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In this edition: Lenten message from Bishop Brown, Youth event — Trail2Truth, Black History Month; Fun Fact; Check it Out!; Did You Know?; Upcoming events; News in the ECD community, Episcopal Church, and Anglican Communion
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Lenten messages from Bishop Brown |
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Prayer - Self-Denial - Study
Bishop Brown invites you to take advantage of this holy season and align your soul with the working of God through prayer, self-denial, and study.
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Bishop's Brown's
Lenten Book Study
Mondays
March 7 – April 11
6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
via Zoom
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Enrich your Lenten season with Bishop Brown and other Episcopalians and fellow ecumenical groups from across the diocese with a book st udy, via Zoom. Registration and more information here. |
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Some Lenten COVID restrictions lifted |
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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
The holy season of Lent is just around the corner and I look forward to this season and, also, experiencing our walk through Lent with fewer COVID-related restrictions. Thankfully, the community spread continues to improve and vaccines remain free and widely available.
I am pleased to announce that I will not need to renew the prohibitions of the last two years around the imposition of ashes, the distribution of palms, or the mandatum (the Maundy Thursday footwashing). These treasured expressions of our faith will again be a part of our Lenten and Holy Week liturgies, and I could not be happier.
The governor recently lifted the mandate that people wear masks indoors, with the exception that “unvaccinated individuals and children ages 2 and up not eligible for the vaccine should continue to wear face coverings.” For some churches mask-wearing is optional, others are requiring that masks be worn by those who are unvaccinated, and a few require masks for all persons. Clergy and lay leadership, working together, will continue to have the opportunity to make the decision that is best for their parish. +Kevin
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Holy Week and Easter Service schedule for your parish
Please let us know!
As Holy Week and Easter approach, it will be a joy to see the many services that are being offered in Holy Week and/or on Easter Day. These services will be listed on our diocesan website and posted to the diocesan Facebook account. As this is being posted beyond our parishes, it is important to include every church in these listings, so, please, send your information as soon as possible.
Please send the information for your church to our communications team at [email protected]. If possible, it would be helpful to have this information no later than March 10 (earlier is better).
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Register by March 1st to get a free t-shirt!
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Trail 2 Truth
Eyes Wide Open &
Hearts Ready to Move
April 2, 9th Grade and up
The Episcopal Church in Delaware invites all high school youth to this Province III event
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This event will encourage a deeper understanding of Christ’s call to justice, examining our own unconscious biases and listening for God’s direction within us to respect the dignity of every human being through the work of racial reconciliation. The Province is providing a virtual keynote speaker and morning worship, in which we will all participate together at the Church of Sts. Andrew & Matthew, Wilmington. Lunch will be provided. After lunch, the Delaware Historical Society will be giving us a walking tour (weather permitting) of some important civil rights sites in Wilmington. For full agenda see here
Please register by March 1st to get a Free t-shirt:
If there is enough need, we may provide transportation from Sussex and Kent counties. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions. We look forward to seeing everyone in person!
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February is Black History Month
In each of February's editions of The Net we have featured
people who played a significant role in Delaware's Black history
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Samuel D. Burris (1813-1863)
Underground Railroad Conductor
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Image: Etching of Samuel D. Burris, Delaware Historical & Cultural Affairs |
Samuel D. Burris was born a free black man in Delaware in 1813. He moved his family to Philadelphia, and was a participant in the underground railroad, traveling south in order to help slaves escape from Delaware and Maryland. At the time in Delaware, helping slaves to freedom was a serious offense and came with the punishment of being sold into slavery for seven years.
