Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

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

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Choosing What To Do, a reflection by Mary Lou Edgar

A reflection by Mary Lou Edgar for the First Week of Lent 2023.

It seems impossible that it is already Lent. The year is going by quickly or possibly I am just getting older. I have been reading a great deal by Richard Rohr and although I am struggling a bit as it is new to me, I am finding it helpful.

I purchased a Scripture for Lent book and started to look at it. I was immediately struck by one of the starter prayers: “Lord, show me how to make good decisions and then be willing to learn what they ask of me.” I had just finished planning our next Children’s Chapel and the topic is choices. That really seemed to speak to me, and I thought maybe this should be my focus for Lent. My life has always been incredibly busy and taking time to make regular choices in life (what color do you want in the living room) has been pretty easy. I just did it. Of course, everywhere we lived was always similar. Maybe I wasn’t making choices as well as I thought!

Reading Something of Substance

When I started to think about spiritual issues and seasons such as Lent, I realized that giving up chocolate as I had done most of my life was like my decorator choices – it was rote. So, some years ago, I decided to read something of substance during Lent and also journal at least 3 times a week. When I began screaming at my kids because I didn’t have time and quiet to do this, I decided this wasn’t helpful. Then I decided to do something short with my children either at dinner or in the evening before they went to bed. Maybe we would talk about a social issue and relate it to something in Scripture. Not as satisfying as solitude so I could think, but it fit the bill. When I open myself to it, I actually always learn a lot from my kids! My children are now grown so I can truly choose and that is how I got to Richard Rohr.

Understanding Enough

One of my concerns has always been I don’t understand “as well as I should!” I now think that was a cop out. I was hiding. I have promised myself that I will read daily and think deeply about what Father Rohr has written. I will ask for help if I need it (and I very well might). I have been doing morning meditations released by him for a while and it has gotten much easier. I love being able to read a Scripture passage and think about that as well. I am a real neophyte at this, and I know many of you are much further along. Still, I invite you to consider your own companion on your journey. I will let you know at Easter how this all went. In the meantime, let’s pray for one another and support each other as we move towards our celebration of the Resurrection. That support is very important because who knows, I may ask you a question.

_____________________

Mary Lou Edgar, 130x190pxABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mary Lou Edgar, MSS, is a clinical social worker who founded A Better Chance for Our Children, an adoption and foster care agency that works to find permanent homes for children in the foster care system.  Mary Lou was the Executive Director of ABCFOC, but she is now retired.  She graduated from Neumann University and Bryn Mawr School of Social Work and Social Research. She and her husband joined SsAM in 2021.

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NEWS

Worship God with us in downtown Wilmington, Delaware

You are invited to worship God with us in person on Sunday at 8:00 or 10:30 a.m. in downtown Wilmington, Delaware. Our 10:30 a.m. service … [Read More...]

Welcome To SsAM. You are invited!

SsAM, the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew in downtown Wilmington, Delaware, welcomes you. Come to God’s Table! Come, you … [Read More...]

SsAM Presents: Upcoming Events

Worship God with us this Sunday at 8:00 or 10:30am. Click here to learn more about worship services at the Episcopal Church of Saints … [Read More...]

First Friday Walks for Justice and Peace in Wilmington, Delaware

The next walks are on Friday, October 6 and November 3, and begin at 5:30 p.m. in the SsAM parking lot, 713 N. Shipley Street. Join us for … [Read More...]

Chris White Art Gallery and Shipley Artist Lofts.

EXTRANJERA/O at the Chris White Art Gallery, Friday, October 6, 5-9pm. Click here for details of this celebration of Hispanic Heritage … [Read More...]

Children’s Chapel

Children’s Chapel continues Sunday, October 8 & 22 at 10:30am. Children have several activities before rejoining their families during … [Read More...]

Season of Creation

SsAM celebrates the Season of Creation beginning October 15. It is celebrated at our 10:30 a.m. service during the last seven weeks of … [Read More...]

Environmental Justice Ministry

Environmental Justice Forum, Sunday, October 15, 10:30am to 2:00pm Are you interested in learning about environmental justice, but aren’t … [Read More...]

Used Book Sale, Saturday, October 21, 2023, 10am to 3pm

Used books at good prices in downtown Wilmington, Delaware. Proceeds will be donated to the Scholarship Fund at Camp Arrowhead. Sponsored … [Read More...]

Let us again be as children

When I have something to say that I think will be too difficult for adults, I write it in a book for children. Children are excited by new … [Read More...]

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Worship Services

We will be delighted if you worship with us in-person or via video this Sunday. 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

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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.

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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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