In this edition: COVID Update from Bishop Brown; Prayers for lives lost in the Episcopal Church in Delaware due to the Pandemic; The Fierce Urgency of Now — a sermon by the Rev. Canon Lloyd Casson; Vaccine information; new diocesan resources; Fun Fact; Did You Know?; Check it Out!; news from our parishes and community; more ...
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Bishop Brown's
COVID-19
Response #20
'Our Church Response'
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Remembering and offering prayers for 22 lives lost in the Episcopal Church in Delaware
due to COVID-19
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From parishes across the Episcopal Church in Delaware, we remember and hold in our prayers the 22 souls, whom we know of, who have lost their lives to Coronavirus. We pray for all who have been affected or are suffering from this pandemic. |
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O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of your servants, and grant them an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer, Page 493
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"The Fierce Urgency of Now"
A sermon by
The Rev. Canon
Lloyd S. Casson
delivered at the Church of Sts. Andrew & Matthew, Wilmington,
on Sunday, January 24, 2021
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New Resource for Parishes:
Disaster Preparedness
found on diocesan website
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Racial Reconciliation and the
Baptismal Covenant
Feb 19-21 via Zoom
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New resources, programs, and content on the racial justice webpage — click here
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Three individuals in the Episcopal Church in Delaware
Named Most Influential Delawareans by the Delaware News Journal
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Tina Betz
Sts. Andrew & Matthew
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For nearly 20 years — minus a four-year stretch — Betz has led the city's cultural affairs office. The queen of city-run arts, she's made her mark, whether it was the founding of the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival (originally called Jazzin' on the Square) or co-founding Theatre N, Wilmington Children's Chorus and Wilmington Fringe Festival.
During her four years away from the job, she stayed in the city arts world and led the Light Up the Queen Foundation, the non-profit arm of The Queen. Even during a pandemic, she has been busy, launching the (currently virtual) Clifford Brown Year Round music series to keep jazz alive in the city even when its not festival season.
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Sheila Bravo-Ross
St. Peter's, Lewes
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As president and CEO of the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA), Sheila led an organization that had to pivot often during the pandemic. As nonprofits had to think creatively about how to raise money or hold programming with COVID-19 restrictions, she led an effort to support them – whether that was encouraging the philanthropic community to financially support nonprofits or working with state agencies to get these organizations supplies or funds to keep their doors open. |
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Arreon A. Harley-Emerson
Choir School of Delaware
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Since 2013, Arreon Harley-Emerson has been executive director of the The Choir School of Delaware, board president of the Delaware Arts Alliance and chair of the Diversity Initiatives Committee for American Choral Directors Association, a national nonprofit association focused on helping choral programs around the country achieve excellence. An advocate for equality and equity, he has helped children through the Choir School not only excel in music, but at school, too. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Harley-Emerson regularly spoke up about the impact the pandemic is having on nonprofits as a whole, as well as the disproportionate impact it is having on Black and brown people and children. |
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On this date in 1850 Samuel Gompers was born |
Samuel Gompers was the first and longest-serving president of the American Federation of Labor (AFL); it is to him, as much as to anyone else, that the American labor movement owes its structure and characteristic strategies. Under his leadership, the AFL became the largest and most influential labor federation in the world. It grew from a marginal association of 50,000 in 1886 to an established organization of nearly 3 million in 1924 that had won a permanent place in American society. In a society renowned for its individualism and the power of its employer class, he forged a self-confident workers' organization dedicated to the principles of solidarity and mutual aid. It was a singular achievement. More information
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Priest wears same dress for 100 days - no one notices! |
The Rev. Sarah Robbins-Cole, Wellesley College chaplain and rector of St. Michael's, Holliston, MA, wore the same merino wool black dress for 100 days in a row to highlight the environmental, economic, and societal impact of fashion. “We think that the spotlight is on us more than it really is. No one is looking at what we are wearing,”
Not changing her outfit, just changing accessories and (fabulous!) shoes, for more than three months, helped change her life for the better. “Trying to grow and learn and be flexible in a world that is always changing is really important to me.” What is next for the so-called ‘challenge junkie?' Robbins-Cole says in 2021 she is trying not to buy any clothes, accessories, or shoes. More information
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Fun Fact
Question: In January 1929, the headmasters of many of the most prominent church schools of the East came to Wilmington to discuss what?
Clue: They were taken to the former Comegys Farm for lunch.
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Vaccines: Olympics without medals
by the Rev. Dr. Marta Illueca
The global race to develop effective vaccines against Covid-19 has unraveled the extent of the scientific and technological capabilities of mankind. Like an Olympic competition seeking the coveted gold medal, new vaccines emerge on the horizon in a race towards a finish line that challenges the nature and spirit of human beings. That scientific Olympiad began a couple of centuries ago, with the history of vaccination. More information in English here and Spanish here.
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Where can I get the vaccine in Delaware?
We are currently in Phase 1B
The State of Delaware is offering multiple options for people to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, health care personnel and long-term care residents/staff under Phase 1A, as well as individuals 65 and older and frontline essential workers under Phase 1B are eligible to receive the vaccine either through pharmacies, vaccination events, or your doctor. Learn more about how to register for each of these specific options by clicking the blue links or the DE.gov website here.
