Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

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

  • Welcome
    • News & Upcoming Events
    • Online Calendar
    • Visit SsAM on Facebook
    • eMail Sign Up
    • Welcome to SsAM Booklet
    • Worship at SsAM
    • Sunday Documents: Leaflet, Bulletin, Weekly Vision, Readings
    • Our Unique Approach to Music and Liturgical Design
    • The use of Expansive (inclusive) Language at SsAM
  • Who We Are
    • Diversity
    • Clergy
      • Clergy Transition
      • Rev. James Bimbi, Interim Rector
      • Rev. Canon Lloyd S. Casson
      • Sermons
    • Vestry
      • Vestry Statements, Photos
      • Scott Serota, Treasurer
    • Staff
      • D-L Casson, Church Administrator
      • David Christopher, Music Director
    • Children’s Ministries
    • Youth & Young Families at SsAM
    • Episcopal Church Women – ECW
    • History of the Parish
      • Father David’s Blog
      • History, Diocese of Delaware
      • History of Slavery in Delaware
      • History of Wilmington Garden Day
    • Member Photos
      • Photo & Video Archive
    • People Who Pray
  • What We Do
    • Services of Worship
      • Sunday Documents: Bulletin, Weekly Vision, Readings
      • Baptisms
      • Weddings
        • Wedding Guidelines
        • Wedding Fees
      • Funerals
    • Children’s Chapel
    • Adult Education
    • List of Health / Wellness Posts
    • Season of Creation
    • Sacred Jazz at SsAM
    • Art Slam at SsAM
    • Annual Reports
    • Website Maintenance
  • Get Involved
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Volunteer in the Community!
    • Volunteer at Worship!
    • Volunteer Behind The Scenes!
    • Health / Wellness Posts
    • Invite Welcome Connect
    • Financial Contributions
    • Stewardship Posts
    • Pledge Form, On-Line Payment Link
    • Member Resources
  • Music
    • Katherine Esterly Organ
      • DONATE and become a FRIEND of the Katherine Esterly Organ
      • Friends of the KEO
      • Tonal Specifications
      • About the Organ Renovation Project
    • Choirs at SsAM
      • Choir Member Resources
    • Chorister Training Program
      • Chorister Advancement Levels
    • Sacred Jazz at SsAM
    • Drumming Circle
    • Music Staff
      • David Christopher, Director of Music
      • The SsAM Staff Singers
      • Jonathan Whitney, Director of Drumming Circle and Artist in Residence
      • Tina Betz, Director of Children’s Chapel Music
      • Berna Holcomb, Music Librarian
    • Artists in Residence
      • Jonathan Whitney
      • Delaware ChoralArts
    • Our Approach to Music and Liturgical Design at SsAM
  • Contribute
  • Contact Us
    • Directions

How to Live in this Time Apart by the Rev. David Andrews, Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, Wilmington, Delaware

FR. DAVID’S BLOG OF 3/22/2020 — Earlier this week Governor Carney announced his guidelines as to the procedures places of worship will have to follow in order to provide in person worship. The bottom line is that the governor strongly encourages houses of worship to continue on-line worship for the foreseeable future. If you would like to read more about the governor’s recommendations you may visit https://news.delaware.gov/2020/05/18/governor-carney-issues-guidance-for-churches-houses-of-worship/.

This news is disappointing to all of us, but it is paramount that all of us stay safe and healthy at this time. The vestry, staff, and I will of course continue to monitor this and will communicate more to you as we digest and reflect on these reopening recommendations from the governor.

So, what do we do in the meantime to stay connected to one another and to stay healthy and safe? I wanted to share with you some ideas that you might find helpful or not. They come from my own experience the last three months.

The first thing is to take care of yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually. There are many ways to do this. If you can get out and take a walk or work outside in the yard if you are physically able. This might be a given, but make sure you eat well and get enough sleep every night. This time has been emotional for all of us and we might not know how to cope with hard feelings. Take time each day or at least find regular times throughout the week to engage in a time of meditation and prayer. If you would like some resources to help you with this, please email me and I would be happy to set up a video session or a phone call to talk with you. I am also available to “meet” with anyone for spiritual direction.

The second suggestion is that, if you are working from home, make sure you take sabbath time during the week. I know from personal experience the last several months that it is very easy to work on my day off. As a result, I tend to work every day. If you can, make a commitment to turn off all devices (including the television) for a period of time each day.

The third and final suggestion is be kind to yourself and to others. I know that I have made many mistakes the last three months and I have been self-critical as a result. Recently, however, I have begun to be less critical and more forgiving. I have found a great deal of comfort in the Rule of Benedict and the importance of seeing myself as a student. We have all learned much the last three months and we will continue to learn about what church and what the new normal will look like moving forward.

So, my friends, I miss you. Be assured that Emily and I are well and healthy, and you are in our prayers. Be kind and love those close to you.

Peace,
Fr. David

Click here to learn about our video worship services.

All of Fr. David’s posts.


Prayer for People Critically Ill or Facing Great Uncertainty

God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart;
bring hope and courage to all
who wait or work in uncertainty.
Bring hope that you will make them the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
Bring them courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you.

-Adapted from New Zealand Prayer Book, p. 765

Worship services on Sundays are in-person and via video, at 8am and 10:30am. Prayer services via video are offered on other days.
Click here to learn more about Sunday and weekday services of worship and prayer.

Ask Others To Pray With You
Click here or the button above to use our Prayer Request form.

Volunteer for a Ministry
Be part of a worship service, work behind the scenes to make the church hum, or reach out to the local community.

Support Our Efforts Financially
You can make a secure on-line donation using your credit card, make a pledge, or make other contributions.

NEWS

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

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

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...]

Music Concerts in Wilmington, Delaware

Music of America Concert, Sunday, May 29, 3pm at SsAM A special tribute to Marian Anderson with soloists Tina Betz, Kim Doucette, Martin … [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...]

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...]

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: Pursue What You Love

When jazz pianist Rich Harney became a Christian, he was told he had to give up playing the devil’s music. He loved that music but he loved … [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...]

Get The Vaccine!

If you are over 50 years old or immuno-compromised, SsAM'S Health and Wellness Ministry invites you to take the COVID-19 vaccine extra … [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

  • Worship at SsAM: Sunday Documents, Church News, and More
  • eNewsletter Sign Up
  • YouTube Service Videos
  • SsAM on Facebook
  • Recent Announcements at SsAM
  • Clergy Transition
  • Recent Sermons
  • Episcopal Church in Delaware
  • Episcopal Church USA
  • Michael Curry’s blog: the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
  • Episcopal Digital Network
  • Forward Day By Day
  • Book of Common Prayer
  • Camp Arrowhead, Delaware
  • Congregational Development
  • Calendar
  • Visit SsAM on Facebook
  • eNewsletter Sign-up

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.

SsAM Logo

[footer_backtotop]

Copyright © 2022 The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew · Log in