In this edition: YoUDee Leadership award; Greg Garrett writes an exclusive for the diocese; sermon by the Rev. Dr. Ketlen A. Solak; 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 YoUDee Leadership Award recognizes registered student organizations, student leaders, and student staff for their hard work during the 2020-2021 academic year in areas such as programming, philanthropy, marketing/design, and overall achievement. Blue Hen Bounty (BHB) is the Episcopal Campus Ministry's (ECM) food pantry that is housed in the St. Thomas's Church building. During the pandemic of this past year, the pantry has continued to provide support to the University of Delaware (UD) community, without interruption. Not only has ECM maintained this support, but its efforts have grown, doubling the pantry in size and opening the resource up to the entire UD community. Prior to this year, this pantry served UD students, who were asked to bring their UD identification with them. This year, due to the pandemic, UD needed to cut staff hours, furlough employees, and let go of many of them. The ECM students saw a need and stepped up: we no longer ask for any identification, and the pantry serves both students and employees on the honor system. This award is well deserved! |
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Greg Garrett writes an exclusive feature article
for upcoming Delaware Communion Magazine
Poisoned by These Fairy Tales:
Recognizing and Reckoning
with Racial Mythologies
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The Delaware Communion Magazine is pleased to announce the exclusive article, Poisoned by these Fairy Tales: Recognizing and Reckoning with Racial Mythologies by Greg Garrett, to be published in June. Garrett is an award-winning professor at Baylor University, the Theologian in Residence at the American Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Paris, France, and he is the author of more than two dozen books on faith, culture, race, and politics.
Garrett is the primary investigator on a major grant from the Baugh Family Foundation exploring American racial mythologies and white privilege, and is the co-founder and co-curator of the annual Long Long Way film festival at the Washington National Cathedral.
He is a licensed lay preacher in the Episcopal Church, a renowned speaker and workshop leader across the United States and overseas, and a frequent media guest.
Garrett's article for the Delaware Communion will appear in the summer edition, to be published the second week in June 2021. You can subscribe to the Delaware Communion Magazine, here.
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"If You Cannot Preach
Like Peter...."
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Sermon given by
the Rev. Dr. Ketlen Solak
on the day of Pentecost
Sunday, May 23, 2021
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Video includes organ postlude
by Sandra Pierce
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Fun Fact
Question: Bishop Brown's favorite dessert is blackberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Which Delaware bishop's favorite dessert was syllabub?
Clue: While bishop he was, for a time, also rector of St. Andrew's and Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.
Answer (and syllabub recipe): Here
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The Blessing from Nigeria
and Visual Commentary on the Valley of Dry Bones
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There are more than 300 tribes in Nigeria. Here, from believers in the tribes of Urhobo, Esan, Kalabari, Ijaw, Ibibio, Okrika, Igbo, Benin, Tiv, Hausa, Birom, and Yoruba, comes this week's blessing. See blessing here or click on the arrow above.
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One of the lessons appointed for use on the Day of Pentecost is Ezek. 37:1-14, the valley of dry bones. This week's visual commentary on scripture examines the creation and restoration of God’s chosen people as a holy nation. More information
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Significant events on May 26 in Christian History |
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May 26 is the day that Augustine of Canterbury died
although the year is uncertain
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In 596, a man was sent from Rome to England to bring Christianity to the Anglo-Saxons. Known as the Apostle to England, he ultimately would become the first Archbishop of Canterbury, establish one of medieval England’s most important abbeys, and kickstart the country’s conversion to Christianity. Who was St Augustine, and how did his mission succeed? More information
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On May 26, 1521, the Edict of Worms, denouncing Martin Luther, was proclaimed |
Luther had challenged the absolute authority of the Pope by maintaining that the doctrine of indulgences, was wrong. He held that salvation was by faith alone without reference to good works, alms, penance, or the sacraments. He also maintained that all doctrines and dogmata of the Church not found in Scripture should be discarded. More information
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Cycle of Prayer in the Episcopal Church in Delaware |
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This week (week of May 23), in our diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we hold up in prayer All Saints Church, Delmar, 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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Upcoming events in the Episcopal Church |
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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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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. Register here.
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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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No Longer Strangers: the Episcopal Church offers bilingual exploration of immigration issues
In June, join The Episcopal Church’s Office of Latino/Hispanic Ministries, Episcopal Migration Ministries, and Forward Movement, for a conversation about No Longer Strangers: Exploring Immigration Issues. More information
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News from the Episcopal Church |
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The Episcopal Church’s Economic Justice Loan Committee invests in nine community loan funds
Honoring its commitment to share resources in ways that prioritize those who have been disenfranchised and oppressed, The Episcopal Church’s Economic Justice Loan Committee approved nine investments in 2020 totaling $2.7 million. More information
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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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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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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. 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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Scientists and theologians join forces for new Anglican Communion Science Commission
A new Anglican Communion Science Commission (ACSC) is being formed to “resource the whole Anglican Communion for courageous and confident spiritual leadership in issues involving science.” The ACSC will be co-chaired by the Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba; and the Bishop of Oxford, Stephen Croft.
The ACSC will formally launch at the Lambeth Conference in Canterbury, England, in July and August next year; and will hold its first conference shortly afterwards. Scientists, theologians, and bishops from around the globe are being invited by the Anglican Communion’s Secretary General, Dr Josiah Idowu-Fearon, to serve as Commissioners. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has asked Anglican Communion Primates to nominate a Bishop from their Church to serve as provincial representatives at conferences of the Commission. Science will be a significant feature at the 2022 Lambeth Conference. Today, organisers have posted a series of videos, exploring the relationship between science and faith, see videos here.
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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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