News, Upcoming Events, Want Ads
FROM THE BISHOP
Click here to see the most recent weekly message from the Bishop.
Have you heard about the 2009 Bishop’s Mission Fund? This year, we are expanding the outreach of Camp Arrowhead. Click here to learn more. You can make an secure on-line donation using your credit card.
General Convention
76th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, July 8-17, 2009, Anaheim, California.
Live from General Convention: Reports from Delaware's Delegation, July 8-17, 2009. Follow the bishop and the deputies from Delaware as they share "real time" insights and images from Anaheim. For details, check this website as the event nears.
News
News Items:
Swine flu update 6/29: Sue Meyer, Diocesan Health Ministry Coordinator, offers some simple methods to reduce your chance of getting this and other diseases. Avoiding the communion cup is not one of them. Click here to learn more and to find a link to the CDC website.
Wanted: Asst. Property Manager, full time, at Trinity Parish, Wilmington. Click here for details.
Tanisha Julius, a member of Saints Andrew and Matthew, arrived in Ghana on June 13 and began her blog two days later.44 Million Pennies: Episcopal Peace Fellowship of Delaware is collecting 44 million pennies - one for each civilian life lost in violent conflict over the past 50 years. The money raised will be presented at the fellowship’s Witness for the Innocents service on November 2, and donated to an agency working to assist civilians at risk due to violent conflict.
Jay Angerer has been called to a new ministry in New Orleans, LA. His last Sunday at Good Shepherd will be July 26, 2009. Click here to read the letter he wrote to his congregation.
Memorial House is still accepting reservations for the following weeks:
July 3-10
August 14-21
August 21-28
August 28-September 4
Click here for details or to make a reservation. [posted 6/23]
Graduating Seniors going to University of Delaware? If you have graduating seniors in your parish who will be attending the University of Delaware next fall, Episcopal Campus Ministry wants to know! Our active program operates out of St. Thomas’ Parish, just across the street from the main campus, and we are always happy to welcome new students. Many of our members were active in youth ministry in the diocese of Delaware, and may be known to your students! Please commend your incoming UD students to Father Paul Gennett at St. Thomas’ Parish by calling 368-4644.
Updated 4/27: the Supply Clergy List is now posted on this website.
Cycle of Prayer 2008-2009. Pray each week for a different parish. [4/30/2009]
Homeless in Wilmington: An hour-by-hour account of a "30-Hour Famine Weekend" youth retreat in February, 2009 in downtown Wilmington, Delaware. Walking in the shoes of the homeless.
Just added 4/22: Active Lay Personnel Handbook 2009. This document states current policies and procedures for all active lay employees of the Diocese of Delaware. The appendix includes forms for extended benefits and personnel evaluation, as well as a harassment incident investigation form. [4/22/2009]
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori visits Delaware: Visit the Home page of this website for links to the text of her sermon, photographs by four photographers, audio recordings, and a newspaper article.
Movie available: Traces of the Trade. The Interfaith Resource Center has two copies of this film. To schedule borrowing a copy of Traces of the Trade, or to learn more, contact the Resource Center
The 2009 Narrative Budget discusses new initiatives within the diocese, mission partnerships, education and youth ministries, diocesan task forces, leadership recruiting and training, diocesan committees and commissions, communications, global and national ministries, and highlights of our budget.
62 Photos from the Annual Convention
Election results of the 224th Annual Convention of the Diocese, and the resolutions passed by the delegates.
Vacation Bible Schools in Delaware, Summer, 2009 are now being listed on the Schools page of this website.
See the April issue of our newspaper, the Diocesan Communion.
Summer Food Service Program available to churches: Private nonprofit organizations, such as churches and other faith-based organizations, have unique opportunities to feed children through the SFSP at activities that may already be in place. Vacation Bible Schools, evening or Saturday classes or activities, and even Sunday school classes are all times when children could receive a nutritious meal through this program. For details, please call 735-4060 or visit the website: www.doe.k12.de.us.
Photos of the Feb. 28 Ecumenical Celebration of Absalom Jones and Richard Allen. Click here to see the 15 photos taken by Judi Gregory.
Free Financial Counseling Seminar at your Church! Jim Harris, Director of Education at Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Maryland and Delaware, offers free financial education seminars to help people overcome the anxiety of losing control of their finances. "We can help people develop the skills they need to transcend the current economy. The key is to motivate them to learn the skills needed and to understand that avoiding financial issues is not the solution." To arrange for Jim Harris to address your church, please call 410-747-2050. [posted 12/5/2008]
Photos of Bishop Gene Robinson's visit to Delaware on November 11, 2008.
Cecily Sawyer-Harmon writes about her experience as a postulant to the order of deacons.
The Rev. Ed Godden's comments on the Episcopal Church's recent National Service of Repentance. [10/30/2008]
Online Listing of Books and Other Resources. The Interfaith Resource Center not only has its catalog on-line but now lists its recent acquisitions as searchable PDF documents. [9/11/2008]
Health Care for everyone in Delaware? Click here to learn of statewide efforts to provide health care to those currently without health insurance. The Community Healthcare Access Program, or CHAP, is operated by the Delaware Health Care Commission in collaboration with the Medical Society of Delaware.
