BCM on Social Media
BCM History
WHO WE ARE
Brandywine Collaborative Ministries (BCM) is a partnership of three congregations in Delaware: Grace Episcopal Church, Episcopal Church of the Ascension, and Calvary Episcopal Church. As partners with God and each other in mission to God’s world, we faithfully strive to:
- Live into and spread the Good News of God in Christ.
- Develop together relevant and vital ministries to reach Brandywine Hundred and beyond.
- Strengthen the mission and ministry of our three congregations.
BCM Clergy
Rev. Dr. Ketlen A. Solak – 1st Rector of the BCM
EpisccopaI Diocese of Pittsbufgh
IX Bishop of Pittsburgh
Brandywine Collaborative Ministries , Wilmington, DE
Covenant Rector, 2014 - 2018
Rector, 2019 - 2021
Formation of BCM
Rev. Dr,Ketlen Solak served as lead pastor and administrator of three Episcopal congregations engaged in covenant-based ministry, She joined the Diocese of Delaware charged with leading three Delaware congregations into becoming a cohesive community for effective, joint ministry. Ketlen, working with representatives from all 3 congregations (Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Calvary Episcopal Church and Grace Episcpal Church) casted a vision for developing and planning new worship services and educational programs, as well as for deepening engagement in pastoral care, fellowship and outreach initiatives.
Working with the Bradywine Collaborative Ministries (BCM) Council, 3 parish Vestries, parish staff and several ad hoc committees, Ketlen imagined, organized and developed an efficient administrativ structure and new ministry programs for BCM
Accomplishments at BCM
Ketlen led BCM to envision, create, and select platforms and processes to improve communication, including a new BCM logo and slogan (Serving Christ in Community), a new Website showcasing BCM as well as the individual parish Websites, a presence in social media (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram), electronic news distribution, live online broadcast of worship services, and various online meetings. Ketlen recruited volunteer and paid personnel to maintain/update Website, social media pages, and facilitate the sharing of electronic communications
Despite the huge changes needed to protect one another from the global COVID-19 pandemic, under Ketlen's leadership, relationships with outreach partners and new ways of working together were planned, developed and implemented.
BCM continued to nurture an ethos of year-around stewardship, leading the parishes to pull their resources to engage in joint annual giving Campaigns, started a planned giving program, adopted electronic giving, and organized programs centered on care for the environment. A highlight of Ketlen's tenure at BCM was to promote annual field trips to inspiring venues to nurture spirituality, deepen bond of fellowship, and increase social justice awareness amongst BCM members
The Rev. Dr. Ed Pease – Assistant to the BCM Rector
After serving churches in Massachusetts and Connecticut, the Rev. Edwin Pease joined the clergy staff of the Brandywine Collaborative Ministries in 2015 as semi-pemanent Supply Clergy.
In 2016 Father Ed took on more responsibilities as Assistant to the Rector. Along with the BCM Rector: the Rev.Ketlen Solak, Priest Associate the Rev. Christopher Moore, and Deacon and later Priest Associate the Rev. Marta Illuecca, he helped guide the Brandywine Collaborative Ministries in its early years.
Father Ed brought skills in liturgy and children’s ministry and helped redesign the liturgy of the three churches. He retired from the BCM in December 2018.
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Vanco Services provides an alternative way to give online to BCM, and Ascension, Calvary, and Grace churches. Click Tool button and select your gift recipient from the BCM member churches: Church of the Ascension, Calvary Church or Grace Church.