February is Black History Month
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society. Read More here
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STATE-WIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO COMMEMORATE
BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN DELAWARE ARE LISTED BELOW
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St. Stephen's, Harrington
Supports Senior Center
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Church member, Doug Crouse, handing out Christmas table centerpieces. |
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Youngest member helping her mom, Jennifer, stock the food pantry. |
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Viva Poore, senior warden, talking with members at a birthday luncheon. |
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Senior Center members enjoy a birthday luncheon. In the background is a Christmas tree from a local 4-H group who also meets at the church and supports the Senior Center. |
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Harrington Senior Center is undergoing an extensive needed renovation and the construction of a new addition. While this work is being done, the center is very appreciative of the congregation of St. Stephen’s Church, which is allowing the center to use their parish house and classroom facilities. Karen Kraus, the center’s director, said, “Senior Center members are enjoying the temporary location very much and have asked if there will be big windows in the new facility for them to look out. We have transitioned our programs very nicely and center members are supporting all the changes, that were an unknown for everyone.” Members are particularly glad the center did not close during construction, especially as they have just come out of the long COVID-19 pandemic closure. St. Stephen’s congregation members enjoy supporting the center’s activities, and the center’s sewing group supported the church in its craft show. Kraus said, “We also would be lost without the assistance of Mr. George Cooper who has taken on helping with any little maintenance issues that we might have at the facility.” |
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A Service of Leave-Taking
Christ Church, Delaware City
January 21, 2023
by the Rev. James M. Bimbi
As announced in November 2022 at the diocesan convention, the members of Christ Church, Delaware City, had voted to suspend worship services at the end of 2022 due to the decline in membership. So that the faithful ministry of those who worshiped there might be honored, laity and clergy from around the Episcopal Church in Delaware gathered with Bishop Brown and the members of the parish on Saturday, January 12, 2023, for “A Service of Leave-Taking.”
From the opening hymn Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing to the concluding verses of Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing, the service was a touching celebration of the 174 years of ministry that had been lived out through Christ Church, and the impact it had made in the lives of the people of Delaware City and beyond.
In addition to a final celebration of the Holy Eucharist within the sacred space of the church building, members of the congregation offered prayers at the lectern, baptismal font, and altar — representing the faithful years of proclaiming the Word of God, being commissioned for service in Christ’s name, and being strengthened by the sacrament of Holy Communion to welcome others to the banquet of salvation.
The members of Christ Church, while saddened by the necessity of closing the congregation, made a bold statement of their faith in the words of the post communion prayer: “Gracious God, at your table you strengthen us for service wherever you will send us. As we leave this place that has been a home for worship and mission, help us to gather in new church homes that will provide further opportunities for our life and ministry. Welcome us forever into your embrace, until that day when all your people throughout the world worship together around the throne of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.”
On behalf of the people of Christ Church, senior warden Carol Schofield has expressed her thanks and appreciation that both laity and clergy from all three counties joined them for their service of leave-taking. As Bishop Brown stated in his sermon, we may gather in separate locations for worship, but we are all united as one church in Delaware. The legacy of Christ Church, Delaware City, will truly live on in the collective memory of the Episcopal Church in Delaware and wherever Christ is honored and God’s people served.
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Bishop Brown makes two new diocesan appointments |
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Charisse Rodgers, new co-chair of the Racial Justice and
Reconciliation Commission
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Charisse L. Rodgers, member of Sts. Andrew and Matthew, has served the church in numerous capacities, to include, vestry person, church treasurer, ECW board, diocesan nominating committee, program committees, Diocesan Council, and alternate deputy to General Convention. Currently she is a member of the finance committee at her parish.
Read more about Charisse and the entire Racial Justice Commission here.
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The Rev. Jeffrey Ross
to chair the
Arrowhead Search Committee
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The Rev. Jeffrey A. Ross, rector of St. Peter's Church in Lewes, will chair the search committee for the next executive director for Camp Arrowhead. Jeff is a long-time supporter of Arrowhead and affirms Arrowhead’s historic strengths and core values. He sees a powerful future still to come for this beloved ministry.
Read more about Jeff here.
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Bishop Brown offers thanks to
Sheridan Quarless Kingsberry
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As Charisse begins her new role, the bishop gives his deepest thanks for the leadership of Sheridan Quarless Kingsberry, a founding co-chair of the RJRC. Sheridan's vision and energy have been absolutely instrumental in seeing the commission emerge from a hopeful concept to a concrete reality and to what it is now: an effective agent of awareness and change, built for the long-haul work of racial justice. There is no doubt that the commission is the positive force it is, in only two years, due to the impact and drive of Sheridan Quarless Kingsberry. |
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Statements on the death of Tyre Nichols |
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The Racial Justice
and Reconciliation Commission
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"The brutal killing of Tyre Nichols stuns and sickens anyone with a conscience and heart. It is all the more disturbing that his death came at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve. While it would be wrong to paint all women and men in law enforcement with the same brush, we should not quickly ignore the violent urges..." Read full statement here.
