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REST IN PEACE
THE REV. MONA GADDIS
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The Rev. Mona Gaddis, a retired deacon in the Diocese of WNY, died on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Mona served as deacon at Calvary, Williamsville. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul's, Harris Hill on May 17, 2025 (time TBA).
In the meantime, condolences may be sent to:
The Gaddis Family
P.O. Box 81
Akron, NY 14001
May Mona's soul and the souls of all
the faithful departed rest in peace.
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CHRISM LITURGY & VOW RENEWAL
APRIL 8, ST, LUKE'S JAMESTOWN
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On Tuesday, April 8th nearly 60 clergy from around the Episcopal Partnership gathered at St. Luke’s in Jamestown for the annual Chrism liturgy and renewal of vows. Typically, this is a uniquely holy time when clergy reengage the deeper meaning of their ministry, find time for collegial support and reconnect with their Bishop—but this year the clergy gathered to renew their vows and to pick up their yearly supply of holy oil without their own bishop. Instead, visiting bishop, the Rt. Rev. Eugene Sutton (retired Diocesan Bishop of Maryland and Senior Pastor at the Chautauqua Institution) led the annual clergy retreat which included the Chrism liturgy and vow renewal. During his sermon, he offered these words:
“You say the ministry is sometimes killing you. Well, what did you expect? You want an easier, less stressful, job? Try accordion repair! Otherwise, you’re going to lay down your life in this ministry. You will have successes along the way, and you will have defeats. But I also want you to have the satisfaction of knowing that you are changing the world with the gospel of Christ as your only defense. You will experience the unparalleled joy of serving God, and seeing the face of Christ in every human being. You will speak before the principalities and powers and challenge them, and you will be bloodied, but you will also have your sister and brother clergy to lean on and support you in this ministry. But make no mistake about it, you are not going to get out of this alive. Most of you do this for little or no pay. What’s your reward?.... So, on behalf of the Episcopal Church, THANK YOU! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. My brothers and sisters, it’s Holy Week when we will again journey to the cross with our Lord. Come, let us go die with Him.”
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While these words were directed to the clergy of the Partnership, they apply to all its lay leaders as well. We all know that the real reason of ministry is not about compensation—it is about the privilege to serve. Ministry is our response to our Loving God who seeks us out and call us into relationship. The Renewal of Vows liturgy, we used last week, begins with this charge: “Beloved in Christ, through baptism we were all called to new life in the risen Lord. In baptism, we promised to proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ; according to the gifts given to us, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take our place in the life, worship, and governance of the church.”
We are all called to one shared ministry—in whatever order we serve and with whatever gifts we have. On behalf of the Western New York Standing Committee, let me join Bishop Sutton in offering my THANK YOU for your ministry that keeps our churches running.
The Rev. Luke Fodor, President of WNY
The Rev. Stacey Fussell, President of NWPA
Check out our Facebook and Instagram to see more photos!
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SPECIAL CONVENTION
MAY 3, 2025
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A Special Convention of the Dioceses of Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown on May 3, 2025 from 10am-2pm.
JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE LETTER (MARCH 19, 2025)
For more information and details of the Special Convention, including the Resolutions that will be voted on, click HERE. *This letter will be mailed to all clergy and congregations in the Partnership.
SPECIAL CONVENTION REGISTRATION
REGISTER for the May 3 Special Convention.
The deadline to register is TODAY.
There is no charge to attend this Special Convention.
Registration begins at 8:30am. All attendees are welcome to attend Eucharist at 10am. Convention business will begin at 11am upstairs in the church with Clergy and Elected Delegates/Alternates in attendance. ALL Guests will be seated downstairs where they will be able to listen to an audio broadcast of the convention business.
Decision Tree listing the decision points & actions out of the Special Convention vote. Special Order of Business for the May 3 Special Convention (Resolution NWPA-X001 and WNY-X001)
*The Special Convention will also be livestreamed on Facebook for anyone unable to attend.
PRE-CONVENTION MEETINGS
There will be two Pre-Convention Meetings for Clergy/Delegates, and they will be held on Zoom (April 22 at 7pm & April 23 at 4pm). Both meetings will have the same agenda and will be recorded for viewing later. Please register for whichever one fits your schedule.
