In this edition: Updated COVID-19 protocols; Your diocese at work: stewardship, invite welcome connect, youth, racial justice; updated Covid-19 protocols; this week's blessing and scriptural commentary; Fun Fact; Did You Know?; Check it Out!; news from the diocese, Episcopal Church, and Anglican Church.
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The Episcopal Church in Delaware
at work!
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Dear brothers and sisters in the Episcopal Church in Delaware:
Be on the lookout for new content on the Stewardship Resources webpage of our diocesan website. The theme for our November Convention has been chosen, and the letters and artwork will reflect that theme. We will include annual giving content similar to last year’s offerings, and also include some information about narrative budgets for those who are interested in that.
This last year has been very difficult for all of us, some more than others, and our hope is that the gift of annual giving documents and ideas, along with other stewardship content, will be helpful. Stay safe and well, siblings in Christ. New content should be available in June, and we will also plan Zoom workshops for folks to attend – likely to be held sometime in August.
Your sister in Christ,
Helen King Spence
Chair, Stewardship Resource Team
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"It is a stunning thing when you think about it: God charges and trusts us — every one of us — to do the right thing with the blessings we enjoy. Whether the material items we possess or the money we earn or even the very planet we live on, we remember that these gifts are first and always God’s, not ours. We are caretakers of God’s goodness, and this truth is liberating if sometimes challenging. Teaching stewardship is a central part of every parish’s role in forming joyfully followers of Jesus Christ.
Even amid the struggles and uncertainty of 2020, the Episcopal Church in Delaware (ECD) launched a new effort last summer to assist parishes with teaching stewardship. Led by Helen Spence, a parishioner at St. Thomas's Parish, Newark, ECD’s stewardship team develops new resources each year that parishes can take, modify, and use in their efforts, all at no cost. I’m thrilled with what Helen and the team are doing, and I urge you to take advantage of their good work."
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Regathering for a Pandemic
a letter from the IWC committee
There is no doubt we all are looking forward to a return to a post-pandemic normal in our parish lives. We are all seeing encouraging signs as vaccinations are on the rise, reported cases of Covid are on the decline, and we are beginning to experience the relaxing and, in some cases, the lifting of mandated precautionary measures. As we are getting back on track and... read more here
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Meet the Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission Members
As previously announced, Bishop Brown has formed a diocesan Racial Justice & Reconciliation Commission (RJRC). The commission is hard at work and we want you to meet and read more about this dynamic team. In addition to other extensive resources, you may see their photographs and read their biographies on the RJRC webpage of the diocesan website here. |
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In addition to last Sunday's successful Climate Conversation: Youth, Faith, and Climate Action!, the youth ministry team has planned and published an exciting and engaging list of upcoming meetings and special events for diocesan youth in 2021. You may see the full list of youth activities on the diocesan website here
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Updated COVID-19 Protocols
[The below message was sent to Delaware clergy earlier today, May 19]
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Memo from Bishop Brown:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As you all know, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently revised its mask-wearing guidelines, as has Governor Carney -- see the announcement here. In essence, the guidelines state that it is now safe for fully vaccinated people to go without masks outside and, in most cases, inside. There are a few exceptions such as crowded areas and venues. In light of these new guidelines, I am making the following revisions, updates, and clarifications to our COVID-19 protocols:
- Rectors are now empowered, with your vestry and within your contexts, to make decisions about whether or not to require masks in church buildings, as long as you follow the state of Delaware and CDC guidelines.
- I recommend a sign be posted stating that fully vaccinated people are not required to wear a mask, and that the CDC strongly recommends that people who have not been vaccinated wear a mask.
- Maintaining three-feet social distance indoors is strongly encouraged.
- I am not prepared to allow the chalice or contact during the peace at this time.
Your brother in Christ,
+Kevin
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Fun Fact
Question: When were the first Anglican services held in Sussex County?
Clue: They were held at the house of a Captain Hill.
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The Blessing from Australia
and Visual Commentary on Psalm 1
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May is Asian/Pacific American
Heritage Month
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This year, as Asian/Pacific American hate crimes are on the rise, it is important to remember the heritage of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. This commemorative month, like most, originated in Congress, The process began in 1977, but it was not until 1992 that May was officially recognized as such. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants. See Library of Congress information about Asian/Pacific American heritage month here
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The first woman ordained a priest in the Anglican Church was Chinese? |
Florence Li was educated at Canton Union Theological College, ordained a deaconess on May 22, 1941, and sent by Bishop Ronald Hall to aid refugees in Macau. Because of the Japanese occupation of China, no priests could get to neutral Macau, so Hall permitted Li to give the sacraments. He told then Archbishop of Canterbury, William Temple: "I have given her permission to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. If I could reach her physically I should ordain her priest rather than give her permission." Although not an advocate for the ordination of women, he was determined that his congregants receive the sacraments. Later, he ordained Li a priest on 25 January 1944. It was 30 years before the Anglican Church regularised the ordination of women. |
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Cycle of Prayer in the Episcopal Church in Delaware |
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This week (week of May 16), in our diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we hold up in prayer St. Paul's Church, Camden, Vestry leadership and parish. For the updated 2020-2021 diocesan Cycle of Prayer click here.
