Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

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

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Depending on Faith Alone? -- a reflection by Christina Brennan Lee

A reflection by Christina Brennan Lee for March 5, 2023.

For the Sunday and also the Daily Lectionary (appointed readings), we are given an Old Testament passage, a Psalm, an Epistle (a New Testament Letter which can be left out), and, of course, a reading from the Gospel.

They are generally arranged with a common theme although occasionally that theme can be fairly obscure. The sermon or homily (there are slight differences between the two) usually focuses on the appointed Gospel. Sometimes, in reading and later listening, I’m intrigued by one of the other Lessons.

This is especially true for me with the story of God calling Abram to “simply” pack up, move away from his country and his extended family, and start over with the promise of an amazing future. A true example of just do it!

In my mind, bringing it forward to our own times, minus the Internet and GPS, God’s call to Abram goes something like this:

The phone rings. It’s your boss. You are to pack up the spouse, leave the house, other family and friends behind, and move to a new country, for a new job. You’ll be in charge of everything including recruitment. There’s no time for questions. You’ll get all the info you need when you get there and you must be there by Tuesday. Click… Your head spins. Not only do you not know how to get there, but you also don’t know the language, the weather, where to live, or who to contact. Do you a) just do it because it’s the boss and your trust in her is complete and it will work out somehow. Or, b) ask your spouse, who says what you are thinking “…Is she crazy, just hangs up, no more info, what does she expect that we’ll just drop everything because she says so?” Then pick up the phone and call three people, “Can you believe this? There’s no way I can do this, until I get more details.”

Abram, later to be Abraham, packs up and goes, we’re told on Faith alone. Paul tells us it was Abram’s faith, and our own, through which the Promise of God is fulfilled. Further proof, God gives us Jesus ~ coming to preach, teach, and show us The Way; and, what real sacrifice is.

Can I go to the Country of God without all the moans and groans about the inconveniences, lack of clear information, and gripes about the cost of Faith? I do have the option of staying in my limited faith experience where I am now but at what eventual cost? If you are anxious about that kind of stepping out in faith, too, well, at least we have each other. Let’s go together…I’m sure there’s help in the hills (see Psalm 121).

_____________________

Christina Brennan Lee, Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew (SsAM), Wilmington, DelawareABOUT THE AUTHOR: Every week, Christina Brennan Lee writes the Prayers of the People we use in our worship services on Sundays. She also leads weekday prayer services and serves on the SsAM Vestry. Click here to see her People’s Prayers website.

Click here to see all the Adult Education posts on this website.

 

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NEWS

Clergy Transition – Our Search for a New Rector

SsAM IS NOW RECEIVING NAMES FOR OUR NEXT RECTOR! If you are a clergy person and interested in our open rector position, we invite you to … [Read More...]

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 10:30am Sunday … [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

Slavery By Another Name, Saturday, March 25, 10am via Zoom Recently, seventeen individuals viewed the PBS video "Driving While Black". Some … [Read More...]

Why I Walk

First Friday Walks for Justice in Wilmington, Delaware. A reflection by Mary Lou Edgar for March 21, 2023.  Shortly after I joined … [Read More...]

Wednesday Nights in Lent with Father Jim

Join the Rev. James M. Bimbi for a Lenten journey in the holy land as we read and reflect on the material in the book “River through the … [Read More...]

Holy Week and Easter Services in Downtown Wilmington, Delaware

Holy Week 2023 at our church in downtown Wilmington, Delaware starts with the promise of Palm Sunday, becomes tragic on Good Friday, but … [Read More...]

Children’s Chapel continues on March 26, April 2, and April 23 at 10:30am.

Children’s Chapel will meet on March 26, April 2 (Palm Sunday), April 23 at 10:30am. Chapel is usually on every second and fourth Sunday at … [Read More...]

First Friday Walks for Justice and Peace in Wilmington, Delaware

The next walks are on Friday, April 7 and May 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the SsAM parking lot, 713 N. Shipley Street. Join us for this peaceful, … [Read More...]

Vestry Nominees Wanted

A call to Christian Service - Nominees wanted to serve on SsAM’s Vestry by April 10, 2023. When Jesus called his disciples, he did not ask … [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 this Sunday 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

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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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