Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

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

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25th Anniversary, The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, Wilmington, Delaware

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 SsAM’s past. That exploration began on February 28, when over 65 of our church’s members and friends joined us as former members of St. Andrew’s and St. Matthew’s talked about the slow difficult process of two churches consolidating into one. For our next 25th Anniversary event, look for Zoom login details in Friday’s email blast to you. You can also call or text Danny Schweers at 302 475-0998 to get the Zoom info.

Another Event is Scheduled on March 28 at 3:00 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you then and later on in the year for more events. Further details will be given closer to these presentations.

Happy Anniversary balloon photoWe began celebrating our 25th Anniversary on January 31, 2021 with a video conference attended by over 140 members and well wishers.

One person said it was like passing the peace for an hour! Pat Hampton and Lou Soukup talked about how two churches consolidated in 1996. Our rector and rector-emeritus both remembered their earliest times. The Rt. Rev. Kevin Brown, Bishop of Delaware, and U.S. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester were our special guests.

Watch a 2-minute video clip of member memories.

See a screen shot of those who attended.

More events will celebrate our 25th Anniversary Year

April 26 , 2021, will mark 25 years since the founding of the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew in downtown Wilmington, Delaware.

This silver anniversary will be celebrated in many ways. If you would like to help us celebrate, please click here to contact us using the form on this website or reach out to Pat Hampton, chair of the 25th Anniversary Committee.

Thanksgiving Prayer for 25 Years by Christina Brennan Lee

Almighty Creator God, with great thanksgiving we celebrate this 25th Anniversary of the joining of two faith-filled parishes, once separated by race. Through struggle, perseverance, and prayer, we have grown into a dynamic spiritual center, one in passion and activism for justice, peace, and racial harmony throughout our diverse community. As we continue to seek and serve Christ in each other and beyond our doors, grant us Your constant blessing and grace to honor our historic roots, our differences, and our similarities. Guide us in our living history, as we strive always to welcome the many colors of the faces, hands, eyes, and ears of the Body of Christ. We ask through Jesus, our Strength and our Redeemer; and the Holy Spirit, our Wisdom and Counselor; who together with You are One Holy and Living God, now and forever. Amen.

The SsAM Mission Statement

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.

The SsAM Vision Statement

SsAM will be a dynamic spiritual center which is active in the pursuit of peace and justice in the community, and a place where all of God’s People are honored.

The Guiding Principles of the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew (1994)

(Adopted at the Joint Vestry Meeting, May 14, 1994; that is, at a time just before the two churches consolidated — St. Andrew’s and St. Matthew’s — two churches with histories going back for decades.)

  1. We will create a new Christian Community.
  2. We will have an Eucharistically-centered Liturgy that is mission driven and varied in format.
  3. We will be mission driven in our work and life together so that we go forth into the world as representatives of Christ.
  4. We will include individuals from all walks of life, all cultures and all races in the life of the Community.
  5. We will be advocates for social justice.
  6. We will share authority and ministry with the congregation in the design and implementation of worship and Christian formation, education, services, activities and program.
  7. We will model a multi-cultural community in everything we do.
  8. We will respect the needs of individuals and families.
  9. We will offer Christian formation in a variety of ways.
  10. We will have multi-cultural and/or diversified education.
  11. We will use all our resources in ways that strengthen both our faith community and the surrounding community.
  12. We will be supportive of those in physical and/or spiritual need.
  13. We will confront issues and conflicts openly, honestly, and with care for each other and the Community.
  14. We will honor and celebrate our historic roots and differences in ways that move us toward our Vision.

25th Anniversary Logo for the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, Wilmington, Delaware

OTHER HISTORICAL LINKS

A Short History of SsAM. St. Andrew’s history dated back to 1829; St. Matthew’s, to 1846. In 1996, the two churches consolidated.

History of Slavery in Delaware. Diane Clarke Streett, a member of SsAM, is one of the authors of this six-page history. In 2010, she was sworn in as the second black woman to serve as a Delaware Superior Court judge.

History of Wilmington Garden Day. An annual tour of gardens and homes to benefit charities in Wilmington, Delaware.

The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Mathew Celebrates 25 Years! Nine Months of Celebration!

Martin Luther King, Jr. stated that “11 o’clock on Sunday morning was the most segregated time of the week in America.” It was the time both white and black Christians, throughout the country, attended church services but at separate institutions.

In the early 1990s, the parishioners of St. Andrew’s, a predominantly white church, and St. Matthew’s, a predominantly black church, began to discuss partnership and, ultimately, consolidation. After several years of weighty discussion, the two churches came together as one. In April 1996, The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew was born in the Diocese of Delaware. Now a diverse and inclusive group of Episcopalians worship together at Eighth and Shipley Streets in Wilmington.

In 2021, SsAM celebrates its “25th Anniversary — Our Past, Our Present, Our Future”.

We began by “Zooming” a launch party on Sunday, January 31, 2021 from 3–4 pm. Our celebratory program included remarks by Delaware’s U. S. Representative, Lisa Blunt Rochester, joyful music, and many surprises.

On Sunday afternoons in February and March, through Zoom and in other ways, SsAM will tell the story of OUR PAST. We will feature photos, videos and personal testimonies from those who worked so hard and faithfully to make this dream a reality.

On Sunday afternoons from April through June, SsAM will tell the story of OUR PRESENT, featuring information on its internal as well as external ministries. Although we have not been able to experience in-person worship, it does not mean we are quiet. Worship services, both, pre-recorded and through Zoom, continue. Our ministries, through the miracle of Zoom, email and telephone, are active. Descriptions and stories of our ministries will be evidenced through videos, photos and personal presentations, including the opportunity for Q & A and a chance to join us as we serve the church and the community.

Lastly, on Sunday afternoons in July, August and September, SsAM will present what we hope lies ahead for OUR FUTURE. In these uncertain times, no one can predict with surety what may occur, but SsAM can plan and dream. Those plans and dreams may require revision as the year goes by, but SsAM is committed to keeping its dream alive, and, with God’s help, it will. Despite some skepticism and some naysaying a quarter century ago, many brave and committed members of both historical congregations had the faith and courage to become The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew.

As we approach this very important anniversary, the members of SsAM say together, “We have come this far by faith”, and by faith we will continue!

Thanks goes to Ken Francis, who created the 25th Anniversary Logo.

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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