May 4, 2022
In this edition: Bishop's message to graduates; Grounded and Restored; Episcopal Migration Ministries support for Ukraine; Fun Fact; Check it Out!; Did You Know?; Upcoming events; News in the ECD community, Episcopal Church, and Anglican Communion

A message from Bishop Brown
to all our graduates

Congratulations! You have completed your hard work and are looking to the future. Know this: we, the members of the Episcopal Church in Delaware, love you, appreciate you, and are proud of your achievements. We admire all your efforts that got you to this point and we support you as you take your next steps in your life’s pilgrimage. Christ Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and he will be with you whatever path you choose. Blessings to you, graduates!
Grounded and Restored:
A teenager's reflection on his Episcopal Church experience
Graduating high school senior,
Will Zakielarz,
looks back as he
prepares to move forward.

Read article here
Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) is asking for our help
As we watch the harrowing images of the Russian invasion of Ukraine unfold across our television screens and in our social media feed, many of us have been grappling with what we can do from afar to help the people fleeing the war and seeking safety. 
 
President Biden announced that 100,000 people forced to flee Ukraine can seek safe haven in the United States. Beginning April 25, they can apply to come here under a government program known as “Uniting for Ukraine.” But coming to the United States through this pathway requires support from a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or other legally-residing individual – including representatives of non-government organizations. 
 
EMM has partnered with Welcome.US to amplify the call to action for 100,000 Americans to step up as sponsors and welcomers for Ukrainian newcomers. Here are two significant ways you can help now: 
 
1. Donate to support EMM’s Neighbor to Neighbor (NtN) program. Through NtN, EMM directly trains and provides ongoing support to faith communities and other groups who serve as community sponsors for displaced persons. EMM knows sponsors will need the support of organizations with expertise in this area, as well as the support and fellowship of others engaged in this work of welcome. Substantive funding is urgently needed to sustain the small and dedicated team as they carry out this heroic and life-saving work.  As you are able, please give generously. 
 
2. We encourage anyone interested in learning more about community sponsorship to complete this Initial Interest Form. After completing the form, you will be invited to attend a NtN Information Session, offered weekly on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM ET. Currently, NtN teams are sponsoring asylum seekers and Afghans. EMM is working with its external partners to determine how Uniting for Ukraine will be mapped into the NtN program. We invite you to begin to learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor and the responsibilities of community sponsorship. We hope to see you at an Information Session. 
These two opportunities are instrumental in offering safety and stability to all our new neighbors seeking refuge here. With your help, we can pave a smoother path for all newcomers as they begin their journey of healing and rebuilding. 
 
Fun Fact

Question: The oldest Old School Baptist Church in America is in Delaware. Where is it, and who is supposed to haunt its churchyard?

Clue: The person who reputedly haunts the cemetery died in 1777.