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News in our parishes and community |
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Diocese offers grants to help churches ensure their buildings are healthy
During this past year, church leaders have struggled to come to terms with restrictions on gathering in our buildings for Sunday and weekday services, how to remain hospitable to those outside groups that have leaned on us in the past, and how to continue ministries to those in our communities. With many folks vaccinated and the Covid metrics thankfully in decline, we are returning to our buildings for worship and other gatherings. Now we need to ensure our buildings are healthy. The Advance and Development Fund Committee is offering small grants to be used to consult with representatives from Tetra Tech that will:
- Host a meeting on site to allow the consultants and parish representatives to gain an understanding of their facilities, and/or proposed HVAC systems improvements
- To understand space utilization
- To review current maintenance/cleaning procedures
- To determine flexibility to make modifications
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Proclaim! Save the date!
Tree of Life: The ECW-Delaware honors the life and ministry of the women of our diocese — past and present
The annual meeting of the ECW-Delaware will be held on October 16, at Frazier's Restaurant, Dover, starting at 12:30pm with the luncheon buffet. The program will include a discussion of the roles of women who serve in our diocese. More information
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News from the Episcopal Church |
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Pentecost ‘Way of Love Revival Weekend’ to include concert, worship
The Episcopal Church invites all to join virtual celebrations
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Join The Episcopal Church as it greets Pentecost with One in the Spirit, a Way of Love Revival Weekend designed to fan the flames of hope, celebrate difference, honor creation, foster beloved community, and send people toward Jesus’s Way of Love. The weekend of events includes the following:
- Friday, May 21, 8pm Washington National Cathedral’s Vigil of Hope
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Saturday, May 22, 6-7:30pm Concert for the Human Family and “From Many, One” Community Conversations
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Sunday, May 23, 4-5:30pm Churchwide Pentecost Revival Worship from Philadelphia, Navajoland, Seattle, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C.
Read more (In English and Spanish) here
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Welcoming Our Newest Neighbors: How Americans and The Episcopal Church Integrate Refugees into Their Communities webinar on refugee integration, Tuesday, June 1, 4-5pm
In order to help The Episcopal Church’s community learn more about the refugee reception process, Episcopal Migration Ministries and The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations will host a webinar including a moderated panel discussion followed by a question-and-answer session with the audience. More information
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Task Force Develops New Training for Safe Church, Anti-Sexual Harassment Policies
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A Year in the Life 03: Open Air Church
A Year in the Life, filmed throughout the pandemic using COVID-safe protocols, explores how Episcopal schools, ministries, and congregations have adapted to the challenges of the year – from food insecurity to calls for racial justice to worship through restrictions – and more. In this third episode, we visit a congregation in Philadelphia. In Chestnut Hill sits a beautiful old stone church with a thriving congregation. As the Covid-19 pandemic spread around the world, St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church found that it would have to change some things in order to continue sharing the Good News of Jesus with their community. Enter: an old-fashioned service in a tent and a new way of being together. Watch A Year in the Life here.
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Statement from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on deadly unrest in Colombia
"We speak in solidarity with our brothers, sisters, and siblings in Colombia, and of the Episcopal Anglican Church in Colombia." Read more (In English and Spanish) here
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Presiding Bishop Michael Curry statement on the violence in the Land of the Holy One
“One more time we awake to the news of violence. Reports come in, even as you read this, about violence that has caused death, life-changing injury and destruction of property and lives. Violence which is borne of frustration, rooted in injustice and the violation of international law and in truth, the violation of human rights and human decency. In the Name of the God of all creation, the violence must stop, regardless of where it comes from and to whom it is directed." Read more (In English and Spanish) here
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Churches Uniting in Christ Releases Resources for Pentecost 2021
Churches Uniting in Christ, a dialogue among ten Protestant faith communions in the U.S., announces the release of new ecumenical resources for local congregations to utilize during Pentecostide services. More information
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Episcopal Migration Ministries to host webinar, Q&A for World Refugee Day, June 10, 4pm
Panelists will discuss ‘Repairing the Breach’. Episcopal Migration Ministries invites those interested in the perspective and plight of refugees to join a webinar panel discussion, Repairing the Breach: Building Beloved Community through Welcome, at 4 p.m. ET, Thursday, June 10. More information
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Episcopal Migration Ministries offers virtual Prayer Vigil for World Refugee Day
Sunday, June 20, 7–8pm
Offering solidarity and support for refugees worldwide, Episcopal Migration Ministries will host a virtual prayer vigil for World Refugee Day on All are welcome to join this gathering in recognition of those forced to leave their homes and seek new beginnings elsewhere. More information
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Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop – Election Process
The General Convention Office (GCO) is preparing to conduct the election of members to the Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop. This election would typically be conducted in-person at General Convention, but because of the time this committee’s work will take, we will conduct this election electronically in June, 2021. Please find an outline of the process and timeline below. This process is for this election only. More information
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Reflecting on the Geneva Convention: webinar to examine refugee trends, policy
Episcopal Migration Ministries and Office of Government Relations invite audience questions after panel
As the world faces some of the highest levels of displaced people in modern history, Episcopal Migration Ministries and the Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations will host a webinar seeking to better understand the current state of refugees and refugee policy. More information
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Episcopal Church Accepting Applications for Africa Partnership Officer
The Episcopal Church is accepting applications for the position of Africa partnership officer, a member of the Presiding Bishop’s staff. More information
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The Episcopal Church’s Tell Me Something Good web series Episode 3 available now.
