March 15, 2023
In this edition: Women's History Month, St. Martha's, Holy Week and Easter Services, Fun Fact, Check it Out, News in the Episcopal Church, and more ...
In recognition of
Women's History Month
‘The Philadelphia Eleven’ documentary trailer
The producers of a documentary, about the 11 women who broke down barriers in The Episcopal Church to become its first female priests, have released a trailer for the film (above). They continue to work to raise the remaining money needed to complete the film in time for the 50th anniversary of the church milestone next year.
For more information about this film and how to donate, click here
My Journey in the Episcopal Church
as an Ordained Female Priest
Delaware Communion Magazine
Spring/March 2023 edition features an article by the Rev. Louise Howlett, one of the first women priests in Delaware.

The magazine also includes:
  • Going Back to School: Deep Subjects, by the Rev. Howell C. Sasser, Jr.
  • Striving for Racial Justice: Seeing Each Other as Children of God, by the Rev. Dr. Carol Flett
  • On Choosing The Episcopal Church, by Laurel Riegel

You may read the magazine here
Group from St. Martha’s, Bethany Beach
Visited Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad and Visitor Center
As part of their Black History Month celebration, the Becoming Beloved Community Steering Group and the Adult Education and Community Events Committee of St. Martha’s Episcopal Church in Bethany Beach recently sponsored a bus trip to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in Church Creek, Maryland. Read report by John Short, chair of the Becoming Beloved Community Steering Group here.
Sylvester Wolford
made pre-tour presentation
The group of 34 participants who, whether they knew little or a great deal about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, experienced this era of our history through new intellectual and emotional perspectives and left with a renewed interest in building a true Beloved Community in our community and far beyond.
Guide met group outside
the Visitor Center
Holy Week & Easter Services
offered in the Episcopal Church in Delaware
click image to view listings
If you would like to have your church services listed in the above posting, please send your information to [email protected]. The listing will be posted on the diocesan website and social media pages. A separate Easter Sunday post will also be provided.
Fun Fact

Question: At the 1920 diocesan convention, an Executive Council was set up to centralize the administrative authority of the diocese. Who was the first woman member of the Executive Council?

Clue: The first woman member was not elected until 1950.

