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FROM THE BISHOP
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OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Our electronic newsletter, The Net, is emailed every week to clergy and subscribers. Click here for subscription details and to submit your news arnd announcements.
Diocese of Delaware Facebook page. See what others in Delaware are saying; "Like Us" to make comments of your own. You don't need to be a member of Facebook to see our page, but you do need a free Facebook account if you want to make comments or post items of your own.
March issue of our newspaper: The Delaware Communion. Our newspaper is available here the same day it is sent to the printer.
Click here to see older issues of our newspaper.
News
News Items:
Episcopal Video: "Wayfarer" on-line Episcopal magazine presents stories of people, possibilities, and action. Available as a free, quarterly iPad app downloadable at iTunes, all the content can also be viewed in an Internet browser here.
Vital Practices for Leading Congregations and Practical Resources for Vestry Members! If you are a vestry member, you will want to know about the Epicopal Church Foundation's Vital Practices, a service that provides a wealth of practical resources on vestry leadership, year-round stewardship, conflict management, evangelism, and more. Get the support you need for your ministry as a vestry member. Register here to start receiving twice-monthly email blasts on critical issues in vestry leadership. If you want to learn more about ECF Vital Practices, click here.
The Cathedral Choir School of Delaware will move to the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew in August. The Cathedral Choir School of Delaware will remain in the city of Wilmington when it moves from the Cathedral Church of Saint John to the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew (SsAM) in August, 2012. So announced the Cathedral Choir School Board of Directors on Tuesday, February 14. Click here to learn more.
The Rev. Canon Simon Mein was seriously injured in an automobile accident while on his way home from the Diocesan Convention on Saturday, Feb. 11. He died the next day. Services for Simon Mein have been scheduled for Thursday, February 23, at 2:30 p.m. in the St. Andrew's School Chapel. The chapel is located on the ground floor of Founder's Hall, the central building on the St. Andrew's campus. Bishop Wright will be the celebrant. Click here to read more.
NEW AUDIO RECORDING: Click here to listen to Bishop Michael Curry's 15-minute sermon given at our Annual Convention on February 11, 2012. A new heaven and a new earth.
NEW AUDIO RECORDING: Click here to listen to Bishop Wright's 20-minute address to the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware meeting in convention. This .MP3 recording begins with laughter as Bishop Wright remembers the recent failed predictions by some of The Rapture. He goes on to talk about finances in the year to come, the closing of the Cathedral Church of Saint John, the move of the Cathedral Choir School to a new home, a recent day-long tour of Delaware, and the success of our advocacy of same-sex unions. His address ends with a call to the State of Delaware to place a moratorium on executions.
FREE VIDEO: Claiming the Vision: Baptismal Identity in the Episcopal Church" is a video resource produced as a collaborative effort of Bloy House – the Episcopal Theological School at Claremont, the Episcopal Church Center, and the Evangelical Education Society. In it, four of the original authors of the baptismal rite and the Book of Common Prayer discuss the impact of that rite and its place in the life of the Church today. "Claiming the Vision: Baptismal Identity in the Episcopal Church" is available free online by going to the Bloy House website.
NEW PHOTOS: The Right Reverend Wayne P. Wright ordained Deacon Kenneth F. Athey, Jr. to the Sacred Order of Priests on Saturday, January 21, at All Saints' Episcopal Church, Delmar, Delaware. Following the ordination, everyone was invited to a luncheon prepared by the Ladies of All Saints', Delmar and St. Philip's, Laurel at St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Laurel, Delaware. PHOTOS: Click here to see ten photos from Ken Athey's ordination.
The Rev. Edgar G. (Gary) Taylor was ordained by Bishop Wight on Friday, January 20, at Saint Anne's Episcopal School, 211 Silver Lake Road, Middletown, Delaware, where Gary serves as Chaplain.
The Middletown Transcript had an excellent article about the ordination of Gary Taylor at St. Anne's. Click here to take a look.
The Rev. Fred VanderPoel died Monday, January 30, 2012. He served as the Bishop's Assistant for Congregational Development and as Vicar of St. Stephen's, Harrington from 1989-1992. Following his retirement he served for five years at St. Philip's, Laurel. He went on to serve as an interim priest in several congregations before moving with this wife, Martha, to a retirement community in Lititz, PA. Before coming to Delaware, Fred had a long career in ministry. He studied at the Philadelphia Divinity School and was ordained in 1957. He served parishes in Missouri, Pittsburgh, and Maryland. Services will be on Saturday, February 11 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James' Episcopal Church, Lancaster, PA. Our prayers are with Martha and their family as they mourn this loss. May he rest in peace.
Could your church or nonprofit use a grant? Start planning now! Click here to see what grants were just announced by the Jubilee Ministry of the Episcopal Church. $165,000 is being distributed now and as much or more may be distributed next year.
