In this edition: Trustees' announcement; New officers Province III; 4th Annual Lessons and Carols; Parish reminder; Message from IWC: Fun Fact; Did You Know?; Check it Out!; Upcoming events in our community, diocese, and news from The Episcopal Church, and more
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Exciting announcement by the
Trustees of the Episcopal Church in Delaware!
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The Trustees of the diocese are happy to announce that a one-time deployment of surplus funds will be sent equally to all parishes in November. Although the exact amount is yet to be determined, the gifts should be approximately $3,800. These surplus funds come from unrestricted bequests managed in Master Fund A. After long and thoughtful discussions, the Trustees decided that parish churches are in the best position to use these funds, as we continue to deal with the after-effects of the pandemic.
The hope is that parishes will find new, inspired, and creative ways to use the funds in promoting and increasing the body of Christ, rather than using them for already budgeted expenses. In our discussions, we were reminded of the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 and we hope that your parishes will be guided by the spirit of that message.
The Trustees would welcome a brief account of the use of the funds and their impact. Please send your note to Rick Harra, vice-president of the Trustees, at rick@mccreryandharra.com
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Members of the
The Episcopal Church in Delaware
are elected officers of Province III
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The Rt. Rev. Kevin S. Brown
Vice-President
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Judith Lane Gregory
Treasurer
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4TH Annual Diocesan
LESSONS AND CAROLS
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- Sunday, December 18, 2022
- 4:00 p.m.
- St. Peter's Church, Lewes
More information will follow
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Featuring the Choir School of Delaware |
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Reminder to parish leaders/administrators:
If you have not had the opportunity to send your Advent and Christmas Eve/Day worship schedule, please send as soon as possible to:
A listing, to include Advent, Christmas Eve/Day worship services in the Episcopal Church in Delaware, will be posted on the diocesan website, as well as advertised on the diocesan Facebook and Instagram pages, along with a message from Bishop Brown inviting everyone to a worship at a church in our diocese.
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Youth Ministry advisors need your help! |
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The diocesan youth advisors are preparing a table for convention in support of the Youth Ministry, and we are requesting one bit of good news for grades 7-12 from each parish. Little bits, big bits — we want to celebrate it all! For example: Dolores celebrated her quinceanera and her faith family supported her, or Brian was a crucifer in his first service this past May, or members of our youth group joined with xyz organization this summer and did a service project (bonus points for any pics). Please email all submissions to YouthSupport@delaware.church. We look forward to seeing many of you at convention. Stop by our table and enter the raffle and be a part of our interactive conversation with Bishop Kevin!
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A message from the Invite Welcome Connect team
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There’s a guest this morning at worship service, what will you do!?
- Can you identify the members of your congregation who have the gift of hospitality?
- Does your church have an organized comprehensive strategy/system for welcoming and following up with newcomers? If so, do the members of your vestry and leadership know the details of the system?
- How well is your welcoming system working? What needs to be added and/or changed?
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Fun Fact
Question: Which diocesan church was given a bell by a Governor of Delaware?
Clue: The Governor was not a communicant of the church but had once operated a General store in the town and had many friends in the area.
Answer: Here
Image: Image: Cutaway drawing of a church bell, showing construction. Alerations none. William Henry Stone. Public domain. Church bell cutaway.png
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On this date in Christian history
Two narrow escapes...
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On this date in 1164, Thomas à Becket, archbishop of Canterbury, left for France for a six-year exile after being condemned in royal court for "ingratitude" toward England's Henry II, who had once been his dear friend. More information
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On this date in 1533, harried by Catholic authorities, John Calvin fled Paris by lowering himself out of a window with a bedsheet rope, disguised as a farmer. He spent three years as a fugitive before settling in Geneva. More information
Image: Portrait of John Calvin (1509-1564) ,
French School, Unidentified painter,
public domain
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Cycle of Prayer in the Episcopal Church in Delaware |
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Open Positions in our Community |
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St. Andrew's School Middletown
is seeking to fill two positions:
Director of the Saints Fund. Reporting to the chief advancement officer, the director of the Saints Fund facilitates the day-to-day planning, coordination, and management of all aspects of donor and volunteer relations for the Saints Fund working to annually increase both the amount raised and the number of donors participating. For full job description click here.
Director of Capital and Planned Giving
The director of capital and planned giving will serve as a lead fundraiser reporting to the chief advancement officer and will work collaboratively with the director of advancement, the director of the saints’ fund, the board of trustees, and the advancement committee. The director of capital and planned giving oversees all aspects of both programs to ensure the pipeline of major gifts and planned giving prospects remains active and aligns donor interests with school priorities. For full job description click here.
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St. David's Episcopal Day School is seeking Assistant Teachers to work with a class of two year-olds, Monday-Friday.
Hours can be part-time or full-time or somewhere in between!
