In this edition: Youth Ministry Trail 2 Truth; Upcoming Racial Justice & Reconciliation workshop|challenge; Bishop Brown attends House of Bishops; Fun Fact; Check it Out!; Did You Know?; Upcoming events; News in the ECD community, Episcopal Church, and Anglican Communion
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Trail 2 Truth
Eyes Wide Open & Hearts Ready to Move
April 2 (in-person only)
All high school youth are invited to this Province III event
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 here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trail-2-truth-registration-239214756777. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions. We look forward to seeing everyone in person!
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Racial Justice and Reconciliation
Workshop | Challenge
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Workshop
This workshop is designed to help people of European descent gain a better understanding about how their white skin privilege and the unearned benefits, that they earn daily by just having white skin, negatively affects people of color. More importantly, workshop participants will learn specific ways they can positively use their white skin privilege to become allies and help interrupt the system of racial injustice in their personal and professional lives. More information
Register here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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Challenge
Stand Against Racism Challenge:
21 days of impactful challenges
starts Monday, April 4
This challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership. Each day of the challenge you will be presented with activities such as reading an article, listening to a podcast, reflecting on personal experience and more. Participation in an activity like this helps us to discover how racial injustice and social injustice impact our community, to connect with one another, and to identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination. More information and registration
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The spring edition of Delaware Communion includes the following articles:
- Keeping a Holy Lent. But how?
- Praying Twice
- Striving for Justice in our Church
- Grounded and Restored
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Bishop Brown attends
House of Bishops
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Image: 133 bishops and bishops-elect attend House of Bishops meeting at Camp Allen, near Navasota, Texas, March 15-21.
Photo: Frank Logue
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This was the first in-person assembly of the House of Bishops since September 2019; the meeting focused on themes of hunger, honesty, humility, hopefulness, and hospitality. The bishops spent time in fellowship, study, prayer, and sabbath. Preparing for the upcoming 80th General Convention was also on the agenda.
During this time, the House of Bishops voted unanimously to issue statements condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine and political actions targeting transgender people. Read more.
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March is Women's History Month |
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Two Ground-breakers in Aviation |
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Sophie Blanchard (1778 – 1819)
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Sophie Blanchard was the first professional female aeronaut in history. Born March 25, 1778 near La Rochelle, France, Sophie was initiated into ballooning by her husband Jean-Pierre-François Blanchard, himself a pioneer in ballooning. Sophie first took to the sky in 1804 with Jean-Pierre and was immediately fixated with ballooning. Continue reading.
Image: Smithsonian Magazine
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Elizabeth 'Bessie' Coleman (1892-1926) |
Elizabeth “Bessie” Coleman was the first African American woman and first Native American to hold a pilot license. Born to a family of sharecroppers in Texas, Coleman worked in the cotton fields at a young age while also studying in a small, segregated school. More information
Image: "Elizabeth 'Bessie' Coleman (1892-1926)" by Gullah Betty is marked with CC PDM 1.0.
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Saint Olga of Kyiv is Ukraine’s patron saint of both defiance and vengeance |
Image: Saint Olga by Mikhail Nesterov
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Princess Olga of Kyiv was a 10th-century woman, born to a royal family and married to Igor, Prince of Kyiv. She led a fairly unnoteworthy life until her husband was murdered by a neighboring tribe. After that, her life took a turn and she avenged her husband's death. Learn more about Olga of Kiev, and how she brought Christianity to her country and wreaked vengeance upon her enemies here
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Ukraine’s women fighters reflect a tradition of feminist independence |
Vincenzo Circosta/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images |
Thousands of Ukrainian women have taken up arms against the Russian invasion. Who could fail to be moved by the video of a Ukrainian woman confronting an armed and jack-booted soldier, telling him to put sunflower seeds in his pockets so at least sunflowers will grow where he dies? Ukrainian women have historically enjoyed independence not common in other parts of the globe. More information
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Fun Fact
Question: Who was the first Delaware woman to take moving pictures of the General Convention?
