Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

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

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Seek God's Face: A Reflection on Pslam 27 by Danny N. Schweers, the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew (SsAM), Wilmington, Delaware

A reflection on Psalm 27 by Danny N. Schweers on March 13, 2022.
Readings: Genesis 15:1-12,17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 13:31-35

Fear and anxiety are signs of separation.

When we are full of God’s Spirit, we do not fear what will happen, we wonder what will happen. We live in expectation. Full of God’s Spirit, we are not anxious about the possibilities, dreadful as many of them may be, but we are excited about the future, wondering where we will find God.

I am seldom full of God’s Spirit. I am often fearful and anxious about the future. If I can remember, I remind myself that fear and anxiety are signs of separation from God. If I can remember to do so, I remind myself that the cure is not to work harder or to hedge my bets or to make better plans or to sleep more or cope in some other way. The cure is to turn back to God, to switch my focus, to look for God’s face.

I would like to imitate the writer of Psalm 27 who puts fear away by seeking God’s face. It’s an odd phrase — to seek God’s face — yet many hundreds of years later we can still make sense of it. To seek God’s face is to seek the light and salvation that puts an end to fear. To find God’s face is to be strengthened. Even if an army campaigns against us, our hearts shall be unafraid, for our trust is in God.

I am particularly struck that the psalmist says, “One thing have I asked of the Lord; one thing I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the fair beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”

Fearful? Anxious? Seek the fair beauty of the Lord.

_____________________

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Danny N. Schweers serves on the Vestry at SsAM and wears other volunteer hats as well, including webmaster for this website. Every week he writes a prayer to go with one of his photos and sends them out to subscribers. Click here to see his Photo Prayer 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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We will be delighted if you worship with us in-person or via video this Sunday. 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
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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.

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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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