Tell Me Something Good highlights positive stories from around the church through conversations with a variety of guests. Episode 3 is now available: Aaron Jenkyn, lay missioner who oversees Christian formation and community ministry at Epiphany Episcopal Church, Newport, and St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, New London, N.H., speaks about what she has learned while working with families during a pandemic, and why people don’t need to learn about God as much as they need to know God now more than ever. New episodes of Tell Me Something Good will be released every two weeks and will be available for viewing, along with Season 1, on The Episcopal Church website here, on Facebook here, and on Instagram TV @theepiscopalchurch. Find more information and ideas for Episcopal Evangelism here: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/evangelism/ Have ideas for shows or questions about Episcopal Evangelism? Email series hosts Jerusalem Greer, Episcopal Church staff officer for evangelism, and the Rev. Canon Marcus Halley, dean of formation of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut at [email protected], or call 212-716-6219.
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News from the Anglican Communion |
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Preaching the Gospel of John with Saint Augustine:
A Master Class with Rowan Williams and John Cavadini, Webinar June 8, 11am
Sponsored by the Living Church Institute, New City Press, and the McGrath Institute at Notre Dame.
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Anglican Communion Office links with Grove Books for Discipleship series
The Anglican Communion Office has teamed up with the UK-based publisher Grove Books for a new series of titles exploring Intentional Discipleship. The arrangement will see around four books published each year. The first in the series, Anglican Discipleship: Everyday Faith and Everyday Witness, by the Bishop of Leicester, the Right Rev. Martyn Snow, is available now. Describing this first title, Grove Books say: “for some, Anglican discipleship is an oxymoron, a contradiction in terms that cannot sit comfortably together. For others it is a tautology, a repetition of qualities that are so inherent to one another as to render their association unnecessary. This study plays with the two terms and probes how they interact and spark off each other. Its central tenet is that as the church in the West experiences loss and death, encouraging signs of awakening point to new approaches to everyday faith and witness.” You can purchase Anglican Discipleship: Everyday Faith and Everyday Witness from the Grove Book website here. The next title in the series will be Discipleship and the Environment, by the Rev. Canon Dr. Rachel Mash, environmental coordinator for the Anglican Church of Southern Africa. Other titles in the pipeline include Discipleship in the Workplace and Intentional Discipleship in the Anglican Communion.
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New IASCUFO Papers 3 and 4: God So Loved the World
The Inter-Anglican Standing Committee on Unity, Faith and Order (IASCUFO) has released two new occasional papers, which are available under the joint title “God So Loved the World”.
IASCUFO Paper 3, “Created in the Image of God”, presents an Anglican theological understanding of what it is to be human. This is a statement that is both beautiful and profound. It states why people matter. It says that humans have a God-given dignity, and that to fail to acknowledge human dignity opens the way to many of the evil and violent things that afflict humanity. The paper sets out the importance of Christ for understanding why justice matters, both for creation, and for all people. It is a theological vision with massive moral implications.
IASCUFO Paper 4, “God’s Sovereignty and our Salvation”, rebuts the temptation in some places to question or even deny that other Christians are saved in and by Christ. It affirms that judgment belongs to God alone,
and that nobody has the capacity or right to call into question the spiritual status of anyone else.
IASCUFO Papers 3 and 4 are available in a single volume, “God So Loved the World”, which can be downloaded free of charge as a PDF from the Anglican Communion website here.
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Covid-19 and the campaign for Vaccine Equity
The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Dr Josiah Idowu-Fearon, a
number of Primates and the co-convenors of the new Anglican Health and Community Network have joined other faith leaders in a joint letter calling for vaccine equity, and an end to what they are calling “vaccine nationalism”. The letter, signed by around 150 faith leaders, asks leaders attending next month’s G7 meeting to commit to take all the necessary steps to ensure a global program of vaccination is undertaken as “a global common good”. The letter said: “the access of people to life-saving Covid-19 vaccines cannot be dependent on people’s wealth, status, or nationality. We cannot abdicate our responsibilities to our sisters and brothers by imagining that the market can be left to resolve the crisis or pretend to ourselves that we have no obligation to others in our shared humanity. Every person is precious. We have a moral obligation to reach everyone, in every country.” You can subscribe to the Health and Community Network’s newsletter by clicking here .
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