April 29, 2026

Jesus, our way, our truth, and our life: As the gift of this new day unfolds, open our hearts and minds to you, that we may see you clearly and follow where you lead; to you, risen Savior, we offer praise, now and always. Amen.

from Daily Prayer for all Seasons.

A Message from the Rector

Dear Friends in Christ,

In the Broadway play Godspell you hear the famous song, “Day by Day”:

“Day by day, O dear Lord, of thee three things I pray: to see thee more clearly, to love thee more dearly, to follow thee more nearly, day by day.” 

It’s also in our Episcopal Hymnal #654.

Many people don’t know that it’s actually a prayer attributed to Richard of Chichester in the 13^th century. Richard was an Anglican priest and a Bishop in the Church of England. He worked to heal the broken relationship between the Pope (Innocent IV) and the King of England (Henry III) in the year 1246. It is said Richard’s “day by day” prayer brought about healing in their relationship.

Here’s the full text of Richard’s prayer:

“Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits thou hast given me. For all the pains and insults thou hast born for me. O most merciful Redeemer, friend and brother, may I see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly day by day.” 

It is said he recited this prayer on his deathbed surrounded by the clergy of his diocese.

Do we want healing in broken relationships today? Offer Richard’s prayer, “to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly day by day.”

Faithfully,

Fr. Robert Harvey 

Fellowship Fiesta Event

This Friday May 1, 2026, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

in Hughson Hall    

Please join us for an “Uno de Mayo” evening of special Mexican-themed food and fun. Our menu will include an appetizer of taco chips, salsa and/or guacamole. Dinner will feature make-your-own ground beef tacos and chicken flautas (crunchy “flutes” of chicken-filled tortillas) and end with cinnamon sugar churros and a special refrigerator cake called Carlota de Limon. Virgin margaritas, which you may enhance with BYOB, will be available. 

This will be a free, family-friendly evening. There will be activities for the children and a piñata.

Episcopal 101 - Saturday, May 2

At our Annual Parish Meeting last January, parishioners expressed an interest in learning more about what it means to be Episcopalian. Fr. Robert Harvey will conduct a 3-hour class about the Episcopal faith and church on Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Reception Room for newcomers or anyone who wishes to receive a refresher course. This course is NOT a preparation for confirmation or reception. Please sign up here or in the Reception Room.

Stitch Buffalo Collection Drive and Pop Up Sale

Don't forget: the collection drive for Stitch Buffalo's Second Stitch sustainability program ends this Sunday May 3. Please follow these guidelines on acceptable textile craft donations and drop them off at Calvary's Reception Room. Many thanks to everyone who sorted through their stash and donated to this drive!

Come support the Stitch Buffalo Pop-Up Sale at Calvary this Sunday after the 8 and 10 am services. The sale features handcrafted items made by refugee women.

Choral Evensong Sunday May 3 at 4 p.m.

Choral Evensong is a peaceful way to close the day, and a lovely way to wrap up Calvary's 2025-2026 Great Music Season. This meditative service led by Roland Martin and the Calvary Choir includes sung psalms, canticles and prayers for the end of the day.

Hands to Hearts Meeting

Calvary's Hands to Hearts knitting and crocheting group will meet next Wednesday, May 6 at 11 a.m.

Pastoral Care Ministries Meeting

May 12 at 5:30 – 7:00 pm

The Pastoral Care Ministries include: The Prayer Chain, Funeral Receptions, The Altar Flower Ministry, Hands 2 Hearts, The Pet Ministry, Congregational Care, The Parent Ministry/Mothers Prayers, Good Grief, and Eucharistic Visitors. If you are interested in learning about any of these ministries and how we serve our parish and the community, please join us in the Reception Room to discuss our on-going activities and new plans. Please contact Elizabeth Harten with any questions or if you are unable to attend the meeting.

Safety Training

The safety and well-being of our parish community is always a top priority. In that spirit, we want to make you aware of an important opportunity to become better prepared in the event of an emergency.

Erie County is offering an Active Shooter Safety Program designed to provide practical guidance on how to respond in a crisis situation. The program covers key principles such as situational awareness, response options, and how to assist others until first responders arrive. While we hope such knowledge is never needed, being informed can make a critical difference.

