A WEEKLY eNEWSLETTER AND OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN DELAWARE |
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Diocesan UpdatesFrom Bishop Brown |
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Bishop Brown Joins Call to
Support Temporary Protected Status for HaitiBishop Kevin S. Brown has joined bishops from across The Episcopal Church in signing letters to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Senators Chuck Grassley and John Thune urging support for S. 4814, legislation that would designate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. The companion bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year. In addition, Bishop Brown and Alan Yarborough, director of Government Relations for The Episcopal Church, have sent a letter to Delaware’s Senators, Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester, informing them of the bishop’s participation and sharing copies of all three letters bearing Bishop Brown’s signature. While The Episcopal Church continues to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform, including improvements to the TPS program itself, the immediate needs of more than 330,000 Haitians currently eligible for protection make timely congressional action especially important. Spotlight Delaware recently reported, “There are at least 5,000 Haitian residents who have established a growing sense of community through churches, businesses, and homeownership in Delaware. Today, they are among the fastest-growing immigrant populations in the state.” As people of faith, we are called to stand with our neighbors and seek the dignity and well-being of all people. We invite you to pray for Haitian communities, including those here in Delaware. We also encourage you to learn more about S. 4814 and contact members of Congress to share your support for a humane and compassionate response for Haitian families seeking stability and protection. |
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Looking Ahead: Diocesan-wide ConversationsOpportunities and Challenges Facing our Parishes Today
In response to Resolution #241-03, Recognizing Changing Realities and Supporting All Congregations in the Episcopal Church in Delaware, adopted at last year’s diocesan convention, the bishop and Diocesan Council will launch a series of listening and discernment sessions across Delaware in the coming months.
These gatherings will invite clergy and laity from every congregation to share the unique joys, opportunities, and challenges of parish life. Through these conversations, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the distinct realities of our congregations and identify meaningful ways to strengthen and support one another as one Church in Delaware. Facilitated by Wil Sherk, an experienced consultant serving churches and nonprofit organizations, six sessions will be offered both in person and on Zoom, with separate opportunities for clergy and laity to participate. The insights gathered will help shape future diocesan resources and initiatives, allowing support to be tailored to the needs and opportunities identified by our congregations themselves. We encourage every congregation to participate in this important conversation. Dates, locations, and registration information will be announced in the coming weeks. |
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Just a Summer SundaySt. Thomas’s Episcopal ChurchA beautiful Sunday at St. Thomas‘s Episcopal Church in Newark Delaware. This quick reel captures just a glimpse of a service filled with God‘s faithfulness. Baptisms, guest preacher (Kristin Sausville), visiting presbyter from India, and a prayer shawl presented to a recent high school graduate before heading off to college. Share your moments with us! We’re always looking for photos and video clips that capture the life of our parishes and ministries. If you have fun, meaningful, or memorable images or video clips that tell the story of your church community, we’d love to feature them in future reels. Together, let’s continue sharing the joy of life across the Episcopal Church in Delaware. www.delaware.church |
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Click here to watch the 14-second reel on YouTube from a Sunday Service at St. Thomas’s Parish in Newark, Delaware |
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‘Snippets and Clippets’A Little Bit of Delaware Church Life |
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Have you been seeing those little glimpses of life across the Episcopal Church in Delaware popping up on Instagram, Facebook, or in The Net? The Sunday smiles, ministry moments, joyful gatherings, beautiful worship, and all the wonderful “in-between” moments that make our diocese us? We’ve gathered several of those reels into one place: Snippets and Clippets! (Yes, we had a little fun with the name.) This collection is a growing scrapbook of sorts — a place to celebrate the people, places, and moments that make our churches across Delaware vibrant communities of faith — one Church in Delaware. Whether you’re a longtime member, a curious newcomer, or simply want to see what’s happening around the diocese, you can now enjoy these little clips all in one place at www.delaware.church. And we want your church to be part of the fun! Have a photo, video clip, or a moment that captures your congregation’s life and ministry? Send it our way, and it may become the next Snippet or Clippet we share with the wider Episcopal Church in Delaware. Send to communications@delaware.church. Together, we can keep telling the story of who we are, what we do, and why it matters — keeping the message of the Episcopal Church in Delaware visible and connected to the people we hope to reach. View Snippets and Clippets here. |
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Silent Vigil for PeaceEach Sunday, members of the Lewes community gather for a Silent Vigil for Peace, offering a quiet public witness through prayerful presence and reflection. The current vigil began meeting the day after the US/Israeli war with Iran began, and has continued each week for the past six months. Organized by a small group of friends rather than any formal organization, the vigil welcomes all who wish to stand for peace. Several members of St. Peter’s Church in Lewes, participate regularly. The Rev. Canon Mark Harris opens and closes the 45-minute vigil with the ringing of a meditation bell, followed by a brief opportunity to share information about upcoming community events and other peace-focused gatherings. The Lewes Silent Vigil for Peace has a long history of responding to times of conflict and concern. Similar vigils have been held in support of peace in Ukraine, in response to the detention of immigrant children, in affirmation of constitutional principles, and for more than four years as a witness to the lives lost during the Iraq War. |
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Position Opening: Associate Rector for Formation and Justice & Diocesan Missioner for Racial Justice and Reconciliation |
The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew and the Episcopal Church in Delaware are seeking an ordained priest or transitional deacon to serve in a new shared ministry that brings together parish leadership and diocesan mission. Building on the diocese’s commitment to racial justice and reconciliation, this collaborative position will serve concurrently as Associate Rector for Formation and Justice at SsAM and as Diocesan Missioner for Racial Justice and Reconciliation. Grounded in parish life while serving as a resource across the diocese, this leader will help form disciples, foster beloved community, and inspire faithful engagement with the work of racial justice and reconciliation. We are seeking someone who is ready to help lead transformational ministry rooted in the life-changing witness of the Gospel. To learn more about the position, qualifications, and how to apply, please view the full job description here. |
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‘Link’ in to our community |
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