In this edition: Upcoming Fire and Formation Introduction; Fun Fact; Check it Out!; Did You Know?; Upcoming events; News in the ECD community, Episcopal Church, and Anglican Communion
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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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Now is the appointed time!
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The Time is Now:
A reflection on the end of life
by the Rev. Canon
Mark Harris
The Fall edition of Delaware Communion featured articles about the different phases of life. Additional articles included:
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Faith in the First Half of Life, by the Rev. Michael B. E. Kurth
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Where does God Live? by children of the diocese
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Faith in the Second Half of Life, by the Rev. Christopher Chamberlin Moore
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Fun Fact
Question: Which church in our diocese had a gilt cross installed on its spire in 1822, and why was this controversial?
Clue: Over 30 years later, Christ Church Christiana Hundred would not allow a cross on its spire because of the same controversy.
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On this date in 1955, J.R.R. Tolkien published The Return of the King the last volume of his Lord of the Rings trilogy
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After the publication of The Hobbit in 1937 his publishers and his public wanted to know more about Hobbits. In 1939 Tolkien picked up his pen again and began to write The Lord of the Rings. It took 16 years from the beginning to the publishing of the last book.
But those 16 years gave us a book that is considered the beginning of fantasy literature and by many, one of the best books of the 20th century.
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Tolkien's Christian faith was a huge influence in all his works, and was
widely influential
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Tolkien's Roman Catholicism was a significant factor in C. S. Lewis's conversion from atheism to Christianity, although Tolkien was dismayed that Lewis chose to join the Church of England. Tolkien once wrote to a friend's daughter, who wished to know the purpose of life, that it was "to increase according to our capacity our knowledge of God by all the means we have, and to be moved by it to praise and thanks."
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Cycle of Prayer in the Episcopal Church in Delaware |
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This week (week of October 17), in our diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we hold up in prayer Immanuel Church, New Castle, the Rev. Christoher P. Keene, rector. For the 2020-2021 diocesan Cycle of Prayer click here.
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Education for Ministry — Every baptized person is called to ministry
Do you enjoy sharing in study and fellowship?
Are you looking to grow in faith?
Do you yearn to better articulate what you believe?
If you find these questions tugging at your spirit, an Education for Ministry group may be a good fit for you! Education for Ministry (EfM) combines fellowship, study, and guided discussions in a small group format over the course of the program year. EfM groups gather weekly to discuss readings and reflect in the ways we find God in the world around us. This autumn, our St. David's, Wilmington, EfM group hopes to begin our third year together. We’ll meet most Tuesdays from 6:30-8:45pm on Zoom, with a handful of meetings throughout the year being in-person at St. David’s Church. Our group currently has five members who are in their first year, second year, or third year of EfM. Are you called to join us? If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to the group’s mentor, the Rev. Ann Kathryne Urinoski.
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MLK Voice 4 Youth Contest, Registration now open!
First Prize $2000, Second Prize $1000, Third Prize $500
Presented by the YWCA and Christ Church Christiana Hundred, MLK VOICE 4 YOUTH is a statewide, spoken word contest for high school students, grades 9–12. The contest challenges students to reflect on Dr. King’s work in the 1960’s and creatively share how his legacy guides their response to today’s challenges. 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 through 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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Amplify: Art that Resonates, 2021-22 Concert Series
Choir School of Delaware
Total Praise Concert, Grace United Methodist Church, 900 N. Washington Street, Wilmington, October 24, 4pm
As the leaves turn colors, and the temperature begins to cool, join us for a late Sunday afternoon concert and listen to beautiful voices raised together in praise. Convenient, free parking is located adjacent to the church.Based on guidance from health authorities and government agencies, and in consultation with other performing arts centers in our region, for the time being, The Choir School of Delaware will be requiring proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the event for entry into its venues. In addition, patrons, volunteers, and staff will be required to wear a mask indoors regardless of vaccination status. This vaccination policy covers all Choir School events. By making this announcement now, we look to provide as much time as possible for patrons to schedule an appointment for a vaccination or testing. Tickets $35.Purchase tickets here.
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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 immanuelonthegreen@comcast.net.
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The Newark Symphony Orchestra presents a Halloween Concert
St. Barnabas, Wilmington, Saturday, October 23, 3-4:30pm
(Rain date, Sunday, October 24, 3-4:30pm)
Concert will be held on the lawn ... Bring a chair! NSO's 55th season begins with a concert featuring favorite spooky classics and one of their youth concerto winners! Tickets Adults $10, children 18 and younger free, with an adult. More information
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St. James' Mill Creek, Wilmington, Annual Bazaar, Friday, November 5
and Saturday, November 6, 10am-3pm
The St. James' Bazaar is back! It's a little different this year. Items won't be displayed in several shops. All the shops will be set up in the parish hall. There will be many of your favorite hand crafted items as well as many new ones.
Crafts!
Snacks!
Raffles
We hope you will join us — we've missed you!