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How an 800 year-old cathedral
became a vaccination site!
Medieval Cathedrals were often centers of healing. For eight centuries, the cathedral in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, has soared over the faithful. Now, it's hosting the hopeful by joining Britain’s vaccination drive — with the cathedral organist playing along! As they wait at safe social distances, they relax to the organ music of Bach and Handel. David Halls, the cathedral's music director, said, "Don't forget, they haven't heard live music for months!" A thousand people received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination in one day at a site. More information
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Conversations on the Partner's Path with Karen Stiller for spouses of Episcopal clergy
Monday, February 1, 8-9:30pm
Conversations on the Partner's Path" is designed to provide connection, spiritual nourishment, and gifts discernment for spouses of Episcopal clergy. Join Karen Stiller, author of "The Minister’s Wife," for 60-minutes of deep engagement on the challenge and the gift of being a clergy person’s partner. Register here. |
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Cycle of Prayer in the Episcopal Church in Delaware |
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News from our parishes and community |
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St. John the Baptist, Milton uses new online visitor card!
The church's website offers an online visitor card just like the ones located in the pews in its sanctuary, and suggests that if members see someone new during the live stream Mass, they make sure to greet them as they would in person, and invite them to fill out a visitor card. You can see the form here.
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Saint Anne’s Church, Middletown is pleased to announce a virtual concert, featuring Mr. Jackson Borges playing the new Viscount Overture Organ, Friday, January 29, 7pm
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Church of Sts. Andrew & Matthew, Wilmington 25th Anniversary Party, Sunday, January 31, 3-4pm
You are invited to join the celebration via video. Fun for the entire family! Music! Surprises! Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester will be the special guest. More information
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Province III of the Episcopal Church Winter 2021 Newsletter
Contents include Book group discussion on How to be an Antiracist; Forma 21: Embodying Spiritual Practices; PS Formaton Ministry Deep Dives; New Formation Resources page; T2T2 Youth Civil Rights Pilgrimage; Online Substance Abuse Recovery program; The Path Ahead: Spirituality and Purpose in Later Life; and news from around the Church. More information
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News from the Episcopal Church |
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Washington National Cathedral on January 21 resumed its tradition of, every four years, hosting an interfaith prayer service the day after the presidential inauguration
This time the thousands of people who attended followed along from the comfort of their homes. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and other Episcopal leaders participated in the service. St. John’s, DC rector, the Rev. Rob Fisher, was included among a lineup of speakers that reflected the broad diversity of America’s faith traditions: Among them were Jewish rabbis from New York and California; a Muslim imam from Texas; the Navajo Nation president in Arizona; Roman Catholic nuns from Maryland and Texas; Sikh, Hindu and Mormon leaders; and numerous Protestants from across the country, including a Presbyterian pastor from Biden’s home state of Delaware. Languages spoken by participants included English, Hebrew, Navajo, Arabic, Spanish and Punjabi. Musical highlights ranged from Patti LaBelle belting out “The Star-Spangled Banner” to a hushed performance of “Most Glorious Lord of Life” by the Washington National Cathedral choir. Cutting away briefly from the choir, the livestream showed Biden, Harris and their spouses watching the service on TV screens set up in a room at the White House. See service bulletin here.
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Episcopal Church Executive Council: opening remarks from the President of the House of Deputies and the Presiding Bishop
The opening remarks of President of the House of Deputies Gay Clark Jennings at the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church, which met virtually through January 25, may be read in English or Spanish here. The Presiding Bishop's opening remarks may be read in English or Spanish here.
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Executive Council eyes plan for pandemic aid to dioceses, commits church to ‘deradicalization’
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For a Time Such as This: The Church as Witness. 2021 CEEP Network's Digital Annual Conference March 3-5, 2021, Early Bird registration is open
Keynote Speakers include the Most Rev. Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop, and the Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury. Learn more and register here.
