Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

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

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Racial Justice and Reconciliation in Delaware

Awakening to Racial Justice in the Episcopal Church in Delaware

The Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission invites all parishes to participate in the quilt project by September 15, 2023.

Project Goal: To engage every parish in the diocese to create a mini quilt that best represents a message of justice and hope of Becoming Beloved Community.

Parish Interest: Each parish is invited to participate in the Justice Quilt Project. Parishes may communicate their interest in participating in the Justice Quilt Project by clicking here to use the Contact Us form on this website.

Deadline: Quilts must be completed by September 15, 2023. Quilts will be displayed and blessed at the diocesan annual convention in November, 2023. After convention, each quilt will be returned to the parish of origin to be hung in a prominent place for all to see and admire.

Conductors along the Underground Railroad are said to have used quilts with certain quilt blocks to indicate whether or not travelers should approach a safe house.

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

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

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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

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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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