Saints Andrew and Matthew Episcopal Church, Wilmington, Delaware

Community Outreach at SsAM

If you would like to volunteer in the community, click here.

FRIENDSHIP HOUSE
Our church has an active partnership with Friendship House, a Christian ministry committed to making a difference in the lives of the homeless through hospitality, education, empowerment and community. The lower floor of our church building is dedicated to Andrew's Place, which is a drop-in center for women during the day. At night, we offer older men in need a place to call home - shelter, food and fellowship. For details, visit the Friendship House website. Or, give us a call at (302) 656-6628. Of special interest is their Web page devoted to Andrew's Place.

LIMEN HOUSE
Limen House dedicated its newly-renovated facility on April 7, 2008. Since opening in 1973, this non-profit house has served about 250 residents. Its residential therapeutic treatment program for recovering alcoholics began with a mens’ house, which opened in 1969 and is believed to be the nation’s oldest continuously operating halfway house for recovering alcoholics. Limen House was created by St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Under the leadership of parishioner Ruth Lipscomb, St. Andrew’s raised private donations to run the program, named it and assembled its first board of directors. Mainly run on donations, Limen House receives limited funds from the state and through United Way. Members of SsAM are encouraged to support Limen House in its mission of restoration of the body and soul.

SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST MINISTRY
Each Sunday morning between 6:30 to 8 a.m. seven local church communities, including SsAM, take turns preparing and serving a hot, healthy breakfast to people who are hungry. Click here to learn more.

COMMUNITY CHAPEL PROGRAM
Each Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. SsAM hosts a nondenominational interactive service in the Chapel immediately following the Sunday Morning Breakfast Ministry. This service is especially designed to minister to the spiritual needs of those who attend the Sunday Morning Breakfast, but is open to everyone. This inspirational gathering includes hymns, prayers, a homily and the sharing of life experiences. Those who wish to participate in this ministry are invited to contact the church office. To see descriptions of all our worship services, click here.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
Several meetings a week are held at SsAM. For details, call the church at 302 656-6628.

FOOD VOUCHER PROGRAM
Volunteers from the parish operate a system of referrals to food banks at local churches. These referrals are given to people who live in Wilmington and can show financial need. They are given on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. from the church office. Recipients may access the system twice per month and must show an original photo ID for themselves and for each member of their family for whom they are requesting help. For information on how to volunteer for this important ministry, please contact the church office.

APOSTLES IN MISSION (AIM)
Funds are regularly collected by our Community Advocacy committee to help people locally. Click here for details.

REGAL HEIGHTS MINISTRY
The fourth Sunday of each month, SsAM parishioners and ministers share their faith and love by assisting residents of this skilled nursing center at a Holy Communion service. If you would be willing to help bring residents from their rooms or to assist with the worship service, please give us a call at (302) 656-6628.

UNDEE SUNDAY
With the onset of each winter season, the homeless community in Wilmington become in dire need of thermal underwear to ward off the cold weather. In order to fill this need, SSAM declares one Sunday each November to be “UNDEE SUNDAY.” On this date, each member of the parish is encouraged to bring at least one set of long johns to church to donate to this worthy cause. The donated thermals are then given to the Friendship House Clothing Bank for distribution to the needy.

ANGEL TREE
Each Christmas season, the Community Advocacy sponsors the Angel Tree project which provides Christmas gifts (3 each) for the children of those incarcerated in Delaware prisons. The Angel Tree project provides gifts from incarcerated parents and grandparents to their children or grandchildren. Members of the parish can select a “gift angel” from the Angel Tree and purchase the gift indicated on the angel. Angel Tree gifts are to be wrapped and returned to the church office with the “Angel” attached. You may also contribute funds directly to Angel Tree (for those who cannot get out to shop) by contacting the church office.

F.A.I.T.H. CENTER
An ecumenical program of 13 churches designed to provide emergency funds to individuals in need of assistance in rent, utilities and other expenses. Open three days a week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 226 Walnut Street. Clients are seen by appointment only. For details, call 654-4550 or visit their page on Westminster's website. One of the founders of this ministry is a member of SsAM, Retha Fisher.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR THE
SUNDAY BREAKFAST COMMUNITY
Each December, SsAM distributes over 100 gifts to our friends that attend the Sunday breakfast. If you would like to contribute, gifts of a scarf, warm gloves or socks or toiletries are very much appreciated. 99% of our breakfast friends are male so please plan accordingly. Wrapped presents should be left in the box marked "Breakfast Gifts" in the Narthex no later than the Saturday before Christmas.

WORLD-WIDE EFFORTS
Our parish supports the worldwide outreach efforts of the Episcopal Church, including relief to the Hurricane Katrina victims in the American South and to the tsunami victims in South Asia. We encourage you to visit the website of Episcopal Relief and Development.

Local Community Service Organizations
Charities we support. You can, too!

If you have a question or comment, please contact us.

The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew
719 North Shipley Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Voice: (302) 656-6628

Website by Danny Schweers