In this edition: Video message from Bishop Brown; Fire and Formation event; Urgent Humanitarian Request from the Bishop of West Texas; Fun Fact; Check it Out!; Did You Know?; Upcoming events; News in the ECD community, Episcopal Church, and Anglican Communion
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A message from
Bishop Brown
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“… be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Mt. 10:16 |
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Fire and Formation Introduction
An offering by the Commission on Ministry
Saturday, November 6, 10am-12noon,
via Zoom
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The Commission on Ministry (COM) is offering the Episcopal Church in Delaware the opportunity of the Fire & Formation initiative. The mission of Fire & Formation is to aid and encourage people to discover their passion for Christ, deepen their spirituality, and fully live out their baptismal covenant. The intention is to provide support to the already good work being done in congregations.
We hope to light a fire energizing the formation of several small groups in which participants help each other grow more and more into the full stature of Christ. Participation in a covenant group is a journey in faith. Covenant groups form naturally within congregations, network across parishes, or arise from Fire & Formation online plenary sessions and future in person retreats. There is no one way for a group to form.
We are pleased to have Lisa Brown, Director of Digital Ministry General Convention Task Force for the Formation & Ministry of the Baptized, as a speaker on November 6. Lisa works with Episcopal organizations to map their ministries onto a digital landscape. An engaging and dynamic workshop leader, she is passionate about digital storytelling, experiential learning, and collaborative art. During a decade of parish ministry at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh, Lisa contributed to John Roberto’s book Faith Formation with a New Generation, and her book, The Best VBS Workbook Ever!, was released in 2017. She is featured in the Embracing Evangelism curriculum developed by The Episcopal Church. A writer for Building Faith and InsideOut camp curriculum, and an active member of Forma, she thrives on supporting others in their ministries. She continues to grow in personal faith through Education for Ministry (EfM) and holds a certification in Leadership in Faith Formation from Virginia Theological Seminary. Lisa also serves on the Standing Committee and as a deputy to General Convention in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
Fire & Formation’s introduction on November 6 also includes sharing more about the mission, forming small groups, available resources, and opportunity to enter into conversation and reflection on baptismal living.
Register in advance for this meeting:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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An Urgent Request from the
Bishop of West Texas for Volunteers and
Humanitarian Assistance for Displaced Haitians
The people waiting under the international bridge at Del Rio, Texas, were evacuated. 10,000 of these individuals and families were sent to a different border city where their asylum requests will be processed. Diocesan Immigration & Refugee Ministries and the Frontera Collective – San Antonio Respite Center are in conversation with local city government to receive an unknown number of people each day, who travel by bus to the respite center in San Antonio directly following their release. This agreement would require a dramatic increase in volunteer support and financial commitment for the respite center to meet the continuing need for humanitarian aid and hospitality, as we welcome our brothers and sisters in Christ. For more information, to donate, and to learn how to take action click here
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The Fall edition of Delaware Communion featured an article highlighting the children of our diocese. The piece was compiled and arranged by Lola Michael Russell and Cynde Bimbi, with quotes and illustrations by the children, and a reflection by the Rev. Brad Hinton
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Fun Fact
Question: Which diocesan bishop spoke out against prize fighting, traveling by railroad train on Sunday, and corruption in public life?
Clue: He spoke out in favor of church unity and in support of the labor movement.
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On this day in 1952 Agatha Christie's play The Mousetrap opened. It ran continuously until the Covid pandemic forced it to close. It has now reopened!
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The Mousetrap is a murder mystery play by Agatha Christie. It had its world premiere at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham on 6 October 1952, and opened in London's West End later that year. It ran continuously until March 16, 2020, when it had to be discontinued due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has the longest run of any play in history, with its 27,500th performance taking place on 18 September 2018. It has a twist ending, and the audience are traditionally asked not to reveal after leaving the theater. It has also made theatrical history by having an original cast member survive all the cast changes since its opening night. The late Deryck Guyler can still be heard, via a recording, reading the radio news bulletin in the play.
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Prayer in time of plague!
The degree of physical adversity and suffering that was commonplace for our ancestors defies our imagination.
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We live with advances in technology and medicine that would have seemed marvels and wonders to the pre- and early-modern mind. But the global COVID-19 pandemic has brought risk and mortality into unavoidable focus to a degree unfamiliar to most of us. As we try to come to terms with the pandemic and its implications from the perspective of Christian faith, it may be useful to consider how earlier generations of Christians for whom sickness, suffering, and unexpected death were far more prevalent, prayed about such adversity. By the 1552 edition of the Book of Common Prayer, the threat of bubonic plague was ever present. It included "prayers in the time of any common plague or sickness." Read full article here
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Calling all young artists!