We strongly encourage all parishioners—ushers, greeters, ministry leaders, parents, and anyone who regularly attends services or events—to receive this training. Dates, locations and registration information may be found here. This is a valuable opportunity to equip ourselves with knowledge that can help protect one another and strengthen our shared sense of preparedness.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the church office.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the safety and care of our Calvary community.

Faithfully yours, 

Fr. Robert, Bryan and Dennis

Stewardship

At last Sunday’s 10:00 service, we announced a Stewardship sponsored ‘miniseries’ that will highlight various Parish Ministries during announcement time at that service. Pastoral Care kicked off this Committee focus, with Liz Harten telling us about the Ministry, and those involved in the work being blessed by Father Robert. If you missed what Liz had to say, read it here.

Next Sunday, Fellowship will be the focus, with Lorrie Archdeacon and Amy Gorney telling us about their work, and mentioning those involved to be blessed. So, stay tuned to hear more about what goes on in our Parish, and how you might engage in some of these areas!

Faithfully,

Janet Metcalfe 

Prayer Chain

One of the most powerful things we can do for one another is pray. Each week, Calvary sends out a list of first names of those who could use the extra boost of prayer. Names stay on the list for four weeks unless otherwise requested.

Sandra McCarthy has taken over responsibility for the prayer chain. Send prayer requests to Sandra at sandramccar@gmail.com. If you would like to join the group of those who offer prayer, please let Sandra know.

A Baptism at Calvary

Last year, Calvary Church celebrated only one baptism, but so far this year, Calvary expects to celebrate six baptisms by June. The baptism of Wells Ellis Kryder last Sunday was extra special because he is the great grandson of the Reverend Ed Kryder, who was Calvary's rector for 27 years. Wells' great uncle, the Reverend Tom Kryder presided over the baptism. Welcome to our church family, Wells Ellis Kryder!

A Calvary Youth in the News

Kiran Sastry, a student at Maple East Elementary and a parishioner at Calvary, was featured in last Saturday's edition of the Buffalo News. His lobbying for an outdoor 30-minute winter recess play day has started a bill circulating in the State Capitol. Read more about his story.

2026 Areas of Ministry & Vestry Liaisons

Each area of ministry at Calvary is assigned a Vestry member liaison. The liaison serves as an intermediary between the committee and the whole Vestry. These are the liaison assignments for 2026:

• Worship & Music - Janet Newall and Fr. Robert Harvey
• Christian Formation -
• Adult Education - Ryan Fleming
• Children's Education - Ted Andrews
• Fellowship - Howard Craig
• Pastoral Care - Karen Davidson
• Outreach - Karen Davidson
• Communications - Helen Cochran and Laurie Kaiser
• Property - Bryan Gorney
• Giving/Development - Dennis McCoy and Janet Metcalfe
• Finance - Guy Whalen

A Prayer for our Bishop Search

Gracious God, we give thanks for your loving care for the people of the Diocese of Western New York and the members of the Bishop’s Search and Transition Committees. Give us wisdom and understanding as we discern your will. We ask for the gifts of honesty, to speak the truth in love; openness to the gifts and ideas of others and to the Holy Spirit; and willingness, to see your Light shining among us and on the path ahead. Prepare for our Diocese a bishop who will be a faithful pastor, and equip us for the ministries to which we are called in these changing times. Help us to love and serve your world and one another in the Spirit of Christ, trusting in you to be our steadfast helper and guide. Amen.

Diocesan and Church News



• For more news about the Diocese of WNY and to sign up for emailed newsletters, go here.
• The Episcopal Church website offers resources for individuals, congregations, and various ministries. 

Worship at Calvary

In-person worship

• Sunday 8 a.m. Holy Communion
• Sunday 10 a.m. Holy Communion. This worship service is also live streamed.
• Saturday, 4 p.m. Holy Communion
• Wednesday, 7 a.m. Holy Communion

Online worship

• Sunday 10 a.m. Holy Communion is also live streamed. The link to Calvary's 10 a.m. service can be found on the Calvary website or streamed on Facebook and YouTube. All three places will have the recording to watch later.

Attendance

On April 26, online viewers for the 10 a.m. service came from NY, MA, and OH.

Merciful God, prone as we are to blame others and to hate ourselves, take from our eyes the dust that blinds us, that we may treat one another by the light of your compassion, and in the Spirit of Jesus Christ who is the Light of the world.

from The Book of a Thousand Prayers.