Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

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

  • Welcome To SsAM
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      • Rev. James Bimbi, Interim Rector
      • Rev. Canon Lloyd S. Casson
      • Rev. Clay Brown
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      • D-L Casson, Church Administrator
      • David Christopher, Music Director
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    • Our Unique Approach to Music and Liturgical Design
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      • Jonathan Whitney
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    • Make a contribution to support SsAM’s Music Ministry and the Friends of the Katherine Esterly Organ
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    • Contact Us
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Reflection: The End of Separation, essay by Danny N. Schweers

On the Day of Pentecost, Christians celebrate the end of separation — separation from God and from each other.

Pentecost is the day the Holy Spirit fell on the disciples of Jesus. We, like them, followers of God, are no longer separate from God. On this day the Holy Spirit began dwelling in every human heart that welcomes it. Just as a stinking stable in Bethlehem became the holy place of Jesus’s birth, so our souls become holy when we hear the Good News and rejoice.

Pentecost is also the day the disciples of Jesus recognized they were no longer separate from others, no matter what faith, race, or nationality the others claimed. We can be like the disciples. We can be filled with God’s Spirit and connect to others regardless of our differences. Beginning on Pentecost, God’s people were no longer just the tribes of Israel but all nationalities, all servants and masters, young and old, poor and rich, the primitive and the civilized, regardless of sex, race, and every other way in which we separate ourselves from one another.

We do not say that there are no differences. There are many differences, but no difference should be a cause of separation. Just as nothing can separate us from God’s love for us, no difference should cut off our love for one another. We love one another just as God loves us. We forgive one another just as God forgives us. We are one in the Spirit. We are one in the Lord.

Let me say it stronger. Our love for others is not dependent on others loving us. Our enemies will continue to attack us and we will continue to defend ourselves. We will be tempted to hate our enemies, to punish them when we are victorious, to celebrate their deaths. Let us be like Jesus, who forgave those who struck him, those who mocked him, those who killed him. In victory, let us be loving. In defeat, let us look to God who makes all things new, not letting hate poison our hearts. That’s the real battleground, fought with the gentlest of weapons and the softest of words.

____________________

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.

Click here to see all the Adult Education posts on this website.

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...]

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. Our 10:30am Sunday … [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

Slavery By Another Name, Saturday, March 25, 10am via Zoom Recently, seventeen individuals viewed the PBS video "Driving While Black". Some … [Read More...]

Why I Walk

First Friday Walks for Justice in Wilmington, Delaware. A reflection by Mary Lou Edgar for March 21, 2023.  Shortly after I joined … [Read More...]

Wednesday Nights in Lent with Father Jim

Join the Rev. James M. Bimbi for a Lenten journey in the holy land as we read and reflect on the material in the book “River through the … [Read More...]

Holy Week and Easter Services in Downtown Wilmington, Delaware

Holy Week 2023 at our church in downtown Wilmington, Delaware starts with the promise of Palm Sunday, becomes tragic on Good Friday, but … [Read More...]

Children’s Chapel continues on March 26, April 2, and April 23 at 10:30am.

Children’s Chapel will meet on March 26, April 2 (Palm Sunday), April 23 at 10:30am. Chapel is usually on every second and fourth Sunday at … [Read More...]

First Friday Walks for Justice and Peace in Wilmington, Delaware

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

Vestry Nominees Wanted

A call to Christian Service - Nominees wanted to serve on SsAM’s Vestry by April 10, 2023. When Jesus called his disciples, he did not ask … [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

  • Worship at SsAM: Sunday Documents, Church News, and More
  • eNewsletter Sign Up
  • YouTube Service Videos
  • SsAM on Facebook
  • Recent Announcements at SsAM
  • On-Line Calendar
  • Annual Reports
  • Clergy Transition
  • Episcopal Church in Delaware
  • Episcopal Church USA
  • Michael Curry’s blog: the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
  • Episcopal Digital Network
  • Forward Day By Day
  • Book of Common Prayer
  • Camp Arrowhead, Delaware
  • Congregational Development
  • Calendar
  • Visit SsAM on Facebook
  • eNewsletter Sign-up

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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