IN THIS EDITION
: Focus on children, youth, and young adults in the Episcopal Church in Delaware | A Note from Bishop Brown | A Letter from Christian Faith Leaders
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Youth Ministry Support
by the Rev. Dr. Ketlen Solak
Bishop's Youth Missioner
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Planning well for any endeavor is essential for success and so is being flexible when having to adapt to the various and sudden new conditions that often come our way. From time to time the diverse plans that we make necessarily change; however, the critical principles that are at the core of good government, business, and faith-based programs are the elements that help such programs stay the course or change direction during unsteady times. In the same way, ministry for and with youth requires careful planning and utmost flexibility in order to get off the ground and succeed. But, a number of key principles must be at the core of all youth ministry programs for them to succeed and thrive during the best or the worst of times. The presence or absence of these principles will either make or break a program, even if such an offering is diligently planned.
The first and foremost element that must be at the core of youth ministry is
relationship
! More specifically, trusting relationships between adults and youth must be either an already established reality or something that can be nurtured in order for youth ministry to ensue. Read full article
here
.
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Virtual Programs for Children and Youth
Churches across the diocese have come up with new ways to engage their younger members during the pandemic. At
Christ
Church Christiana Hundred
,
Wilmington, Lynne Jensen, Minister for Children, Youth and their Families, offers them a variety of resources. Each week a Godly Play / Children’s Worship story session video is offered online. A weekly newsletter is sent with prayers to share, a short blog post going deeper into the story of the week, and ideas for worship at home. Younger children and families meet by Zoom to keep in touch. On Sunday mornings, four classes 4
th
- 12th grade including Confirmation, meet by Zoom and continue their class curriculum, which has been a great success. On the website, at home devotional ideas are also shared
. A weekly Preschool Chapel service is offered by video led by the Rev. Ruth Beresford; Dr. Jo Harney, Head of Chris
t Church Episcopal Preschool; and Lynne Jensen. They are also keeping in touch with preschool children by making special visits to their Zoom class meetings.
St. Thomas's Parish
,
Newark, maintained its support of Episcopal Campus Ministries during this academic semester, and published a report on their efforts. Read report
here
.
St. Thomas's also ran a successful Confirmation class (with 3.5 technology apps and four syllabus revisions!) and published a parish-wide letter to recognize the Confirmation class of 2020 — Amelia, Oscar, and Zach. Read letter
here
.
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NOTE FROM EDITOR: If you are offering virtual children's programs, please let us know so we can add them to the Children's Program page on the diocesan website. View
here.
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The Summer edition of
Delaware Communion
Focuses on Young Adults
Articles include:
- Stop calling youth "the future of the church"
- Remaining Faithful — reflection from a high school graduate
- Quarantine from the eyes of a college senior
- Faith Journey
- Love and Sunday school in time of a pandemic
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A virtual seminary graduation!
Congratulations to another diocesan graduate. The Rev. Deacon Maryann Younger, transitional deacon in the Episcopal Church in Delaware, graduated from General Seminary in New York in a virtual ceremony she described her graduation as "lovely, bizarre, and heartbreaking." Her diploma finally arrived via the USPS.
Congratulations Maryann
from the Episcopal Church in Delaware
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Beloved of God in Delaware,
As you will read below, the Episcopal Church Task Force on Women, Truth, and Reconciliation has invited everyone across the Episcopal Church to take an important survey, and I urge us all to do so. The survey is a serious attempt to grasp the breadth of sexual misconduct throughout the church.
The survey is completely anonymous and, for it to be most effective, the task force will need to hear from as many persons as possible, whether or not you have witnessed or experienced harassment, violence, or discrimination. Please take the survey by July 1. I have completed and submitted my survey, and I hope you will soon.
I remind us all, too, of the important current suspension of the statute of limitations on reporting past instances of clergy misconduct. Please see my
pastoral letter
from April 2019 for more information and instructions on how one would file a complaint. This lifting of the statute of limitation is a crucial step toward justice and healing for individuals and for the church. We are half-way through the three-year term of the suspension, which expires at the end of 2021.
The more we uncover truth, the better we can make our churches the safe, inviting, and accountable places we demand them to be.
In Christ,
+Kevin
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An open letter to the people of Delmarva from Christian Faith Leaders
“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with God?” (Micah 6:8)
"Like most of you the events over the past few days and weeks have led us to a sense of emotional and spiritual exhaustion. This is understandable when we witness the killing of yet another unarmed black man by the people that are sworn to protect us. Yet again we had to watch as an unarmed person of color was tragically taken far too soon by the very sin that stains the fabric of this nation and the combined church of God, racism." Read full letter
here
.
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Question:
Which church in our diocese was taken over by Delaware Revolutionary Forces and used for their headquarters and stables?
