Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

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

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  • Who We Are
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      • Clergy Transition
      • Rev. Patrick Burke, Rector
      • Rev. Canon Lloyd S. Casson
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      • D-L Casson, Church Administrator
      • David Christopher, Music Director
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  • Music
    • Our Unique Approach to Music and Liturgical Design
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    • Katherine Esterly Organ
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      • David Christopher, Organist, Director of Music and Associate for Liturgy
      • The SsAM Staff Singers
      • Jonathan Whitney
      • Berna Holcomb, Music Librarian
    • Artists in Residence
      • Jonathan Whitney
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Awakening to Racial Justice in the Episcopal Church in Delaware

Discussion Series on Peace, Justice, and Race in Wilmington, Delaware

Racial and Social Justice Discussions

Norwood Coleman presents videos and hosts discussions of topics related to peace, justice, and race. To ask for the Zoom login credentials, click here to use the Contact Us form on this website. At each session we plan to have a SsAM member who participated in the event as part of our session. Please join us and if you know of someone without a computer who might be interested in these sessions, please invite them to share the session with you. Sessions may also be accessed by mobile phone.

Take Four Steps toward Peace and Justice

In early 2023, Norwood J. Coleman, Sr. challenged SsAM members to join him in a four step process:

  1. Discover what we (SsAM) have done well in the area of peace and racial justice, how we developed and maintained these practices;
  2. Dream of a future where we as a congregation fully and inclusively embrace and practice peace and racial justice at levels beyond our current practices;
  3. Design ministries, practices and resources that help us to move toward a truly peaceful and just church and community; and,
  4. Deploy — put into action — these practices in our church, among our congregants and in our communities at the same time we assess, evaluate and re-evaluate as necessary.

The Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission of The Episcopal Church in Delaware was formed in 2020.

On May 25, 2020, the world witnessed the murder of George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement. This brutal event reawakened many to the ongoing reality of racism within individuals and systems.

In response to that tragedy, Bishop Brown created a think tank of laity and clergy. Their charge was to develop a sustainable structure that the Episcopal Church in Delaware (ECD) will use to address systemic racial injustice in our church and the larger society. The think tank based its work on Becoming Beloved Community, the Episcopal Church’s long-term commitment to racial healing, justice, and reconciliation.

Becoming Beloved Community is not a program, but rather a lifelong journey built upon four tenets, grounded in our baptism:

  1. Telling the Truth about the Church and Race;
  2. Proclaiming the Dream of Becoming Beloved Community;
  3. Practicing the Way of Love; and,
  4. Repairing the Breach in Society and Institutions.

The think tank returned to Bishop Brown with two strong recommendations: first, form a Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission (RJRC) to carry out this work; second, hire a missioner for racial justice and reconciliation, who will act as a liaison between the ECD and RJRC, and work alongside it to accomplish its goals.

The Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission has begun its work and meets monthly to consider its goals. It has met with the College of Clergy to assess the needs of diocesan parishes and other organizations in relation to racial justice and reconciliation, as well as with community partners engaged in similar efforts. With God’s help, the mission will be accomplished: to support the ECD in Becoming Beloved Community, one that is diverse; centered on following Jesus; and where every member is valued, celebrated, and honored.

To learn more about the RJRC, or to join in the mission, feel free to contact either of the co-chairs: the Rev. Chuck Weiss or Dr. Sheridan Quarless Kingsberry. Canon Casson, our Rector Emeritus, is a member of the Commission.

You are also encouraged to keep up-to-date with this work by clicking here to visit the Awakening to Racial Justice page on the diocesan website.

Statement from Bishop Brown

April 21, 2021
Beloved of God in Delaware,

Yesterday, April 20, 2021, a jury in Minneapolis convicted former police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who was in police custody. The trial will be remembered as a landmark event in American legal history.

Sadly, achieving this just outcome is considered a major accomplishment for our judicial system, and it is. Indeed, this trial and its verdicts mark a moment of genuine progress toward fairness for all citizens and, yes, that is incredibly important. But, as is often the case, when we as a nation suddenly lurch forward we also see more clearly just how long the struggle ahead remains. As important as this one outcome is, let us not be deceived. This single action of progress does not mean courts everywhere have suddenly reformed themselves toward true justice and accountability. Our work remains.

Thankfully, in this work we are joined by our diocese’s newly-formed Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission. They, too, will issue a statement in the coming days. I look forward to it and to their witness, energy, and leadership for years to come.

St. Paul encouraged the faithful in Galatians 6 to bear one another’s burdens, fulfilling the law of Christ. That law of Christ is, as we well know, to love one another as we have been loved. Paul writes, “So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all …”

Today, I call us to prayer. Please pray for Mr. Floyd and his family, and for all whose lives have been altered by this tragedy and violence of every kind. Pray for former officer Chauvin and all those who have perpetrated violence, that they may know a better way. Pray for justice, healing, and peace. My sisters and brothers, pray for us all.

Your brother in Christ,
+Kevin

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NEWS

SsAM Presents: Upcoming Events

Worship God with us this Sunday at 8:00 and 10:30am. Our 10:30 a.m. services are broadcast live on YouTube and Facebook, and are available … [Read More...]

Advent and Christmas – Our Liturgy Unfolded

We prepare for the birth of Jesus during the Season of Advent and celebrate it during the twelve days of Christmas. The seasons of the … [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...]

Children’s Chapel

Children’s Chapel continues Sunday, December 10 and 24 at 10:30am. Children have several activities before rejoining their families during … [Read More...]

Chris White Art Gallery and Shipley Artist Lofts.

Sunday, December 10, Noon to 4pm — Coffee Hour at the Gallery followed by an Open Figure Drawing opportunity. Coffee, tea, and … [Read More...]

A Feast of Carols

Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 7pm — A Feast of Carols The choir of Grace United Methodist Church joins our choir in a festive … [Read More...]

First Friday Walks for Justice and Peace in Wilmington, Delaware

The next walks are on first Fridays, December 1 and January 5, 5:30pm and begin in the SsAM parking lot, 713 N. Shipley Street. Join us for … [Read More...]

Offspring of Inspiration

A reflection by Danny Schweers for December 10, 2023. In my wife’s studio, geometry and color catch my eye. A glance is all it takes. Out … [Read More...]

Wonderful Time of the Year?

Reflection by Mary Lou Edgar for November 26, 2023. Thursday was Thanksgiving and for most of us that is the beginning of the holiday … [Read More...]

Stewardship Means Invite Welcome Connect

Invite-Welcome-Connect: The Body of Christ consolidated at SsAM. A stewardship witness by Pat Hampton for November 26, 2023. The … [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. 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
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  • 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.

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