Experiences

Have you come to the mission center? Tell us about your experience here!
Our group of 8 middle school girls had a fantastic time at the Mission Center!  Our church had participated in the Nightwatch lock-in in NYC for a number of years and was looking for a new opportunity to engage in mission and immersion in a different environment.  The location stretched our comfort zones and the work pushed us.  Our group loved the accommodations, the city of Philly, and the leadership from the Mission Center.  We'll definitely be back! 
--Rev. Amanda Akes, Assistant Rector Grace Episcopal Church, Silver Spring, Maryland
The Mission Center was a fantastic opportunity for the youth from the dioceses of Hawai'i, Alaska, Delaware, and Fond du Lac to gather after EYE '14 to serve people in the community of Germantown. For many of our youth, it was the highlight of the trip.  The staff was kind and helpful, and we felt welcomed into the community immediately. The Mission Center provided us with good food, entertainment, comfortable lodging, and wonderful opportunities for worship and outreach.  Mahalo!
--Sarah Klitzke, Diocesan Youth Director, Diocese of Hawaii
Our time spent in Philadelphia is always a pleasure and something that our youth and I always look forward to. It’s easy to become comfortable in our very rural setting and, in a sense, become unaware of the struggles of people elsewhere. The E.M.C. is a place where we can go and have our eyes opened to the daily struggles of our brothers and sisters, and do our best to make a difference to them while we are there. From the time of arrival when we were received by you and Andrew, we always feel safe, comfortable, and welcome. It is our hope to revisit for many years to come.Thank you for such a wonderful time!
--John Knouse, Director of Family Ministries at Trinity, Upperville
We really enjoyed our stay in Philadelphia and had a comfortable stay in St. Margaret's house. For the first half of the week, we worked at the Nationalities Services Center in an ESL class. On our day off we walked around downtown Philly, enjoyed some Philly cheese steaks and went to the Rodin Museum.  For the last part of the week, we worked at various urban farming sites and were enlightened to the extensive network of greenhouses and farming sites throughout Philly. Overall, we had a fun week and hope to come back soon!
--Charles Ross, student from Hamilton College, New York

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The Episcopal Mission Center
​is located at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in the historic Germantown section of Philadelphia.
5421 Germantown Ave, 
Philadelphia, PA 19144

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

 Thank you for your radical hospitality!
Michelle France
Gwynedd Mercy University 

​Thank you for your hospitality in hosting students from Gwynedd Mercy and Alvernia University during their Alternative Break with the Interfaith Center.  The facility was wonderful. We held several of our workshops there in your comfortable space. What an ideal setting! The students especially appreciated participating in your mass as getting a personal orientation from Rev Morris and such a warm welcome from your parishioners.

With much appreciation for all you do,


​“Right now, my group is rating our experience as the best mission they've ever been a part of.  The orientation and subsequent building of relationships with kids in the community broke down their racial and urban stereotypes. Most importantly, every one of them experienced a deepening of their faith in God, and tangible understanding of how that faith works itself out in mission and issues of social justice. We will definitely be coming back!”

— Rev. Jane Cornman, St. Mary’s Church, Wayne, PA