Burris, from the Willow Grove area of Kent County, Delaware, risked his own welfare, and that of his wife and five children, while serving as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Burris willingly assisted enslaved people to safely navigate through Delaware into Pennsylvania. During the 1830s and 1840s, Delaware law severely punished people who aided escaping slaves. Legislation specifically noted that African Americans convicted of such a crime were to be fined, imprisoned, and sold as servants to the highest bidder for a period of seven years. Despite these consequences, Burris chose to defy the law and assisted those who sought freedom. Burris was caught and imprisoned and in 2015 he was pardoned by Governor Jack Markell More information
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Herman Holloway, Sr. (1922-1994)
Dean of Delaware's Black Politicians
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Image: Painting from African American Registry (AAREG) |
Herman Holloway Sr. has come to be known as the "Dean of Black Politicians in Delaware." It is an appropriate title for a man who spent more than 30 years as a public servant in the State Legislature, having served as a State Representative and a State Senator. Holloway, a Democrat, championed the poor and the downtrodden. An effective orator, his skills of persuasion served him well. His legacy of leadership in the area of social services for Delawareans is unparalleled. Born on February 4, 1922, Holloway grew up in Wilmington attending parochial and public schools. As an athlete, he excelled in basketball and football at the all black Howard High School, the only black secondary school in Delaware at the time. Following graduation from high school, he attended Hampton Institute for one year. He embarked on many different jobs before settling on his chosen path. In 1963, he was elected to serve out the unexpired term of Paul Livingston in the Delaware House of Representatives. One year later, in 1964, Holloway became the first Black man elected to Delaware's State Senate from the Second District of New Castle County. More information
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Fun Fact
Question: What is the derivation of the word February?
Clue: February was added to the Roman calendar in 713 BC.
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On This Date in Christian History |
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Today is the Feast of St. Polycarp |
On February 23, 155, Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, was martyred. Reportedly a disciple of the Apostle John, at age 86 he was burned at the stake. Legend has it that he said, "You try to frighten me with fire that burns for an hour and forget the fire of hell that never burns out," the flames would not touch him, and when he was run through with a sword, his blood put out the fire. |
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On February 23, 1455 Johannes Gutenberg published the Bible, the first book ever printed on a press with movable type, in Mainz, Germany. The book is valued and revered for its high aesthetic and artistic qualities as well as its historical significance. 49 copies (or substantial portions of copies) have survived. They are thought to be among the world's most valuable books.
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Cycle of Prayer in the Episcopal Church in Delaware |
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This week (week of February 20), in our diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we hold up in prayer the Episcopal Church in Delaware Joint Leadership Team. For the 2022 Cycle of Prayer, click here.
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Open Positions in Our Community |
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St. David's Episcopal Day School, Wilmington is looking for experienced early childhood educators to work Monday through Friday afternoons, from 3:00 to 5:45 pm. The right person(s) must be willing to submit to a background check, have or be willing to be CPR/First Aid certified, and be over the age of 21. Email Janet Leishman, Director at the school [email protected] or call 302-475-3747 x 202.
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Upcoming Events in Our Community |
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In honor of Black History Month
Upcoming concerts
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Sing Out My Soul
Sunday, February 27, 4:00 p.m.
Grace Episcopal Church, Wilmington
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Celebrate Black History Month by listening to music representative of the African continent and Black culture through works by Black composers, traditional spirituals, and gospel music.
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Organ Concert
Sunday, February 27, 4:00 p.m.
St. Anne's Church
Middletown
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St. Anne’s is pleased to welcome Dr. Kenneth Dean. Come enjoy the concert in-person or online at www.saintannes.church. The program will include spirituals and a tribute to hymn writer, C. Tindley. Everyone is welcome!
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There is a Balm in Gilead
Sunday, February 27, 3:00 p.m.
St. Helena's Church
Wilmington
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13th Annual Festival of American Spirituals: Songs of freedom, songs of faith, featuring Delaware Choral Arts, St. Helena's Church Choir, Woodstown H.S. Concert Choir.
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The Arts at Trinity presents Simple Gifts,
Sunday, February 27, 4pm, 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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MLK Voice 4 Youth finals Sunday, Baby Grand, Wilmington, March 6, 2pm
Hear our courageous finalists perform their powerful messages for change inspired by Dr. King's Legacy. Guest performances by The Christiana Cultural Arts Center Drumline and The Choir School of Delaware. RSVP by March 1 to Jane Rubini [email protected] or 302.655.3379.
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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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Episcopal Church Lent resources available online
for individuals, small groups, and congregations
• Lenten Virtual Borderlands Experience webinar series
• Lent curriculum, calendar, and bulletin inserts
• Sermons, lesson plans, and devotionals
• “Prophetic Voices” podcast series
• Lent Madness
• Videos and publicity materials
For more information, new and updated resources, click here
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Episcopal Migration Ministries and Latino Ministries, Free Lenten Virtual Borderlands Experience
Thursdays: March 10, 17, 24, 31, and April 7, 7-8:30pm
You are invited to walk a special Lenten journey with immigrant sojourners and advocates.