Register for the April 22nd zoom meeting at 7pm
Register for the April 23rd zoom meeting at 4pm
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
PARTNERSHIP EVALUATION REPORT
Our Partnership Evaluation consultants, the Rev. Gay Jennings and the Rt. Rev. Ian Douglas, released their final report on February 28, 2025. VIEW THE REPORT
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CLERGY RETREAT
APRIL 8TH, ST. LUKE'S, JAMESTOWN
| | | Our joint Clergy Retreat concluded on April 8th at St. Luke's, Jamestown with The Rt. Rev. Eugene Sutton (senior pastor at the Chautauqua Institution and former bishop of the Diocese of Maryland) presiding at the Chrism Mass and Renewal of Vows. | | | |
UPCOMING CONGREGATIONAL EVENTS
APRIL 16 TO APRIL 26
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Friday Fish Frys | April 18
Saint Simon's famous Friday Fish Fry since 1957. Take out only. $15.00 Fresh Fried Haddock, French Fries, Homemade Macaroni Salad & Oil Vinegar Coleslaw, Rye Bread and Pickled Beets. Friday April 18th. All days are from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Saint Simon's Episcopal Church, 200 Cazenovia Street, Buffalo, NY 14210. 716-822-1900.
Fish Fry Fridays at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church! | April
Join us every Friday during Lent for a delicious fish fry at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Cheektowaga! Dine in with us or enjoy convenient takeout—order online at www.stpatricksfishfry.com or call 716-684-4206 between 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM. Each dinner includes your choice of two sides, a fresh green salad, rye bread, and a dessert—all for a great price! We’re also allergy-friendly—just let us know your needs when ordering. Download the flier here.
Great Music Calvary | April 18
Great Music at Calvary Presents: A Meditation in Music for Good Friday. Calvary Episcopal Church located on 20 Milton Street at South Cayuga Road, Williamsville presents Great Music at Calvary on Friday, April 18 at 7:00 p.m. A Meditation in Music for Good Friday with: Robert E. Gerst, Janis Bommer, Jeremiah Lohnes, Anna Mattix, oboe. The Calvary Church Choir: Roland E. Martin, Misic Director. Featuring Settings of The Good Friday Reproaches and J.S.Bach's Behold We Go Up to Jerusalem. All Are Welcome!
Good Friday | April 18
St. John’s-Grace, located at 51 Colonial Circle (where Richmond, Lafayette, and Bidwell converge), invites you to a special service of meditations on the Seven Last Words of Jesus from the Cross. This reflective gathering will feature preaching by Sr. Roberta Fulton, SSMN of the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur, Eastern Region, Buffalo; the Rev. Liz Grohowski, Assisting Priest at St. John’s-Grace Episcopal Church; Rev. Dr. Scott Johnson, Pastor of First United Methodist Church; Rev. Leslie Latham, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo; Rev. Jamie Owens, Pastor of Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church; Rev. CJ Rolle, Lincoln Pastor of Memorial United Methodist Church; and Rev. Dr. Tom Yorty, Interim Pastor of University Presbyterian Church. Come when you are able. Leave when you must.
Pastor’s Retreat Day | April 25
Here is a healing opportunity following the trauma of Holy Week! Attached here is a flyer from Bethesda Lutheran Services for a Pastor's Retreat Day! This event will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025. We will Start at 10 am at the Chapel of the Good Samaritan on the Bethesda Meadville Campus. Registration and Greetings will be followed by a presentation on healing Trauma with our Clinical Director Dr. Brittany Mears at 10:30 followed by a healing service at 11:30. Fun, Fellowship and Relaxation begin with a BBQ style cookout at our pavilion which will start at 12, followed by various activities such as our own therapy dogs, pickleball games and a chance to climb our rock wall PLUS a tour of campus. Dismissal will be at 3 PM. This an opportunity for continuing education as well as relaxation, fun and fellowship! There is no cost for this event! It is a gift to our local clergy and full-communion partners from Bethesda Lutheran Services. We hope to see you there.
Spring Tea & Basket Raffle | April 26
Everyone is welcome to Christ Episcopal Church’s Spring Tea & Basket Raffle, held at 7145 Fieldcrest Drive, Lockport, New York on Saturday, April 26th at 1:00pm. Treat yourself to our Spring Tea! Our filling menu is sure to please any palate—featuring a tempting array of fresh fruits, tea sandwiches, cookies, scones, and special tea, as well as a spectacular basket raffle. Seating is limited, so reserve your place early! Tickets are $35 and pre-sale only. For reservations, call the Christ Episcopal Church Office at 716-433-9229, Monday through Thursday between 9am – 2pm. Download the flier here.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE EXCITING EVENTS NEXT WEEK!
