The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM) is a nurturing faith community born out of the 1996 consolidation of two downtown churches. This multi-racial congregation welcomes all people who seek the love of God without regard to ability, age, economic circumstance, ethnic background, family configuration, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, political affiliation, educational achievement, or sense of humor.
Our Mission Statement (1996)
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.
Our Vision Statement (1996)
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.
Living History: 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.)
- We will create a new Christian Community.
- We will have an Eucharistically-centered Liturgy that is mission driven and varied in format.
- We will be mission driven in our work and life together so that we go forth into the world as representatives of Christ.
- We will include individuals from all walks of life, all cultures and all races in the life of the Community.
- We will be advocates for social justice.
- We will share authority and ministry with the congregation in the design and implementation of worship and Christian formation, education, services, activities and program.
- We will model a multi-cultural community in everything we do.
- We will respect the needs of individuals and families.
- We will offer Christian formation in a variety of ways.
- We will have multi-cultural and/or diversified education.
- We will use all our resources in ways that strengthen both our faith community and the surrounding community.
- We will be supportive of those in physical and/or spiritual need.
- We will confront issues and conflicts openly, honestly, and with care for each other and the Community.
- We will honor and celebrate our historic roots and differences in ways that move us toward our Vision.
Vestry Goals: The Four Pillars
In 2014, the SsAM Vestry chose four strategic goals — The Four Pillars — that it continues to pursue:
- To strengthen and grow Youth and Young Families;
- To create a sustainable financial picture;
- To provide engaging worship that is rich and meaningful and brings people back; and
- To continue the tradition of being intentionally an inclusive and diverse faith community that celebrates its relationships with each other and the larger community.
Other Historial 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.
