We welcome the Rev. James M. Bimbi as our Interim Rector.
On Sunday, February 27, 2022, it was announced that the Rev. James M. Bimbi will serve as Interim Rector of the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew until a new rector could be called. To learn more about the clergy transition process, click here.
Father Jim was the rector of St. James’ Mill Creek, Wilmington, for 17 years before retiring from full-time ministry in 2019.
He has served The Episcopal Church in Delaware on the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council, as chairman of the Commission on Ministry, and president of the Disciplinary Board. In addition, he has served as the diocesan liturgical officer for the past ten years. His ministry extends outside of Delaware in his capacity as president of the Board of Directors of the North American Committee for Saint George’s College, Jerusalem.
Before coming to Delaware in 2002, Fr. Jim served three congregations in Colorado in diverse areas of the diocese. During his ministry there he also served on the Commission on Ministry, Ecclesiastical Court, Commission on AIDS, and was a part-time instructor of philosophy and ethics at Pueblo Community College.
Fr. Jim is married to Cynde Bimbi, the Director of Communications and Public Relations for The Episcopal Church in Delaware. Together they have five children and seven grandchildren.
Father Jim’s Letter of March 4, 2022 to the Parish
March 4, 2022
A Message from the Interim Rector
Dear people of Saints Andrew and Matthew,
I am honored that your wardens and vestry have invited me to serve as your part-time interim rector, and I have greatly appreciated the warm welcome I have received from the congregation. After two and a half years of retirement, as well as entering a community of faith that is as active as yours, it will take a while for me to get fully up and running. But I feel it has been a good start.
The focus of my time here with you will touch upon all areas of ministry currently being lived out through this parish, not to take charge or to change directions, but to advise and encourage during this time of transition. My initial agreement is to serve at SsAM for a period of six months with the possibility of it being extended if it is deemed to be necessary and beneficial to both parties.
My prayer is that during this time of your search for the next permanent rector, you will continue to focus and build upon what SsAM means not only to you personally, but to this city and the Episcopal Church in Delaware. You are a beacon of hope, and a reflection of God’s love, acceptance, and desire for “justice to roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”
Once again, I am honored to join you for this journey at this moment in the life of the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew.
Blessings and peace,
—Father Jim
To learn more about the clergy transition process, click here.
