Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

Seeking to know and love God in every person, here, now.

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      • David Christopher, Director of Music
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You are here: Home / Music at SsAM

Music at SsAM

An Overview of the SsAM Music Ministry

Please check out the sub menus above for more detail on each area of ministry.

The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, SsAM, Gospel Procession, Wilmington, DelawareSsAM has a rich and diverse music ministry that reflects the mission and vision of the parish as well as the personality of the congregation.  Although strongly rooted in the Anglican tradition, music at SsAM frequently includes Negro Spirituals, World Music, Chant, Gospel, Drumming and the full spectrum of classical music from Renaissance to Contemporary.

At SsAM, we view the primary musical ensemble as THE CONGREGATION!  Many who come to visit are impressed with the enthusiasm and beauty with which the SsAM congregation sings.  On most Sundays, being in the congregation is like being in the midst of a choir.  Not only does the congregation sing in parts, but they frequently sing a cappella (unaccompanied), psalms in Anglican chant, and sometimes in other languages.

SsAM Adult Choir, David Christopher, Organist, Music DirectorNot only does the congregation sing beautifully, but their commitment to musical excellence is demonstrated by the fact that since the beginning of the parish in 1996, the main parish liturgy has been led by a professional-caliber choir of highly skilled volunteer singers with a core of professional singers.  The SsAM Adult Choir can be heard most Sundays at the 10:30 a.m. service and at special feast days and choral services throughout the year.

SsAM Treble ChoirSsAM has a number of singing opportunities for children and youth.  The Chapel Choir is comprised of the children that attend Children’s Chapel.  Periodically, they share one of their songs with the congregation in worship.  The SsAM Chorister Training Program is a graded program for children and youth based on the RSCM curriculum.  CLICK HERE to learn more about the SsAM Chorister Training Program.

Jonathan Whitney, Artist-In-Residence, SsAMFor those who prefer the “rhythmic” approach to music making, the SsAM Drumming Circle, let by our Artist-In-Residence Jonathan Whitney is an exciting and inspiring way to participate in the musical life of the parish.  Performing frequently in the community as well as in liturgy at SsAM, the drumming circle becomes a spiritual practice that transcends barriers of both culture and age.

To explore music at SsAM in greater detail, click on one of the following links.

MUSIC AND LITURGICAL DESIGN – This document articulates our approach to liturgical design and our philosophy with regard to music within the context of worship.

CHOIRS AT SsAM – Learn more about each of the choral ensembles of the parish.

SsAM COLLEGIUM – Learn more about our professional choral ensemble.  Individual bios of each singer are included.

DRUMMING CIRCLE – Learn about this special ministry that unites folks of all ages and cultural backgrounds through rhythm and community!!!

ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE at SsAM – Learn how our parish has developed relationships with individuals and ensembles that enrich our parish as well as the community.

ORGAN RENOVATION PROJECT – Learn about the project to renovate our church’s pipe organ.

DAVID CHRISTOPHER – Organist, Director of Music and Associate for Liturgy

BERNADETTE HOLCOMB – Music Librarian

 

Worship Services Via Video

We are worshiping together via video on Facebook and YouTube. Click here to learn more about Sunday and weekday services!

25th anniversary logo for the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, Wilmington, Delaware

NEWS

Monthly Walks for Justice and Peace

First Fridays at 5:30 p.m. Next walk is Friday, March 5! Since June 19, 2020, SsAM and other churches have been sponsoring silent Walks … [Read More...]

Worship With Us Via Video

Use Facebook or YouTube to worship with us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m.! Coffee Hour follows using Zoom. We have gone back to pre-recorded … [Read More...]

Virtual Coffee Hour This Sunday

VIRTUAL COFFEE HOURS Sunday immediately following 10:00 a.m. worship. The Zoom login info was in last Friday’s E-Blast, but you can also … [Read More...]

Continuing the Conversation with Three Wilmington Churches

The members of three Wilmington Churches continue their collaboration on issues of racial justice on Sunday, March 7, at 3:00 p.m. Please … [Read More...]