Clue: The convention took place in Atlantic City in October, 1934
Image: "Vintage Cine-Kodak Model K 16mm Home Movie Camera, Made In USA, Circa 1930s" by France1978 is marked with CC BY-SA 2.0.
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Cycle of Prayer in the Episcopal Church in Delaware |
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This week (week of March 20), in our diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we hold up in prayer St. Peter's Church, Lewes, the Rev. Jeffrey A. Ross, rector; the Rev. Douglas Culton, rector emeritus; the Rev. Theodore Olson, associate priest; the Rev. Canon Mark Harris, associate priest; the Rev. J. Carlyle Gill, associate priest; the Rev. Ray Michener, associate priest; and the Rev. Deacon Paula Waite, chaplain to Beebe Hospital. For the 2022 Cycle of Prayer, click here.
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Job Openings in Our Community |
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The Episcopal Church Women of Delaware is seeking a United Thank Offering Coordinator
This is a volunteer position and is an important part of our ministry. Locally and nationally there are people and print resources to assist the Coordinator. There is some urgency in our search because the new UTO Coordinator will be included in our delegation to the Triennial Meeting which will be held in Baltimore in July, concurrently with the General Convention of the Episcopal Church. Think hard, pray for inspiration, and if you or someone you know would be interested in this position, or have questions, please contact Beth FitzPatrick, ECW-Delaware President. Cell: 302-547-6109. Email: [email protected] For position description see here.
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Trinity Parish, Wilmington, is seeking a Maintenance Manager
Reporting to the rector, this position is responsible for the complete oversight and maintenance of all buildings and grounds owned and operated by Trinity Parish, and for the oversight of lease compliance of those properties owned by Trinity Parish and operated and maintained by our tenants. Full position description and application information here
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Trinity Parish, Wilmington is seeking Soloists/Section Leaders
Trinity is auditioning/hiring an alto soloist/section leader and a bass-baritone soloist/section leader for its choir comprised of both paid and volunteer singers. Positions require forty Sunday mornings a year (early September to early June with a 9am rehearsal and a 10am service each Sunday), Thursday evening rehearsals from 7-9pm, and two Christmas Eve Services. Singers must be comfortable serving as both soloists and section leaders in a variety of musical styles. Very strong sight-reading skills and a positive, collegial, and collaborative mindset are required. Auditions in early to mid-March with an April 1 start date. To be considered, email cover letter, resume/CV and performance links to David Simmons, Director of Music, at: [email protected]
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Upcoming Events in Our Community |
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Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament followed by the Litany for Peace in Ukraine, Immanuel Church, New Castle, Fridays ongoing through April 8, 7pm
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Choir School of Delaware: Phenomenal Woman, Saturday, March 26, 7-9pm, Grace United Methodist Church, Wilmington
Inspired by the words of Maya Angelou, this concert celebrates Women’s History Month and amplifies the voices of women composers and poets. Enjoy composer Reena Esmail's "Phenomenal Woman," and choral pieces by Dr. B.E. Boykin, and Alysia Lee, such as “Stardust” and “Say Her Name,” plus poetry read by invited guests. Please join us! For tickets click here
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Spring Social, Immanuel Highlands, Wilmington
Friday, April 1, (no fooling!) 5-7:30pm
You are invited to our Spring Social in the parlor. This is a fun opportunity to get to know our fellow parishioners in a relaxed, casual setting. A variety of beverages and delicious hors d’oeuvres will be served. Come for all or a part of the time as your schedule permits. Childcare will be provided. Questions? Please contact the Parish Office at (302) 658-7326
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Worth the Weight? Christ Church Christiana Hundred, Wilmington, Saturday, April 2, 10-11am
Christ Church’s Health & Wellness Ministry invites you to join in at our Parish Hall for an informative discussion on how to drop those extra wintering and COVID pounds and get the pep back in your step! Registered dietitian Martha Henley will answer your questions on health and nutrition, and Libbie Fiechter will lead us in gentle yoga exercises that can become part of your fit lifestyle as we spring forward. A light and healthy Lenten lunch will be offered after the session. This event is free of charge; however, please register your attendance at www.christchurchde.org/health-wellness-post so we can have ample supplies.