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HOLY WEEK & EASTER SERVICES
AT ST. PAUL'S, CATHEDRAL, BUFFALO
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Thursday, April 17 | Maundy Thursday
7:00pm - The Holy Eucharist with Foot Washing (Cathedral)
The Night Watch to follow
Friday, April 18 | Good Friday
12:05pm - Stations of the Cross
7:00pm - Liturgy of the Day
Confession will be available following the Liturgy
Saturday, April 19 | The Great Vigil of Easter
8:00pm
Sunday, April 20 | The Sunday of the Resurrection
8:00am - Spoken Eucharist (Richmond Chapel)
10:15am - Festive Choral Eucharist (Cathedral)
St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral
139 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202
spcbuffalo.org | Download the flier here.
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UPDATE ON LENTEN RESOURCES
ON THE PARTNERSHIP EVALUATION
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The Lenten Discernment Program reflecting on the Partnership Evaluation is designed to provide a framework for discussion and discernment in preparation for the Special Convention on May 3, 2025.
We will provide weekly guides on the five topics of the Diocesan Partnership Evaluation Report, as outlined by the consultants:
Week 1 (March 9): Background, History, and Culture
Week 2 (March 16): General Findings, SII analysis (Strengths, Areas of Improvement, and Insights)
Week 3 (March 23): Finance & Administration
Week 4 (March 30): Dismantle Racism and Discrimination
Week 5 (April 6): Discernment & Choice Points
Each of these weekly programs will be provided in two formats and published earlier in the week on Monday and included in the Wednesday Partnership Newsletter.
1. 5-minute weekly video, accessible with a digital link.
2. 1 page (8.5x11) handout accessible by digital download, that can be used as a Sunday bulletin insert and/or as a guide for congregational or individual use.
Program Resources
Last Sunday after Epiphany, March 2nd Handout
Week One: First Sunday in Lent, March 9 Video – First Sunday in Lent, March 9 Handout
Week Two: Second Sunday in Lent, March 16 Video - Second Sunday in Lent, March 16 Handout
Week Three: Third Sunday in Lent, March 23 Video - Third Sunday in Lent, March 23 Handout
Week Four: Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 30 Video - Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 30 Handout
Week Five: Fifth Sunday in Lent, April 6 Video - Fifth Sunday in Lent, April 6 Handout
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PARTNERSHIP
REGIONAL CONFIRMATIONS
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Sunday, May 18
3 pm, St. Luke’s Jamestown, NY
The Rt. Rev. Eugene Sutton (Bishop of Maryland, retired) Presiding
May 5 Registration Deadline
Thursday, May 29
6 pm, The Cathedral of St Paul, Erie
Erie regional confirmation Ascension Day
The Rt Rev Audrey Scanlan Presiding
May 15th Registration Deadline
If your congregation has anyone to be confirmed, received, or reaffirming their baptismal vows on May 18th; please send their name(s) to Shawn Slother to provide Jamestown certificates.
If your congregation has anyone to be confirmed, received, or reaffirming their baptismal vows on May 29th; please send their name(s) to Deb Dietrich to provide Cathedral certificates.
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EXPLORER'S MEETING
VIA ZOOM APRIL 26
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The Commission on Ministry is offering an Explorer's Meeting on Saturday, April 26th at 10am, finishing no later than noon. This event will be offered on Zoom. It will provide an opportunity for persons interested in exploring a potential call to ordination.
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/iCXiFjc5SPiftkco128SLg
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EPISCOPAL MIGRATION MINISTRIES
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
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Province II is seeking one, preferably two, volunteers to serve as liaison(s) between Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) and the Province II leadership, dioceses, congregations, and individuals committed to helping refugees in our rapidly changing society.
The primary role would be to gather information from EMM about programs, needs, materials, etc., and share throughout Province II.
Since Province II is so large – 13 dioceses with congregations in over six time zones – two volunteers are being sought.
The Province II Liaisons would be members of the Provincial Council with seat and voice but no vote. For info, to volunteer, or to suggest a volunteer contact Neva Rae.
Fox, Province II Coordinator, nevarae@aol.com.
The 13 Dioceses of the Episcopal Church Province II are: Albany, Central New York, Cuba, Convocation of Churches in Europe, Haiti, Long Island, New Jersey, New York, Newark, Puerto Rico, Rochester, Virgin Islands, Western New York.