Episcopal Relief and Development responds to floods, famines, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Click here to learn how churches and individuals can help those affected by these and other disasters.
Need A Great Gift? Try the Gifts for Life on-line catalog on the Episcopal Relief and Development’s website. Through Gifts for Life you can help achieve the Millennium Development Goals by purchasing malaria nets or livestock, providing clean water or micro-credit loans, or educating orphans of AIDS. ERD is also a great option to consider when making your year-end giving plans, as their work continues to be invaluable not only in combating world poverty but also in responding to disasters like Katrina and the California wild fires. Tax deductible gifts can be mailed to ERD, P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.
About Our Clergy
Click here to see who is new to the diocese, or in new service, as well as a list of clergy events for 2009.
Upcoming EVENTS
Click here to see the Bishop's Calendar.
Upcoming Events by Date:
These events are subject to change without notice, so please call ahead for confirmation.
Vacation Bible Schools offered this summer in Delaware: click here to learn more.
Choral Concert, Thursday, July 2, 7:00 p.m., at St. George’s Chapel, Harbeson. The performance will also involve parish youth and instrumental music as well, including The Battle of Trenton by James Hewitt (1770-1827), an organ work perfectly suited to our colonial architecture and period organ.
St. Peter's, Lewes, 43rd Annual Art Show, July 4, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wonderful paintings and photographs, exquisite jewelry, masterful carvings, beautiful ceramics and mixed media creations from 140 artists and craftspeople in booths around St. Peter’s Square. The event benefits local charities; parking and admission is free. For details, click here.
Worship at Old Christ Church, Laurel, Sundays through October 4, 9:30 a.m. Old Christ Church is one of only about a dozen churches on the Atlantic coast that predate the revolution and that have never been painted, plumbed, heated or electrified. One steps into another dimension of time when one crosses the threshold of this centuries-old church.On Saturday, July 4, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m., Old Christ Church will be open for tours. For details, call 875-3644.
Live from General Convention: Reports from Delaware's Delegation, July 8-17, 2009. Follow the bishop and the deputies from Delaware as they share "real time" insights and images from Anaheim. For details, check the General Convention page on this website as the event nears.
General Convention Webcast, Wednesday, July 8, 9:15 p.m. Economic issues facing the world will be addressed by a forum including Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, House of Deputies President Bonnie Anderson, and three prominent lay leaders in the Anglican Communion. "Christian Faithfulness in the Global Economic Crisis" will be webcast live. For details, click here to see the Episcopal website.
In Concert: The Chapel Choir of Cheltenham College, England, Friday, July 10, 8:00 p.m., at Christ Church Christiana Hundred. Under the direction of Alexander Ffinch. Free, with a goodwill offering taken to defer the cost of the students' tour.
In Concert: The Choir of Christ’s College, Cambridge, England, Monday, July 13, 8:00 p.m., at Christ Church Christiana Hundred. 28 voices under the direction of Julian Black. Free, with a goodwill offering taken to defer the cost of the students' tour.
St. Paul’s, Camden, Annual Picnic, Sunday, July 26, 10:00 a.m., at Wyoming Park in Wyoming, DE. Meat for BBQ and drinks will be provided, just bring a side dish item or dessert. It begins with Eucharist followed by BBQ and fun. Please come and enjoy the day. For details, call 697-7904.
Education for Ministry Reception and Social Gathering, Monday, July 27, 7:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Church, Lewes. An introduction to theological reflection and to the EFM Curriculum for EfM will be presented, plus a discussion with current & past participants. Refreshments of wine and light food will be served. Classes are currently held at St. Peter’s Church, Lewes, and All Saints Church, Rehoboth, with Kay Schechinger and Marj Lewis as their mentors. The mentor’s role is to guide classes in theological reflection. The University of the South’s Seminary provides text books to cover the material and participants learn from each other in discussion. The Rev. Perren Hayes will co-mentor the group in Lewes and provide leadership in Liturgy, Prayer and Eucharistic Rites. RSVP to St. Peter's Church by July 24, at 645-8479.
60th Fine Antiques Show, Wednesday, July 29, through Saturday, August 1, sponsored by All Saints, Rehoboth Beach and held at the Rehoboth Convention Center. For details of the All Saints Antique Show, see page 3 of their July / August newsletter.
All Saints' & St. George's summer course, "The Mystical Roots of Christianity," Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., through July 29, at All Saints', Rehoboth Beach. Examine the mystical roots of Christianity, starting with the Old Testament prophets, continuing with Jesus and Paul, and leading up to the classical age of mysticism, exemplified by Francis of Assisi and St. John of the Cross. We will look at female mystics, such as Hildegard of Bingen and St. Teresa of Avila, and conclude with such contemporary figures as Thomas Merton and Teilhard de Chardin. For details, see page 2 of All Saints' June newsletter.
