Ministries in Delaware

AIDS Delaware is Delaware's largest and oldest AIDS service organization provides statewide services and education; has 20+ full and part-time employees, and over 100 volunteers. Maureen Lyons is their representative to the Diocese.

Anamchara Fellowship is an expression of monasticism. It is an ecumenical endeavor, with a Celtic spirit, that welcomes men and women, clergy and lay, married, single, or partnered. Members live in their own homes and are self supporting. Ministry focuses on catechesis, pastoral care, and spiritual direction. Episcopal members include Sisters Barbara Jean Brown, Sheila Brigid Sharpe, and Julian Wilson.

Commission on Ministry is an advisory group to Bishop Wright, this nine-member Commission works on several fronts including the interview and discernment process with persons considering ordained ministry.

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 someone to address your church or other group, please call 410-747-2050.

Deacons in the Episcopal Church are one of the four orders of ministry, along with lay persons, bishops and priests.

The Delaware Ecumenical Council on Children and Families helps improve the health, safety and wellness of Delaware children, elderly and families.

Education for Ministry is a program of theological education-at-a-distance of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Affectionately known as EFM, students sign up one year at a time for this 4-year program. It covers the basics of a theological education in the Old and New Testaments, church history, liturgy, and theology. Students meet regularly, usually once a week, in seminars under the guidance of trained mentors.

The Delaware Chapter of Episcopal Church Women (ECW) meets annually in October for a day of fellowship, learning and service.

Habitat for Humanity, New Castle County has built 114 homes in the City of Wilmington, Middletown, Newark, New Castle, St. Georges and elsewhere in the county since 1986. E-newsletter sign up is on their website. Their Habitat ReStore retail outlet in Wilmington sells new and used home improvement and renovation supplies at good prices. This includes new and gently used appliance, kitchen cabinets, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, windows and more. The ReStore offers a pick-up service for donations, which are tax-deductible.

Health Ministries in the Diocese of Delaware is headed by Sue Meyer, our diocesan health ministry coordinator and our liaison with the national Episcopal Health Ministries, a vital ministry to our denomination. 

Interfaith Resource Center encourages and equips congregations by providing support and resources. Their on-line database lists most of what they have and it is searchable. Curricula are available for Adult Ed, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School. Located north of Wilmington next to St. Albans.

Memorial House is a retreat house with many rooms in Rehoboth Beach near the ocean. Delicious meals are prepared by the staff. All this is available for church retreats and other occasions. Off-season weekday rentals for meetings and banquets are especially encouraged.

Next-to-New Shop is a popular thrift shop on Market Street in Wilmington, just around the corner from the Episcopal Church of Saint John. This ministry accepts donations of clothing, kitchen ware, bath ware and more. It then sells them at reasonable prices.

Parish Life Day is a November gathering of the Diocese of Delaware for wonderful fellowship, good food, exhibit browsing (and some Christmas shopping), and educational workshops.

Episcopal Peace Fellowship is a chapter of the national Episcopal organization.

Pilot Congregation is an intentional, racially diverse group meets to further racial understanding, fight racism, and share in the Eucharist.

Seamen's Center of Wilmington serves approximately 500 ships annually, representing more than 80 countries. One of their most active volunteers is Bill Corbishley.

Spiritual Companions of the Diocese of Delaware encourages the revival of ancient spiritual practices such as retreats, contemplative prayer in worship services, centering prayer groups, labyrinths, and days of quiet reflection. Resource personnel from this group are available to parishes.

The Way Home is designed to help ex-offenders being released from Sussex Correctional Institution and other institutions make a successful transition back into the community. The program works with the community, the Delaware Department of Corrections, and civic and faith-based groups. Formerly affiliated with the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware, The Way Home became an independent non-profit organization in 2006.

Youth Ministry is a group of dedicated volunteers who arrange programs and activities for Delaware Episcopalian youth, as well as support for Christian Educators throughout the state.