Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

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

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Creation and Conflict, a reflection by Christina Brennan Lee

Wing-ed white whispers of fluffy dandelion airies were drafting as feathery angels through the breezy late summer-like air as I wrote today, in flurries as if on a winter’s morn, yet warm and bright in the sun: Creation and Re-Creation at work.

Yet also as I wrote, Puerto Rico has suffered catastrophic damage from Hurricane Fiona after nearly three feet of torrential rain and now a further level of destruction of their infrastructure that was not completely restored after Hurricane Maria in 2017.

Mexico suffered five earthquakes in 24 hours this week, and the war in Ukraine rages on. The raging fires in our western states, devastating water shortages and breakdowns in water supply, intense and historic heat in this country, and all across Europe and Asia where most do not have air conditioning.

Creation is in conflict, indeed. Even our blissful dandelions floating from their downy parachutes will not all succeed in their mission. (See the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:1-9.) And there’s more to the conflict in old Creation as well as new.

A month of Sundays ago, Fr. Jim gave us a fascinating observation in his sermon as he mentioned the Apostles Andrew and Matthew, those for whom our Parish is named. His focus that Sunday was on the Commissioning of the New Rector Search Committee and the “unity in spirit and purpose” grounded in the differences represented by those in our Parish name.”

As for the differences of our patron saints, Andrew, we know, was a fisherman working hard for the money (you had to be there that day! If not, watch on our YouTube Channel, the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew broadcast that aired on 8/21/22 and yes, you can fast forward to the sermon but don’t tell anyone I said that!). In contrast, Matthew sat behind a desk collecting taxes from hard workers like Andrew, and helping himself to some of the proceeds. Tax collectors were very unpopular as they had the power to set the tax rate above what Rome required and therefore the top was skimmed for personal gain. Think Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). Suddenly (see Matthew 9:9), Andrew and Matthew are together as disciples of Jesus. Now that’s some serious potential conflict. We usually hear only about Peter’s temper, but take a moment to stop here and imagine the atmosphere when Matthew appears in the group.

Members of St. Andrew’s and St. Matthew’s consolidated as a new parish 26 years ago. Now as then, we strive together in unity in spirit and purpose. The Search Committee, the Vestry, and the Parish as a whole are prayerfully united as we seek the individual to lead us forward in our faith. We are in Creation mode and there will be differences, discussions, perhaps even conflict, and then more prayer, and reflection. But as Jesus brought together the various personalities of the Disciples, He brings us together also, grounded in Him through the Holy Spirit and God our Creator.

Meanwhile, keep our Parish Family in prayer, especially for those who have been struck by COVID just recently. Keep aware of the numbers that may be increasing. Even as SsAM’s mask restrictions are loosened, I’ll be wearing mine. Please get vaccinated and boosted for COVID and the annual flu vaccine, shingles if you are of a certain age, and the pneumonia vaccines. Keep yourself well in order to keep others well. That’s my personal message only, from my health to yours. Be of good faith as we walk this new journey together, with Jesus as our Guide and Inspiration.

_____________________

Christina Brennan Lee, Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew (SsAM), 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 SsAM Vestry. Click here to see her People’s Prayers website.

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NEWS

Worship God with us in downtown Wilmington, Delaware

You are invited to worship God with us in person on Sunday at 8:00 or 10:30 a.m. in downtown Wilmington, Delaware. The 10:30 a.m. service … [Read More...]

Clergy Transition – Our Search for a New Rector

June 2, 2023 — Throughout the month of June we will be welcoming our semi-finalists to visit SsAM. In those visits, they will get to know … [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

Worship God with us this Sunday, June 11 at 8:00 or 10:30 a.m. Click here to learn more about worship services at the Episcopal Church of … [Read More...]

Scholarships Available for SsAM Members

The deadline is July 15, 2023 to apply for $1,000 college scholarships. The Community Advocacy Committee sponsors scholarships for students … [Read More...]

Vikings, Grimaces, and Cobble Stones

A reflection by Danny Schweers for June 2, 2023. As Vikings cheered, riders grimaced their way over the cobblestones and up Monkey … [Read More...]

Children’s Chapel continues on June 11 at 10:30am.

Children’s Chapel will meet on June 11 at 10:30am. Chapel is usually on every second and fourth Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in Crypt … [Read More...]

Steps to Peace and Justice

Discussion Series on Peace, Justice, and Race, Third Wednesdays at 6:30pm via Zoom. by Norwood Coleman, Sr. For the next few months on … [Read More...]

First Friday Walks for Justice and Peace in Wilmington, Delaware

The next walks are on Friday, June 2 and July 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the SsAM parking lot, 713 N. Shipley Street. Join us for this peaceful, … [Read More...]

Chris White Art Gallery and Shipley Artist Lofts.

Edward Loper Jr. receptions at Chris White Gallery, 5-9pm, Fridays,  July 7 and 14. Here are three chances to see “Wilmington and … [Read More...]

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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

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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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