Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

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

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All Things In Love -- Fr. David's blog of October 25, 2020

FR. DAVID’S BLOG OF 10/23/2020: This week I wish to hold up the work of Patty Greene in her role as a vestry member and leading our stewardship effort for this year — All Things In Love.

When Patty and I met this summer, one of my major concerns was how to communicate the importance of stewardship during a worldwide pandemic. I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a horrible year and that we are ready to say good-bye to it. Besides the viral pandemic, as a country we have had to confront the effects of racism across the country beginning with the killing by police of Breonna Taylor last winter and George Floyd in May. There are others who have died or have been critically injured as a result of police violence. White Americans have been forced to confront their own racism and implicit bias toward people of color. As a country we have a long way to go.

How do we as a community of faith proclaim that God is love? That Jesus embodied this love during his life? That this work continues in the work of the Holy Spirit in each one of us?

We are to love even when we don’t want too. The way in which I love when I don’t feel much like loving is through the power of daily prayer. Each morning when I read the appointed psalms and read the lessons from scripture, I am reminded that I am not the center of the universe. I am reminded that God guides me through the day even during those times I resist opening myself to the loving presence of God. Love heals all things, but it takes time and faith that God stands with us even at those moments when we don’t feel like loving ourselves or others.

This has been a difficult year for all of us. The stress and the anxiety at times has been unbearable and our faith has been tested. There are more questions then there are answers: when will we regather on Sunday morning? How will we afford to continue offering transformational Sunday worship and programs that support our daily walk with Christ? How do we welcome new folks into the parish when we are not able to gather? These are just a few of the questions that I have, and I know there are others. My initial answer is that we see all things in love, even the challenges we are faced with as we say farewell to 2020 and welcome 2021.

When Patty and I met this summer, I asked her how we were going to even have a stewardship campaign during a pandemic. Patty shared with me her idea about having two stewardship webinars. One focused on the state of SsAM and the other on outreach and communication. These events occurred the last two weeks and if you were not able to attend each was recorded so you might listen to them.

The two Stewardship Webinars of October, 2020 can be seen here.

The passcodes for these webinars were in the email blast to members on Friday, October 23. You can also get the passcodes by calling or texting Danny Schweers at 302 475-0998. Here are the links to the two webinars.

October 12, 2020 Stewardship Webinar about the State of SsAM
This conversation is with Fr. David, Rachel Gaskell, and Peggy Shane, and is moderated by Michelle Smith.

October 20, 2020 Stewardship Webinar about Outreach and Communication.
Alice Smith talks about supporting charities, Anthony Jones talks about Friendship House, and Danny Schweers talks about communication and community, with Michelle Smith moderating.

At the conclusion of the second webinar this past Tuesday night, one of the panelists, Anthony Jones, concluded his remarks by telling a story of folks who are homeless and come to SsAM regularly for the assistance offered by Friendship House. Anthony said that when he sees these folks, many of them point to SsAM as their church. That is love in action, friends!

As you prayerfully consider your pledge to SsAM for the coming year I invite you to do so in the spirit of love. The love of God in your lives, the love you have for this parish and all that the parish does for the community. As you complete your pledge consider also the ways you can give of your time and talent along with your financial offering. I have said many times we are in this together and we will face the challenges we face together … IN LOVE.

Peace,
Fr. David+,OA

LINKS

On-Line Pledge Form

Other posts by Fr. David

Worship services on Sundays are in-person and via video, at 8am and 10:30am. Prayer services via video are offered on other days.
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NEWS

Worship with us this Sunday!

You are invited to praise God with us in-person and via video on Sunday at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. is when we … [Read More...]

Reflection – May We All Be One

I was starting down a different path for this piece. And then the news of the school shooting in Texas hit and on the heels of the horror in … [Read More...]

First Friday Walks for Justice and Peace in Wilmington, Delaware

  First Fridays at 5:30 p.m. starting in the SsAM parking lot These walks are a public display of our belief that society needs … [Read More...]

Scholarships Available for SsAM Members

Deadline: July 15, 2022 The Community Advocacy Committee is again sponsoring scholarships for students entering college in the fall of 2022 … [Read More...]

SsAM Presents: Upcoming Events

Here is a list of upcoming events at SsAM or recommended by our church. Worship This Sunday You are invited to praise God with us … [Read More...]

Dr. Joseph E. Johnson Recognized by City of Wilmington, Delaware

Highlands Elementary School has been re-named for Joe Johnson. Highlands Elementary School was re-dedicated and re-named for Joseph E. … [Read More...]

Music Concerts in Wilmington, Delaware

Postponed: Music of America Concert by Delaware Choral Arts Due to illness, the DCA concert scheduled for May 29 has been postponed. The … [Read More...]

2022 Walk to End Epilepsy

Run with Team Johannes on June 4, 2022 at Glasgow Park. Valerie Chow shared the following: What is epilepsy? Is it contagious? What … [Read More...]

Johannes Chow wins Earth Day recognition

Johannes Chow, a 12-year-old seventh grader at Brandywine Springs School in Wilmington, was recognized for the video “We Have Only One … [Read More...]

Reflection – We All Deserve A Chance

by Mary Lou Edgar. Many of you know that I worked in adoption and foster care for my entire career. May is Foster Care Month and I … [Read More...]

Support For Ukraine

Episcopal Migration Ministries Episcopal Migration Ministries welcomes refugees, educates communities, and mobilizes congregations to … [Read More...]

National Issues and the Episcopal Church

Women’s Health May 7, 2022 — Since 1967, The Episcopal Church has maintained its “unequivocal opposition to any legislation on the part of … [Read More...]

Reflection – Listen to the Word Proclaimed

Imagine yourself at the theater, you've settled into your seat, ready for the curtain to open. You have your script of the play open and … [Read More...]

See all the News & Upcoming Events posts

Worship Services

We will be delighted if you worship with us in-person or via video on Sundays at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Click here to learn more!

Visit Us

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.
Office Hours
Monday – Thursday, 9:00 to 4:30
Friday, 9:00 to 1:00

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

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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

Our main focus is ministry, not money!
We offer a host of ministries for which you can volunteer. You can participate in worship services, help make the church hum, or offer your time and talent to the local community.

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