Clue:
It stands on a hill overlooking a river
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St. John the Baptist, Milton celebrates the Rev. Thomas White on the 50th Anniversary of his ordination
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The people of St. John the Baptist Church, Milton, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the ordination of their rector, with in a joyful celebratory service.
In the afternoon, the parish arranged a surprise car parade led by a firetruck, and delivered Fr. Tom his favorite meal — a complete Thanksgiving menu of turkey and all the trimmings! Read full account
here
. See the car parade
here
.
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Canterbury Cathedral's Bell 'Harry' tolls every evening for the world’s coronavirus victims and frontline workers
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For the first time in history, the old bell on Canterbury Cathedral’s central tower – known as bell ‘Harry’ – is tolling each evening in remembrance of the day’s global victims of coronavirus, and in celebration of the heroism of frontline healthcare staff and other essential workers around the world.
Read full article
here
. See video and hear the bell
here
.
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Regathering Document -
All Things in Love: As We Return to Gathering in Person
Version 1 of
All Things in Love: As We Return to Gathering In-Person lays out guidelines for parishes across the Episcopal Church in Delaware for how they might safely regather, if they choose to do so.
It was prepared by our New Normal Task Force, to whom Bishop Brown extends his gratitude. It was a large task and their work continues.
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News from the Episcopal Church in Delaware
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In this time of pandemic, our churches and parishioners are finding new and creative ways to serve their communities. Please let us know the ministries, e.g. feeding, clothing, social justice, etc., you are involved with or providing at this time. We would like to share with others. Please include any images you might have.
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More graduates to be proud of!
Immanuel Church, Highlands, honored five graduates in its parish magazine,
Highlands Voice
: Jameson Volko is graduating from High School and is heading to James Madison University; Tristan Schwarz has graduated from college with a degree in Mechanical Engineering; Liam Schwarz is graduating from Junior High School and is heading to High School; August Welles graduated from Clark University with a B.S. in Environmental Science & Policy; and Manlio Morales has completed the PFC Bible Study Correspondence School. For magazine and photo spread see
here
. Many congratulations to all!
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With sadness, A. Felix duPont Memorial House announces it will be closed through September 14.
We are living in uncommon times today — filled with anxiety, uncertainty, fear, and yes, even grace, hope, and peace. Together, we are all experiencing an uncertainty that we didn’t expect to be dealing with and, together, we hope we might find some joy. Loving our neighbor, the Episcopal Church in Delaware continues to take steps to ensure the safety of everyone, including our clients and our staff, and will adhere to the State of Emergency declaration and all modifications of the declaration by the Delaware Governor, John C. Carney. Public health and well-being is an overriding concern.
Therefore, in accordance with Delaware Governor Carney’s declarations and subsequent modifications, following CDC guidelines, and loving our neighbor, Bishop Brown, along with the Memorial House staff, has had to make the difficult, but necessary, decision to close A. Felix duPont Memorial House until September 14, 2020. We are available to discuss what this means for you and what we can do that would be most helpful to you. Please contact Dina Hollingsworth at 302.567.2808 or by email at
[email protected]
. Blessings to each of you, keep safe, and we look forward to welcoming you back!
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The Impact of COVID-19 on the people of Gaza: A Pentecost Message from the Very Rev. Bill Lane, Pastor, St. Nicholas Church
In this season of COVID-19, we have been focused on our parishes, on the nurture and care of their people and the continuation of their ministry. We have new ways of doing corporate worship, and we have engaged in pastoral care, with compassion and love, even when we cannot be in the same physical space. Even as we are doing this, we are also mindful that the field for the mission and ministry of the parishes of the Episcopal Church in Delaware stretches far beyond its geographical boundaries. Even as we seek the resources for doing the work of the Church in our own back yard, we know that there are places with need but few resources to meet that need. One of those places is Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. This hospital, part of the ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, has served the people of Gaza since 1882. This service has continued through wars, occupation, and now the menace of COVID-19. Indeed, the World Health Organization has declared that the full impact of the pandemic in Gaza is yet to come. Read full message and information about how you can help
here
.
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With sadness, Camp Arrowhead has announced that the 2020 summer camping season has been cancelled due to COVID-19.
This decision was incredibly difficult to make and was arrived at through weeks of consultation with the Episcopal Camps and Conference Center, the American Camping Association, health care workers with ties to Camp Arrowhead, state guidelines, Bishop Brown, and the mission support staff....and prayer! Many factors played into this outcome, but in evaluating how the camp could run under restricted conditions, either the program or safety were compromised, and Camp Arrowhead was not willing to jeopardize either.
In a heartening response
, several Camp Arrowhead supporters have made donations to the camp's COVID Relief Fund. For a letter from the Executive Director, click
here
. For an explanatory video, refund response form, FAQs, and donation options, visit the
Camp Arrowhead website.