UPDATED: Investment Guidelines (PDF) This 5-page statement of investment objectives and policies governs the investment management of the endowment assets of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocese of Delaware known as Master Fund “A” (the “Fund”).
Congratulations to Joyce Bembry on her appointment to the State of Delaware's Board of Parole. Joyce is a member of Sts. Andrew and Matthew (SsAM) in downtown Wilmington.
Help Wanted, Delaware: St. Anne's Episcopal Church, Middletown, is looking for an Office Coordinator. This is one of three positions listed on the new Help Wanted Delaware page of this website.
Employment Services for Job Seekers and Career Changers. Those who register at the Delaware Libraries Job Center can complete a self-directed assessment to guide them toward the types of jobs that best match their skills and interests. Also available are training in Internet searches, basic computer skills, resume writing, cover letter writing, and small business startups. 1/16/2012
Delaware Money School. The Money School, the signature program of the nonprofit Delaware Financial Literacy Institute, offers more than 600 free, no-hassle personal finance classes a year. Classes are held throughout the state. 1/16/2012
Small Congregations: In her "Pastor's Pen" newsletter article this month, the Rev. Elizabeth Masterson praises small worshipping communities. Click here to read more. She recognizes the downsides, but loves communities where everyone knows everyone else.
The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society work of the national Episcopal Church is now summarized online. Our diocese has a long tradition of supporting these many ministries. Click here to download this mission report to learn more. Right click on this link to download the document and share it with others.
Calvary Hillcrest votes to renew itself. Faced with a small membership and smaller budget, this beautiful church near Bellefonte recently took a long, hard look at its future and even considered closing. The vote was 46 to 7 for re-birth. What does re-birth mean? The members are just now deciding. Click here to see the initial discussion in Calvary Hillcrest's latest newsletter. 11/8/2011
Delaware Hospice, a non-profit organization started by Episcopalians, is now all grown up. If you are caring for someone who is dying, or in grief for someone who died, take advantage of their services. Learn more by visiting the Delaware Hospice website at www.delawarehospice.org.
Connect! There are many ways to connect with us. In addition to this website and our Facebook page, there's a weekly e-newsletter from the Bishop, our monthly newspaper, and links to the worldwide and our national church.
Cycle of Prayer 2011-2012. Pray each week for different ministries in the Diocese of Delaware. 8/31/2011
About Our Clergy
Click here to learn about new clergy in the diocese, and in new ministries.
Help Wanted, Delaware
Calendars
Bishop's EVENTS
Upcoming Events by Date:
These events are subject to change without notice, so please call ahead for confirmation.
Lent in Delaware
Shrove Tuesday
Tuesday, February 21
Many Episcopal churches host pancake suppers on this day, the last day before Lent begins. The suppers sometimes include much more than pancakes! Check your local church's website for times.
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, February 22
The penitential season of Lent begins, a time for examining one's life. Most Episcopal churches offer one or more services. Check their websites for times.
Mondays, 10:00 a.m., February 27 - March 26, AND
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m., February 28 - March 27, "Blessed Is She: Living Lent With Mary" Lenten Series, at St. James Mill Creek. Author Timothy Perry presents a Mary who belongs in Lent as much as in Advent, showing what it means to die and live with the crucified and risen Jesus. The Rev. Jim Bimbi will lead the discussion. Soup is available on Tuesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. To reserve a copy of the book, call the church office at 302 994-1584 or click here to purchase a copy on-line.
Mondays, 7:00 p.m., February 27 - March 26, Stations of the Cross at Christ Church, Milford. We remember, honor, and meditate on the suffering of Jesus step by step, station by station, from his arrest to his death.
Tuesdays, 11:30AM – 1:30PM, February 28 – April 3, Lenten Lunches at SsAM, Saints Andrew & Matthew in downtown Wilmington offers delicious sandwiches and soup, plus oustanding desserts. Don't give up desserts for Lent, give up something that lessens your love of neighbors and God. Also, on Tuesdays, February 28 - April 3, Noon there will be Contemplative Prayer Services. These intimate occasions for prayer last about half an hour.
Wednesdays, 12:00 Noon, February 29 - April 4, Lunch and Ecumenical Worship, at Limestone Presbyterian Church, 3201 Limestone Road, Wilmington. Each week a different church, including St. James Episcopal Church, organizes the worship and provides food for the lunch that follows. Since the series begins on Leap Day, our theme is "A Leap Of Faith." For details, call St. James Church at 302 994-1584.