Mini Work Camp set for Camp Arrowhead, August 12-15. Come join the fun and make the homes of the underserved safer for them. For details, call All Saints, Rehoboth Beach at 227-7202 or Tom McCormick at 249-4517.
Summer Spirituality Series, Thursdays, 7:00 p.m., through August 27, at St. Peter's, Lewes, in the Parish Hall. Discussion will be followed by King’s ice cream. Topics vary from "The New Monasticism" to "The Spirituality of Imperfection" to "The Pinnacles & Pitfalls of 20th Century Theology". For details, including a calendar of topics and speakers, see page 6 of the June newsletter on the St. Peter's website, or call 645-9916.
ECW’s outreach project: Women’s Prison Ministry, September 8 - October 10. Please start collecting travel size toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, lotions, soaps, for the women. Three collection points available September 8 to October 10: New Castle County: St. James, Newport, Kent County: Christ Church Milford, Sussex County: St. John the Baptist, Milton. Or call Beth FitzPatrick at 529-1766 to arrange a pickup from your church.
Fall Fair and Flea Market, Saturday, September 26, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at St. James, Newport. You are encouraged to rent a Flea Market table or donate your attic treasures. For details, call 994-2029.
Clergy Conference: Planning for Tomorrow and Enriching Your Retirement, October 9 and 10. The Diocese of Delaware will join with the Diocese of Easton to host this event, which is organized and sponsored by the Church Pension Fund. The conference is open to clergy from both dioceses. Spouses and partners are encouraged to attend. The conference will take place at the Christiana Hilton, 100 Continental Dr, Newark, DE. The Church Pension Fund staff will mail out all invitations. Registration will be done online. Please reserve the dates now and plan to attend.
Delware Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Fall Meeting, Saturday, October 17, 8:30 a.m., at Christ Church, Dover. Registration begins at 8:30 followed by a program, lunch, fellowship and Eucharist celebrated by Bishop Wright. This year's ECW Outreach Project is Women's Prison Ministry. Click here to learn more.
Choral Evensong, Sunday, October 18, 4:00 p.m., at Cathedral Church of Saint John, Wilmington. Darryl Roland, conductor. There will also be a 10:30 a.m. Choral Eucharist earlier in the day. For details, call 654-6279.
Choral Evensong, Sunday, November 15, 4:00 p.m., at Cathedral Church of Saint John, Wilmington. Combined choirs with Choral Scholars from St. Andrew's School, Darryl Roland and Gary Harney, conductors. For details, call 654-6279.
Advent Lessons and Carols, Sunday, December 13, 4:00 p.m., at St. Anne’s Church, Middletown, with the Cathedral Choir School of Delaware, Darryl Roland, conductor. For details, call 654-6279.
Concert to Benefit the Cathedral Choir School's Piano Program, Sunday, March 7, 2010, 4:00 p.m., at First and Central Presbyterian Church, Wilmington. (Ticketed Event) with Darryl Roland, conductor and special guest artists. For details, call 654-6279.
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!
Upcoming Events Outside Delaware
Sewanee Church Music Conference, July 13-19, at the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee. Click here for details of this music conference for organists, choir directors and clergy from all over the United States.
Pilgrimage to Ireland: A Celtic Expedition of Poetic Proportions, July 24 - August 3, 2009. Led by Sisters Barbara Jean Brown & Julian Wilson of the Anamchara Fellowship, with Dr. Laura Dabundo, professor of English at Kennisaw State University. The pilgrimage includes reflections on Irish poetry and historical and theological perspectives of Celtic Christianity, with daily prayer and opportunities for Holy Eucharist throughout the journey. For details of this summer 2009 pilgrimage, click here.
Wilderness Wanderings and Meditative Meanderings, September 13-19, 2009. For details of this pilgrimage by canoe in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada, visit the Oasis website. Recommended by Fr. Paul Gennett. Register by June 1, 2009!
30th Annual National Acolyte Festival, Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The Diocese of Delaware is encouraging all parishes to send a contingent of acolytes to represent the parishes and the diocese at the festival. Click here for details of the trip as well as a transportation registration form, or call Adele Meredith at 366-1478 or 750-4867.
Travel to Egypt with Oasis and J. Philip Newell, January 28 - February 6, 2010. For details of this pilgrimage to Egypt, visit the Oasis website. Recommended by Fr. Paul Gennett. Register by June 1, 2009!
WANT ADS
WANTED: Asst. Property Manager, full time, to work at Trinity Episcopal Church, Wilmington. Applicant should have 2-5 years custodial/maintenance experience, basic knowledge of mechanics. Must be available as back-up for Property Mgr weekends/nights as needed. Good communication skills and ability to work with diverse people essential. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required. Apply at Trinity Episcopal Church, 11th and Adams Streets, Wilm. 19801 Mon-Fri 9-3. No phone calls! [posted 6/18/2009]
Bishop's message to clergy interested in the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware.
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