The way of Jesus is a way characterized by service. St. David’s is actively engaged in a variety of ways to serve those in need in our community, the nation, and the world. Many of our efforts focus on children. But we also have a history of actively supporting the homeless and those seeking recovery from addiction. Below is a description of our current outreach efforts.
There are also opportunities to serve the church itself: visiting sick or homebound members, caring for the property, providing opportunities for food and fellowship, working on special events, and administrative and financial oversight.
Supporting Our Elementary Schools
In the spring of 2018, the parish made a commitment to support some of our elementary schools. In partnership with the principals, teachers, and parents, we are working to provide quality education, opportunities for growth, and seeking the well-being of every child.
Over the years, we have provided teachers and staff with supplies they need and provided backpacks, school supplies, and gift cards for low-income students and their families. We’ve supported special events and projects, and purchased special items for the kids (such as waterproof mittens and gloves).
And, not least, we pray for all the teachers and staff by name on a rotating basis every Sunday.
Dave Hall Fund
The Dave Hall Fund was first established in 2008 to support area foster children. In 2013, the mission was expanded to include children who are homeless or home-insecure. Most recently in 2025, the parish decided to define the mission broadly so as to be able to quickly respond to the needs of area children brought to our attention.
Funds have been used to:
- Purchase items to facilitate safe transport and settlement of a child into a new home.
- To purchase items needed by foster/homeless children that neither families nor the state are able to provide.
- To provide opportunities or services that reduce the trauma of relocation, or that would enhance the life experience of the child.
Over the years, the parish has provided beds, bicycles, scholarship funds for school trips and summer camp, gas to enable visits with biological parents, clothing, etc.
Partnership with Isaiah 58 New Hampshire
Isaiah 58 New Hampshire is a charitable non-profit working with the homeless and housing insecure in western Rockingham County.
It provides case management services and referrals, moral and spiritual support, and advocacy. The agency has several transitional apartments and mobile homes that it owns giving individuals and families a stable place as they work towards self-sufficiency. In addition to the main office in Hampstead, there is a drop-in and distribution center in Salem where clothing and some household supplies are given to those who need it at no charge. At St. David’s Church, a family-friendly space is being constructed where case managers can meet with clients and their children and offer educational programs.
ChIPS – (Children of Incarcerated Parents)
For over 30 years, the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire has provided Christmas gifts and books to children of incarcerated parents.
Each October the members of St. David’s purchase and donates toys and books. Then early in December, a group goes to the Men’s State Prison in Concord to wrap the gifts that the inmates have chosen to give to their children at a festive Christmas party later in the month.
The church also collects throughout the year greeting cards for every occasion that the prison chaplains give to prisoners to help enable them to keep meaningful ties to their families.
AA Meetings
As part of our ministry to welcome and serve others, St. David’s offers its buildings to a variety of community groups for meeting space. We have a long history with AA going back to the founding of this church. Currently there are six groups regularly meeting here.
| Tuesday | 6:45-8:00 PM | “How it Works” | upper hall |
| Wednesday | 5:30-6:30 PM | 12 Step Group | upper hall |
| Wednesday | 7:00-8:00 PM | Big Book | upper hall |
| 3rd Thursday | 7:00 PM | District Planning Meeting | upper hall |
| Friday | 7:00-8:30 PM | Young People’s “Unity Group” | lower hall |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM-12:00 PM | Salem Saturday Open Meeting | lower hall |
Supporting Other Charitable Efforts
Financial contributions and in-kind donations are made to many charitable organizations. In the greater Salem area we support Family Promise of Southern New Hampshire, Lazarus House Ministries, the Salem Boys and Girls Club, the Bread of Life Food Pantry, and 68 Hours of Hunger. There is a clergy discretionary fund used to help individuals and families with various needs. On the national and international level, the church supports Episcopal Relief and Development, United Thank Offering, and donates to organizations in response to natural disasters and other needs.