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Applications accepted for 2021- 2022 Conant Grants, Deadline March 14, 2021
Conant Grant funds are provided for the improvement of seminary-based theological education. Specifically, the grants are directed for the support of research, writing, and course development undertaken by faculty members at the recognized Episcopal seminaries in the United States. Applications are now being accepted for Conant Grants from the Episcopal Church for the 2021-2022 academic year. More information
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Looking Ahead to the Biden Administration: Impact on Episcopal Church initiatives
People of every ideological persuasion are well aware that the political environment will shift dramatically as one American president gives way to a very different successor. After years of divisiveness, months of a global pandemic, and appalling revelations about a violent insurgency, the stakes are high — and the Church is not immune from the turmoil. In that context, five department heads from the Episcopal Church gathered virtually on January 11 for a webinar sponsored by the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes, titled “Mr. Biden Goes to Washington: What a New Administration Means for the Church.” The short answer is that it means quite a lot. Perhaps the most dramatic changes will involve immigration and refugee resettlement. Episcopal Migration Ministries “for the past 40 years has been one of the nine official refugee resettlement agencies for the United States — and for the past 80 years, the church engagement unit of EMM has supported refugees, asylum seekers, and others who have left horrific situations in search of a new home and a new hope,” said the Rev. C.K. “Chuck” Robertson, canon to the presiding bishop for ministry beyond the Episcopal Church. More information
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Episcopal Evangelism January Newsletter, Epiphany
“Finding WHY is a process of discovery, not invention... All organizations start with WHY, but only the great ones keep their WHY clear year after year.” Simon Sinek. Read full newsletter here
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General Theological Seminary & Virginia Theological Seminary Explore Deeper Partnership
General Theological Seminary is the oldest Episcopal seminary. Virginia Theological Seminary is the largest. They're not merging, but they're exploring models for collaboration that may allow them to share faculty and resources. More information
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Church Pension Group Launches New Podcast Series Choose Well: Helpful Conversations About Well-Being
The nine-part series, hosted by CPG Senior Health Education Specialist Krishna Dholakia, emphasizes actions listeners can take to improve specific areas of their lives, which in turn can lead to a more holistic sense of well-being. It features practical steps listeners can take to protect themselves from investment fraud, cope with caution fatigue, weather financial strains, and help cultivate other healthy behaviors and lead a balanced life. More information
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The Episcopal Church launches 2021 Absalom Jones Fund Campaign to assist Episcopal Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invites Episcopalians to deepen their participation in Christ’s ministry of reconciliation by dedicating offerings at observances of the Feast of Absalom Jones (February 13) and making individual donations to support St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, NC, and Voorhees College in Denmark, SC, two historically black Episcopal institutions of higher education. More information
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Applications open for Episcopal Church Constable Fund Grants. Deadline February 15, 2021
The application process is now open for the Constable Fund Grants for the 2021 grant cycle. The fund provides grants to fund mission initiatives that were not provided for within the budget of the Episcopal Church, as approved by General Convention 2018, with a stated preference for work in the area of religious education. In 2020, Constable Grants ranged from $2,500 to $50,000. The 2020 grants totaled $209,500.00, distributed among nine grant recipients. More information in English; in Spanish; and in French.
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Episcopal Church Young Adult Service Corps: Application open for 2021-2022 placements.
Deadline February 19, 2021
Applications are now being accepted for 2021-2022 placements with the Young Adult Service Corps (YASC), the international missionary program of The Episcopal Church. YASC offers Episcopalians ages 21-30 the opportunity to follow the Way of Love into deeper relationship with God and the global Anglican Church while spending a year living and working with communities around the world. more information in English here and in Spanish here
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Good Book Club reads the Gospel of Mark during Epiphany
With a new year comes an opportunity to embrace a spiritual practice of reading God’s Word. Forward Movement, with support from partners from around the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion, invites you to celebrate the time of Epiphany with the Good Book Club. Starting on January 1, 2021, and continuing through Shrove Tuesday, February 16, the Good Book Club features daily readings from the Gospel of Mark. More information
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Tell Me Something Good, a new web series from The Episcopal Church, Episode 5 now available
The series highlights positive stories from around the church through conversations with a variety of guests with new episodes released every two weeks. Episodes 1-5 may be viewed on the Episcopal Church website here, on Facebook here, and on Instagram TV, @theepiscopalchurch. In this fifth episode, hosts Marcus and Jerusalem chat with Dylan C. Mello, the Northwest Connecticut Region Missionary for the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, about the Make a Meal, Make a Difference ministry, a ministry of several Episcopal churches in Connecticut, which provides prepared, frozen meals for people in their communities and is just one of the food ministries that has grown in their region. Listen as Dylan shares the joyful and organic way this ministry started and shares tips on how other congregations can begin their own food-based missions. More information
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Season 4 of The Way of Love with Bishop Michael Curry continues with guest Bryan Stevenson
In this episode, Bishop Curry talks with Bryan Stevenson — author, lawyer, and founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, a human rights organization in Montgomery, Alabama — about what it means to remember, reorient, and renew an active faith in Jesus and his Way of Love. More information
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News from the Anglican Communion |
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Standing Committee concludes review of ACO priorities: will re-focus activities on supporting the four Instruments of Communion in line with the recommendations of the review it commissioned.
This will end those aspects of the programmatic activity of the ACO which can be undertaken more effectively regionally or within the provinces, with staff taking on more of a co-ordinating role. The more devolved way of working envisaged by the review reflect the cultural and traditional diversity of the Communion and is intended to broaden participation. However, as programmatic work is devolved and the office is restructured, a number of staff are at risk of redundancy. Details of the changes will be posted to the Anglican Communion website. At present, a summary of the Standing Committee’s Case for Organizational Change proposal is available. All details will be available on a dedicated webpage.
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Lambeth Conference prayer journey: prayers of hope for the world
At a time where the world still faces the challenge of COVID-19 alongside ongoing issues like climate crisis, poverty, economic injustice, conflict and inequality, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has launched a Lambeth Conference prayer journey to share prayers of hope for the world featuring prayers from Anglican bishops and the wider Lambeth Conference Community. This journey brings prayers from around the world. You may see more information and videos and read prayers here. |
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