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The Presiding Bishop
The Most Rev. Michael Curry
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"Sense cannot be made of the murder of a young man at the hands of five men whose vocation and calling are to protect and serve. This was evil and senseless.
There is a passage from the Hebrew prophet Jeremiah, which is later quoted in Matthew’s Gospel when innocent baby boys are killed by an immoral dictator..." Read full statement here.
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Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage
Open to everyone
Offered by Christ Church, Christiana Hundred, Wilmington
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Please join Christ Church Christiana Hundred on a pilgrimage along the Way of St. James — the Camino de Santiago, October 2-13, 2023. For centuries, pilgrims have walked the Way of St. James for spiritual deepening, healing, and inspiration. This pilgrimage along the Portuguese Way, one branch of the Camino in which we will walk the well-trodden path that parallels the inner journey pilgrims make, will be led by the Rev. Stacey Carpenter and will follow a daily pattern of walking between 10-16 miles each day and gathering each evening to pray and reflect on our experiences. The total trip cost is estimated to be $3,500 to $4,000. The registration form will be available by February 2nd and the initial deposit is due by February 15th. More information. Questions? Please contact Stacey Carpenter.
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Fun Fact
Question: When and at which church was the first diocesan Sunday School for Black people started?
Clue: It was from this Sunday School that it was claimed St. Matthew's Church was started many years later.
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Today in Christian History
Birth of two Black religious leaders
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On this date in 1810, Charles Lenox Remond (1810-1873), a black abolitionist preacher, was born into a free Black family in Salem, Massachusetts. He was the first African American to address the Massachusetts state legislature to protest racial discrimination. During the Civil War, he joined Frederick Douglass in recruiting African American soldiers into the all-black Massachusetts 54th Regiment of the Union Army. More information
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On this date in 1834, African Methodist Episcopal bishop Henry McNeal Turner (1834-1915) was born to free Black parents in Newberry Courthouse, South Carolina. A leader during Reconstruction, he is considered a precursor of later Black theology for his statement, "God is a Negro." He was already a national figure when he was appointed by President Lincoln to be the first black chaplain in the U.S. Army. More information
Image: Henry McNeil Turner, Shadow and Light (Washington D.C., 1902) by Mifflin Wistar Gibbs
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Cycle of Prayer in the Episcopal Church in Delaware |
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This week (week of January 29), in our diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we hold up in prayer St. Andrew's School Chapel, Middletown, the Rev. Jay Hutchinson, Jr., chaplain; the Rev. Elizabeth Preysner, associate chaplain; and Joy McGrath, head of school. For the diocesan Cycle of Prayer, click here.
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Invite Welcome Connect in the Episcopal Church in Delaware |
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A Message from the Invite Welcome Connect Team
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With the money given to parishes by the Trustees, St. Thomas' in Newark has been busy brainstorming. They have chosen three projects to implement!
- Three smart TVs
- Extension of 'soft' space in the back of the Nave
- Reinventing coffee hour
Read more about each project here.
Got a story to share? Drop us an email and we'll be in touch!
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Black History Month — February 2023 |
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State-wide opportunities to commemorate Black History Month in Delaware |
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Here is a guide to some of the virtual experiences and socially distant tours in our state,
including Harriet Tubman Byway, Mitchell Center for African American Heritage, Lewes Historical Society, Zwaanendael Museum, and more. See listings here
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A Celebration of African Culture: New Castle County’s 2023 Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration, Saturday, February 4, 11am-2pm, Walnut Street Y, Wilmington More information
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Black History Month events are offered at Delaware Libraries, including after-school programs, documentary film screenings, poetry programs, lectures, and more More information
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Open Position in the Episcopal Church in Delaware |
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Camp Arrowhead has an opening for a full time retreat director who can improve and increase
non-summer camp retreat business.
Compensation starts at $45,000 commensurate with experience. Includes medical and dental insurance. Fantastic work environment! If interested please send questions and/or resume to wlafontaine@camparrowhead.net
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Upcoming Events in the Episcopal Church in Delaware |
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Delaware Chapter of the National Cathedral Association meeting
St. Albans Center, 913 Wilson Road, Wilmington
Thursday, February 2, 1pm
All are welcome to come to the meeting, learn more about the chapter, and discuss and plan a spring bus trip to the National Cathedral. For more information, please contact Sue Lunger.
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Mini Choral Workshop, Saturday, February 4, 9am - 12noon, St. John the Baptist, Milton
Registration deadline Thursday, February 2
This event is being sponsored by the Southern Delaware Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Clinicians for the workshop are Ms. Joanne Ward, Director of the Delaware Women's Chorus and Cantabile Women's Chorus, and T.J. Thomas, Director of Music at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Lewes. The focus of the workshop for choristers will be topics like projection, maximizing (and minimizing) the chorister's vocal output, breathing techniques, etc. and for the organists, the main focus will be for those who serve dual functions of accompanying and directing from the organ bench. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $10. per person and there are special group rates available. Guild members will receive a discount as well. The guild is suggesting that sending parishes/churches cover the expense for those attending. To register or for more information contact Scott Kresge, Director of Music at St. John the Baptist at skresge1@verizon.net The mission of the American Guild of Organists, a national professional association with more than 275 chapters and 12,000 members throughout the United States and abroad, is to foster a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ.