Answer: Here

Image: "Woman in grey dress with collie, 1950s" by genibee is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.
Today in Christian History
Two Women of Extraordinary Faith
Did You Know?
First to become a nun in America
On this date in 1729, a Ceremony of Profession was held for Sister St. Stanislaus Hachard at the Ursuline convent in New Orleans, thereby making her the first Catholic woman to become a nun in America. The Ursulines established a New Orleans-based orphanage, a school that educated girls, and the colony’s military hospital. Their work helped contribute to the development of a large, active Afro-Catholic congregation in New Orleans. More information
Image: Courtesy of https://gratefulamericanfoundation.org/who-was-the-first-nun-to-take-her-vows-in-america/
Check it Out!
Mary Pryor and the sinking ship
On this date in 1798, English Quaker Mary Pryor, called to preach the Gospel in America, disembarked safely from the Archibald in Philadelphia, having prayed fervently for the ship Fame and encouraged its crew and passengers with prayer and prophecies while it was foundering in the Atlantic. Her promise of rescue was literally fulfilled down to the name of the rescue ship.
Cycle of Prayer in the Episcopal Church in Delaware
This week (week of March 12), in our diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we hold up in prayer St. Nicholas Church, Newark, the Very Rev. William B. Lane, pastor. For the diocesan Cycle of Prayer, click here.
Open Positions in the Episcopal Church in Delaware
Great Opportunity to support the Episcopal Church in Delaware!
Are you well organized and a good communicator? The Episcopal Church in Delaware is searching for a part-time person to be the Assistant to the Secretary of Convention. The Secretary of Convention is currently Kay Keenan. Please review the job description and if you believe you are a good fit, please send an email with your qualifications and ideally a résumé to [email protected]. See job description here.
Christ Episcopal Church, Dover, Delaware seeks Organist/Choir Director  
Christ Episcopal Church in Dover, Delaware follows this Vision: As Christ does, we will. We express this Vision through our Core Values of Welcome, Support, Growth, and Compassion. With God’s help and each other’s, we seek to be a warm, loving, and life-changing community. We are looking for an Organist/Choir Director to join us in this holy work. Might this be you? Position description and application information here
St. Peter’s, Smyrna is seeking a part-time Parish Administrator
Reporting to the rector, this position is responsible for the efficient functioning of the church office and provides administrative support to the staff and church leaders. This person must be able to work effectively with church leaders, members and visitors, treating all with respect and professionalism. Full position description and application information here.
Upcoming Events in the Episcopal Church in Delaware
Choral Evensong, Christ Church Christiana Hundred, Wilmington, March 19
A small ensemble from the Christ Church Choir will sing Evensong for the Fourth Sunday in Lent on March 19 in the Chapel. Music will include works by Sarah MacDonald, Orlando Gibbons, Thomas Tallis, and William Mundy. An organ prelude will begin at 3:50 pm. Join us as we continue our celebration of the Chapel’s 70th anniversary and the blessing of our new organ, Fisk Opus 164.
You are invited to join our National Cathedral Pilgrimage!
Sponsored by the Delaware Chapter of the National Cathedral Association,
Sunday, April 23, departs University of Delaware, Wilmington Campus, 8am-8pm
This is a unique opportunity to explore our national cathedral. Bus trip includes Sunday morning Eucharist, box lunch, guided tours available, time to explore the gardens, and bagpipe Evensong. All profits support the cathedral's restoration and preservation.
Image: "National Cathedral in the Shadows" by wyntuition is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Spots still available for Holy Land Pilgrimage, June 18-28
Join Christ Church Christiana Hundred parishioners and friends on a trip to the Holy Land. St. George’s Anglican College in Jerusalem is offering a Footsteps of Jesus course from June 18-28, 2023. This is not a tour of the Holy Land but a pilgrimage with visits to significant sites in Christ’s life with time for worship, guided meditation, and reflection. Reservations may be made with a $500 deposit per person, and scholarship opportunities may be available through St. George’s College. The total trip cost is estimated to be $4,500 to $5,000. Visit www.christchurchde.org/holy-land-trip-post for details.
Upcoming Events in Our Community
Upcoming Events including Claggett Camp Open House, Formation Deep Dives, Synod 23, "It's All About Love" Revival, Grants to commemorate 10th anniversary of Harriet Tubman's Death, and more. Read Province III Spring Newsletter here
News from The Episcopal Church
Episcopal News Service
Read the latest headlines, summaries, and stories here
The Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs
Read latest information about news, events, and resources here
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry calls for Good Friday Offering to support ministry in Jerusalem and the Middle East
As The Episcopal Church’s Good Friday Offering enters its second century, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invites bishops, congregations, and supporters—in his annual Lent letter—into “that selfless way of living” demonstrated by Jesus of Nazareth on the cross. First gathered in 1922, the initial Good Friday Offering was an intentional response of The Episcopal Church to support Anglican ministries in the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East that were impacted by the devastation of World War I, the Spanish flu pandemic, and social and political unrest affecting Armenian Christians, among others throughout that region. A lifeline of hope in times of genuine need in years past, the Good Friday Offering continues to support churches, medical programs, and schools today. Read full announcement and see video here.
At The Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops spring gathering, 122 bishops gathered March 8-13 at Camp McDowell in Nauvoo, Alabama, for a time of retreat. To learn more about the proceedings and to read the Presiding Bishop's sermon, click here
The Episcopal Church Office of Creation Care announces the opening of the 2023 Creation Care grant funding cycle, with applications — available in English and Spanish — being accepted for local and regional eco-ministry projects until 5pm, May 1. An informational webinar to learn more about the grant process and ask questions is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET March 14. Register online — or view the webinar later on-demand. Overseen by the church’s Task Force on Creation Care and Environmental Racism, Creation Care grants seek to support eco-ministry projects that address climate change, environmental degradation, and the inequitable and systemic impacts of environmental racism. The grant committee is interested in supporting programs that go beyond secular environmental work to provide resources for faith-based community organizing and theological reflection. More information
Participate in the Faith Communities Today (FACT) 2023 Survey
If you haven't done so already, staff or parish leadership are invited to participate in a multi-faith survey of congregational life in America. It is being conducted in partnership with the Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations study, which is actively researching change and innovation in the American religious landscape as a result of COVID-19. Learn more about this study at: covidreligionresearch.org. The survey can be completed by staff or parish leadership, and it is available here. Aggregate results will be shared online at faithcommunitiestoday.org in the coming months. If you have questions regarding this survey, please contact [email protected]. Thank you for your participation in this important national study, and blessings on your ministry! 
News from the Anglican Communion
Archbishop of Canterbury News and Statements
Read the latest news from the Archbishop of Canterbury here
Anglican Communion News Service
Read latest news and reports from the around the Anglican Communion here
Book of prayer for the Coronation of King Charles III published
Running from Easter Day (April 9) for 28 days, up to the day of the Coronation on May 6, the book provides daily themes, reflections, and prayers for use by individuals, churches, or groups. More information
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