In this edition: Keeping a Holy Lent; Holy Week and Easter service schedule; Trail to Truth (youth event); Support for Ukraine; Fun Fact; Check it Out!; Did You Know?; Upcoming events; News in the ECD community, Episcopal Church, and Anglican Communion
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How exactly are we beleaguered inhabitants of the 21st century to observe a Holy Lent with the multitude of distractions and responsibilities all around us? Not to be too mercenary, what are we supposed to get out of Lent? How are we supposed to be different at the end of the forty days from how we were before? Maybe the best answer to these questions is for us to do what Jesus did, in ways that are similar but still available to us even in the 21st century. So what exactly did Jesus do? Read full Delaware Communion article by the Rev. Christopher Chamberlin Moore here
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Holy Week and Easter service schedule
for parishes in the Episcopal Church in Delaware
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Holy Week and Easter services are now listed on our diocesan website and will soon be posted and boosted on the diocesan Facebook account.
If you would like to have your parish's information included or request a change to what is already listed, please send to: communications@delaware.church.
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Take the Shot! A Community Vaccine and Testing Event
Sts. Andrew & Matthew, Wilmington
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1st, 2nd, and booster shots available for ages 5 and older
- Church of Sts. Andrew and Matthew, Wilmington
- Saturday, March 19, 10am-6pmand
- Sunday, March 20, 1-6pm
Please bring ID and vaccine card. Walk-ins are welcome!
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Trail 2 Truth
Eyes Wide Open & Hearts Ready to Move
- April 2 (in-person only)
- All high school youth are invited to this Province III event
This event will encourage a deeper understanding of Christ’s call to justice, examining our own unconscious biases and listening for God’s direction within us to respect the dignity of every human being through the work of racial reconciliation. The Province is providing a virtual keynote speaker and morning worship, in which we will all participate together at the Church of Sts. Andrew & Matthew, Wilmington. Lunch will be provided. After lunch, the Delaware Historical Society will be giving us a walking tour (weather permitting) of some important civil rights sites in Wilmington. For full agenda see here. Please register here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trail-2-truth-registration-239214756777.
If there is enough need, we may provide transportation from Sussex and Kent counties. Please reach out to YouthSupport@Delaware.Church with any questions. We look forward to seeing everyone in person!
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How to support
the people of Ukraine?
Here are two ways you can help!
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Episcopal Relief and Development
As we pray for an end to violence and for those fleeing Ukraine, please also pray for Episcopal Relief & Development and other ecumenical agencies working to respond to the current crisis. Specific needs will change as the crisis evolves. As of right now, there is a need for cash, blankets and hygiene supplies. Support Episcopal Relief & Development in providing humanitarian aid in response to the crisis in Ukraine by donating to the Ukraine Crisis Response Fund. You will help meet critical needs for people fleeing the violence including food, cash, blankets and hygiene supplies. For more information on how ERK is responding to the crisi in Ukraine, click here.
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through Episcopal Relief and Development |
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The Ukrainian Orthodox Church
For anyone who feels called to help the victims of the tragic war in Ukraine, the immediate and pressing need is cash to purchase supplies of food. The Very Rev. Stephen Hutnick, pastor of three local Ukrainian Orthodox Churches: Sts. Peter & Paul, Wilmington; St. Nicholas, Dover; and Holy Trinity, Whaleyville, MD, suggests the most efficient way to help, at this point, is to make a donation to The Ukrainian Orthodox Church in America. Fr. Steve anticipates there will be other future needs, but for the immediate needs of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters encourages monetary contributions. To learn more about their support of the crisis, click here.
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through the Ukrainian Orthodox Church USA |
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March is Women's History Month |
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Two Ground-breakers in Medicine |
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Elizabeth Blackwell, MD (1821-1910) |
In 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman in the United States to be granted an MD degree. Blackwell began her pioneering journey after a deathly ill friend insisted she would have received better care from a female doctor. Turned away by more than 10 medical schools, Blackwell refused a professor’s suggestion that she disguise herself as a male to gain admission. “It was to my mind a moral crusade,” she wrote at the time. “It must be pursued in the light of day, and with public sanction, in order to accomplish its end.” Blackwell ultimately attended Geneva Medical College in western New York: Male students there asked their opinion agreed to admit her, thinking the matter a mere prank. More information
Image: National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health
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Rebecca Lee Crumpler, MD (1831-1895) |
Born in Delaware, the first African American woman in the United States to earn an MD degree, Rebecca Lee Crumpler, was inspired by an aunt who took care of many ill neighbors. “I early conceived a liking for, and sought every opportunity to relieve the suffering of others,” she said. She gained entrance to the New England Female Medical College in Boston, MA, after working as a nurse. Following the Civil War, Crumpler moved to Richmond, VA, to care for formerly enslaved people, where she suffered rampant racism. The experience taught her a great deal about providing care, Crumpler said, and when she returned home to Boston, she served her patients with “renewed vigor.” More information
There are no known images of Rebecca Crumpler.
