Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

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

  • Welcome To SsAM
    • Guiding Principles, Statements of Mission and Vision
    • News & Upcoming Events
    • Online Calendar
    • Visit SsAM on Facebook
    • eMail Sign Up
    • Worship at SsAM
    • Sunday Documents: Leaflet, Bulletin, Weekly Vision, Readings
  • Who We Are
    • Diversity
    • Clergy
      • Clergy Transition
      • Rev. James Bimbi, Interim Rector
      • Rev. Canon Lloyd S. Casson
      • Rev. Clay Brown
      • Sermons
    • Vestry
    • Staff
      • D-L Casson, Church Administrator
      • David Christopher, Music Director
    • Children’s Ministries
    • ECW: Episcopal Church Women at SsAM
    • History of the Parish
    • Member Photos
      • Photo & Video Archive
    • People Who Pray
  • What We Do
    • Services of Worship
      • Sunday Documents: Bulletin, Weekly Vision, Readings
      • Prayer Services at SsAM
      • Baptisms
      • Weddings
        • Wedding Guidelines
        • Wedding Fees
      • Funerals
    • Children’s Chapel
    • Adult Education
    • Reflection Essays
    • List of Health / Wellness Posts
    • Season of Creation
    • Sacred Jazz at SsAM
    • Annual Reports
  • Get Involved
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Volunteer in the Community!
    • Volunteer at Worship!
    • Volunteer Behind The Scenes!
    • Health / Wellness Posts
    • Invite Welcome Connect
    • Financial Contributions and Stewardship
    • Stewardship Posts
    • Pledge Form 2023
    • Member Resources
  • Music
    • Spiritual Music in Wilmington, Delaware
    • Katherine Esterly Organ
    • Choral Music at SsAM
    • Sacred Jazz at SsAM
    • Drumming Circle
    • Music Staff
    • Artists in Residence
      • Jonathan Whitney
      • Delaware ChoralArts
    • Our Approach to Music and Liturgical Design at SsAM
  • Contribute
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us
    • Directions

Power Outage, a reflection by Christina Brennan Lee

Reflection of 9-9-2022 by Christina Brennan Lee.

On Tuesday, I woke with a good spark of energy. I had my first cup of coffee and tidied up the kitchen a bit. I went downstairs and started a load of laundry. Came back up and poured a second cup of coffee. Then to the laptop to continue writing this piece and WOW, the world completely shut down, well, OK, just my part of it. The power went out.

Turns out a very large tree in the park up the street fell over into the street and took many wires with it. I drank the coffee before it got cold and picked up a book to read and I had an all-too-rare just reading for-fun-day. BUT, along the way of the day, I started to think about other kinds of power that surges and then just fades to a stop.

One particular area struck me: our spiritual power, our sense of prayer power, our inner full and then empty soul moments.

What do you do when the power of the Spirit suddenly seems to be gone?

The inner and outer struggle can be very painful when that light dims or leaves completely, or it might lead to anger, frustration, depression, or more, especially if we’ve felt quite comfortable in our faith and our practice for a long time. There is no short answer as each of us have different situations and experience.

One possibility is that when you feel ready, talk to a priest and/or find a qualified spiritual director ~ a priest can help you find one. There are also professionally qualified Pastoral Counselors who are therapists that specialize in spiritual matters. Meanwhile, remember always that the lights that go out can return.

The power of the Spirit, of God, of our Christ never leaves from within us.

We just sometimes trip over the cord and pull out the plug. It’s not our fault. It’s not anyone’s fault. Like the dreary clouds that filled my home unexpectedly the other day, we all can have those times in life, long or short, where the inner lights are.just.out.

If your Spiritual Power and Light is still glowing, ENJOY, Be EXCITED, SMILE a lot. Express the JOY in all that you do and keep attending to the Presence that is lighting you from within!

If you are feeling alone and lost in a spiritual desert, here’s a piece I wrote a long time ago reflecting a moment of my own. Go well, take care, feel what you feel, breathe. The Light will come in its own time, and we are all here with you, wherever you are in your Journey in Christ.

O You of the Great Beyond, are You really “up there” or “down here” or both? I know people who have no doubt in Your presence, in Your whereabouts, in Your intervention and grace. What’s wrong with me? I used to know with certainty that You were in charge of the Universe. All According to Your Will. And then – right after that day – I had a question. My question led to wonder. My wonder led to doubt. I haven’t always been the best person I could be – does that make my Grace Account smaller? I wandered away. Now I want to find my way back. I know in my heart and soul that I will have something more in my life if I can get back to You. Please, help me, Great One, I want to find and renew my faith in You. How do I begin? I’ll try by borrowing from another and ask: Please lift my spirit to Your presence where I can be still and know that You are my God, with Your Son our Savior Jesus Christ and with Your Spirit Who will lift my veil of doubt. Amen.”

Oh, and as for the piece I was originally writing for today, stay tuned…

_____________________

Christina Brennan Lee, Saints Andrew and Matthew Episcopal Church, Wilmington, DelawareABOUT THE AUTHOR: Every week, Christina Brennan Lee writes the Prayers of the People we use in our worship services on Sundays. She also leads weekday prayer services and serves on the Vestry. Click here to see her People’s Prayers website.

Click here to see all the Adult Education posts on this website.

We worship God on Sundays at 8am and 10:30am and offer prayer services other days.

Visitor CardLet us know you visited!

Use our Prayer Request form.

Minister to others in worship services, behind the scenes, and in the community.

We are looking for 100% participation this year rather than a financial goal.

Make a secure on-line contrabution..

NEWS

Clergy Transition – Our Search for a New Rector

SsAM IS NOW RECEIVING NAMES FOR OUR NEXT RECTOR! If you are a clergy person and interested in our open rector position, we invite you to … [Read More...]

The Reverend Clay Brown

Father Clay will celebrate his first Eucharists at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at SsAM. The 10:30 a.m. service is … [Read More...]

Worship God with us this Sunday in downtown Wilmington, Delaware

You are invited to worship God with us in person this Sunday at 8:00 or 10:30 a.m. in downtown Wilmington, Delaware. Our newly-ordained … [Read More...]

Welcome To SsAM. You are invited!

SsAM, the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew in downtown Wilmington, Delaware, welcomes you. Come to God’s Table! Come, you … [Read More...]

SsAM Presents: Upcoming Events

The Rev. Kevin Clayton Brown, will celebrate Eucharist for the first time on Sunday, February 5, 8:00 am and 10:30 am By the Grace of God … [Read More...]

Charisse Rodgers is New Co-Chair of Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission

Charisse L. Rodgers has served the church in numerous capacities, to include, vestry person, church treasurer, ECW board, diocesan … [Read More...]

Reflection on Winter – A Time to Slow Down

A reflection for February 5, 2023 by Mary Lou Edgar. It is hard to believe that we are in the middle of winter. We have had many nice … [Read More...]

The Extraordinary Life of Rosetta Henderson

An interview with Rosetta Henderson and a digital exhibit exploring her life and accomplishments is now at the Hagley Museum and Library. … [Read More...]

Spiritual Music in Wilmington, Delaware

Wilmington Children’s Chorus Teaching Fellowship applications are due February 10. The Wilmington Children's Chorus is accepting … [Read More...]

Children’s Chapel continues on February 12 at 10:30am.

Children’s Chapel will meet on February 12 and 26, and on every second and fourth Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in Crypt Hall. Children have several … [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 this Sunday 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 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
  • On-Line Calendar
  • Annual Reports
  • Clergy Transition
  • 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 © 2023 The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew · Log in