SsAM 25th Anniversary Continues!

Our next 25th Anniversary Event is Sunday, March 14, at 3:00 p.m. The Zoom program on the 14th of March will continue the exploration of … [Read More...]

Observe a Holy Season Of Lent

How to Observe a Holy Lent during a Pandemic.  I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, … [Read More...]

Vaccinations And Ashes

The Importance of Getting Vaccinated:  The vestry of SsAM and I strongly recommend that you schedule a COVID-19 vaccination when you … [Read More...]

SsAM Presents: Upcoming Events at the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew

Our building is closed but we are busier than ever! Monthly Walks for Justice and Peace First Fridays at 5:30 p.m. Next Walk is Friday, … [Read More...]

Black History Month in Delaware

In February we celebrate the contributions of Black people. It is a time to reflect on the struggle for racial justice. 2021’s theme is “The … [Read More...]

Get The Vaccine!

COVID-19 VACCINE SCHEDULING Requests for appointments for Delaware Division of Public Health vaccination events are now being taken … [Read More...]

Please Make A Donation

You can make a one-time donation or set up a donation that repeats weekly or monthly. A click on the button will bring you to a secure … [Read More...]

Books About Race, Race Relations, and Racial History – A Bibliography

Here is a list of books, articles, and videos that enlighten us about race, race relations, racial history, and related topics. Click here … [Read More...]

Pledge Form

If you want to make your pledge to SsAM for 2021, you can use this on-line form, which does NOT ask for bank account or credit card … [Read More...]

See all the News & Upcoming Events posts

Sunday Services

We are worshiping together using video over the Internet. Click here to learn more!

Sunday worship services are at 10:00 a.m. Morning and Evening Prayer are also offered, on other days.

Visit Us

Our church is closed at the moment, but when we can open, even partially, our address is

719 N. Shipley Street
Wilmington, DE 19801

with free parking weekends and evenings next to the church at 713 N. Shipley Street. Click here to learn more about parking and directions.

OUR MISSION

To be an inclusive Christian community which worships God, follows Christ in all aspects of our lives, and serves the Greater Wilmington area through actions and ministries which promote peace, justice, reconciliation and empowerment for all people.

Contact Us

PHONE: 302 656-6628

EMAIL: Click here to use our email form.

FACEBOOK: Click here to see our Facebook page. You don’t need a Facebook account to see it.

YOUTUBE: Click here to see our YouTube Channel. Some smart TV sets will allow you to stream YouTube, so you can watch in your den or living room. Search for “Saints Andrews and Matthew”.

Are You New to SsAM?

If you are new to SsAM, please click here to see the Welcome to SsAM booklet in PDF format. The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew is a dynamic and diverse congregation in downtown Wilmington, Delaware.

Our Vision

The Episcopal Church of Sts. Andrew and Matthew seeks to be a dynamic, spiritual center that is active in the pursuit of peace and justice in the community and a place where all God’s people are honored.

LINKS

  • Worship at SsAM: Sunday Documents, Church News, and More
  • eNewsletter Sign Up
  • SsAM on Facebook
  • Recent Announcements at SsAM
  • Vestry View
  • Invite Welcome Connect
  • Episcopal Church in Delaware
  • Episcopal Church USA
  • Michael Curry’s blog: the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
  • Episcopal Digital Network
  • Forward Day By Day
  • Book of Common Prayer
  • Camp Arrowhead, Delaware
  • Order of the Ascension
  • Congregational Development
  • Father David’s Spiritual Journey
  • Calendar
  • Visit SsAM on Facebook
  • eNewsletter Sign-up
  • Vestry View

Donations Are Welcome, and a Necessity

Our ministries are dependent on financial donations. Click here to make a secure credit-card donation on-line or to learn more about making a pledge, texting a donation, special gifts and memorials, remembering SsAM in your will, setting up debit payments from your bank, and using United Way.

Make An On-Line Donation
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