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Fun Fact
Question: In which year was it noted that many ladies from parishes in Wilmington and nearby communities were seen to be riding their bicycles to the diocesan convention?
Clue: The convention was held at Immanuel Church, New Castle.
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March 17 is St. Patrick's Day |
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There were no snakes around for St. Patrick to banish from Ireland |
Image:St. Patrick depicted with his foot on a snake
Archive Photos/Getty Images
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Among the legends associated with St. Patrick is that he stood atop an Irish hillside and banished snakes from Ireland —prompting all serpents to slither away into the sea. In fact, research suggests snakes never occupied the Emerald Isle in the first place. There are no signs of snakes in the country’s fossil record. And water has surrounded Ireland since the last glacial period. Before that, the region was covered in ice and would have been too cold for the reptiles.
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Tradition of St. Patrick's Day parades began in America |
Image: Men march in1895 Saint Patrick's Day Parade in NY, Museum of the City of New York/Byron Collection/Getty Images
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People in Ireland had celebrated St. Patrick since the 1600s, but the tradition of a parade began in America and predates the founding of the United States. A parade was held in1601 in a Spanish colony, now St. Augustine, FL. Homesick Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched in Boston and NYC in 1737. Enthusiasm for parades grew from there. In 2020 and 2021, parades throughout the country were canceled or postponed for the first time in decades due to the COVID pandemic.
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Cycle of Prayer in the Episcopal Church in Delaware |
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This week (week of March 13), in our diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we hold up in prayer St. Nicholas Church, Newark, the Very Rev. William B. Lane, pastor. For the 2022 Cycle of Prayer, click here.
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Job Openings in Our Community |
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Trinity Parish, Wilmington, is seeking a Maintenance Manager
Reporting to the rector, this position is responsible for the complete oversight and maintenance of all buildings and grounds owned and operated by Trinity Parish, and for the oversight of lease compliance of those properties owned by Trinity Parish and operated and maintained by our tenants. Full position description here
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Trinity Parish, Wilmington is seeking Soloists/Section Leaders
Trinity is auditioning/hiring an alto soloist/section leader and a bass-baritone soloist/section leader for its choir comprised of both paid and volunteer singers. Positions require forty Sunday mornings a year (early September to early June with a 9am rehearsal and a 10am service each Sunday), Thursday evening rehearsals from 7-9pm, and two Christmas Eve Services. Singers must be comfortable serving as both soloists and section leaders in a variety of musical styles. Very strong sight-reading skills and a positive, collegial, and collaborative mindset are required. Auditions in early to mid-March with an April 1 start date. To be considered, email cover letter, resume/CV and performance links to David Simmons, Director of Music, at: david@trinityparishde.org
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Upcoming Events in Our Community |
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God’s Help: Praying the Psalms in Times of Sorrow, a Zoom program offered at the Church of Sts. Andrew & Matthew, Wilmington, Tuesdays, ongoing through May 10, 7-8:30 pm
The Ministry to the Grieving would like to offer the opportunity to find solace in the emotions of grief through a prayer group. Each week the group will take a psalm that addresses our emotions in grief. Through discussion of the psalm, and how it relates to our grieving, it is hoped that we will build strength to meet the painful emotions of grief. More information and registration.
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Answering Our Call: Lenten program Tuesdays, Brandywine Collaborative Ministries (BCM), Wilmington, ongoing through April 5, 6-8pm, .
Each session will begin with a simple and hearty soup and salad supper at 6pm followed by the program and concluding promptly at 8pm. The series will explore the topic of spiritual journey from the viewpoint of Scripture and The Book of Common Prayer, drawing upon our own lived experience. More information
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This Lenten season at Trinity Parish, Wilmington, join the Adult Formation Class for an exploration of the Passion Gospels, via Zoom, Wednesdays ongoing through April 6, 7pm. Participants will need a copy of Witness at the Cross: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Friday by Amy-Jill Levine. Please read the introduction and Chapter 1 before the first meeting. Please contact the church office to sign up for the zoom link office@trinityparishde.org You may also contact us if you need help purchasing a copy of the book. Scholarships are available.
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Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament followed by the Litany for Peace in Ukraine, Immanuel Church, New Castle, Fridays ongoing through April 8, 7pm
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St. Barnabas’ Church, Wilmington continues the celebration of the new Cornell-Zimmer electronic organ with a series of three upcoming organ recitals
Sunday March 20, 4pm, Chad Levitt, organist, J.S. Bach, Guilmant, Messiaen, and others.
