In this edition: Black History Month; feature Article; Diocesan clergy changes; New Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission programs; Racism in America course; La Música Nos Conecta; Sponsor Circle Program for Afghans; National IWC gathering; DE Digital immunization records; Fun Fact; Check it Out!; Did You Know?; Upcoming events; News in the ECD community, Episcopal Church, and Anglican Communion
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February is Black History Month
In each of February's editions of The Net we will feature
people who played a significant role in Delaware's Black history
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Absalom Jones (1746-1818)
Religious, Civic, and
Community Leader
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Absalom Jones is heralded as "one of America's most distinguished clergyman." Absalom Jones was born a slave in Sussex County, Delaware in 1746. Although born in Delaware, at age 15, Jones was sent by his master to work in a shop in Philadelphia. A diligent individual, Jones worked in the shop during the day and attended a Quaker school at night to gain a basic education. Young Jones eventually saved enough money to purchase his own freedom as well as his wife's. More information
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Peter Spencer (1782-1843)
Church Founder, Businessman,
and Educator
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Peter Spencer is heralded as the father of Delaware's Independent Black Church Movement. Spencer's biographer, Lewis V. Baldwin, informs us that:
"The literature on Peter Spencer is amazingly scarce. Despite his tremendous importance as a church leader and founder, he has been almost totally ignored by sincere and proven scholars who have spent most, if not all, of their lifetime recounting the history of religion in America."
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La Música Nos Conecta:
The Ministry of
Sergio Iván Martinez and
Alberto Martinez
You may read the article here
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Diocesan Clergy News
Recent Clergy Changes
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Please welcome the Rev. James (Jim) Manion, who has been called as rector to St.Philip's, Laurel. You may reach Jim at [email protected]
Also, please welcome the Rev. Deacon Peter (Pete) Cornell to the Episcopal Church in Delaware. Now living in Milton, Pete comes to us from the Diocese of New Jersey. You may reach Pete at [email protected]
We bid farewell, with thanks, to the Rev. Carl Mosley, priest-in-charge, St. Mary's Church, Bridgeville, whose last Sunday service is February 6, and who will be leaving to serve part time in Maryland. You may reach Carl at [email protected]
We wish them well in their new roles!
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Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission (RJRC)
Courses, Workshops, Conversations
Check out the offerings in the 2020 booklet!
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To embrace the holy work of advancing the mission of achieving diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the RJRC is offering a diverse array of opportunities to shine a light on the darkness of racism both systemic and personal.
All offerings are free of charge.
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Racism in America: the History We Didn't Learn in School
Tuesdays, February 8 – March 15
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
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This six-week course, led by Sue Linderman, will raise the knowledge and awareness of untold history in America. The course begins with enslaved Africans in the country, that is now known as America, in 1619 and goes through to voting rights and suppression in 2021. Week six of the course challenges participants to explore actions to change systemic racial injustice and ensure a more equitable, diverse, inclusive, and just society. Course information here. Register here.
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Would you like to help provide resettlement services
for Afghan newcomers?
The Episcopal Migration Ministries introduces new program
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This program is an emergency resettlement initiative that allows the U.S. to build capacity to welcome and resettle Afghan newcomers through community sponsorship, a model of resettlement where groups of individuals commit to directly providing resettlement services.
Thousands of Afghan newcomers remain at U.S. military bases where they are being temporarily housed and many have been waiting for several months for communities to prepare for their arrival. There is an urgent need for Sponsor Circles to support the move of Afghan newcomers off bases and into welcoming communities in the coming weeks. You can play a critical role. Learn more here: bit.ly/NeighbortoNeighbor
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Invite Welcome Connect
National Gathering
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Invite Welcome Connect Digital Gathering 2022
Wednesday, February 9, 2pm CT
How do we Welcome and Connect those who are on our congregation’s digital front porch, those whose initial contacts are online and invisible? How do we re-connect with parishioners in the aftermath of Covid, those members who are no longer as active as they were in their pre-pandemic faith communities? Next month’s Invite Welcome Connect Digital Gathering will focus on these two important topics, and we Invite you to join us as we share creative learnings and fresh initiatives that have emerged out of the pandemic. Our goal is for you to feel more hopeful and energized to share the good news of God’s love.
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General Convention Volunteers Needed
July 5-14, 2022
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Volunteers recruited from the Diocese of Maryland and its neighboring dioceses, who welcome guests and support the logistical work of the General Convention, have an opportunity to learn about the structure and governance of The Episcopal Church.
In addition to experiencing the gathering of The Episcopal Church, volunteers who contribute their time have the chance to meet people from around The Episcopal Church and connect with others in other dioceses whom they would not have otherwise met.
