May 14 Vigil to Mark Anniversary of TOPS Massacre | |
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On Tuesday, May 14 at 5 p.m., St. Philip's, Buffalo will hold a vigil outside the TOPS Supermarket on Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo. The service will mark the second anniversary of the racially motivated mass shooting that took place at the store in 2022.
"The tragedy that occurred on May 14, 2022, is a stark and painful reminder that racism and hate crimes can happen anywhere," said the Rev. Stephen Lane, rector of St. Philip's. "It’s important to recognize these events, not only to mourn the loss and support those affected, but also to continue the conversation about racial justice and work towards a society where such acts of hate are no longer repeated."
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Dioceses Awarded Roanridge Grant | |
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The Executive Council of The Episcopal Church has awarded our partnership dioceses a grant of $41,000 from the Roanridge Trust to support clergy coaching and a new preaching formation program in the Oil Region of Western Pennsylvania, the Genesee Region of Western New York, and the towns of DuBois and Brookville in Western Pennsylvania.
The Roanridge Trust was established by the Cochel family, which in 1941 gave a working farm in Missouri called Roanridge to The Episcopal Church. Grants from the trust support leadership development and training for laity and clergy in small towns and rural communities.
Watch for more information about the new Roanridge grant in future newsletters.
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The Rev. Rebecca Barnes Called as Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral, Buffalo | |
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On Sunday, Bishop Sean announced the news that the vestry of St. Paul’s Cathedral in Buffalo has called the Rev. Rebecca Barnes, currently rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Scranton, Pennsylvania, as the cathedral’s new dean. Her first Sunday at the cathedral will be July 7, and she will be in the office in Buffalo beginning August 6.
Barnes, who has served at St. Luke’s since 2015, is an experienced priest with a strong background in liturgy, pastoral care, Christian formation, and social justice ministry. An accomplished musician, she holds a master’s degree in classical vocal performance from the Manhattan School of Music as well as an MDiv and master’s in sacred theology from the General Theological Seminary in New York City. You can read more about her in Dean Twila Smith’s announcement to the cathedral congregation.
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Save the Date: Ordinations on May 18 in Buffalo | |
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Pending the Standing Committees' approval of candidates for ordination, Bishop Sean and the partnership staff anticipate that a service of ordination will take place on Saturday, May 18 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Cathedral in Buffalo. Please save the date and watch for details coming next week.
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2024 Diocesan Conventions | |
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The 2024 Diocesan Conventions of the Dioceses of Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania will be held at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie on October 12.
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Submit Resolutions by August 12 | |
Submit Nominations by August 12 | |
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Nominations for positions to be elected at the 2024 Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania Diocesan Conventions are open until August 12.
The following positions will be elected:
In Western New York:
- Standing Committee - 1 clergy, 1 lay
- Diocesan Council - 1 clergy, 2 lay
- Trustees - 2 lay
In Northwestern Pennsylvania:
- Standing Committee - 1 priest, 1 lay
- Diocesan Council - 1 priest, 1 deacon, 1 lay
- Constitution and Canons Committee - 1 clergy, 1 lay
Email Canon Vanessa Butler with questions.
Make a nomination.
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Save the Date: Pre-Convention Meetings on Zoom | |
Pre-convention meetings will be held on Zoom on September 25 at 7 p.m. and on September 26 at 4 p.m. Look for more information in future newsletters. | |
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Congratulations to the following clergy and bishops who are celebrating ordination anniversaries:
The Rev. Sarah Rieth, May 13
Special congratulations to the Rev. Leona Irsch, who celebrates 40 years of ordained ministry on May 12.
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Apply Now: Shannon Fund Scholarships | |
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Applications are open for scholarships from the Shannon Fund, which provides grants for the daughters of Episcopal clergy who are canonically resident in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The scholarships are for undergraduate study only and will be awarded in mid-June. The deadline to apply is May 15.
To receive an application, please email Edna Rauco.
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Summer Camp Registration Open | |
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The diocesan partnership will offer two summer camps in 2024 for youth entering 3rd grade through graduating seniors. Registration is now open for both camps:
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Saint James Music Press Grant Application Due June 30 | |
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Saint James Music Press, an online church music publishing house that has been providing accessible scores and musical resources since 1992, will award a grant to a church starting or revitalizing a choir program.
Applications must be submitted by June 30. More information is available online.
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Dismantling Racism Grants Available | |
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The 2024 password for materials from The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) is Ephesians5:2 (case sensitive and no spaces). The theme for this year's materials is Walk in Love.
Learn more.
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Download the Episcopal Partnership Directory | |
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The Episcopal Partnership Directory is now available for download. It contains information on diocesan and regional leaders, the clergy of the diocese, and contact information for clergy and lay leaders.
Download the directory. If you have questions or corrections, please email them to Shawn Slother.
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Make Gifts and Pledges to Congregations Online | |
The partnership office maintains an online giving platform that accepts gifts and pledge payments for any congregation. The partnership dioceses will absorb payment processing fees so contributions will go entirely to local mission.
Support your congregation online.
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Anyone can subscribe to the leadership newsletter and the general newsletter, which are published on alternate Wednesdays.
The general newsletter contains stories, congregational event listings, and other news of general interest. The leadership news focuses on governance and administrative updates and reminders, leadership events and clergy news. Updates are also available on the partnership Facebook page and the partnership website.
Please send news about your congregation's ministry, mission and events to [email protected]. To contribute photos, stories, or event announcements to the newsletter, please see our submission guidelines.
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