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Connections: Christian Conversations on Contemporary Challenges, Christ Church Christiana Hundred, Wilmington, Saturday, April 2, 7-8pm
The Racial Reconciliation Ministry of Christ Church invites you to a special conversation on Howard Thurman’s spiritual classic, Jesus and the Disinherited, and the wider implications for racial reconciliation in the community. Join us in the Christ Church Parish Hall for a panel discussion on Thurman’s main questions from the book: what does the religion of Jesus Christ say to the disinherited, and how does Jesus challenge inherited people to live differently? Speakers include the Rt. Rev. Kevin S. Brown, Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Delaware; the Rev. Paul Daniels, theologian and Thurman scholar studying at Fordham University; and local nonprofit executive Raye Jones Avery. The evening will conclude with a dessert reception on the Christ Church grounds. Pleaser register at www.christchurchde.org/christian-conversations-post.
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Choral Evensong, Christ Church Christiana Hundred, Wilmington, Sunday, April 3, 5pm
Choral Evensong will be offered for the Fifth Sunday in Lent. Led by the Christ Church choir and clergy. The service will include the Phos hilaron, Schramm; Responses, Smith; Evening Canticles from Short Service, Gibbons; and the anthem, Almighty and Everlasting God, Gibbons. Assistant Organist/Choirmaster David Hearn will play a 30-minute organ prelude beginning at 4:30pm. More information
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St. Barnabas’ Church, Wilmington
continues the celebration of the new Cornell-Zimmer electronic organ
with upcoming organ recitals
Sunday April 24, 4pm, Douglas Jayd, organist
Sunday, May 22, 4pm, Rodney Cleveland, organist
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Mothers' Day Tea, Church of the Ascension, Claymont, Saturday May 7, 2-4pm
There will be wonderful food and tea, and some special door prizes.
$10 Per person to support our outreach. Door Prizes.
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News from the Episcopal Church and beyond |
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Foundational Spiritual Practices: Paths to Joy
Offered by the Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage at Washington National Cathedral
For those who viewed the Mission:Joy or those who read The Book of Joy, Washington National Cathedral has created some wonderful online resources that can be used by congregations and groups.
Forgiveness as a Path to Joy | Sunday, March 20, 4 – 5:30 pm ET
Explore the four-fold path of forgiveness as we learn how to forgive not only others, but also ourselves.
Compassion as a Path to Joy | Sunday, April 3, 4 – 5:30 pm ET
The Dalai Lama has said that a daily practice of cultivating compassion is the single most important thing we can do to change the world. Explore ways to practice compassion to better love our neighbors and ourselves.
Laughter as a Path to Joy | Sunday, May 1, 4 – 5:30 pm ET
Learning to laugh at ourselves helps us learn to laugh at life. Join us as Diane Cohen leads us through a session of Laughter Yoga to bring a sense of playfulness and joy into your life. More information and registration. Options available in the drop down menu in registration. Email Terri Lynn Simpson at [email protected] for more information.
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In this episode, Bishop Curry talks with Heather Kirn Lanier—an essayist, poet, and creative writing professor. Heather’s memoir, “Raising A Rare Girl,” invites us into her first year of parenting a daughter born with a rare syndrome. Bishop Curry talks with her about how we can change our life and the lives of those we encounter by changing our perspective and looking for the good in every person. “The Way of Love with Bishop Michael Curry” is available on most podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify, and at episcopalchurch.org.
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In this fourth episode of season 4 of “Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community,” we speak with Episcopalians committed to the Beloved Community about the texts for Good Friday. The texts covered in this episode are Psalm 22 and John 18:1-19:42. Our guests this week are:
- Betty Peterson, who serves at-risk babies and moms as a nurse and social worker for the Brightstart program. She comes from the Orthodox faith tradition and attends Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she is a chanter.