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Cycle of Prayer in the Episcopal Church in Delaware
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News from the Episcopal Church
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Presiding Bishop Curry told
Axios on HBO
that "the soul of America is at stake" and "it's time to speak up" against racial injustice and about needed reforms to policing.
"I believe in this country and what it stands for: freedom, justice, equality," the Most Rev. Michael Curry said in the interview. "Those are ideals worth standing for. And when they are challenged, we must speak up." Read full comments
here
.
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Presiding Bishop Curry’s Word to the Church: When the Cameras are Gone, We Will Still Be Here
“Our long-term commitment to racial justice and reconciliation is embedded in our identity as baptized followers of Jesus. We will still be doing it when the news cameras are long gone. In the midst of COVID-19 and the pressure cooker of a society in turmoil, a Minnesota man named George Floyd was brutally killed. His basic human dignity was stripped by someone charged to protect our common humanity. Perhaps the deeper pain is the fact that this was not an isolated incident. It happened to Breonna Taylor on March 13 in Kentucky. It happened to Ahmaud Arbery on February 23 in Georgia. Racial terror in this form occurred when I was a teenager growing up black in Buffalo, New York. It extends back to the lynching of Emmett Till in 1955 and well before that. It’s not just our present or our history. It is part of the fabric of American life." Read full message
here
.
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Statement from Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry on President Donald Trump’s use of a church building and the Holy Bible
The following is a statement from Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry: "This evening, the President of the United States stood in front of
St. John’s Episcopal Church
, lifted up a bible, and had pictures of himself taken. In so doing, he used a church building and the Holy Bible for partisan political purposes. This was done in a time of deep hurt and pain in our country, and his action did nothing to help us or to heal us." Read full statement
here
.
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Looking Ahead: General Convention planning 2021: A letter to Episcopalians from Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry and President of the House of Deputies the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings.
"As this pandemic season stretches on, our profound grief for those who have died is compounded by daily reminders of the economic hardship the plague has brought to many of our communities. Even those who have not suffered great losses are enduring smaller ones, such as the cancelation of graduations, summer camps and other occasions to gather in person. The experience and feeling of loss is real for us all, yet it is important for us to remember that our canceled plans represent our best efforts to love one another as Jesus commanded. That commitment to live and act in the way of unselfish, sacrificial love must guide all of our decisions and actions." Read full letter in English
here
and in Spanish
here
.
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The
Executive Council
of The Episcopal Church is convening as a virtual meeting June 8-11, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure the health and safety of all involved.
The Executive Council of the General Convention, an elected body representing the whole Church, carries out the programs and policies adopted by General Convention. Its job is to oversee the ministry and mission of the Church. This includes oversight responsibility for the work done by the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society as well as the disposition of funds and other property in accordance with the Canons of The Episcopal Church and the resolutions, orders, and budgets adopted or approved by the General Convention. Also included is oversight responsibility for the work of the Office of General Convention. Read full announcement in English
here
and in Spanish
here
. V
iew the plenary sessions on YouTube
here
. Read the
opening remarks of President of the House of Deputies, Gay Clark Jennings, in English
here
, and in Spanish
here
. Read the opening remarks from the Presiding Bishop in English
here
and in Spanish
here
.
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United Thank Offering presents the Inaugural Great EpisGOpal Race!
The United Thank Offering (UTO) invites all to support the 2020 Ingathering by joining them in gratitude, grabbing a pair of sneakers, and racing YOUR way in the Great EpisGOpal Virtual Race. Anytime between July 22 - July 31, choose a preferred mode and distance and race to raise money for COVID-19 relief. Participants can bike a 10K, run a half marathon, skate a mile, and more—the options are limitless. All of the funds that are raised will be collected for the 2020 UTO Ingathering and dispersed to ministries responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
More information
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Habits of Grace, June 5, 2020: An invitation for you, from Presiding Bishop Curry
As we learn how to adjust our lives given the reality of the coronavirus and the request to do our part to slow its spread by practicing social distancing, I invite you to join me each week to take a moment to cultivate a ‘habit of grace.’ A new meditation will be posted each week through June. These meditations can be watched at any time by clicking
here
.
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Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s Pentecost sermon from Washington National Cathedral
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’sPentecost sermon from the Washington National Cathedral service was live-streamed on May 31, 2020. His sermon may be watched at any time by clicking
here
. The full text in English may be read
here
. The full text in Spanish may be read
here
. The full text in French may be read
here
. This Pentecost service included the collect, “A Prayer for the Power of the Spirit among the People of God,” specially written for this time. This prayer is included at the end of the sermon text.
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Will you proclaim the Good News of God in Christ?
Embracing Evangelism video series and resources now available
In the Baptismal Covenant, Episcopalians promise to proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.