Upcoming: Sunday, April 24, 4pm, Douglas Jayd, organist, and
Sunday, May 22, 4pm, Rodney Cleveland, organist
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Choir School of Delaware: Phenomenal Woman, Saturday, March 26, 7-9pm, Grace United Methodist Church, Wilmington
Inspired by the words of Maya Angelou, this concert celebrates Women’s History Month and amplifies the voices of women composers and poets. Enjoy composer Reena Esmail's "Phenomenal Woman," and choral pieces by Dr. B.E. Boykin, and Alysia Lee, such as “Stardust” and “Say Her Name,” plus poetry read by invited guests. Please join us! For tickets click here
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News from the Episcopal Church and beyond |
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The Episcopal Church will advocate for global issues that impact women through its participation in the annual United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. A presiding bishop’s delegation will represent the church virtually, and all Episcopalians and Anglicans are invited to participate. Due to the pandemic, this year’s 66th session will be in a hybrid format. A list of all Episcopal Church and joint Anglican/Episcopal events can be found here.
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In this episode, Bishop Curry talks with Heather Kirn Lanier—an essayist, poet, and creative writing professor. Heather’s memoir, “Raising A Rare Girl,” invites us into her first year of parenting a daughter born with a rare syndrome. Bishop Curry talks with her about how we can change our life and the lives of those we encounter by changing our perspective and looking for the good in every person. “The Way of Love with Bishop Michael Curry” is available on most podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify, and at episcopalchurch.org.
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In this fourth episode of season 4 of “Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community,” we speak with Episcopalians committed to the Beloved Community about the texts for Good Friday. The texts covered in this episode are Psalm 22 and John 18:1-19:42. Our guests this week are:
- Betty Peterson, who serves at-risk babies and moms as a nurse and social worker for the Brightstart program. She comes from the Orthodox faith tradition and attends Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she is a chanter.
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Dr. Enid LaGesse, who is here because of the sacrifices of her enslaved ancestors and those of the Anacostan and Piscataway, on whose stolen sacred land she now lives. Enid brings more than 30 years of diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership experience to her role as the co-chair of the Race and Social Justice Committee for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. She facilitates workshops on anti-racism, intersectionality, and interfaith dialogue.
“Prophetic Voices” is hosted by the Rev. Isaiah “Shaneequa” Brokenleg, The Episcopal Church’s staff officer for racial reconciliation. For more information on Becoming Beloved Community, visit iam.ec/becomingbelovedcommunity.
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A new national study, Jesus in America, was released today in a partnership between The Episcopal Church and Ipsos. The research found that while the majority of Americans polled believe Jesus was an important spiritual figure and want equality in society, it also showed Christians are not necessarily practicing what Jesus taught, and Americans feel judged when talking about their beliefs. More information
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March Evangelism Newsletter
This month we continue exploring our Episcopal Evangelism challenge for 2022: Creating authentic communities of friends within our churches to live out our baptismal promises and the church's mission – to restore and be restored in unity with God and each other, in Christ. Read newsletter here
We are dust. We keep company with sadness. We learn the lament of everyone who holds quietly to the knowing: things are not as they should be. And still we hope. Still we see our Redeemer come. – Alia Joy
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Becoming a World Where Love Is the Way:
Guiding Principles for World Mission
A free, four-week study resource for Episcopalians seeking to learn more about our invitation to walk with others in global mission
• Designed for individuals and groups
• Daily reflections, questions, actions, and prayers
• Weekly group “discuss or do” guides
• Written by lay and clergy members worldwide
Explore what it means to cross boundaries, listen deeply, and live like Jesus, together.
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The Episcopal Network for Stewardship offers:
Motivations for Intergenerational Giving
Saturday, April 9, 12-1:30pm
Join us for this webinar to address the essential question of the future of the church: How do we attract younger generations to become giving members of our congregations? What are we willing to change, adopt, and learn to make room for new generations and new ideas? Come learn with us, register today!
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The Episcopal Network for Stewardship offers:
New Seasonal Reflections for 2022
The theme for our 2022 Stewardship Campaign Resources is More Than Enough. As we emerge from this period of disruption and isolation in our congregations, we have felt the pain and frustration of distance, of diminished resources, and of our ability to connect in the ways to which we are accustomed. However, as we take inventory of our spiritual resources, the strength of our community, and our capacity for generosity, we realize that there is now, and always has been, More Than Enough. Log in today to access the Seasonal Reflections for 2022. Prepare now for Lent and Easter and download the reflections.
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News from the Anglican Communion |
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Anglican Communion welcomes UN call for peace in Ukraine
Chair of the Anglican Communion UN Reference Group, Archbishop Maimbo, has welcomed UN call for peace in the Ukraine. Archbishop Maimbo said: "As the world watches the terrible situation unfolding in Ukraine, I welcome the action taken at both the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council last week. Both bodies have spoken unequivocally of the need to end hostilities now with an urgent ceasefire, support the immediate needs of those affected by the conflict, and work together..." Read full article here
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Anglican Bishop in Europe condemns “unjustified and aggressive” war in Ukraine
The Anglican Bishop in Europe, Robert Innes, has condemned the “completely unjustified and aggressive war” in Ukraine, following the invasion by Russia, and has urged Christians to unite in prayers for peace. “Our hearts cry out for justice and peace” he said. Describing the situation as “very deeply troubling”, Bishop Robert said Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision ...Read full article here
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