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Dr. Enid LaGesse, who is here because of the sacrifices of her enslaved ancestors and those of the Anacostan and Piscataway, on whose stolen sacred land she now lives. Enid brings more than 30 years of diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership experience to her role as the co-chair of the Race and Social Justice Committee for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. She facilitates workshops on anti-racism, intersectionality, and interfaith dialogue.
“Prophetic Voices” is hosted by the Rev. Isaiah “Shaneequa” Brokenleg, The Episcopal Church’s staff officer for racial reconciliation. For more information on Becoming Beloved Community, visit iam.ec/becomingbelovedcommunity.
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A new national study, Jesus in America, was released today in a partnership between The Episcopal Church and Ipsos. The research found that while the majority of Americans polled believe Jesus was an important spiritual figure and want equality in society, it also showed Christians are not necessarily practicing what Jesus taught, and Americans feel judged when talking about their beliefs. More information
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March Evangelism Newsletter
This month we continue exploring our Episcopal Evangelism challenge for 2022: Creating authentic communities of friends within our churches to live out our baptismal promises and the church's mission – to restore and be restored in unity with God and each other, in Christ. Read newsletter here
We are dust. We keep company with sadness. We learn the lament of everyone who holds quietly to the knowing: things are not as they should be. And still we hope. Still we see our Redeemer come. – Alia Joy
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Becoming a World Where Love Is the Way:
Guiding Principles for World Mission
A free, four-week study resource for Episcopalians seeking to learn more about our invitation to walk with others in global mission
• Designed for individuals and groups
• Daily reflections, questions, actions, and prayers
• Weekly group “discuss or do” guides
• Written by lay and clergy members worldwide
Explore what it means to cross boundaries, listen deeply, and live like Jesus, together.
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The Episcopal Network for Stewardship offers:
Motivations for Intergenerational Giving
Saturday, April 9, 12-1:30pm
Join us for this webinar to address the essential question of the future of the church: How do we attract younger generations to become giving members of our congregations? What are we willing to change, adopt, and learn to make room for new generations and new ideas? Come learn with us, register today!
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The Episcopal Network for Stewardship offers:
New Seasonal Reflections for 2022
The theme for our 2022 Stewardship Campaign Resources is More Than Enough. As we emerge from this period of disruption and isolation in our congregations, we have felt the pain and frustration of distance, of diminished resources, and of our ability to connect in the ways to which we are accustomed. However, as we take inventory of our spiritual resources, the strength of our community, and our capacity for generosity, we realize that there is now, and always has been, More Than Enough. Log in today to access the Seasonal Reflections for 2022. Prepare now for Lent and Easter and download the reflections.
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News from the Anglican Communion |
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The Archbishop of Canterbury held a video call with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow to discuss the urgent need for peace in Ukraine
Archbishop Justin Welby expressed his grave concern about the war in Ukraine which he said is a great tragedy. He stressed the need for an end to the violence in Ukraine and said that war and violence is never an answer. He said we need to find ways to live as neighbours in Europe without the aggression and human suffering which have been too much part of our life and history. Read full statement here
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Anglican Communion welcomes UN call for peace in Ukraine
Chair of the Anglican Communion UN Reference Group, Archbishop Maimbo, has welcomed UN call for peace in the Ukraine. Archbishop Maimbo said: "As the world watches the terrible situation unfolding in Ukraine, I welcome the action taken at both the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council last week. Both bodies have spoken unequivocally of the need to end hostilities now with an urgent ceasefire, support the immediate needs of those affected by the conflict, and work together..." Read full article here
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Anglican Bishop in Europe condemns “unjustified and aggressive” war in Ukraine
"The Anglican Bishop in Europe, Robert Innes, has condemned the 'completely unjustified and aggressive war' in Ukraine, following the invasion by Russia, and has urged Christians to unite in prayers for peace. 'Our hearts cry out for justice and peace' he said. Describing the situation as 'very deeply troubling', Bishop Robert said Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision ..." Read full article here
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