2021 Christmas Card Contest
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I invite all creative girls and boys up to 18 years old to create the Christmas card I will send this December. Whatever kind of visual art you enjoy — drawing, painting, sculpture, mosaic, collage, photography, pottery, you name it — that can be printed on a Christmas card, send it in. I’d love to see what the Holy Spirit sparks in you that can help spread Christmas joy and hope this year.
The scripture text inside the card will be Isaiah 9:6, where the prophet proclaimed, For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Once images of all of the artwork have been received, my wife, Caroline, and I will select one card from each age group (10 and under and 11-18) to be printed. I will publicly unveil the chosen cards (and all entries we receive) at the diocesan convention and in The Net just before Thanksgiving. Of course, the artwork will also be shared online at www.delaware.church.
I hope to get lots of entries from every parish in Delaware! — Bishop Brown
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Below are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
- Please submit your artwork as an attachment in a jpg or pdf format.
- Please include your name, age, and contact information with your submission.
- Text and background colors used in card will complement your design. Note: the sample image on the left does not represent color or design of the actual card.
- If your artwork is designed to cover the entire front of card, please submit with the approximate size/dimension of 5” x 7”, otherwise it can be any dimension variation (no smaller than 3” x 3” please).
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Cycle of Prayer in the Episcopal Church in Delaware |
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This week (week of October 3), in our diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we hold up in prayer Immanuel Church, Highlands, Wilmington. The Rev. Curtis A. Kennington, rector. For the 2020-2021 diocesan Cycle of Prayer click here.
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See some of the things we've been up to across the diocese! |
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Episcopalians supporting the Delaware Pride Festival |
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Awaiting blessings at the
Feast of St. Francis
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St. Peter's, Lewes welcomes new members with a cruise |
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The ECW-Delaware has voted to cancel this year’s Annual Meeting
The recent spike in Covid-19 infections has led to the decision to cancel this year’s annual meeting, originally scheduled for October 16. An in-person meeting at this time would not be a responsible choice. The Zoom meeting that was held last year would not fit this year’s program. We pray that we will be able to hold an in-person meeting next year. If you have already registered, you will receive a letter containing your refund. We will keep everyone informed about next year’s meetings we move forward. If you, your ECW group, or your parish have collected items for Friendship House, please contact Beth FitzPatrick as soon as possible by email: [email protected] and we will arrange a way to gather your donations and deliver them to Friendship House.
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The Beatitudes in the 21st Century: Conversations of Blessing
A Series of Podcasts presented by the Rev. Dr. Howell Sasser (Howie), rector of St. Thomas's Parish, Newark, and the Rev. James Strader-Sasser (Jim), your fellow pilgrims on the Mount at Jesus' feet, with guest speakers
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up a mountain. He sat down and his disciples came to him. He taught them, saying:
Jesus' Sermon on The Mount may be his most well known and least understood rabbinical teaching. "Bless You," - What do we mean when we say it? Is it the same meaning as Jesus intended? For more information about the Beatitudes, the opening conversation, the guest speakers, and the podcast series, click here
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Choir Residency and Choral Pilgrimage, St. Paul's Cathedral, London
Christ Church Christiana Hundred, Wilmington, is pleased to announce the Christ Church Choir will be in residence at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The pilgrimage welcomes all, members and non-members.
Choir Residency July25-31, 2022
The choir will sing daily evensong and the Eucharist on Sunday, led by choir director, Bruce Barber
Choral Pilgrimage, July 20-August 1, 2022
Our rector, Ruth Beresford, will lead up to 30 pilgrims to explore sacred sites and share in worship and fellowship as companions of the choir. Our pilgrimage begins in Norwich, visiting cathedrals and other sites of historic and cultural interest in East Anglia. The pilgrims join the choir in London, each day visiting some of the world’s great museums, churches, cathedrals, and attending Evensong at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Each night will provide free time for all to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city. With a maximum of 30 pilgrims accompanying the choir, we invite you to register as soon as possible. This pilgrimage welcomes all, members and non-members of Christ Church. A $500 reservation deposit is fully refundable until December 1, 2021. See full itinerary, pilgrim registration, and chorister registration here.