There are two steps to become a General Convention Volunteer:
Step One — Complete this online form to share your contact information (name, congregation, email address, and phone number) with the Diocese of Maryland. If you do not have an email address, you may contact Caroline Bomgardner at 410-467-1399 ext. 1379 to indicate your desire to volunteer.
Step Two — Those who complete the online form will receive an email in February 2022 providing information about signing up to volunteer for specific days, times, and areas of interest. A link and log-in information to a scheduling application will be included. Once complete, you will receive a confirmation email from the system with your selections.
Please note that the Joint Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements passed a resolution on December 9, 2021, that ALL attendees of the 80th General Convention, including volunteers, must provide proof of vaccination and wear masks.
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Delaware Offers Online Access
to Immunization Records
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Delaware is one of the few states offering digital access
to immunization records.
Upon completion of the online request form, you will have access to a digital record of your your immunizations, which may be downloaded and printed as well. The record also has a QR code which you may share with a trusted organization by letting them scan the QR code. You may access the form here
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Fun Fact
Question: From about 1895, when bicycle riding became popular in Delaware, the clergy made use of it as a mode of transportation. The congregation of which church gave its rector a bicycle in 1896 to help him get around his parish?
Clue: The cornerstone of the church was laid in 1857.
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Today is Candlemas and Ground Hog Day |
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Origin and celebration
of Candlemas
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Candlemas commemorates the occasion the Virgin Mary, in accordance with Jewish law, went to the holy temple in Jerusalem both to be purified 40 days after the birth of her son and to present Jesus to God as her firstborn. The festival, formerly known in the Roman Catholic church as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and now known as the Presentation of the Lord, in the Anglican church, is called the Presentation of Christ at the Temple in Jerusalem. In the Greek Church, it is called Hypapante or "meeting"), in reference to Jesus' meeting in the temple with the aged Simeon, to whom it had been revealed that he would not die before meeting the Messiah. Since ancient times, a procession of lit candles has observed the day, whence the name Candlemas, and the observance comes from Scripture deeming Christ as "a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."
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Connection between
Candlemas and Ground Hog Day
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This custom of trusting a hibernating animal to prognosticate the arrival of spring is believed to have European roots and falls on the same day as the Christian feast of Candlemas. In both events, light is significant: it creates shadows and guidance. The weather lore was brought from German-speaking areas where the badger (German: Dachs) is the forecasting animal. This appears to be an enhanced version of the lore that clear weather on the Christian festival of Candlemas forebodes a prolonged winter, with sayings such as: If Candlemas be fair and bright, Come winter, have another flight; If Candlemas bring clouds and rain, Go winter, and come not again. Groundhog Day was officially recognized in the United States during the late 1800s and was popularized in Punxsutawney, PA, by news media.
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Cycle of Prayer in the Episcopal Church in Delaware |
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This week (week of January 30), in our diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we hold up in prayer St. Andrew's School Chapel, Middletown, the Rev. Jay Hutchinson, Jr., chaplain; the Rev. Deacon Elizabeth Preysner, associate chaplain; and Joy McGrath, Head of School. For the 2022 Cycle of Prayer, click here.
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Now Hiring in Our Community |
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Choir School of Delaware is seeking a van driver
The Choir School is now looking to hire a van driver to provide after school transportation from local schools, transportation home in the evenings, and on weekends.
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Christ Church Dover is looking to hire two new staff members: an Organist/Choirmaster and a Communications and Marketing Minister.
For application information and overview of position, see below.
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The return of the Rev. Jim Manion to Laurel is headline news in Morning Star Publications
"When St. Philips Episcopal Church in Laurel needed a priest, Father Jim Manion received a call. Manion, who served as the church’s rector in the 1970s, couldn’t come up with many options to fill the church’s vacancy, then he was asked if he could fill the void. He thought about the offer and remembered the people who made sacrifices for the church. “I said you’ve got to honor them and come back. They need help right now,” Manion recalled. “It’s a journey to come back and honor people.” Read full article here
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RENEW: Delaware Interfaith Power & Light is sponsoring
an essay contest for high school students
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RENEW: Reflective Essays on Nature, Earth and their Wonders.
- Dates & Times: Friday, June 10, 9am; Tuesday, June 14, 7pm; Sunday, June 19, 1pm
- Who can contest? All high school (public, private, parochial, or home) students
- Contestants will write their essays on DeIaware Interfaith Power & Light website. 90 minutes. 1000 words. Specific topics will be revealed on the days of the contest.
- Awards attractive cash awards for each country's three top essays are $1000, $750, and $500. Delaware's top essay will win $2000.
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Upcoming Events in Our Community |
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Faith and Poetry: People of the Bible, continues at Christ Church Christiana Hundred, Wilmington,
Wednesday, February 2, 6:30pm.