Located in St. David's Church, 2320 Grubb Road, Wilmington 19810.
- Small Class Size
- Team teaching
- Paid time off, paid professional development
- Calendar complements public school schedule
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Upcoming Events in Our Diocese and Community |
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The St. James’ Bazaar has been an annual event for more than 60 years!
Friday, November 4 & Saturday, November 5, 10am - 3pm, St. James' Mill Creek, Wilmington
The “Bazaar Ladies” meet on Tuesday mornings to make the many items sold at the Bazaar. They are a very creative group and look forward, each week, to spending time together. They believe the fellowship they share is a very important part of the success of the Bazaar. Shopping at the Bazaar is an opportunity to find just the right gift for those special people on your gift list:
Christmas Booth – Everything you need for the holidays: ornaments, wreaths, wall hangings, decorations, snowmen, angels, etc.
One Fine Yarn – The best handmade items you will find anywhere. The ladies are busy, all year, quilting, knitting, crocheting, and sewing to make annual favorites and many new creations.
Unique Gifts – This is the perfect place to find that special gift. There are gift baskets, cross-stitch items, hand crafted jewelry, hand painted items, and a variety of gifts.
ABC Booth – This booth has a variety of items for children. There are knitted and crocheted afghans, sweaters, hats and assorted accessories. Jewelry, books, and stuffed animals are also available.
Sweet Treats – We will have a variety of homemade cakes, cookies, breads, preserves, jams, and jellies this year. There will be chocolate-coated pretzels, marshmallows, and peanut butter-filled pretzels. Peppermint bark & other treats will be available. This is the tastiest booth at the Bazaar.
Raffle Table – You will be pleased with the items we have this year. Don’t forget to stop at the Raffle Table.
Door Prizes – Be sure to enter for a chance to win a Door Prize. More information
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53rd Annual Craft Fair, St. David's, Wilmington
Saturday, November 12, 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. Thirty-five 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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The Arts at Trinity (TAAT) presents The Serafin Ensemble in The Best of the Brits, Sunday, November 13, 4pm, Trinity Episcopal Church, Wilmington
The Serafin Ensemble presents a program highlighting British music for strings, including works by G.F. Handel, John Dowland, Henry Purcell, Benjamin Britten, and Edward Elgar. Take a trip “across the pond” and revel in a delightful array of British classics performed by Kate Ransom, Hal Grossman, Amadi Azikiwe, Jacques-Pierre Malan, Augustine Mercante, Gabriel Benton, and Read Gainsford. As with all TAAT concerts, there is no admission charge for this concert! Donations to support TAAT’s programming are always encouraged and greatly appreciated!
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Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner, Thursday, November 24, 12-3pm, St. Anne's, Middletown Everyone is welcome to share in this delicious feast! The meal is a traditional home-cooked Thanksgiving Dinner with turkey, ham and all of the sides and plenty of desserts. We will prepare the dinner on Tuesday and Wednesday November 22 and 23, meeting in the kitchen from 9am-4pm. We need plenty of help to make this event a success so please volunteer to help cook, set-up, and clean-up! Students who help can complete community service hours. This dinner is made possible through the generosity of our church and greater community. Donations of turkeys or hams are always appreciated. In addition, we need canned goods and fresh produce. If you would like to donate items or volunteering, please call the Church Office: 302-378-2401. More information
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Camp Arrowhead Breakfast with Santa
Jane Clifton Ashford Dining Hall, Camp Arrowhead, Lewes
Saturday, December 3, 9 - 11 am
All proceeds go directly to camp, supporting it's unique, decentralized program serving children from all walks of life. Besides a wonderful breakfast, enjoy a mug of hot cocoa around our fire pit, write a letter to Santa, make an ornament, and enjoy other fun activities. Each family or table will be called for a special time with the big guy. All adults receive a special "refreshment" ticket. Photos will be taken by the staff and made available at no cost, but feel free to take your own as well. Get tickets and more information here.
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News from The Episcopal Church |
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White Christian nationalism is not Christianity, presiding bishop says during panel discussion
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, in an October 26 seminar at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, reiterated The Episcopal Church’s position that white Christian nationalism is a gross perversion of Christianity, and that Christians must refute such ideologies. The seminar, titled “How White Christian Nationalism threatens our democracy,” took place at the university’s Center on Faith and Justice.
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Deadline to apply November 3
Episcopalians are invited to consider how their community might serve young adults--on and off college campuses—and apply for an Episcopal Church Young Adult and Campus Ministry grant for the 2023-24 academic year. The deadline to apply is November 3, with decisions announced in February. Applicants are encouraged to utilize a discernment and planning guide prior to submission. Find application forms, selection criteria, sample applications, a timeline, budget guidelines, and more here.