Answer: here

Image: https://library.artstor.org/public/SS7729601_7729601_641191
On this date in Christian history
Did You Know?
About the World's Largest Book?
On this date in 1868, the world's largest book, the Kuthodaw Inscription Shrines recording the whole of Buddhist scriptures on 729 marble tablets was completed and opened to the public in Mandalay, Myanmar. It records the Fifth Great Synod convened by King Mindon, which was the significant event of the Buddhist religion and its devotees. More information
Check It Out!
CORE Freedom Rides
On this date in 1961 The Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) began freedom rides from Washington, DC. Seven Blacks and six whites left on two public buses bound for the Deep South. The ride aimed to test the Supreme Court’s ruling in Boynton v. Virginia (1960), which declared segregation in interstate bus and rail stations unconstitutional. More information
Image: "Freedom Riders" by elycefeliz is marked with CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Cycle of Prayer in the Episcopal Church in Delaware
This week (week of May 1), in our diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we hold up in prayer St. Martin's in the Field Church, Selbyville, the Rev. Glenn A. Duffy, priest-in-charge. For the 2022 Cycle of Prayer, click here.
Upcoming Events in Our Community
Discussion series for Youth Leaders, One Saturday each month, 10-11am
We will meet for an hour to add new tools to our toolbox, and share our favorites with other youth leaders from around the region. A variety of guests will share their successes and strategies.
• May 7 "Impacts of the pandemic on youth mental health"
• June 4 "Building and strengthening your youth program"
• July 9 "Community involvement and outreach"
• Aug 6 "Responsible social media usage and engagement with youth"
• September in person lunch meet up! More information
For Zoom link, or if you have any questions or concerns, please email YouthSupport@delaware.church
Flea Market, St. James’ Church Mill Creek, Wilmington, Saturday, May 7,
8am-1pm (Rain date May 14)
St. James' is happy to announce the return of their Flea Market. It will take place in the church parking lot. Please join us for some fun and thrifty shopping! Light snacks and refreshments. Free parking. More information
Giant outdoor Flea Market, Grace Church, Wilmington, Saturday, May 7
8am-2pm (Rain date May 14)
Vendors: Please call (302) 478-9533 to request a registration form. An 8x8 space is just $25. New this year: We are accepting ten direct sales vendors. Please call the office to register and state what company you represent. Be sure to visit us in the Parish Hall for homemade baked goods, books, and our cafe! Free parking. More information
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.
More information. Please RSVP 302-798-6683
Extreme Heat - The Silent Killer: A Climate Conversation
Tuesday, May 10, 5:30pm
Sponsored by the Church of Sts. Andrew & Matthew,
Interfaith Power & Light, and
Delaware Residents for Environmental Justice.
Please register to receive the Zoom link here
An Evening to Support Ukraine
Millcreek Fire Company, 3900 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington,
May 14, 3-7pm
Endorsed by Fr. Hutnick, pastor Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Wilmington. Event ticket $50 includes buffet style dinner, open bar, and live Ukrainian folk music. To reserve tickets call Ivan Otama 215.962.7236
Local Chapter of the American Guild of Organists Members Recital
Christ Church, Dover, Sunday, May 15, 4pm
The American Guild of Organists Southern Delaware Chapter is offering a free recital. A freewill offering will be taken to benefit the chapter. Several members of the chapter will be playing a variety of music on the newly refurbished Moller Pipe Organ. The concert will be dedicated to the memory of Thomas Richardson, longtime member of the guild who passed away recently. Light refreshments will follow in the churchyard in front of the church (weather permitting). For more information, contact Jon Rania, Dean of the Chapter at 302-245-1881 or jonrania@hotmail.com.
Free Virtual Racial Justice and Reconciliation Workshop
Preparing the Church for Civic/Community Engagement and Advocacy, Thursday, May 19, 6-8pm
This is an advanced workshop designed to move parishioners and ecumenical, interfaith, and community partners into action with established organizations that are actively engaged in all three Delaware counties. More information here and registration here
The Arts at Trinity (TAAT) presents the Serafin Ensemble
Trinity Parish, Wilmington, Sunday, May 22, 4pm.
Serafin roster artists for this concert are violinist Kate Ransom; violist Amadi Azikiwe (in from New York City); Jacques-Pierre Malan, South African cellist now residing in Baltimore; and countertenor, Augustine Mercante. Joining the Serafins for this performance is internationally acclaimed pianist, Read Gainsford, a New Zealander who now makes his home in Florida. As with all TAAT concerts, there is no charge for admission to the performance, but donations are graciously accepted before and after the performance. Bring a friend and enjoy an afternoon of gorgeous music! Program details and more information

St. Barnabas' Church, Wilmington, Quilt Raffle
Supporting Episcopal Relief and Development for Ukraine!
Drawing to be held Sunday, June 5

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here
80th General Convention News
News from the Episcopal Church
Three years after launching Sacred Ground, a dialogue series on race, racism, and whiteness with more than 20,000 participants thus far, The Episcopal Church’s Racial Reconciliation and Justice Team is releasing a comprehensive evaluation report, updated curriculum and resources, and expanded licensing that invites people in other denominations/faiths to start their own Sacred Ground circles. More information
News from the Anglican Communion
The Archbishop of Canterbury has apologized for the “terrible crime” of the Anglican Church’s involvement in Canada’s residential schools – and for the Church of England’s “grievous sins” against the Indigenous peoples of Canada.
The Archbishop spent the weekend visiting Indigenous Canadian reserves, meeting with Indigenous leaders and Anglicans, and listening to residential school survivors, as part of a five-day visit to Canada. More information
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