The evening includes a supper of soup and bread, a welcome and introduction by Father David Beresford, a reading of the poem, followed by discussion. The poem on Wednesday, February 26 is Judith by Vicki Feaver. For more info and to register for the course, please click here:
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The Rev. Christopher Chamberlin Moore, priest associate at the Brandywine Collaborative Ministries in Wilmington, and author of the recently published Soul Stages: Surviving and Thriving in the Second Half of Life, will be giving an address on the same topic at the Episcopal Church Club of Philadelphia, via Zoom, Tuesday, February 8, 11am.
Moore will describe the unique challenges and opportunities of the second half of life, and speak of the importance of seeing life transitions as as opportunities for spiritual and emotional growth. Soul Stages is available on line from the publisher as well as from Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Cokesbury. Join Zoom meeting here
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Organ Concert: Great Organ Works by Black Composers, Saturday, February 12, 2:30pm, The Church of Sts. Andrew and Matthew, Wilmington
Alan Morrison, organist, with organ students from the Curtis Institute of Music. Featured composers: H. Leslie Adams, David Hurd, Samuel Coleridge Taylor, Undine Smith Moore, Florence Price, William Grant Still. Free Will offering. Free adjacent accessible parking. More information
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More Than a Song: The Negro Spiritual,
featuring the Wilmington Children's Chorus,
narrated by Bebe Coker, Saturday, February 19, 2:30pm,
Church of Sts. Andrew and Matthew, Wilmington.
Free will offering. All audience members must show proof of vaccination or negative Covid-19 test for admission. More information
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The Arts at Trinity presents Simple Gifts,
Sunday, February 27, Trinity Church, Wilmington
Two women plus twelve musical instruments equals one rollicking afternoon of fun when the folk duo Simple Gifts takes the stage. Drawing on an impressive variety of ethnic folk styles, this award-winning duo plays everything from lively Irish jigs and down-home American reels to hard-driving Klezmer frailachs and haunting Gypsy melodies, spicing the mix with the distinctive rhythms of Balkan dance music, the lush sounds of Scandinavian twin fiddling, and original compositions written in a traditional style. More information
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Answering Our Call: Five-week Lenten program beginning, Tuesday, March 8, 6-8pm, Brandywine Collaborative Ministries (BCM), Wilmington.
Each session will begin with a simple and hearty soup and salad supper at 6pm followed by the program and concluding promptly at 8pm. The series will explore the topic of spiritual journey from the viewpoint of Scripture and The Book of Common Prayer, drawing upon our own lived experience. More information
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News from the Episcopal Church and beyond |
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A transcript of the opening remarks of Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, at the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church may be read here
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Opening remarks of President of the House of Deputies, Gay Clark Jennings, at the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church may be read here
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Seeking young Episcopalians with a heart for God and service, Extended deadline March 4
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Free At-Home Covid Tests
Benefits Policy has confirmed that the Medical Trust Active plans do cover the eight free at-home COVID tests per month. Members may acquire the test kits from a pharmacy, or over-the-counter. As some pharmacies may not have test kits available, it’s best for interested members to inquire first with their pharmacy of choice.
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Presiding Bishop Michael Curry was the keynote speaker January 17, at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance organized by the King Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The Beloved Community Commemorative Service was livestreamed, and video of the event can be viewed on the King Center’s YouTube channel here.
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The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, the presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, and Jon Meacham, presidential biographer, author and co-chair of the Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy: Discuss the state of unity, democracy and religion in the U.S. since President Biden took office
One year ago at his inauguration, President Biden promised to unite a deeply divided nation, still reeling from the attack on the Capitol and struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. One year later, we explore issues of unity, democracy and religion. See video here
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News from the Anglican Communion |
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Anglican Communion consulted on greater voice in choice of future Archbishops of Canterbury
The Church of England’s Archbishops’ Council has launched a consultation on a proposal to change the make-up of the body which nominates future Archbishops of Canterbury. The proposal would give the worldwide Anglican Communion a greater voice on the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) for the See of Canterbury. Currently, the entire Communion outside of the Church of England is represented by just one of the 16 voting members, compared to six from the Diocese of Canterbury. More information
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Bishops to discuss
“Leadership and Ministry in a Conflicted World”
Bishops of the Anglican Communion are being invited to take part in a new series of Bishops’ discussions in 2022 as part of the journey towards the Lambeth Conference. “Ministry in a Conflicted World” will run online in February, March, and April 2022. Through a range of reflections, films and discussion, the series will offer theological, strategic, and practical input on three formational habits that can help to shape ministry and leadership. It will explore what it means to “Be Present, Be Curious, and Reimagine.” More information
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