We welcomed the Rev. James M. Bimbi as our Interim Rector in early 2022.
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. His part-time position with us will be for 22.5 hours per week, and he will participate in ministries and administration.
The Parish Administrator and Director of Music will report to him. The Interim Rector will preach two Sundays per month. The wardens and vestry will continue many administrative and ministry duties and will oversee all transition activities. The Interim Rector will have no role with the Search Committee and other transition matters. His pastoral focus will be assisting SsAM with growth, vitality and ministries. Fr. Jim will be with us into early 2023 as we search for a rector. This arrangement allows others to focus on the search for a full time rector while he gives attention to the other matters. To learn more about the clergy transition process, click here.
About the Rev. James M. Bimbi
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 invited me to serve as your part-time interim rector. I greatly appreciate the warm welcome the congregation gave me. After two and a half years of retirement, it took 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 touches upon all areas of ministry currently being lived out through this parish. My goal is not to take charge or to change directions, but to advise and encourage during this time of transition. My agreement is to serve at SsAM for 22.5 hours/week.
During this time of search for the next permanent rector, my prayer is that you will continue to focus and build upon what SsAM means to you personally, but also what it means to this city and to the Episcopal Church in Delaware. SsAM is 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 be with you at this moment for this journey 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.
