Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

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

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      • Jonathan Whitney
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The SsAM 25th Anniversary Continues

State of Delaware Tribute to SsAM 25th Anniversary25th Anniversary Time Capsule

We invite you to help us develop the 25th Anniversary Time Capsule to be buried in 2022. Click here to send D-L Casson, our church administrator, your ideas about what should be placed in the time capsule. Suggested items for the time capsule are due by December 19, 2021. Items that were buried in the 10th anniversary time capsule are currently on display in Crypt Hall if you want to take a peek at them.

At right: The State of Delaware’s tribute to the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew on its 25th Anniversary. Click here or the image to see it larger.

Rectors in Conversation: Watch The Video
https://youtu.be/D3IzGmaehPQ

As we approach the end of this historic and momentous 25th year in the life and ministry of the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, the two rectors of the parish shared their experiences and reflections with the whole congregation. The Rev. Canon Lloyd Casson was rector from 1997 to 2007 and the Rev. David Andrews has been rector since 2010. At the end of 2021, he will retire from active ministry. Click here to see the video of the two rectors in discussion.

Memories from the First 25 Years

Click here to read what various members remembered from our first twenty-five years.

Community Partner Videos

Please click the links below to watch videos about our community partners.
 
Lutheran Community Services/Faith Center – Rob Gurnee .
            2020 Slideshow with COVID updates, 
            Food Pantry,                                                     
             Room at the Table breakfast video.
 
Athena Jolly – Advocacy Committee’s Food Insufficiency Project 
              NBC Report on Not Enough Food on Local Tables
 
SsAM’s website listing of food agencies to support: 

Friendship House COVID-19 response – YouTube (6:28)

Friendship House Community – YouTube (interviews with those served) (4:49)

Sojourners Place – Hope for the Homeless – YouTube (12:15)

St. Michael’s School and Nursery – Lucinda Ross (two videos)
https://vimeo.com/393987209 (History narrated by Canon Lloyd Casson) (TIME = 2:50)
https://vimeo.com/344352337  (about the school – look for Bernadette Holcomb and Kitty Esterly) (TIME = 2:50)

Delaware Futures – Dina Melchiorre
https://vimeo.com/463446963/463446963 (TIME = 4:41)

Happy Anniversary balloon photoWe began celebrating our 25th Anniversary on January 31, 2021 with a video conference attended by over 140 members and well wishers.

One person said it was like passing the peace for an hour! Pat Hampton and Lou Soukup talked about how two churches consolidated in 1996. Our rector and rector-emeritus both remembered their earliest times. The Rt. Rev. Kevin Brown, Bishop of Delaware, and U.S. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester were our special guests.

Watch a 2-minute video clip of member memories.

See a screen shot of those who attended.

Thanksgiving Prayer for 25 Years by Christina Brennan Lee

Almighty Creator God, with great thanksgiving we celebrate this 25th Anniversary of the joining of two faith-filled parishes, once separated by race. Through struggle, perseverance, and prayer, we have grown into a dynamic spiritual center, one in passion and activism for justice, peace, and racial harmony throughout our diverse community. As we continue to seek and serve Christ in each other and beyond our doors, grant us Your constant blessing and grace to honor our historic roots, our differences, and our similarities. Guide us in our living history, as we strive always to welcome the many colors of the faces, hands, eyes, and ears of the Body of Christ. We ask through Jesus, our Strength and our Redeemer; and the Holy Spirit, our Wisdom and Counselor; who together with You are One Holy and Living God, now and forever. Amen.

The SsAM Mission Statement

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.

The SsAM Vision Statement

SsAM will be a dynamic spiritual center which is active in the pursuit of peace and justice in the community, and a place where all of God’s People are honored.

The Guiding Principles of the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew (1994)

(Adopted at the Joint Vestry Meeting, May 14, 1994; that is, at a time just before the two churches consolidated — St. Andrew’s and St. Matthew’s — two churches with histories going back for decades.)

