held a congregational meeting to update everyone. Scan this QR code to check out the slide deck with all the details!

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
— Hebrews 10:24-25

New Streets. Meeting Neighbors. Growing Presence.

Neighborhood Outreach: Prayer Walks

Meanwhile, our outreach team, now led by Liz Bustos (thank you, Liz!), has been actively engaging with and praying for the neighborhood.

As Liz shared, “We’ve held several prayer walks—both planned and impromptu—and it’s been wonderful meeting people (and so many dogs!) as we walk, pray, and dream for our community.”

These walks help us see the families, older residents, and daily rhythms that shape Oreland. Nancy Bower shared, “Walking the neighborhood with Liz helped me picture who I’m praying for. Next time I pray, I’ll hold real faces and places in my mind. It was so good to be together.”

Mark Dixon, Liz, and Eloise Briscoe recently walked together, starting with Jesus’ words on prayer from Luke 11. Eloise reflected, “We prayed through neighborhood streets and thought about ways to build friendships and wisely care for our shared spaces, especially the church parking lot. Mark reminded us to come as neighbors—ready to say, ‘We could use your help,’ and ‘Maybe we can share and borrow together.’”

We pray that we can engage and encounter this neighborhood with the humility, care, and the love of Christ.

God’s grace leads us, and your participation and care brings joy and encouragement along the way. There will be more invites to come, but for now:

  • We invite the whole church to keep praying and walking: let’s ask God to be at work in the community and to shape us as we take our next steps.

  • Please keep an eye out for a brief survey in the next week. The survey will give you the chance to let us know how we can best engage you in the first steps of the capital campaign.

  • Questions or comments after Sunday, September 14’s 10am congregational meeting? You are invited to reach out to either Josh Macha, Kara Konrad, or Steve Brandenburg!

Invitations.

Praying Together: Our Praises and Our Needs.

Our Praises

The curbs out front of St. P were repaired by the township!

  • The potential lines of credit we may need look to be lining up.

  • The diocese has made a ton of progress clearing out the building and had a cleaning service come through.

  • The closing delays mean we've been able to get a much clearer picture of our renovations costs prior to close. Grateful!

  • The same lawyer who helped us through rewriting our by-laws is available and has helped us with initial contract reviews.

  • We have a table reserved at the Springfield Community Day on October 5th, 10am-1pm at Cisco park!

  • Paul Ash has initiated conversations with integrators who will help us chart a course for how to improve the worship space for wonderful acoustics.

  • The more time we spend in the building, the more we uncover all the little issues. This is a good thing!

Our Prayer Needs

Pray that the ALTA Survey is done ASAP which will allow us to have a closing date

  • Pray for wisdom as we decide on contractors and architects.

  • Pray for the Neighborhood Engagement team as they continue to meet, pray, and plan

  • Pray that we would continue to reach out and care for one another well in the midst of this busy season!

“We pray that we can engage and encounter this neighborhood with humility, care, and the love of Christ.”