In Memoriam: Canon Alfred D. Price Jr. |
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Alfred D. Price Jr., a longtime lay leader in the Diocese of Western New York and an esteemed professor of urban and regional planning at the University at Buffalo, died on May 2 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo after a long illness. He was 75.
“His vocation as an urban planner, and his special concern for people struggling to make a home for themselves, were grounded in a deep faith in God,” said Bishop Sean Rowe of the Dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York. “That faith, which shaped him as an intellectual, and as a leading figure in our church, also saw him through his final illness with courage and with grace.”
Price was a 10-time deputy to the Episcopal Church’s General Convention and served for decades on commissions and committees that helped to govern the church. For his service, he was presented with the Bishop Walter Decoster Dennis Award from the Union of Black Episcopalians in 2019 and named Canon Architect and Planner for the Diocese of Western New York and the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania by Rowe in 2020.
His funeral will take place on Saturday, May 27 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul's Cathedral in Buffalo. Bishop Sean will preside.
photo: Douglas Levere
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Ianello and Swanson Named Women of Inspiration |
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“They stood out and were considered for the Women of Inspiration Award for the way in which they have dedicated their lives to betterment of women, children and the community through their volunteer and professional efforts throughout their lifetimes,” YWCA Executive Director Millie Tomidy-Pepper told The Daily News. Ianello and Swanson are both members of the Genesee Regional Initiative.
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Praying to End Gun Violence on May 14 |
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Sunday, May 14, which is Mother's Day, marks the one-year anniversary of the mass shooting at the Tops grocery store in Buffalo that claimed the lives of ten people and injured three others.
On that Sunday, the Commission to Dismantle Racism and Discrimination invites congregations to extend prayers for those who lost their lives, those who survived, and those who lost their mothers in that day in Buffalo. The Rev. Kim Rossi and the Rev. Ann Tillman, members of the commission, have prepared Prayers of the People for congregations to use on May 14.
As of today, more than 190 mass shootings have taken place this year in the United States, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
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5/14 Remembrance Weekend
Presiding Bishop Curry to Participate in Panel Discussion
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On May 12 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the David C. Hohn M.D. Lecture Hall at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi will be the featured guest in a panel discussion titled "Beyond Hate," one of a series of events taking place to mark the anniversary of the shooting at the Tops grocery store in Buffalo.
Following the panel discussion, clergy are invited to an ecumenical luncheon at Manna Restaurant. Reservations are required for the luncheon and can be made online.
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Morning Prayer and Liturgy of the Word Leader Training |
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On May 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., partnership staff will offer a training on Zoom for people interested in learning how to lead services of Morning Prayer and the Liturgy of the Word. Register online to receive the Zoom link. Please have a Book of Common Prayer available for the training.
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Regional Confirmation Service May 21 |
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On May 21 at 3 p.m., Bishop Sean will hold a regional confirmation service at St. Luke's, Jamestown. All congregations are invited to send confirmands and should email Canon Vanessa Butler with their names.
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Trained Spiritual Directors in the Partnership Region |
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The partnership staff would like to update its list of trained spiritual directors in the region. If you are, or know of, a trained a spiritual director, please send the name and contact information to Canon Vanessa Butler.
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When Churches in Communion Disagree:
Bulk Order Option
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Bishop Bill Franklin has written an article titled "Charles Henry Brent’s Way of Unity" that appears in a compilation of essays titled "When Churches in Communion Disagree." The book was published by the Living Church in 2022.
Bishop Brent served as bishop of Western New York from 1918 to 1929 after serving as the Episcopal Church's first missionary bishop of the Philippine Islands and chaplain general of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I.
Copies of the book are available via bulk order for $10 each. To express interest in ordering a copy, please email [email protected].
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Join Bulk Order for Episcopal Musicians Handbook |
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The Rev. Claudia Scheda is coordinating a bulk purchase of the Episcopal Musicians Handbook for congregations in the partnership dioceses, which will save approximately $15 on the cost of each book. Payment will be due prior to picking up orders at diocesan convention. To order, email Scheda at [email protected] or call her at 716.261.8368.
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New Schedule for Ministry Gatherings |
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The ministry gathering previously scheduled for May 14 has been postponed until November so that everyone is available to participate in the 5/14 Weekend commemoration in Buffalo.
The first ministry gathering will now take place in August, with subsequent events in the fall:
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August 19: Congregational Life & Management, St. John's, Franklin
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September 16: Community & Neighborhood Connections, St. Luke's, Jamestown
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November 11: Ministry Models & Formation for the Post-Pandemic Church, St. Matthias', East Aurora
Ministry gatherings will include workshops for clergy, vestry members, and all congregation members. Additional information will be included in future newsletters.
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This summer, the partnership dioceses will hold summer camp sessions in June and August. All students finishing grades 2 through 12 from both dioceses are welcome at both camps:
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June 11-17 at Camp Nazareth in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. The cost for this camp is $320, with $50 due at registration. Scholarships may be available upon request. The deadline for registration is May 15. Contact the Rev. Matthew Scott with questions and scholarship requests. Register online for the June session of camp in Pennsylvania.
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2023 TENS Materials Now Available |
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The 2023 TENS pledge campaign materials are now available on the TENS website. This year's theme is Rooted in Abundance. When prompted, enter this password: Jeremiah17:8
Please note, this is a case sensitive password, and there are no spaces.
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St. James Music Press "Let's Get Started" Grant Program
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St. James Music Press offers grants for churches that are starting or revitalizing their music program. Applications must be submitted by June 30. Learn more.
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In Memoriam: The Rev. Alice Turner |
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The Rev. Alice Turner died on April 24. A longtime deacon at St. David's, West Seneca, she held the title of Deacon Emeritus in that parish. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Read her obituary.
May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
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Best wishes to the following clergy who are celebrating ordination anniversaries:
The Rev. Christopher O'Connor, May 3
The Rev. Patrick John Bradley, May 6
The Rev. Leann P. Mcconchie, May 6
The Rev. Dorothy Konyha, May 7
The Rev. David Betz, May 7
The Rev. Charles F. Bencken, May 16
Special congratulations to the Rev. Sarah M. Rieth who celebrates 45 years of ordained ministry on May 13.
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Missioner for Operations
Dioceses of Western New York & Northwestern Pennsylvania
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The partnership dioceses seek a Missioner for Operations. Cover letters and resumes can be submitted to Canon Vanessa Butler and will be considered on a rolling basis. Learn more.
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Part-Time Organist and Choir Director
Calvary, Williamsville
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Calvary, Williamsville is seeking a part-time organist and choir director. Applications are due May 31. Read more about the position and application requirements.
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Faith in Action Funding Now Available |
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Congregations holding a book study related to dismantling racism or other forms of discrimination, hosting guest speakers, or visiting a historic site or museum like the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, can apply for funding from $25 to $500. Find more information and the application on the website.
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The bishop's staff invites people across the partnership dioceses to join them online Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon for virtual prayer on the Partnership in Prayer Facebook page.
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Make Gifts and Pledges to Congregations Online |
Though congregations are now meeting in person, the bishop's office will continue to maintain 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.
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Anyone can subscribe to the leadership newsletter and the general newsletter, which are published on alternate Wednesdays.
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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