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Episcopal Church steps up voter engagement efforts as Election Day approaches
Early and absentee voting is underway across the United States, and in the run-up to Election Day on November 8, The Episcopal Church is encouraging nonpartisan engagement in the electoral process in a variety of ways and at all levels, from volunteering with local voter registration efforts to participating in a churchwide call to prayer on election night. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris will be among the featured guests in the November 8 prayer event, which will be livestreamed from 8pm to 12 midnight Eastern on the church’s Facebook page. The event is hosted by the church’s Washington, DC-based Office of Government Relations. More information
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as polls begin to close, hosted by The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations,
At the top of each hour, special guests from around the church will offer 10-15 minutes of reflection and prayer. Participants are encouraged to engage in prayerful conversation in the comments. The gathering will also feature simple video feeds from parishes throughout the U.S. Scheduled guests include Presiding Bishop Michael Curry; House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris; the Rev. Charles Graves IV, missioner for Houston Canterbury; the Rev. Donna Gleaves, an Episcopal Public Policy Network ambassador; and Willis H.A. Moore, an Episcopal Election Activator. More information
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Join Episcopal Asiamerica Ministries for a virtual Advent retreat exploring the second coming of Christ
November 21 and 22
Advent comes from the Latin word “Adventus,” which means “coming.” For Christians, Advent is a time of waiting for the second coming of Christ. What does this look like for the church and the world? How do we interpret the signs of the times?
- What: Episcopal Asiamerica Ministries Advent retreat – “A Virtual Teaching and Sharing on the Second Coming of Christ” – retreat includes lecture, group discussion, and Scripture meditation
- When: November 21-22, 8-10 pm each day
- Who: Open to all; free to the first 50 registrants
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Workshop leader: The Rev. Canon Fred Vergara, missioner for Asiamerica Ministries of The Episcopal Church
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Register here by November 30
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United Thank Offering presents materials for individuals, families, Sunday School classes, and small groups to help focus on gratitude throughout November. Materials include liturgies, lesson plans and crafts, daily prompts, and Thanksgiving study guides from Native American sources. Find resources at unitedthankoffering.com/November.
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Advent & Christmas resources now available from The Episcopal Church
- Click the link below for new and updated downloadable resources for congregations, dioceses, and communities of faith, including the following: “Journeying the Way of Love” – Advent curriculum, calendar, bulletin inserts (also in Spanish and French)
- “Sermons That Work” for Advent and Christmas (coming November 5; also in Spanish)
- “Preparing to Become Beloved Community” – Advent curriculum (also in Spanish and French)
- “Prophetic Voices” podcast
- Resources from Episcopal Migration Ministries, Episcopal Relief & Development, AdventWord, and more
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Opportunities from the Anglican Communion |
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Canterbury Cathedral, The Anglican Pilgrimage: a conference for seminarians and clergy in the early years of their ordained ministry, Monday, January 30 - Sunday, February 12, 2023
Study - Worship - Community. Application Deadline November 30, 2022
Every year - though since 2020 interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic - Canterbury Cathedral invites ordinands and newly ordained clergy from around the Anglican Communion to share their lives together, praying, studying and exchanging experiences and ideas. Students live in the International Study Centre at Canterbury. They join in the Cathedral community’s life, centered on daily worship. The program provides an opportunity to explore aspects of our journey with Christ together, particularly in the different cultural contexts in which we minister. Teachers and facilitators with a wide variety of experience of cultures will lead sessions, but the primary learning is through encountering one another.
Sponsored by Canterbury Cathedral, the conference has three pillars:
1. Living together in community learning from each other
2. Participation in the Cathedral’s life and worship
3. Theological exploration and exchange
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Scholarship and fellowship opportunities from the St Augustine's Foundation
Application deadline December 1, 2022
The St. Augustine's Foundation is an Anglican Communion fund that has, at its heart, a desire to support the deepening and development of theological education across the Communion. It does so by offering financial assistance to both institutions and individuals. The Scholarship and Fellowship awards are for individuals. The Foundation offers a limited number of each of these annually: Scholarships to support applicants undertaking doctoral studies and can be up to a maximum of £50,000 over the three year study period; Fellowships to offer a one-off maximum of £2,500 towards projects such as funding of professional development for a church leader in the Majority World; funding of a theologian/theological educator from one Province to spend time teaching at a TEI in another Province; a contribution towards the funding for a licensed minister (lay or ordained) undertaking a specific course of study with a defined outcome or output; funding towards study leave with clearly defined outcomes; or a period of focused work consultancy, a mentoring project; or to aid writing a publication. The closing date for Scholarship or Fellowship applications is December 1st each year with the outcome known by the end of May the following year.
Fuller details of these awards and the work of the Foundation can be found on the website https://www.staugustinesfoundation.org/ Click on Education tab at top right. Also on the website are details of the kind of initiatives previous grants have been awarded for and access to the relevant application forms. For further information or enquiries beyond the website: staugustinef@gmail.com
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