On Friday, June 2, 2023, Father Clay shared that he has accepted the call to be the Curate at St. Thomas’s Episcopal Parish, Newark.
We look forward to coordinating calendars and being able to say “goodbye” to Clay and to thank him for being at SsAM.
The Rev. Clay Brown was ordained a priest on Saturday, February 4, 2023.
SERVICE LEAFLET — Clay Brown Ordination Feb 04 2023 FINAL
Father Clay joined the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM) on August 15, 2022 as a newly ordained transitional deacon.
Prior to becoming a deacon, he was a member of Christ Church Christiana Hundred. At the request of our bishop, and with the approval of the vestry, Deacon Clay has served under the supervision and mentorship of our interim rector, the Rev. James M. Bimbi.
His first Sunday with us was August 21, 2022.
By way of explanation, the term “transitional deacon” applies to a person who is on track to be ordained to the priesthood, but under the Canons of the Episcopal Church must first be ordained and serve as a deacon for a minimum of six months. Every Episcopal priest first serves as a transitional deacon.
Clay’s position with SsAM is non-salaried, serving approximately 6-10 hours per week. He is employed full-time in the field of psychiatric nursing, a career he intends to continue in addition to his ordained ministry. Besides serving at worship services on Sundays, he has been sharing his gifts and energy in other ministry areas.