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St. Thomas’s Parish, Newark, Annual Bazaar, Friday, November 12
and Saturday, November 13, 9am–4pm
You will find unique holiday crafts, fresh baked goods, cookie walk (build your own cookie tray), quarts of homemade soups, second-hand Christmas decorations, resale shop/white elephant sale, and exclusive new items. Join us for lunch, which may be purchased between 11:30am–1pm. All proceeds from the Annual Bazaar go to Outreach Ministries. Info is available at stthomasnewarkde.church/annualbazaar2021
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Organ Dedication and Concert, Friday, November 17, 7pm
St. Barnabas, Wilmington
You are invited to St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church which will dedicate its new organ. Organist, Dr. Will Thomas, will perform an organ recital featuring works of Jehan Alain, J.S. Bach, César Franck, and Felix Mendelssohn. The program will also include a commissioned work by Robert J. Powell to mark the beginning of Dr. Thomas’s tenure as Director of Music.
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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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Washington National Cathedral dedicates carving to Elie Wiesel, the first modern Jew memorialized in the building
Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday dedicated the fourth of the planned quartet of human rights carvings in the building’s vestibule, honoring the late Elie Wiesel with prayer and discussion of the Holocaust survivor’s legacy of pursuing justice, hope and faith in the face of humanity’s darkest crimes. More information
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The Episcopal Church, October Creation Care Newsletter
This October, people of faith around the world are calling for climate justice and preparing to bear witness at the United Nations 26th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, also known as “COP26.” The Episcopal Church is engaging virtually in advocacy, prayer, worship, and more - and you're invited to get involved! Read October newsletter here
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Episcopal Evangelism, October Newsletter
A slideshow presentation from 2018 (revised in 2021) has been circulating on Twitter,gaining traction in both positive and negative responses. Some folks found it insightful, thought-provoking, and often on target. Other folks found it redundant, behind-the-times, and condescending. Maybe it doesn’t tell the full story, but perhaps it is not completely off the mark. Especially when it comes to the idea of offering “belonging” as essential to the Christian mission. Read October newsletter here
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Grant applications open for Episcopal Church Constable Fund grants, which focus on religious education, and Roanridge Trust grants, which support leadership development in small towns and rural communities. The application deadline for both is December 12.
Constable Fund provides grants to fund mission initiatives that were not provided for within the budget of The Episcopal Church as approved by General Convention 2018, with a stated preference for work in the area of religious education. The grants are named for visionary philanthropist Marie Louise Constable, who made a gift to The Episcopal Church in 1935, during the Great Depression, to establish the fund.
More information on Constable Fund application requirements and the application forms are available in English at this link and in Spanish at this link.
Roanridge Trust was established by the Cochel family, who originally gave a working farm in Missouri called Roanridge to The Episcopal Church. Income from the trust generates the grant funds, which are used for the "training of town and country ministry and rural Christian workers” of The Episcopal Church. They support creative models of leadership development and training for laity and clergy in small towns and rural communities across The Episcopal Church. Programs to be conducted in metropolitan areas are not eligible for Roanridge Trust grants. Dioceses, congregations and Episcopal Church-related organizations and institutions are invited to apply for Roanridge Trust grants. Applications require diocesan bishop approval. More information, application forms and instructions about the Roanridge Trust grants are available in English at this link and in Spanish at this link.
For more information about either grant, contact the Rev. Molly James, deputy executive officer of the General Convention, 212.716.6048, or Mr. George Wing, chair of the grant review committee, winggeo@winglaw.com.
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My Name is Pauli Murray, documentary has been released in theaters and is available on Prime Video
It traces the influential life of Pauli Murray from their birth in Baltimore to their final years as an ordained Episcopal priest. A Black activist who critiqued societal norms, Murray stood decades ahead of their time. Social activist, priest,and attorney Murray has had a radical impact on modern notions of equality and social justice. Despite this, the Durham native is not the household name that Martin Luther King Jr. or Rosa Parks are. But, the Pauli Murray Center and the new documentary are trying to change that. More information
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Are you applying for a 2022 United Thank Offering grant?
Learn helpful hints on the application and budget process
Informational webinar, Tuesday, October 26, 12noon or 7pm
Additional webinars will be held in November and January. Every penny given to the United Thank Offering is distributed annually in grant funding to missions and ministries seeking to live Jesus’ way of love. More than $140 million has been awarded to more than 5,300 projects since UTO began in 1880, supporting staff positions, conferences, creation of educational resources, building projects, and much more. Learn more and support UTO at episcopalchurch.org/uto.
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Episcopal Church 2020 Parochial Report data now available
Episcopalians can now access analysis of the 2020 Parochial Report data, including multi-year attendance and finance trends for individual churches and dioceses, as well as learn how COVID-19 impacted congregations from a special narrative report of qualitative data. Data from the Parochial Report, the oldest, continuous gathering of data by The Episcopal Church, has been compiled and published on the General Convention website. While the report is often known for the quantitative metrics of average Sunday attendance (ASA) and “pledge and plate” (funds collected through offerings and pledges), the 2020 Parochial Report was changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic to include qualitative data. Congregations were asked narrative questions related to how their mission and ministry were impacted by the pandemic. For more on the Parochial Report, please visit the General Convention website or contact pr@episcopalchurch.org.
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News from the Anglican Communion |
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The Lambeth Conference: The journey is under way, update from The Archbishop of Canterbury
The four-year journey of the 15th Lambeth Conference has begun. During 2021, bishops from almost every part of the Anglican Communion, have been meeting online to consider how we can truly be ‘God’s Church for God’s world’ in the 21st Century. This current listening together phase has consisted of a series of online group discussions between bishops across provinces – to prepare for the face-to-face conference. Bishops’ spouses have also been meeting for online discussions. Read full update here
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