News » City Highlights
Philadelphia
This month we’re heading on over to Philadelphia! Be sure to visit our opportunities page for more information about serving with us in the “City of Brotherly Love.”
News from the Philadelphia Director
Upon arrival at the CSM Philly housing site, most people are greeted by at least 3 kids who live in the neighborhood. They will proudly say, “Welcome to CSM Philadelphia (emphasis on Philadelphia), my name is Baron.” And most people have these same kids dangling from their arms and legs by the time they make it to the door.
Back in 2001 when CSM moved into this neighborhood, I am told they were met with curious glances and confusion as to why in the world they would be there. Because of the foundation that was set by the first few Philly City Directors, we have now formed beautiful relationships with our neighbors, in particular the kids. Most of their parents will come over to meet us and find out a little bit about us and will then send their kids over anytime they see us outside.
Over the summer many of our groups have opportunities to hang out with the kids. They play football, draw with sidewalk chalk, blow bubbles and play games. Each group plays an important part in our relationships with the children. Because they have come to understand that the groups love them and care for them, they trust pretty much anyone associated with CSM.
Although the groups bond a lot with the kids over their week in Philly, the seasonal staff are the ones who become most connected to them. This past summer our staff built strong relationships with a group of kids and it was very hard for them to leave at the end of the summer. They put together a final event with the kids where they took them out to Chili’s for lunch and then went to a park to paint picture frames. We took a picture of all of us together and made copies for all of the kids. One of the boys was so excited to get his picture that he put it in his frame immediately and hung it up in his living room.
I love that God has plopped us right in a neighborhood and has blessed our relationships with our neighbors. To me, these relationships are an example of CSM’s ministry at the core. It’s an incredible opportunity to get to know someone from a very different background and to find that you have a lot in common and that you have so much to learn.
Please pray for our neighborhood. In particular, pray for the children who are going to be the next leaders in the city, that God would protect them and draw them close to Him. Pray also for our continued relationships with their parents.
– Krista Perry, CSM Philadelphia City Director
Local Resources
- The Simple Way – Philly-based Christian community (home of Shane Claiborne, author of The Irresistable Revolution)
- Homeless in Philadelphia – Great compilation of resources from Philadelphia Independant Media Center
Local News Links
- Shooting for a Better Deal at Deni Playground September 4, 2008
- Slideshow: Ballroom dancing at St. Francis de Sales December 4, 2007
- Slideshow: Mayan Ball by Fuego Nuevo Septemer 24, 2007
CSM Urban Updates
CSM now has its own blog! Find out what’s happening in urban centers throughout North America, make comments and dialogue with others involved in urban missions.
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