2012:
Bishop Wayne Wright
This Week
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Photo by Dreme Whitehurst.
February 2, 2012
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.
Faithfully, Wayne Wright, Bishop of Delaware
February 1, 2012
At last week's Priest's Conference there was much conversation about how to become more knowledgeable and involved in ministries to immigrants and their families. I promised to write something about opportunities here in Delaware.
In New Castle County, by far, the best opportunity to learn about immigration and related issues is to visit the Latino congregation at Trinity Parish, Wilmington. For almost 20 years, Trinity has been the home for Spanish-speaking ministry in Center City Wilmington. The growing congregation serves as a hub for outreach and service to this community. Be in touch with Juan George or Patty Downing if you would like to learn more.
In the mid-1990s, our diocese played an important role in helping to found La Esperanza, a community service organization for the immigrant community in Sussex County. La Esperanza is based in Georgetown and offers a wide variety of programs and services. This vital ministry still needs our involvement and support.
Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) is a program of the Episcopal Church. Last year EMM assisted 3,600 refugees in finding new homes here in the United States. There are always opportunities for local congregations, families, and individuals to become involved. Here is a link to the website of this nationally recognized ministry of our church:
This coming Sunday I will be visiting St. David's, Brandywine Hundred.
Faithfully, Wayne Wright, Bishop of Delaware
January 26, 2012
Thanks to everyone for making it a priority to attend the ordinations this past weekend. We are grateful to St. Anne's School, All Saints', Delmar, and St. Philip's, Laurel for their hospitality and warm welcome. Our prayers are with Gary Taylor and Ken Athey as they begin their new ministries.
The Middletown Transcript had an excellent article about the ordination of Gary Taylor at St. Anne's. Click here to take a look. We will post photos from Ken Athey's ordination on this website when they become available.
It was good being with our priests for the annual Winter Conference. Our theme this year was "Creativity." Thanks go to Cynde Bimbi and the Priestly Formation Committee for all that they do to make this event possible.
On the conference's second evening we watched the movie "The Visitor." This sparked conversation about our church and the need to be involved in immigrant and migration ministries. Next week I will share more detailed information about opportunities here in Delaware.
Elizabeth Masterson reminded us about Maria and Joseph Tucker and their mission to Sierra Leone. I recently received a report from them about their mission trip to the Diocese of Bo, Sierra Leone. The Tuckers were able to stay in Sierra Leone from almost six months. On this trip they focused on developing a sustainable agriculture program. Working with the Parish of St. Stephen's, they started a farm project to increase production of rice, cassava, and bananas. They established a fund to assist in purchasing seeds and helped to buy a small plot of land to grow seedlings for transplantation on neighboring farms. The civil war in Sierra Leone significantly affected the nation's ability to feed itself. Programs like these are vitally important in the ongoing recovery. The Tuckers mission to Sierra Leone is supported by the Episcopal Church and by many Episcopalians here in Delaware. We are happy that the Tuckers have returned after such a successful trip.
This coming Sunday I will be visiting St. Luke's, Seaford.
January 18, 2012
"And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8
This morning's Wilmington News Journal announced that Governor Markell has commuted the death sentence of Robert A. Gattis. Underlining the importance of Markell's decision, the News Journal reminded readers that this "is the first time in modern memory, and perhaps the first time ever, that a Delaware governor has commuted a death sentence to life in prison." In making his decision, the governor cited the "unusual and perhaps historic" recommendation of the Delaware Board of Pardons to offer Gattis mercy.
Underlying these decisions was months of preparation and advocacy by the pro bono attorneys representing Robert Gattis. Citizens from around Delaware including inter-faith leaders and members of the Episcopal Church petitioned our governor and the Board of Pardons to take this step. Such commitment and dedication are to be commended and appreciated.
The words of the ancient Hebrew prophet, Micah, continue to echo down the ages. While societies must live justly, we must also love mercy. Today these words have been fulfilled in our midst. Thanks be to God.
Dustin Trowbridge has accepted a call to serve as priest-in-charge of St. George's, Newburgh and St. Thomas', New Windsor. Both of these parishes are in the Diocese of New York. He will begin his new ministry this coming Lent. Dustin was ordained to the priesthood here in Delaware and has been serving as priest associate at Trinity Parish, Wilmington. We wish him the very best and many blessings in this new ministry.
The coming Sunday I will be visiting St. Albans, Brandywine Hundred.
Faithfully, Wayne Wright, Bishop of Delaware
January 11, 2012
Greetings! I hope that everyone enjoyed a very good holiday season. We look forward to many blessings in this new calendar year.
There are several important events coming up in the next weeks. Don't forget that we have two ordinations scheduled in the middle of this month. On Friday, January 20, 1:30 pm Gary Taylor will be ordained to the priesthood at St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middletown. Gary will be serving as chaplain at St. Anne's School. He is from the Diocese of Connecticut and recently graduated from Virginia Seminary. Dean Ian Markham will be the preacher. On Saturday, January 21 at 11 a.m. Ken Athey will be ordained to the priesthood at All Saints Church, Delmar. Ken is also a graduate of Virginia Seminary. He will be serving at All Saints following his ordination. Oran Warder, an old friend of our diocese, will be the preacher. The presence of clergy from around the diocese at these events is a great blessing. We look forward to seeing you.
The annual Winter Priest's Conference is coming up at the Pendle Hill Conference Center, January 23-35. This event has become increasingly important in strengthening the spirit of collegiality among our clergy here in Delaware. Thanks to the diocesan Priestly Formation Committee and to Cynde Bimbi for all that they do to make this possible.
I am happy to report that during 2011 Episcopalians across Delaware have contributed $19,204.00 to the Bishop's Mission Fund – a very significant amount. This year's collection is being sent to the Diocese of Haiti. It will help rebuild Episcopal churches and other ministries damaged in the recent devastating earthquake. Thank you for encouraging so many to support the Bishop's Mission Fund and thanks to all for your generous gifts.
Two of our congregations, St. Peter's, Smyrna and Immanuel on the Green, New Castle have begun interviewing candidates to serve as their next rector. Please keep these congregations and the candidates in your prayers during such an important time.
This coming Sunday I will be visiting St. James' Church, Newport.
Faithfully, Wayne Wright, Bishop of Delaware
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