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Ordination of Kevin Clayton Brown, Church of Sts. Andrew and Matthew, Wilmington,
Saturday, February 4, 11am
Your prayers and presence are requested.
Reception to follow.
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Delaware Choral Arts presents Spirituals 2023
Church of Sts. Andrew & Matthew, Wilmington, Saturday, February 11, 3pm
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Racism in America: The History We Didn't Learn in School
Six-week course via Zoom
Mondays, February 6 through March 13, 7– 8:30 pm
The Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission (RJRC), in partnership with Westminster Presbyterian Church and the YWCA Delaware, is offering this This course, led by Sue Linderman, will raise the knowledge and awareness of untold history in America. The course begins with enslaved Africans in the country that is now known as America in 1619 and goes through to voting rights and suppression in 2022. Week six of the course challenges participants to explore actions to change systemic racial injustice and ensure a more equitable, diverse, inclusive, and just society. The course will include a lecture, question and answer, and small group discussion. Small groups will be given time to briefly report out before the class ends. More information and registration here.
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Choral Evensong will be sung by the Immanuel Choir at Immanuel Church on the Green, New Castle, Sunday, February 12 at 4pm.
Included will be works by Rose, Andrews, Campbell, and MacDonald. All are invited.
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Brandywine Hundred Ecumenical Prayers for the Ukraine
Sunday, February 26, 1pm
Brandywine Collaborative Ministries and St. David's, Wilmington, in support of
Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church
1406 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington
Free will offering collected will be used to purchase generators
for citizens in the Ukraine.
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News from The Episcopal Church |
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Do you feel called to the work of church and community redevelopment? Commences February 9
The Episcopal Church’s Office of Church Planting and Mission Development is offering an online discernment retreat for those seeking to discern their role and fit in church redevelopment.
- What: Re-Visioning and Renewing: Discerning Leadership for Redeveloping Congregations
- When: 12 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays: February 9, 16, 23, and March 2
- Cost: $350
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Resource link: Discernment grid
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Questions? Email Steve Matthews
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Episcopal Migration Ministries, the churchwide program that resettles refugees in the United States, is launching a new initiative to help Episcopalians welcome migrants fleeing anti-LGBTQ+ persecution
The Rainbow Initiative, created in response to a General Convention resolution, will help Episcopal congregations understand the circumstances of LGBTQ+ migrants who are forcibly displaced, create new partnerships with other groups and organize events for Pride Month in June 2023. It also involves a churchwide survey, open until Feb. 20, assessing Episcopalians’ knowledge of – and participation in – efforts to welcome LGBTQ+ asylum-seekers. More information
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Sharing the Bounty: Stories from the Good News Gardens Movement
Join us for “Sharing the Bounty: Stories from the Good News Gardens Movement.” Throughout this four-part video series, you’ll see Episcopalians planting, praying, and proclaiming across their varied contexts. Find more information, including release dates and reflection guides, at iam.ec/sharingthebounty.
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Episcopal Relief & Development's Lenten offerings on the theme: "Who is my neighbor?"
People can sign up for the daily meditations here. A pdf can also be downloaded and printed for folks who prefer a hard copy. An additional resource this year features weekly reflections that can be used by individuals or groups, including Sunday formation classes, bible study groups, youth groups, etc. Check it out at episcopalrelief.org/lent. The weekly meditations will be released each week during Lent and Holy Week. There are also resources for Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday, which can be on the first Sunday of Lent or any Sunday that works for your congregations. More information
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July 4 - 8, University of Maryland, registration deadline March 17
The Episcopal Church Youth Ministries Office announces open registration for delegations of young people and chaperones planning to attend the Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) July 4-8 at the University of Maryland in College Park. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023, EYE is the church’s second-largest event after General Convention, drawing nearly 1,500 young people ages 15-19 from every province every three years. Attendees participate as part of a delegation, which can be from a diocese or coordinated through a congregation, school, or other Episcopal organization. More information
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Save the date!
'It’s All About Love: A Festival for the Jesus Movement' with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
July 9-12, Baltimore, Maryland
Mark your calendar to join us for this churchwide festival of worship, learning, community, and action for the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement. Join in person or host a virtual satellite event in your community. Watch for more details coming soon.
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News from the Anglican Communion |
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Archbishop calls for prayer ahead of historic joint visit to South Sudan
The Archbishop of Canterbury will be visiting South Sudan with Pope Francis and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland from 3- 5 February. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has urged people to pray for the people of South Sudan ahead of this historic joint visit to the country. The Archbishop said the church leaders are making their Pilgrimage of Peace to South Sudan “as servants” to “amplify the cries of the South Sudanese people” who continue to suffer from conflict, flooding and famine. Read full announcement here.
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