Wednesdays, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., February 29 – March 28, "The Story of the Bible" Lenten Series at St. Nicholas, Newark. Light supper, video, and discussion. The videos feature Professor Luke Timothy Johnson of the Candler School of Theology, Emory University. Priests and parishioners from St. Thomas's and Good Shepherd will be there, too — just like last year! Please click here to send us an email to let us know you are coming.
Wednesdays, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., February 29 - March 28, "Prayer, Does It Make A Difference?" Lenten Series at Ascension Church, Claymont. Stations of the cross at 6:00 p.m.; dinner at 6:30 p.m.; and a 7:00 p.m. discussion of Philip Yancey's book, Prayer -- Does It Make A Difference? We will watch a video presentation before the discussion and use a participant's guide to the book, which everyone should read before hand. To register, please call 302 798-6683.
Lenten Worship, Fellowship and Study, Wednesdays, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at All Saint's, Delmar. After evening worship and a soup supper, we will view and discuss The Teaching Company's video, "The Cathedral," by Dr. William R. Cook: February 29—Early Christian Architecture; March 7—Notre Dame; March 14—Chartres-The Building; March 21—Chartres-The Sculpture; March 28—Chartres-The Windows. Everyone is welcome.
Wednesday Soup Supper and Program at St. Barnabas, Wilmington
February 29 & March 7
Forgiveness Reconsidered
March 14 & 21
Holy Week in the Poet's Voice
6:30 Supper, 7:00 Program
Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., March 7-28, Searching for Peace in the Middle East at the Cathedral Church of Saint John. This program, based on the award-winning film of the same name, will focus on interviews with both Israelis and Palestinians. Of this film, Jimmy Carter said, "a superb presentation of the intricate relations between Israelis and Palestinians presented dramatically by people from both sides. Their combined proposals, clearly presented, comprise the only pathway to peace, with justice, in the Holy Land." Click here to watch this 30-minute documentary movie.
Thursdays, 5:00 – 7:15 p.m., February 23 – March 29, Lenten Series on Forgiveness at St. Peter's, Lewes. Soup & Salad at 5:30 p.m., Program 6:00-7:15 p.m. Forgiveness: What is it? What is it not? When is it real? How can we be forgiving.
March 10, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Lenten Quiet Morning with refreshments & lunch at St. Barnabas, Wilmington. The theme will be Awakening To Love led by the Rev. Margaret K. Pumphrey, a practicing spiritual director and retreat leader with a master's degree in pastoral theology and spiritual direction from Neuman. You can expect meditations followed by the opportunity for quiet, silent reflection, plus the opportunity for shared prayer and worship. Please call the office at 302 994‐6607 to register, so that they know how much food to order.
Cathedral Evensong, Sunday, March 18, 3:00 p.m., at the Cathedral Church of Saint John, Wilmington.
Friday & Saturday, March 23 & 24, "From Sin to Amazing Grace" Lenten Retreat. Dr. Patrick Cheng will lead this retreat, sponsored by Integrity Delaware, at All Saints Episcopal Church, 18 Olive Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Click here for details of this Lenten retreat.
Friday & Saturday, March 23 & 24, "Discerning The Spirit" Lenten Retreat at Memorial House in Rehoboth Beach. How do we know God's will? How do we make decisions as Christians? Where can we find God when we need God? What can we do while we are waiting for our prayers to be answered? Come away for awhile, to a quite place of fellowship rest and renewal! Join us for on retreat as we discern the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives! Facilitated by the Revs. Jeffrey Ross and Carlyle Gill. Cost: $200 per person. Reservations due in office by 2/20/12. Includes all meals and overnight lodging. Scholarships available. To register or to ask questions, click here to email Jeff.
Saturday, March 24, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Recitation of the Psalms at St. Barnabas, Wilmington. Refreshments and lunch.
Sunday, March 25, 5:30 p.m., "Beyond The Cross" Lenten Cantata at St. Thomas's, Newark. This year's Lenten Cantata was written by St. Thomas's own Sylvia Berta and her brother, then arranged by St. Thomas's Music Director, Marc Cheban. This will be the Delaware premiere of "Beyond The Cross" This has been an almost 2-year project, and it is exciting for the composers to be able to share it more widely.
Diocesan Diaconate Discernment and Information Day, Saturday, February 25; 9:00 am to 12:30 pm at Christ Church, Dover. The Discernment Day is for all persons who are considering a call to the diaconate and also for parishes who would like to engage the ministry of a deacon. The purpose of the session is to interpret the ministry and work of a deacon, how one becomes a deacon and the responsibilities of a diaconal parish. To register for the Discernment Day or if you have questions, please click here to send Father Larry Hofer an email.
