Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

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

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My White Privilege and My White Fragility

White Fragility: Repair The Breach

 — Fr. David’s Blog of 6/19/2020 — I am really looking forward to this Sunday’s live video conversation with Canon Casson and Rabbi Krantz. That’s this Sunday, June 28, at 11:00 a.m.

Not on the E-Blast? Click here to contact us! We will add you to the list.

 Or call Danny Schweers at 302 475-0998 (even at the last minute) and he will give you the Zoom login numbers.

In last week’s E-Blast, I shared with the congregation the functions of White Fragility that may be found in the book, White Fragility, by Robin Diangelo. This week I wish to share with you some of my own experience of white privilege and white fragility.
 
I have reflected a great deal about this topic over the course of the last three weeks since the death of George Floyd and the death of Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta last week. My struggle has been how to put into words all that has happened in the last month. These events challenge me to leave the comfort of my white privilege as well as to open my heart to hear the pain that is being expressed not only in the city of Wilmington but around the country.

What actions can I take to help bring about needed change in this community? How do I not cut myself off from the pain and the anger and instead move out into the world and join with all of you in solidarity with our black brothers and sisters? I have far more questions than answers at the moment.
 
Maybe that is a good thing as this is the first time in a long time I am asking myself the difficult questions as to my role as a clergy person who has been silent for too long. My white privilege and white fragility have paralyzed me to act in the past. After reading again the book White Fragility, I have had to ask myself what I have done and left undone when it comes to battling systemic and structural racism.
 
I have often been silent when it comes to speaking out, but not completely silent. I have participated in and have facilitated study circles on racism over the last twenty years. As important as these study circles are to allow people to share their experiences it is not enough at this time. White people are being asked to do more today and to take responsibility for their complicity with racism.
 
I hope that the conversation that begins on Sunday, June 28, will be the beginning of a new day. My vision is that the conversation a week from Sunday will not be the last. My hope is that future conversations will include you so that I may listen to your experience and your pain and how together we can work together to eliminate racism. I hope you will join us on Sunday, June 28 at 11:00 a.m.

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.
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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

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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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