• Hear stories from our immigrant siblings
• Learn from those involved in migration ministry
• Follow the steps of those who have crossed borders in search of a better way of life
This series can be done individually or as part of a congregational study group.
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Church Pension Group: Celebrating Black Voices In The Episcopal Church
Monday, February 28, 2022 from 12–1pm
In celebration of Black History Month, we invite you to join us for an honest conversation with five Black leaders who serve The Episcopal Church. Collectively, their service to the Church spans more than 150 years and each of them continues to serve in ways that make a difference. Hosted by the Church Pension Group’s (CPG) People of African Descent affinity group, we will explore the panel’s experiences and thoughts around Becoming Beloved Community; examine themes around social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion; and discuss the challenges and opportunities they see in a predominantly white Church. We hope you can join us for this candid conversation. Individuals can submit questions in advance to [email protected]. Please note, this conversation will be recorded.
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Apply now for Episcopal Church 2022-2023 educational scholarships
Applications are being accepted for a wide variety of educational scholarships from The Episcopal Church for the 2022-2023 academic year. The deadline to apply is April 10. All applicants must be Episcopalian.
The scholarships — derived from annual income of more than 45 trust funds established through bequests to The Episcopal Church — range from assistance for children of missionaries, bishops and clergy to individuals seeking theological education and training. The maximum award is $10,000 per student.
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The Bible for Normal People
What parts of our faith are worth holding onto? In this episode of The Bible for Normal People Podcast, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry joins Pete and Jared to discuss ways to think differently about scripture and the importance of keeping love at the center of your being. Hear podcast here
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Episcopal Evangelism Newsletter, February 2022
Do Friendships Matter?
"Imagine several rows of people — just ordinary people, with regular, complicated lives. Imagine on each row: folks are standing shoulder to shoulder, all facing the same direction. Their focus is jointly secured toward one central point in the room. As you look about the room, you notice that these people all seem relatively happy to be together, and on the few occasions when they break from their rows to move about — to come and go — they are polite, kind, friendly, even. They appear to know each other. But are they friends? Are they vessels of God’s love in each other’s lives? And if not, does it matter for the Kingdom of God?" Read full newsletter here
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Register early for virtual ‘Worship in Asian Diaspora’ workshop
March 9-11: 8-10pm Eastern, March 10-12: 9-11 a.m. in Asia
Explore the relationship, culture, and the need for Asiamerican expressions of worship in this workshop led by the Rev. Russell Yee, author of “Worship on the Way: Exploring Asian North American Christian Experience.” Yee has taught at numerous seminaries and pastored a church for 10 years. His doctoral research focused on sociolinguistic aspects of liturgical and free worship. More information and FREE registration here
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The Historical Society of The Episcopal Church is
Seeking Grant Requests
The Historical Society of the Episcopal Church invites applications for grants to be made in July 2022. Awards are made for research and projects which promote the preservation of the particular heritage of The Episcopal Church and its antecedents. Applications must be submitted by May 1, with awards announced in July. More information
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News from the Anglican Communion |
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The Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, Robert Willis, is to retire his position at midnight on 16 May, 2022, the eve of his 75th birthday.
Dean Robert was installed in July 2001, and during the coronavirus pandemic he has become familiar to online audiences worldwide via his daily Morning Prayer videos from the Deanery at Canterbury Cathedral. More information
You may see Morning Prayer from Canterbury Cathedral here
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Anglican Primates' Meeting moved from Rome to London
Next month’s meeting of Anglican Primates – the senior archbishops, moderators and Presiding Bishops from the 42 Churches of the Anglican Communion – will take place in London, England. The meeting was due to take place in Rome, Italy. However, Covid-related travel restrictions in Italy meant that around half of the church leaders would not be eligible to fully participate. The meeting, called by the Archbishop of Canterbury, will take the form of a spiritual retreat, with the church leaders praying and studying the Bible together. The Primates will also discuss the latest plans for the Lambeth Conference – the decennial meeting to which all Anglican bishops from around the world are invited. The next Lambeth Conference, which was postponed in 2020, will take place in Canterbury, England, in July and August this year. More information
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