Educational Forum on Civil Unions, Sunday, February 26, 2:00 p.m. at Congregation Beth Shalom, 340 N. Queen St. in Dover, DE. The Forum is being sponsored by: The Unitarian Universalists of Central Delaware, Integrity-Delaware (Episcopal Diocese), and The League of Women Voters of Kent County. There is no charge and all are welcome to attend! Speakers will include Jon Rania, Convener of Integrity-Delaware and representatives from Equality Delaware. For details, please call Julie Price at 302 233-7754.
St. Michael's School celebrates Leap Year 2012, Wednesday, February 29, 5:30pm, at the University & Whist Club, 805 N. Broom St., Wilmington, DE. Hors d'oeuvres, Supper, Drinks and Dessert, Silent Auction, Games, Wine Tasting by Moore Bros., Valet Parking. $85 per person ($50 tax deductible). This annual fundraiser for St. Michael's School supports their Scholarship Fund. Click here for details.
The Episcopal Church-sponsored New Community Clergy and Lay Conference will provide opportunities for clergy and lay people to explore mission in ethnic ministries. Centering on the theme "Reclaiming our Mission; Reinterpreting our Context; Renewing our Communities." clergy are invited February 29-March 3 and lay people on March 1-4. The conference will be held at the Town & Country Resort & Hotel, San Diego, CA. "This gathering of Asian, Black, Latino/Hispanic and Native American clergy and lay leaders will provide a safe place to share hopes and dreams, needs and concerns, gifts and ministries, suffering and joy in the context of being the New Community," commented the Rev. Winfred Vergara, Asiamerican Missioner. Click here for details of the New Community Clergy and Lay Conference.
John Rutter, Musician-in-Residence, Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4 at Christ Church Christiana Hundred. The eminent composer and conductor John Rutter will be this year's Musician in Residence. His compositional career has embraced both large and small-scale choral works, orchestral and instrumental pieces, a piano concerto, two children's operas, music for television, and specialist writing. Click here for details of John Rutter's visit to Delaware.
March 3, 10:00 a.m. Open Rehearsal
March 3, 2:00 p.m. Lecture
March 4, 11:00 a.m. Choral Eucharist
March 4, 5:00 p.m. Choral Evensong
3rd Annual Celtic Duo Concert, Saturday, March 3, 7:00 p.m. at St. Peter's, Lewes. This will be musician Maggie Sansone's third appearance at the series, joined for the first time by Grammy-nominated fiddler Andrea Hoag. The program, in celebration of upcoming St. Patrick's Day, will feature toe-tapping jigs, heartfelt Irish airs, and a few sing-along selections. A suggested donation of $15 per person will be received at the door; there are no advance ticket sales.
Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders, March 19-23, at Grace Church, Wilmington. This five-day institute, presented by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, Lombard, IL, is designed to equip church leaders with the skills necessary to deal effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict. It also includes a component on congregational mediation and consultation, placed within the context of family systems theory. The trainer is Richard Blackburn, Executive Director of the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. For details and to register, please check the website at: www.LMPeaceCenter.org. Tuition is $695 when paid by February 17. For those needing overnight accommodations, Grace Church is located within a short walk of a number of hotels and restaurants on Concord Pike (Hwy. 202) just north of Wilmington.
Monthly Spiritual Reading Group, Wednesday, March 21, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., Saints Andrew & Matthew, downtown Wilmington. Read a book and then share your thoughts with us. Join us one month or all months.
March 21: Take this Bread by Sara Miles.
April 18: Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman.
Majore Trio, Saturday, March 24, 2:00 p.m., at Trinity Church, downtown Wilmington featuring Rebecca Butler, piano;
Marie-Aline Cadieux, cello; and Johannes Dietrich, violin.
Register for Camp Arrowhead! Preparations are underway for the 2012 summer season at Camp Arrowhead, and registration is now open at www.CampArrowhead.net. The Camp Arrowhead 2012 brochure is also on the website. An open house will be held on Sunday, April 1, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
A Diocesan Appreciation and Thanksgiving for the Ministry of the Cathedral Church of Saint John, Wilmington, Saturday, May 19, 10:30 a.m. There will be a Choir School concert at 10:30 a.m. The liturgy begins at 11:00 a.m., and the Most Rev. Frank Griswold (25th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church) will preach. A reception will follow.
Small Church Conference, Monday–Thursday, May 28–31, at Shrine Mont Retreat Center, Orkney Springs, Virginia. Click here to see the flyer for this Episcopal Church Province III conference which features Susanna Metz (Small Church Ministry), Terry Parsons (Stewardship), Dent Davidson (Music & Liturgy), and Pattie Ames (Christian Formation & Education). The conference cost ($250 double / $275 single) includes room, meal, and program.
Send us your announcements!
We will put them here, in our monthly newspaper, and in the weekly email from the Bishop’s office. We especially want to hear of events and news items of wide interest such as awards, concerts, fundraisers, and special services. Click here to email us!