Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

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

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Peace in the Midst of Power, reflection by Mary Lou Edgar

Reflection for Sunday, February 13, 2022 by Mary Lou Edgar for the 6th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C

“Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”

How many times have we heard the words to this beautiful song? It stirs in us the need to find ways to achieve peace within ourselves, in our families, in our communities, and in our world. We share the sign of peace whenever we are at a liturgy. However, few of us rarely think of peace as being closely aligned with fear.

If we are feeling peaceful, can we be afraid at the same time? We are living in a world where fear is a constant and peace can sometimes feel unfamiliar. To make sure we can avoid fear and feel safe, we accumulate power and resources. Yet, power can give us a sense of false security.

How do we make working for peace more prominent in our lives rather than hiding from fear? One way is to pray for peace daily. Saying “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me” is a prayer. Does peace begin with me? Do we focus more on peace or on fear? When we feel powerful, we may lose a sense of trust about who we can truly have in our lives. However, do we always feel peaceful when we are with those we love? There will always be disagreements and strong words spoken at one time or another. However, we are more likely to forgive those we love. We forget that having time with special people can last forever whereas power is often transient. Power can be deceiving. It depends on what a person wants and how problematic it is to attain. It is not difficult to become embroiled in a power trap. People need to be firm in what they believe and equally firm in who they trust.

This year our grandchild gave my husband and me a gift certificate to dinner at her favorite restaurant so we “could spend more time together.” That is a true gift, a gift of time. The gift of time can be a beautiful prelude to peace. Peace is more than words; it is challenging work. It provides us with the opportunity to really know one another.

We must cease judgement and listen with our hearts. This is not always easy. We are all busy and often we miss small important things. Mother Teresa said that if you want peace in the world, go home and make peace with your family. It is a good beginning.

We must have faith and live by what our faith teaches. How does this impact our world? Did God promise we would never be afraid? No, of course not. Our world is struggling, but it has always struggled. When we hear of a threat, do we immediately become fearful or do we turn to God? We need to be strong and depend on what Jesus has taught us. We need to pray and focus on “What can I do to make this world a better place?”

The peace God promised does not mean we will never be afraid. What it does mean is that when we are fearful, we will have the comfort and support that only God can provide. Now we must decide, with whom do I need to truly share peace? An insightful Sufi master once wrote that, when the power of love overcomes the love of power, there will be true peace on earth. Let peace truly begin with each of us!

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Let not your hearts be troubled neither let them be afraid.” –John 14:27

_____________________

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!

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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.

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PHONE: 302 656-6628

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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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