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In July, the Rev. Dr. Ketlen A. Solak, rector of Brandywine Collaborative Ministries, was elected as bishop-elect of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. We, the sending diocese, will be purchasing new vestments for Ketlen to be presented to her at her ordination and consecration service on November 13, 2021. You are invited to participate in providing this gift honoring Ketlen on this joyous occasion.
If you would like to contribute, please send a check to the the Episcopal Church in Delaware, St. Albans Center, Attn. Finance, 913 Wilson, Road, Wilmington, DE 19803-4012. Please make your check payable to The Diocesan Council, Inc., indicating Ketlen Solak in the memo line.
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Blowing Off Steam: Stress Relief in Pandemic times, Saturday, October 9, 9am-12noon,
Christ Church Christiana Hundred, Wilmington
From minor challenges to major crises, stress is a part of life, and while you can’t always control your circumstances, you can control how you respond to them. Christ Church’s Health & Wellness Ministry invites you to learn more on Saturday, October 9 from 9 AM to 12 PM in Parish Hall A. Join us for an activity-based learning experience as we identify individual stress and stressors, introduce various stress relief techniques, and develop a strategy for a balanced lifestyle while managing stress and anxiety in our time. Our presenters are Bill Luke, counselor and owner of Montchanin Counseling, and Sara Gillespie, certified trainer, yoga instructor, and principal co-owner of Empowered Yoga. They will share resources for a balanced lifestyle, the importance of sleep and nutrition, and activities for implementing stress-reducing techniques throughout your day. Please register for the session here
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Choral Evensong Sung by The Immanuel Choir, Immanuel, New Castle, Sunday, October 10, 4pm. Reception follows the service. Please join us!
Jack Warren Burnam, choirmaster & organist; the Rev. Christopher P. Keene, rector, officiating. Music by Philip Radcliffe, Responses; Psalm 40 (Walter Parratt in C, Joseph Barnby in A minor); Herbert Sumsion, Evening Service in A; Johann Ernst Eberlin, Christus factus est; Felix Mendelssohn, Organ Sonata No. 2 in C. For more information please contact Immanuel on the Green at (302)328-2413, or by email at [email protected].
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Green the Church 2021 National Virtual Summit: Green Lessons from Black Wall Street, October 10-13
Green The Church is honored to share that the Most Rev. Michael Curry will be presenting at our upcoming virtual four-day national Summit. The Episcopal Church’s Covenant for the Care of Creation includes the pillar of Life-Giving Conservation, which offers practical ways of reducing climate impact and living more humbly and gently on Earth as individuals, households, congregations, institutions, and dioceses. The theme of this year's Green The Church Virtual National Summit, Green Lessons From Black Wall Street, will focus on a call to action for the Black Church as we examine climate solutions that address the need for infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and equity that protect our health, build our wealth, and bring resources back into our communities. Come experience a powerful conference centered on learning, connecting, and networking around environmental and sustainability issues. This four-day summit will include worship services, breakout sessions, panel discussions, networking, and much more. Register here
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2022 Creative Spirit Retreat: Envisioning Women’s Growth in Transitional Times
Hosted by Sheridan Q. Kingsberry, Caroline C. Brown, and the Rev. Margie Pumphrey
Registration Deadline October 10, 2021
Women of all ages are invited to get away for a time of reflection and renewal, for fellowship, inspiration, and insight as we navigate every stage of life. Using spiritual musings, creative art and the welcoming camaraderie of kindred souls, we will spend time together embracing and exploring the joys and sorrows of our lives. We will eat well, laugh a lot, set aside nagging obligations and learn new things - all in the comfort of the Episcopal Diocese’s Memorial House Retreat Center in Rehoboth Beach.
Retreat Date Options:
Retreat #1 (Weekend): Friday - Sunday January 21-23, 2022
Retreat #2 (Weekday): Tuesday - Thursday, January 25-27, 2022
The cost of the retreat is $350 per person based on double occupancy and includes lodging for two nights, six meals plus snacks and all retreat activities. Space is limited to 18 participants, so early registration is encouraged! For more information and registration forms, please email Caroline Brown at [email protected] by October 10, 2021.
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Fall Designer Bag Bingo! St. James Church, Newport, Sunday, October 17, 1pm, Doors open 12:15 pm
Come and Play! 20 games of Bingo and raffles, door prizes, 50/50 raffle, light lunch or snacks, and good times - join the fun! Pre-registration required.
