Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

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

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      • D-L Casson, Church Administrator
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    • Katherine Esterly Organ
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      • David Christopher, Director of Music
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      • Jonathan Whitney
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Five opportunities to live into a Rhythm of Prayer

Five opportunities to live into a rhythm of prayer

— Fr. David’s Blog of 6/26/2020 — What demands are you coping with today? Here are five opportunities to live into a Rhythm of Prayer.

Since the beginning of our being apart in March, all of us have had to lean into a new normal: online worship, working from home, not being able to go out to see friends, having to wear a face mask, and online meetings. I encourage you to take some time this week to take a piece of paper, place your name in the center of the page and reflect on what demands require your attention at home, at work, at church, and at social events. Then circle the events that require more of your energy than others. This exercise is not meant to make you feel bad but rather to help you understand the reasons why you might be feeling tired or stressed during this long time of being isolated from one another.
 
I know that I demand a great deal from myself and these feelings often lead me to feel tired. This past week I met with my spiritual director and afterwards reflected on what I can do to manage the many demands on my time. How might I be more attentive to what is happening at the moment instead of worrying about tomorrow.

Rhythm of Prayer

I don’t know if you have felt this way during the last several months, but I wanted to offer some ideas as how to manage these difficult times. As you know, I try to schedule three- or four-day silent retreats in Advent and Lent at a monastery. The monasteries where I stay stress the importance for visitors to come and rest and to join in the rhythm of the community. This rhythm includes joining the community in prayer (morning, noon, evening and compline), but with the option that if a person chooses to rest that is OK as well.
 
Obviously we do not live in a monastery and many of us are not able to get away for a period of silence. Even so, I invite you to try living into your own rhythm of prayer.

Join Father David for Morning and/or Evening Prayer on Facebook

I have been offering morning and evening prayer on Facebook for the last several months. Recently I have cut back on the days that this prayer is offered but I miss the routine of daily prayer, too. So, beginning Monday, July 6, the following schedule will replace what has been offered the last month.
 
Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday: morning prayer on Facebook at 8:00 a.m. (please note the time change)
Monday-Wednesday-Friday: evening prayer on Facebook at 5:00 p.m.

Join Father David for One-on-One Conversation

The demand on our time seldom allows us time to reflect on the movement of God in our day-to-day lives. I invite you to contact me to set up a confidential time with me via Zoom video conference. I am available to listen and to pray so that together we might feel the movement of God in our lives.

Join us for Virtual Coffee Hour Starting in August

In the last several months we have also lamented our inability to be with one another on Sunday mornings. Seeing each other via Zoom has become our new normal for connecting. A couple of months ago we tried our first virtual coffee hour, and these will return in August. Watch for details!

Join Rabbi Douglas Krantz and Father David on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. for Bible Study

Beginning in August, Rabbi Douglas and I will host an online Bible study on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. The first book we will study is the prophet Micah. Please contact me for details.

These are just a few ways to help each one of us cope with the many demands and pressures we feel at this time. I hope you will join me as you are able.

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.

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