Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

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

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      • Jonathan Whitney
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    • Our Approach to Music and Liturgical Design at SsAM
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You are here: Home / Music at SsAM

Music at SsAM

An Overview of the SsAM Music Ministry

Please check out the sub menus above for more detail on each area of ministry.

The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, SsAM, Gospel Procession, Wilmington, DelawareSsAM has a rich and diverse music ministry that reflects the mission and vision of the parish as well as the personality of the congregation.  Although strongly rooted in the Anglican tradition, music at SsAM frequently includes Negro Spirituals, World Music, Chant, Gospel, Drumming and the full spectrum of classical music from Renaissance to Contemporary.

At SsAM, we view the primary musical ensemble as THE CONGREGATION!  Many who come to visit are impressed with the enthusiasm and beauty with which the SsAM congregation sings.  On most Sundays, being in the congregation is like being in the midst of a choir.  Not only does the congregation sing in parts, but they frequently sing a cappella (unaccompanied), psalms in Anglican chant, and sometimes in other languages.

SsAM Adult Choir, David Christopher, Organist, Music DirectorNot only does the congregation sing beautifully, but their commitment to musical excellence is demonstrated by the fact that since the beginning of the parish in 1996, the main parish liturgy has been led by a professional-caliber choir of highly skilled volunteer singers with a core of professional singers.  The SsAM Adult Choir can be heard most Sundays at the 10:30 a.m. service and at special feast days and choral services throughout the year.

SsAM Treble ChoirSsAM has a number of singing opportunities for children and youth.  The Chapel Choir is comprised of the children that attend Children’s Chapel.  Periodically, they share one of their songs with the congregation in worship.  The SsAM Chorister Training Program is a graded program for children and youth based on the RSCM curriculum.  CLICK HERE to learn more about the SsAM Chorister Training Program.

Jonathan Whitney, Artist-In-Residence, SsAMFor those who prefer the “rhythmic” approach to music making, the SsAM Drumming Circle, let by our Artist-In-Residence Jonathan Whitney is an exciting and inspiring way to participate in the musical life of the parish.  Performing frequently in the community as well as in liturgy at SsAM, the drumming circle becomes a spiritual practice that transcends barriers of both culture and age.

To explore music at SsAM in greater detail, click on one of the following links.

MUSIC AND LITURGICAL DESIGN – This document articulates our approach to liturgical design and our philosophy with regard to music within the context of worship.

CHOIRS AT SsAM – Learn more about each of the choral ensembles of the parish.

SsAM COLLEGIUM – Learn more about our professional choral ensemble.  Individual bios of each singer are included.

DRUMMING CIRCLE – Learn about this special ministry that unites folks of all ages and cultural backgrounds through rhythm and community!!!

ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE at SsAM – Learn how our parish has developed relationships with individuals and ensembles that enrich our parish as well as the community.

ORGAN RENOVATION PROJECT – Learn about the project to renovate our church’s pipe organ.

DAVID CHRISTOPHER – Organist, Director of Music and Associate for Liturgy

BERNADETTE HOLCOMB – Music Librarian

 

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

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...]

Reflection – May We All Be One

I was starting down a different path for this piece. And then the news of the school shooting in Texas hit and on the heels of the horror in … [Read More...]

First Friday Walks for Justice and Peace in Wilmington, Delaware

  First Fridays at 5:30 p.m. starting in the SsAM parking lot These walks are a public display of our belief that society needs … [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...]

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

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

Music Concerts in Wilmington, Delaware

Postponed: Music of America Concert by Delaware Choral Arts Due to illness, the DCA concert scheduled for May 29 has been postponed. The … [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 – 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...]

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...]

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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