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THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
ACTION ALERT
| | | In this present political climate, people feel deeply that their must voices be heard: Loud and Clear. We have an official resource to endorse the views that our Episcopal Church has already articulated. The Office of Government Relations - Action Alert, provides channels directly to elected representatives. Use this resource to live out our Baptismal vows that bind us to seek God’s Justice in our own country, and indeed, upon the whole earth. | | | |
STEVENSON SCHOOL FOR MINISTRY
SUMMER 2025 EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS
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Spanish for Ministry 101
Mondays 1-2:30pm and Wednesdays 1-2pm Eastern
May 5 - July 23
Join us for a dynamic, introductory online class where you'll learn Spanish for Ministry! Whether you want to connect with Spanish speakers in your community or enrich your understanding of the language for your ministry work, this event is for you. Our interactive sessions will cover key phrases, cultural insights, ministry vocabulary, and Episcopal worship in Spanish. This course will meet twice a week from May 5 to July 23. The unique setup allows the Monday class to focus on learning new concepts, while the Wednesday class will be used to practice conversation skills with native speakers. This course is designed for new Spanish language learners or those whose practice has lapsed. The course content will meet you where you are, giving opportunities for practical, ministry-based contexts and learning. Register here!
Biblical Hebrew for Old Testament Interpretation
Wednesday 5:30-6:30pm Eastern
May 21 - August 20
This 14-week online class introduces biblical Hebrew for the sake of Old Testament preaching, teaching, and personal study. Students will learn the Hebrew alphabet, essential Hebrew grammar, and important theological vocabulary, and they will become familiar with online tools and resources. The class will be fun, engaging, and enriching for all who desire a deeper understanding of Hebrew Scripture in its original language. The course will meet on Wednesday afternoons from 5:30-6:30pm on Zoom, beginning May 21 and ending August 20. Register here!
Becoming Beloved Community
Tuesdays 7-8:00pm Eastern
May 20 - August 19
This course on antiracism will lead participants through four pillars rooted in the Baptismal Covenant: Telling the Truth about the Church and Race; Proclaiming the Dream of Beloved Community; Practicing the Way of Love; Repairing the Breach in our Churches; and Repairing the Breach in Society and Institutions. The course is designed to provide future and current leaders of the church with the knowledge and background to combat the sin of racism as an integral component of our Christian formation, particularly focusing on dismantling systemic racism within and outside of the institution of the Church. This course defines racism as the combination of racial prejudice, racial discrimination, and power and not the bad acts of misguided individuals. The Beloved Community is defined as one that seeks and promotes justice for the least among us. This 14-week course will be an online Zoom meeting, hosted on Tuesday evenings 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. The class will begin on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, and ends on August 19. Register here!
Theology and Mental Health
Thursdays 7-8:00pm Eastern
July 10 - August 21
This 7-week course will address theological questions prompted by the experience of mental health issues, as well as practical pastoral concerns involved in addressing psychological disorder. This course will consider broad theological themes of embodiment, experience, language, healing, and the church, deepening concepts of what it means to be human in order to better address the complex questions raised by mental health issues. These discussions will frame engagement with particular modes of suffering including depression, anxiety, psychosis, bipolar, addiction(s), and eating disorders. Readings will be drawn from leading theologians as well as clinical literature, and lectures will add a further level of reflection by introducing key philosophical concepts and questions from the field of phenomenological psychopathology. This 7 week class will meet on Zoom Thursdays from 7:00-8:00pm beginning July 10 and ending August 21. Register here!
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PIANIST KRISTA SEDDON PRESENTS
TRINITY JAZZ SERIES
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Pianist Krista Seddon presents a lecture performance series featuring the music and stories of famous artists who have performed in Buffalo In the past. Each concert will feature the history of a famous performance Venue in Buffalo.
May 9: 7pm “Shea’s Performing Arts Center”
All concerts are held in the Trinity Chapel 371 Delaware Ave
Purchase Tickets for $30 at Trinitybuffal.org. Tickets are also available at the door. Sponsorship opportunities also available please contact Krista@kristaseddon.com if you know any individuals or businesses that would like to place an advertisement in the program.
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SHANNON FUND
SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE
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The Shannon Fund is a scholarship trust that gives annual grants for daughters of Episcopal clergy who are canonically resident in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These grants are for undergraduate study only and are awarded in mid-June of each year. The application deadline is May 31, 2025.
For an application you may contact:
Ms. Kristy Sarge
Trinity Episcopal Church, Pottsville, PA.
Phone: 570-622-8720
Email: episcopalch200@gmail.com
For Questions contact:
The Rev. Jim Rinehart
Phone: 570-527-8821
Email: jmsrnhrt@aol.com
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ST. PAUL (HARRIS HILL)
JOB APPLICATION
| | | St. Paul’s (Harris Hill) is looking to hire a part-time youth coordinator for approximately 20 hours a month. Required hours are Sundays from 10:30 am – noon; other hours will vary based upon program design. For more information, please CLICK HERE. | | | | | |