  1. We will create a new Christian Community.
  2. We will have an Eucharistically-centered Liturgy that is mission driven and varied in format.
  3. We will be mission driven in our work and life together so that we go forth into the world as representatives of Christ.
  4. We will include individuals from all walks of life, all cultures and all races in the life of the Community.
  5. We will be advocates for social justice.
  6. We will share authority and ministry with the congregation in the design and implementation of worship and Christian formation, education, services, activities and program.
  7. We will model a multi-cultural community in everything we do.
  8. We will respect the needs of individuals and families.
  9. We will offer Christian formation in a variety of ways.
  10. We will have multi-cultural and/or diversified education.
  11. We will use all our resources in ways that strengthen both our faith community and the surrounding community.
  12. We will be supportive of those in physical and/or spiritual need.
  13. We will confront issues and conflicts openly, honestly, and with care for each other and the Community.
  14. We will honor and celebrate our historic roots and differences in ways that move us toward our Vision.

25th Anniversary Logo for the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, Wilmington, Delaware

OTHER HISTORICAL LINKS

A Short History of SsAM. St. Andrew’s history dated back to 1829; St. Matthew’s, to 1846. In 1996, the two churches consolidated.

History of Slavery in Delaware. Diane Clarke Streett, a member of SsAM, is one of the authors of this six-page history. In 2010, she was sworn in as the second black woman to serve as a Delaware Superior Court judge.

History of Wilmington Garden Day. An annual tour of gardens and homes to benefit charities in Wilmington, Delaware.

The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Mathew Celebrates 25 Years! Nine Months of Celebration!

Martin Luther King, Jr. stated that “11:00 o’clock on Sunday morning was the most segregated time of the week in America.” It was the time both white and black Christians, throughout the country, attended church services but at separate institutions.

In the early 1990s, the parishioners of St. Andrew’s, a predominantly white church, and St. Matthew’s, a predominantly black church, began to discuss partnership and, ultimately, consolidation. After several years of weighty discussion, the two churches came together as one. In April 1996, the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew was born in the Diocese of Delaware. Now a diverse and inclusive group of Episcopalians worship together at Eighth and N. Shipley Streets in Wilmington.

In 2021, SsAM celebrated its 25th Anniversary — Our Past, Our Present, Our Future.

We began by “Zooming” a launch party on Sunday, January 31, 2021 from 3–4 pm. Our celebratory program included remarks by Delaware’s U. S. Representative, Lisa Blunt Rochester, joyful music, and many surprises. Over 140 people attended.

On Sunday afternoons in February and March, through Zoom and in other ways, SsAM told the story of OUR PAST. We featured photos, videos and personal testimonies from those who worked so hard and faithfully to make this dream a reality.

On Sunday afternoons from April through June, SsAM will told the story of OUR PRESENT, featuring information on its internal as well as external ministries. Although we were not able to experience in-person worship in the first part of the year, it did not mean we were quiet. Worship services, pre-recorded and through Zoom, continued. Our ministries, through Zoom, email and telephone, were active. Descriptions and stories of our ministries were evidenced through videos, photos and personal presentations, including the opportunity for Q & A and a chance to join us as we served the church and the community.

Lastly, on Sunday afternoons in July, August and September, SsAM presented what we hope lies ahead for OUR FUTURE.

The members of SsAM say together, “We have come this far by faith”, and by faith we will continue!

Thanks goes to Ken Francis, who created the 25th Anniversary Logo.

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...]

The Reverend Clay Brown

The Rev. Clay Brown was ordained a priest on Saturday, February 4, 2023. SERVICE LEAFLET -- Clay Brown Ordination Feb 04 2023 … [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 10:30 a.m. worship … [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

Black Expressions Book Club with the Route 9 Library, February 8 at 4pm The next book discussion of Elie Mystal's ”Allow Me to Retort : A … [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...]

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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