Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

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

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Reflection - This is for the birds by Christina Brennan Lee

A reflection by Christina Brennan Lee on 2023-01-24.

I’ve wanted a bird feeder for as long as I’ve lived in my current home, over 14 years. I love waking to the sound of birdsongs when I have the window open and throughout the day. I’ve had feeders in various places I’ve lived and they always fall prey to, among other things, my personal nemeses: squirrels! My late husband was successful in foiling their attempts but it hasn’t been possible to duplicate his method here. Of course I’ve thrown birdseed around the yard and the squirrels eat it faster than the birds. I threw some out on the hard crust of snow a couple of years ago and the resulting tracks looked more like an all-out battle had taken place instead of a peaceful feeding I intended. The few birds that could get in left after the several squirrels aggressively took over.

It had been a while since I thought about feeding the birds when I was reminded this past summer by articles and news reports of the rapidly diminishing population of birds across the world, including extinction of many species here in the US. Habitat loss, cell towers, household bug spray, lawn and garden chemicals, etc., all contribute and one of the most dangerous is feral and domestic cats who kill as many as a billion birds every year (please keep Fluffy inside!). I began to think of feeders again and in finding one that has perches on all sides with feeding windows that close with the weight of a squirrel, I bought two. I found the right size double plant hanger pole, filled them with seed and waited, and waited, and waited. I scattered some birdseed on a back area of my driveway to attract attention. The squirrels, of course, were all over it. FINALLY, two days later, it was if the sky was raining birds! Finches, sparrows, blue jays, lady cardinals, and more. Watching them reminded me of the words of the late Thomas Merton, monk, mystic, author who wrote:

The first chirps of the waking birds mark the ‘point vierge’ [the virgin point] of the day under a sky as yet without real light, a moment of awe and inexpressible innocence, when the Father in perfect silence opens their eyes. They speak to him, not with fluent song, but with an opening question that is their dawn state… Their condition asks if it is time for them to ‘be.’ He answers,‘Yes.’ Then, they one by one wake up and become birds…beginning to sing. Presently they will be fully themselves, and will even fly.”

My heart smiles as my small offering to one small part of God’s Creation, of which I am also a very small part, is well received. And yes, the squirrels are enjoying parts of it, too, and larger birds share the driveway feed. It is a reminder that each morning when we wake we, too, are given another moment in time to “be” again. It is a virgin point, a moment of awe and even innocence to prayerfully consider how I will become human this day, as a benefit, a service, a ministry as a follower of Jesus, to “all creatures great and small,” along with my fellow humans, of course. For this moment, I will “be” happy to look out my window again to see who visits me today. Wake well in your tomorrow!

[Jesus said] A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them.” ~ Matthew 13:4-5

You make springs gush forth in the valleys…the wild donkeys quench their thirst. Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches.” ~ Psalm 104:10a, 11b,12

_____________________

Christina Brennan Lee, Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew (SsAM), Wilmington, DelawareABOUT THE AUTHOR: Every week, Christina Brennan Lee writes the Prayers of the People we use in our worship services on Sundays. She also leads weekday prayer services and serves on the SsAM Vestry. Click here to see her People’s Prayers website.

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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 Rev. Deacon Clay Brown

The Rev. Deacon Clay Brown will be ordained a priest on Saturday, February 4, at 11am. He joined the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew … [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

Silent Walk for Justice and Peace, 5:30pm on Friday, February 3 Join us for this peaceful, prayerful walk through the center of … [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...]

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

A reflection by Danny Schweers for January 29, 2023. Why did our companionship, in spite of events, continue as cheerfully as ever? Why … [Read More...]

First Friday Walks for Justice and Peace in Wilmington, Delaware

The next walk begins on Friday, February 3 at 5:30 p.m. in the SsAM parking lot, 713 N. Shipley Street. Join us for this peaceful, … [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...]

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.

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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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