Women’s Health May 7, 2022 — Since 1967, The Episcopal Church has maintained its “unequivocal opposition to any legislation on the part of the national or state governments which would abridge or deny the right of individuals to reach informed decisions [about the termination of pregnancy] and to act upon them.” In light of the READ MORE »
Adult Education
Meditations and teachings plus upcoming Adult Education opportunities at SsAM — the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew in downtown Wilmington, Delaware.
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 ready to follow as the curtain reveals the actors, and the dialogue begins. The lines on page one move quickly and as the actors are speaking, there’s an uneven rustling READ MORE »
Books and Videos 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. Developing a SsAM Bibliography… We are developing a bibliography of books (and articles). This bibliography is part of that effort that began when 60 of us met on June 26, 2020 to discuss READ MORE »
Reflection – Easter Resolutions and Real Change
Reflection for the Third Sunday of Easter, May 1, 2022 by Mary Lou Edgar. “Just after daybreak Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.” –John 21:4 Can I Change? Easter is such an emotional time. Lent has ended, we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, and I get READ MORE »
Reflection: Sent Forth In Peace
This Sunday, if you hear the words of John 20:19-31 spoken aloud, please pay attention to these two sentences: Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” At the time, Jesus was speaking to his disciples, frightened men who had barred the door and locked themselves in a room. READ MORE »
Easter Reflection: Are You THERE?
By this time, a while ago, I’d be elbow deep in fake grass, bags of jelly beans, and cleaning out last year’s Easter baskets. The kids, and later grandkids, would be dyeing eggs of chickens as I kept the eggs and bunnies of chocolate well hidden. As a kid, and later as an adult with READ MORE »
Reflection – Palm Sunday Is A Time For Hope
Reflection for Palm Sunday, April 10, 2022 by Mary Lou Edgar. I have always seen Palm Sunday as somewhat of a mixed bag. We have the story of Jesus coming into Jerusalem and people laying palms in the street and welcoming him. Then we have the story of the Passion beginning with the Last Supper READ MORE »
Reflection: The Return of the Prodigal Son
Reflection for Sunday, March 6, 2022 by Mary Lou Edgar for the 4th Sunday in Lent. Recently I read The Return of the Prodigal Son by Father Henri J.M. Nouwen. I have always admired Henri Nouwen, and I love the parable, so I jumped right into this book. The book is based on Father Nouwen’s READ MORE »
Reflection: Where Are You in Your Lenten Observations?
We are now at the third Sunday in Lent, halfway through the Lenten season, with Holy Week and Easter less than a month away. A mid-point in any activity is always an opportunity for review of the current moment and the chance to look ahead for course corrections. Where are you in your Lent? For READ MORE »
Reflection: Seek God’s Face
A reflection on Psalm 27 by Danny N. Schweers on March 13, 2022. Readings: Genesis 15:1-12,17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 13:31-35 Fear and anxiety are signs of separation. When we are full of God’s Spirit, we do not fear what will happen, we wonder what will happen. We live in expectation. Full of God’s READ MORE »
Observe A Holy Season Of Lent
How to Observe A Holy Lent I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word. And, to make a right beginning of repentance, and as a mark of our READ MORE »
Results of Bishop Brown’s Vitality Workshop
Pursue Vitality, Not Growth A summary of Bishop Brown’s “Congregational Growth and Vitality Workshop” of 2022 by Danny Schweers. As we look to the future of our church, let us think about how we can encourage vitality and liveliness in our church rather than growth in numbers. If we want our church to thrive, we READ MORE »
The Season of Lent: What To Do?
Reflection for Sunday, March 6, 2022 by Mary Lou Edgar for the 1st Sunday in Lent, Year C Jellybeans Lent has always held a special place in my heart. For one thing, as a child, I would spend days trying to decide what to “give up” and always return to the same thing – jellybeans. READ MORE »
Reflection: Newness Of Life
“Newness of Life” reflection for February 27, 2022 by Christina Brennan Lee for the 8th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C. “Newness of Life” — Have you ever noticed those three words in prayers from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP)? I wouldn’t have recognized them by themselves yet I have used them countless times READ MORE »
Your Heart’s Desire
A reflection on Genesis 45:3-11, 15; Psalm 37:1-12,41-42; 1 Corinthians 15:35-38,42-50; and Luke 6:27-38 by Danny N. Schweers Your Heart’s Desire The Bible readings for Sunday, February 20, 2022 are powerful, some of the most challenging you will find. In Luke 6, Jesus tells us to love our enemies. In Genesis, we hear how Joseph READ MORE »
Black History Month in Delaware
In February, 2022 we celebrated the contributions of Black people. Black History Month is a time to reflect on the struggle for racial justice. Do you know about Absalom Jones? The Rev. Dr. Absalom Jones (November 7, 1746 – February 13, 1818) was born in Sussex County, Delaware. Legend holds that the Rev. Arthur Ussher, READ MORE »
Reflection: Peace in the Midst of Power
Reflection for Sunday, February 13, 2022 by Mary Lou Edgar for the 6th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” How many times have we heard the words to this beautiful song? It stirs in us the need to find ways to achieve peace READ MORE »
Reflection: Called To Ministry
“Setting Sail” reflection for February 6, 2022 by Christina Brennan Lee for the 5th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C. Based on the readings for Sunday, February 6, 2022; Isaiah 6:1-8, (9-13); Psalm 138, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 Isaiah 6:6-8 says — One of the seraphs … holding a live coal … touched my READ MORE »
Reflection: Have You Ever Thought About Church?
CHURCH. What is it? How do you define it? What are the parts of Church that are the most important to you? What brings you to Church (in person or online)? What keeps you away? Is Church just a habit that you grew up with? Do you think about what you experienced in Church throughout READ MORE »
Reflection: Speaking and Listening
January 23, 2022 — A Reflection on this Sunday’s Readings: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a; Luke 4:14-21, and Psalm 19 Have you heard the heavens talking? Have you listened to what your feet say to your hands? Or what your ears say to your eyes? This Sunday, when you hear the Bible readings, READ MORE »