More information and registration details here
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A Homecoming Concert, Christ Church Christiana Hundred, Wilmington, Sunday, October 17, 3pm
Join with us as we celebrate in song our emergence from the Coronavirus pandemic. The Christ Church Choir will present this concert of favorite hymns and anthems as we regather as a community and celebrate a homecoming to our spiritual home. Tickets are not required, though a free will offering will be received to benefit the Christ Church Concert Fund. You will not want to miss this opening concert of the 2021-2022 season of music-making at Christ Church! More information
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Celebrate Hallowe'en! Ghosts in the Graveyard, Old Swedes Church, Wilmington, Friday & Saturday, October 22 & 23, Self-guided tours start at 6pm and are offered every 15 minutes.
What better way to celebrate Hallowe'en than an evening walk thorugh a graveyard? Come for a self-guided tour of the 1638 burial ground and hear the stories of famous - and infamous - people buried there, from the ghosts themselves! Featured are prominent suffragists, Delaware's first woman doctor, French refugees from colonial Haiti, Revolutionary War heroes, Wilmington writers, early Swedish settlers, and Lenni Lenape. Grounds open at 5:30pm. Spread out your picnic blanked in the amphitheater and enjoy a storyteller's spooky tales and Hallowe'en music. Popcorn and apple cider are free! Reservations required, admission $15, not recommended for children under 12. Free, supervised parking on site. More information
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St. Anne’s Attic Treasures Sale, Immanuel, New Castle, Saturday, October 23, 9am–3pm, and Sunday, October 24, 9am–12noon
Immanuel’s St. Anne’s Guild welcomes you once again to the Attic Treasures Sale! Find jewelry, housewares, decorations, and more at this two-day event that raises funds for local causes. Donations are now being accepted, so if you have some treasures in your attic that you would like to contribute, get in touch! For more information please contact Immanuel on the Green at (302)328-2413, or by email at [email protected].
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St. David's, Wilmington, Annual Craft Fair
Saturday, November 13, 9am-3pm
There is no admission fee and parking is free. For over 50 years St. David’s has been able to fund community outreach and ministry needs from monies raised at our annual Craft Fair. This year our fair has been scaled down to keep everyone safe. However, we still have so much to offer! 25 crafters will arrive from around the tri-state area to sell unique, high quality, handmade goods at this popular show. In addition to the talented crafters, we also offer the following:
Attic Treasures - a place for yard sale bargains, sports equipment, and gently used children’s toys and accessories.
$5 will get you priority admission at 8:30am before the 9:00am general sale starts!
Book Sale - gently used books for sale.
Silent Auction - includes beautiful gift baskets and more!
Bake Sale – homemade baked goodies and breads.
Beef Barley Soup! Our very own Jeff Cook from Two Fat Guys Restaurant and Catering will be selling his famous Beef Barley soup for take-out. More information
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News from the Episcopal Church and beyond |
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You may read the text of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s homily to the House of Bishops, which met virtually September 21-23, here.
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Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, in his Sept. 21 sermon during the opening day of the fall House of Bishops meeting, recalled a recent conversation with a fellow bishop about planning for The Episcopal Church’s future. Such conversations typically look to the coming years, Curry said, “but in pandemic time, we can barely think a month ahead of time.” Read more here.
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Former US presidents, religious leaders launch organization to aid Afghan evacuees
Welcome.US launched Tuesday, September 14, to provide a single point of entry for Americans to donate to frontline organizations, host arriving families through Airbnb and find other ways to help Afghans as they rebuild their lives in the U.S. after fleeing the Taliban. Welcome.US lists a diverse group of religious leaders as part of its Welcome Council. Among them are Bishop Michael Curry, head of The Episcopal Church. More information
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Megan Rohrer Makes History as First Trans Bishop in a Mainstream U.S. Denomination
The Evangelical Lutheran Church has anointed its first transgender bishop, becoming the first major U.S. denomination to do so. Megan Rohrer was installed at a service held in San Francisco's Grace Cathedral. More information
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News from the Anglican Communion |
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The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Dr Josiah Idowu-Fearon, will retire at the end of August 2022.
Dr Idowu-Fearon, who will be 73 at the time, was appointed to his role in 2015 on a seven-year term.The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said, “I am deeply grateful to Archbishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon for his leadership in the Anglican Communion as Secretary General of the Anglican Consultative Council. I first met Josiah in 2002 in a railway station café – an appropriate place to meet a bishop who is constantly on the move and always seeking new places to share and live out the Gospel." Read full announcement here
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