Embracing Evangelism
,
a new six-part evangelism video course, is a resource to help Episcopalians grow in their own relationship with Christ and to help others do so as well.
More information
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Third season of The Way of Love with Bishop Michael Curry
Season 3 of The Episcopal Church’s
podcast
The Way of Love with Bishop Michael Curry, is now available. These weekly conversations, featuring Bishop Curry, podcast host Sandy Milien, and a variety of guests, center on ways to live a life committed to living the way of God’s unconditional, unselfish, sacrificial and redemptive love. Season 3 changes include longer conversations between Bishop Curry and his guests: faith leaders, authors, and thinkers who are committed to following the Way of Jesus in the world today. Framed by the
Way of Love
– those seven practices of turning, learning, praying, worshipping, blessing, going, and resting – listeners will hear stories and lessons about how they can grow closer to God in daily life.
More information
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Celebrating Graduation resources available from The Episcopal Church
The Episcopal Church Faith Formation Department’s Office of Youth Ministry and Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministries have been collaborating with youth ministers, campus chaplains, and young adult ministers around the church to curate resources, ideas, and liturgies to help celebrate those who are graduating from high school and college.
Celebrating Graduation resources
include prayers and blessings, service videos and virtual choirs, worship bulletins and scripture, as well as a collection of resources and ideas for celebrating 2020 graduates during this pandemic
More information and Presiding Bishop's video message.
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News from the Anglican Communion
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Anglican Communion Office at the United Nations
The latest newsletter from the Anglican Communion Office at the United Nations (ACOUN) is now available for downloading from the Anglican Communion website
here
.
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The Lambeth Conference: God's Church for God's World
The once-a-decade Lambeth Conference, to which all bishops in the Anglican Communion's 40 provinces are invited, has been rescheduled from summer 2020 to the summer of 2021, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. More information is available in a
press release
and
the Lambeth Conference website
.
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Listening Together: Global Anglican Perspectives on the Renewal of Prayer and the Religious Life
This is the third of a three-book series to help Anglicans and others around the world prepare for the next Lambeth Conference. Produced by Theological Education in the Anglican Communion (TEAC), Listening Together explores global Anglican perspectives on the Renewal of Prayer and the Religious Life - one of three priorities of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby's ministry. The first two books – on reconciliation and evangelism – were launched at the 17th meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council – ACC17 – in Hong Kong in April 2019. Bishops, provincial secretaries and education officers in the Anglican Communion (apart from those in the USA or Canada) can order a free copy of the book by emailing Muthuraj Swamy:
[email protected]
. In the United States and Canada, Listening Together is published by Foward Movement and is available as an ebook from
amazon.com
(ASIN: B086N2PFNM). More details will be published at
anglicancommunion.org/theology/theological-education/theological-education-resources.aspx
later this week.
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Anglican network warns of COVID-19 impact on indigenous communities around the world
Anglican indigenous leaders have reported from around the Communion that already stressed indigenous health systems now face pressure to perform on lower resources than non-indigenous health systems as they work to protect their people from the COVID-19 disease. Each of the Anglican Communion’s indigenous church leaders expressed concerns that national responses to the pandemic did not take into account the extra needs of older and at risk people in indigenous communities. In each place where Anglican indigenous churches minister, indigenous communities have to contend with lower baseline health due to racial discrimination-led poverty, including under-resourcing of indigenous health needs by non-indigenous health systems. Read full report
here
.
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Major new resource equips churches to tackle COVID-19-related Domestic Abuse
A major new resource by the Anglican Alliance and Anglican Consultative Council will equip churches to recognize and take action to prevent domestic abuse. The resource,
Domestic Abuse and COVID-19: How Churches can respond
, says that lockdown measures and restrictions on movement can “have an impact on the prevalence and severity of domestic abuse and gender based violence”, and adds that “the increased fear, tension and lack of money can worsen a toxic environment where abuse can thrive unchallenged.”
It goes on to say that “the Church is well placed within communities to be a light and refuge in times of need and can reach into communities where governments cannot. Our Christian call is to love one another as Christ loved us and not to turn away from our own flesh and blood.” Read full report
here.
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Review begins into post COVID-19 priorities of the Anglican Communion Office
The review was proposed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Dr Josiah Idowu-Fearon. “The Church around the world now faces a whole host of new challenges and mission priorities than it could have envisaged just a few short months ago”, the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Dr Josiah Idowu-Fearon, said. “A ‘new normal’ is emerging. It is too early to say what that ‘new normal’ will look like, but it is clear that the assumptions and priorities of the past are not the assumptions and priorities for the future. The work and ministry of our member churches is being changed. We need to change too, in order to help them in that work and ministry.
One thing won’t change is the priority of all of us to be God’s Church in God’s World; but the world has changed and this review will help us to discern how we be God’s Church in these changing times.” Read full press release
here
.
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