A new Anglican mission in the heart of Philadelphia
The hope and vision for this church
God came and lived amongst us in the person of Jesus Christ so that we could know God’s love for us. In response, we seek to be a spiritual family whose life together embodies God’s loving character and healing power. We want to build a community that is rooted and united in the love of God, as demonstrated by Jesus’ life and death.
We think having a people you can belong to has never been more rare, needed, and desired as it is now. We believe God created us for relationship, and that human social and spiritual connection are our deepest longings. We see in ourselves both beauty and brokenness, and we see the same in our city.
As an Anglican community, our rhythms and practices have been passed down for centuries and are grounded in the early church. We currently meet twice per month in South Philadelphia as we build this new community. We invite you to join us on the journey!
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Formed by our habits
We want to become deeper people, together. We expect this will happen, over time, not through some latest technique, but through well-worn Christian values and habits like hospitality, celebration, reflection, fasting, practicing silence, singing, ancient ways of praying and Bible reading, and communal meals.
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Experiencing healing
One of the main ways God wants to get our attention (i.e. change our lives) is by healing us. In our relationships, broken patterns of thinking & living, self-loathing, pride – anything. Together, we seek the healing and freedom that God promises and that he alone can offer us.
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Becoming spiritual family
We know that meaningful life isn’t lived on our own. Really knowing each other and really being known is a life-giving experience and goal that takes time. It takes being intentional. It’s throughout the week. It’s also the very kind of work that deepens and changes who we’re becoming.
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Sharing our experience
From the time of Christ until now, Christians speak a simple message by their actions and words, by what they value and live for, by what they cry over. We speak and live out of what we know and what we’ve experienced. As a church family, we look forward to sharing with Philadelphia the story of what God has done, and is doing, amongst us.
About Us
James and Anna Swynford, and their three young children (now 4!), moved to Philadelphia in the fall of 2020. James was ordained a pastor/priest in 2009 soon before starting a three-year church planting training program at The Falls Church Anglican. In addition to her graduate study in trombone, Anna has a particular interest in relating music/arts with theology and the life of the Church. In 2013 the Swynfords moved to Williamsburg, VA to start an Anglican mission church. Seven years later, leaving that church in good hands, they are once again trying to answer God's call to plant a church so that more would experience the hope, joy, and transformation only God in Jesus Christ offers.
They enjoy exploring their Passyunk Square neighborhood and our wider city, building community in their home, rooting for the Phillies, trying lots of cheesesteaks, and spending copious time at various playgrounds (and the zoo!).
Our Partnerships
The Philadelphia Anglican Mission is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion, a network of Christians around the world who share missional and historic ties. Our local affiliation is with the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) through the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic.
Contact
There are many ways to be a part of this growing community. It would be great to hear from you.
Email
james.swynford@gmail.com
Phone
(267) 703-2424