Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

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

  • Welcome To SsAM
    • Guiding Principles, Statements of Mission and Vision
    • News & Upcoming Events
    • Online Calendar
    • Visit SsAM on Facebook
    • eMail Sign Up
    • Worship at SsAM
    • Sunday Documents: Leaflet, Bulletin, Weekly Vision, Readings
  • Who We Are
    • Diversity
    • Clergy
      • Clergy Transition
      • Rev. James Bimbi, Interim Rector
      • Rev. Canon Lloyd S. Casson
      • Rev. Clay Brown
      • Sermons
    • Vestry
    • Staff
      • D-L Casson, Church Administrator
      • David Christopher, Music Director
    • Children’s Ministries
    • ECW: Episcopal Church Women at SsAM
    • History of the Parish
    • Visit the SsAM Photo Archive on Flickr
    • Member Photos
      • Photo & Video Archive
    • People Who Pray
  • What We Do
    • Services of Worship
      • Sunday Documents: Bulletin, Weekly Vision, Readings
      • Prayer Services at SsAM
      • Baptisms
      • Weddings
        • Wedding Guidelines
        • Wedding Fees
      • Funerals
    • Children’s Chapel
    • Adult Education
    • Reflection Essays
    • List of Health / Wellness Posts
    • Season of Creation
    • Sacred Jazz at SsAM
    • Annual Reports
  • Get Involved
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Volunteer in the Community!
    • Volunteer at Worship!
    • Volunteer Behind The Scenes!
    • Health / Wellness Posts
    • Invite Welcome Connect
    • Financial Contributions and Stewardship
    • Stewardship Posts
    • Pledge Form 2023
    • Member Resources
  • Music
    • Our Unique Approach to Music and Liturgical Design
    • Choral Music at SsAM
    • Katherine Esterly Organ
    • Music Staff
    • Artists in Residence
      • Jonathan Whitney
      • Delaware ChoralArts
    • Sacred Jazz at SsAM
    • Upcoming Musical Events
    • Make a contribution to support SsAM’s Music Ministry and the Friends of the Katherine Esterly Organ
  • Contribute
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us
    • Directions

Reflection – Things kept going wrong but that didn’t bother us.

New York City Fire Department, January, 2023, at E. 74th Street and 2nd Avenue

A reflection by Danny Schweers for January 29, 2023.

Why did our companionship, in spite of events, continue as cheerfully as ever? Why didn’t our spirits sink? First, the Uber driver’s map app took him to the other side of Central Park from where we were actually waiting in the dark and the cold. Then, having arrived at last at our destination, we saw a sign in the window of our highly-recommended restaurant: TAKE OUT ONLY. Before we could begin to think of what to do next, six fierce fire engines arrived suddenly, closing the street, their spinning lights turning everything red around us. None of this dismayed us. Why not? Perhaps because we were simply delighted to be in each other’s company after many months apart. These distractions only increased our fellowship. Even now, I would be in such company again — whenever apps go wonky, recommendations fail, and the world is full of false alarms.

You may react differently to frustrations. Waiting for a ride that is late? Me, I usually get snippy and impatient when left spinning my wheels, especially if it is because some stupid app on a smart phone has messed up. Looking back, it still amazes me that we were not glum when a glitch delayed our Uber driver. My wife and I continued to enjoy the company of our god-daughter and her husband, our first time in their company with no other family around. We had them to ourselves. It was a chance to get to know them as a couple, see how they dealt with the unexpected.

The Uber driver was fantastic! Caribbean-born, he was a real character, opinionated in a cheerful way that invited us to share our opinions. Looking at the camera around my neck, he asked me to agree with him that the best camera in the world is the one you have, not the one you wished you had, the implied moral being to learn to be happy with the life you have.

After he dropped us off, we had to adjust our expectations again because the restaurant recommended to us was a tiny place with nowhere to sit — take out only. Where would we eat instead?

Before we could even begin to solve this new problem, a fire engine arrived, blocking traffic. One by one, five more bright red trucks arrived, closing down 2nd Avenue, making it hard to think. “My son loves fire engines,” said our god-daughter’s husband. “Actually, he loves anything with wheels.” There was no smoke, no squads of firefighters rushing into danger. Perhaps it was a false alarm or the fire was quelled by the time the responders got there. Before the fire engines drove off, I took photographs of them — with the best camera in the world.

It was my wife who noticed an unassuming restaurant nearby with seating. While she and I debated the menu posted outside, a fashionably-dressed woman came out, the kind of classy older woman you might expect to find on the Upper East Side. She had just finished her meal. She ate at A La Turka often. “Try the lentil soup,” she said. “The zucchini fritters are delicious, but make sure to order them well done so they are a bit crispy, not mushy.” After making other suggestions, she walked home and we went in. We had a wonderful meal, which only made our companions’ company even more enjoyable. The creamy lentil soup was the best in the world.

So even though things kept going wrong, it didn’t matter. The unexpected just made our visit to New York City more memorable. God willing, I would have faith always that mine is the best life in the world. Disappointments and frustrations would not matter. I’d look forward to meeting engaging strangers with friendly banter and good advice. I’d look forward to whatever God gave me. I’d look forward, wondering what’s next.

That is who I would be, not who I am. I get frustrated with myself that I am not the me I want to be. Then I think, God loves me as I am, the best me in the world. God loves us.

Let me end this essay there!

(Photo of the New York City Fire Department units at E. 74th Street and 2nd Avenue in front of A La Turka restaurant. Photo and text copyright 2023 by Danny N. Schweers.)

Comments

ALICE SAID: Danny, it was great to read this reflection after seeing the picture in your photo prayer. Having been to New York City for a play in November, your reflection was even more meaningful. The three of you who write reflections are so thoughtful in your subject matter and how you present them.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Danny N. Schweers chairs SsAM’s Communication Committee. He is an active photographer and writer. Click here to visit his website and make a comment.

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.

Visitor CardLet us know you visited!

Use our Prayer Request form.

Minister to others in worship services, behind the scenes, and in the community.

We are looking for 100% participation this year rather than a financial goal.

Make a secure on-line contrabution..

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.

SsAM Logo

[footer_backtotop]

Copyright © 2023 The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew · Log in