Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

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

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Easter Resolutions and Real Change

Reflection for the Third Sunday of Easter, May 1, 2022 by Mary Lou Edgar.

“Just after daybreak Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not
know that it was Jesus.” –John 21:4

Can I Change?

Easter is such an emotional time. Lent has ended, we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, and I get all sorts of sorts of ideas about how I can be a better person.

Like new year’s resolutions, I have Easter resolutions. Each year I try to look honestly at myself during Lent so I will feel somewhat renewed when I get to Easter. Today I received a beautiful reading from a friend of mine written by Steve Garnaas-Holmes. It spoke of the many people who saw Jesus after the Resurrection and did not realize who he was. The question is asked, “Why didn’t they recognize him? Because he’d been changed.” The writer then stated: Resurrection isn’t “coming back to life,” it’s going on to a new life. It’s transformation. In the Gospel we read about how the disciples reacted when Mary reported to them that Jesus had risen. They were afraid. They didn’t believe it. They had heard about it, but it hadn’t changed them yet.

There is much more to this wonderful piece but what struck me was the idea of real change. If I could change something, what would it be. Of course, there are many things, but I had to narrow it down. I came to see that it would be the idea of gratitude. I struggle with gratitude. Often, when things are going well, I am very grateful. Other times, not so much. The last six weeks since our daughter became ill, have been stressful. Much of the time I was feeling frightened and overwhelmed. I remind myself to be grateful and, after some time of prayer, I feel it. I feel my gratitude and know it is a gift. I am grateful for this beautiful life God entrusted to me many years ago, and the joy she has brought to so many. I am grateful for the beautiful Easter we shared as a family at the rehabilitation center where she is healing. I am grateful for the progress she is making. I am grateful for all the beautiful people – so many who are members of this church – who have offered help and assurance to our family.

In the First Reading this Sunday, Saul (who later becomes Paul) is struck down by a strong light, which blinds him. When he asked what this was, Jesus spoke to him saying that Saul was persecuting him and needed to stop. As we know, Saul made some big changes in his life after that!

Changes can also be small. Some years ago, I planted a few mini daffodils in my yard. Each year there are more of them. They have grown, they have spread, and they are beautiful. They have changed. It is wonderful to consider that we too can change and bloom. I would like to think I could be grateful for all changes. But, as I think about it, I wonder how many of us would have recognized Jesus on that beach. I’m not at all sure I would have.

_____________________

Mary Lou Edgar, 130x190pxABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mary Lou Edgar, MSS, is a clinical social worker who founded A Better Chance for Our Children, an adoption and foster care agency that works to find permanent homes for children in the foster care system.  Mary Lou was the Executive Director of ABCFOC, but she is now retired.  She graduated from Neumann University and Bryn Mawr School of Social Work and Social Research. She and her husband joined SsAM in 2021.

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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...]

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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

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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.

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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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