February 7, 2024

Sewing for Hope in the Rift Valley of Tanzania

The Rev. Patricia Lavery, vicar of Church of the Epiphany, Grove City, is organizing a new partnership with the Diocese of the Rift Valley in Tanzania that will help single mothers and young women who have survived trafficking become self-supporting by learning to sew, tailor, and embroider.

 

To make the program possible, the Diocese of the Rift Valley is raising $6,000 to buy two electric sewing machines ($450 each); six non-electrical sewing machines ($300 each); and three embroidery machines ($1100 each).

 

The project, to be headquartered at All Souls Cathedral in Manyoni, is spearheaded by the Mothers’ Union, whose members have become concerned about the needs of women and families as the town’s population swells with people fleeing drought and famine in the countryside.

 

Members of the partnership dioceses have already contributed $500 to the effort, and an “angel donor” will match all contributions up to $1000 made during the month of February. Donate on the diocesan website; type “Tanzanian Sewing Machine Project” in the “Fund” section of the form.

 

For more information, email the Rev. Patricia Lavery.

Regional Gatherings Continue This Week

In February and March, Bishop Sean and the partnership staff are hosting regional gatherings to build relationship and connection among congregations and with staff. Everyone is invited to attend.


Participants will hear from the bishop and staff and have time to talk with one another, share successes, and discuss how we might collaborate to continue answering God's call in our communities.


Each gathering begins at 6 p.m. and refreshments will be provided.


Remaining events include:


February 8, 6 p.m. at St. Paul's, Angola. Register online.

March 12, 6 p.m. at Church of Our Saviour, DuBois. Register online.

March 13, 6 p.m. at St. James, Titusville. Register online.



Email Canon Vanessa Butler with questions.


image: last night's regional gathering at St. Mary's, Salamanca

Becoming Beloved Community: Here and Now

Lenten Study Now Available

The Lenten study developed by the Commission to Dismantle Racism and Discrimination titled "Becoming Beloved Community: Here and Now," is available once again this year.


The materials, which are based on the 2020 diocesan convention resolution titled "Framing the Journey to Beloved Community" are available online: Download the Lenten study.


For more information, email Canon Twila Smith.

Tour the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center

A group tour of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center will take place February 25 at 1 p.m. To register, contact the Rev. Helen Harper via email, call her at 808.840.3021 or call the St. Peter's, Niagara Falls office at 716.282.1717.


Learn more about the experiences of congregations that have visited the center.

Unified Diocesan Grant Applications Due March 1

The next deadline for the unified grant applications for the Dioceses of Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania is March 1. To learn more about and apply for any of the grants available in either diocese, visit Grants for Congregations on the diocesan website.


Contact Vanessa Butler or Maria Manocchio with questions.

Summer Camp Registration Now Open

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:




Work at Camp

The August camp is seeking counselors, a nurse, and a musician to serve from August 9 to 14. Contact Wendy Schumacher for more information. The deadline for applications is March 31. Download the application.

Foundations of Faith Community Nursing Course

Parish Nurse Ministries of New York and Catholic Health Faith Community Nursing Program are offering an online weekend course for registered nurses who want to serve faith communities. The course will run Fridays and Saturdays beginning April 5 through May 4.


Register by March 31; full scholarships are available. For more information contact Lois Tripp, RN-Faith Community Nurse, at 716.870.2807 or via email or Yvonne Askew, at 716.923.9672 or via email.

Congregational Events

Cathedral of St. Paul Celebrates the Feast of Absalom Jones

The Cathedral of St. Paul in Erie held a celebration of the Feast of Absalom Jones, the first African American priest in the Episcopal Church, on February 4.


The Cathedral Choir performed Margaret Bond’s Epiphany Cantata, The Ballad of the Brown King, and poetry by Langston Hughes with choirs from Mercyhurst University, and instrumentalists. The service also included music by R. Nathaniel Dett, a primary contributor to Lift Every Voice and Sing II.


See more photos on Facebook.


image: Choirs performing during the celebration

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper February 13

St. John's, Wilson

On February 13, the Moms Group at St. John's, Wilson will hold its annual Shrove Tuesday pancake supper from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The meal will include pancakes, sausages, and homemade applesauce, and takeout will be available. A child friendly Ash Wednesday service will be held at 5:45 p.m.

Shrove Tuesday Chicken 'N Waffles February 13

St. Philip's, Buffalo

St. Philip’s, Buffalo is hosting a Shrove Tuesday Chicken 'N Waffle dinner and Mardi Gras party on February 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will feature music, dancing, and “our famous chicken ‘n waffles.” Dinner is $20, dine-in only, and will feature a special "make your waffle your way" station.

St. Andrew's Fish Fry

Fridays beginning February 9

St. Andrew’s, Burt will be holding weekly fish fries beginning February 9. Meals are $15 for adults and $7 for children and come with your choice of fish or shrimp and french fries or potato salad as well as cole slaw, and homemade dessert. Manhattan Clam Chowder will also be available at $5 for a 16 oz bowl.


Orders are takeout only and may be placed curbside or by calling 716.778.7633 after 2 p.m. on the day. Pick up begins at 4 p.m. and ends at 6:30. Meals are available every Friday through March 22.

Spaghetti Dinner and Raffle March 2

St. John's-Grace, Buffalo

St. John's-Grace, Buffalo is holding a spaghetti dinner and basket raffle on March 2. Fellowship and a time to preview the baskets will begin at 5 p.m. with dinner beginning at 6:30. Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for children 6-12, and children 5 and under eat free. Advance tickets are recommended.


Buy tickets online.

Basket Raffle March 3

St. Mark's, North Tonawanda

St. Mark's, North Tonawanda will hold a basket raffle on Sunday, March 3. Doors will open at 1 p.m. and the drawing will take place at 3 p.m. There will baskets, gift cards and several large ticket items up for grabs. Admission is $5.

In Memoriam

Joan Russell

Joan Russell, mother of the Rev. Stacey Fussell, died on February 3. Her funeral will be held on February 11 at 2 p.m. at Ascension, Bradford; Bishop Sean will officiate.


Condolences may be sent to:


The Rev. Stacey Fussell

138 Clarence St.

Bradford PA 16701


Read her obituary.

Geraldine Zahn

Geraldine Zahn, mother of Ellyn Lane and mother-in-law of the Rev. Steve Lane, died on February 4.


Condolences may be sent to:


The Rev. Steve and Ellyn Lane

19 Fernhill Ave.

Buffalo, NY 14215

Linda June Whitmore

Linda Whitmore, wife of former Western New York priest the Rev. Charles Whitmore, died on January 20. A memorial will be held in Denver, Colorado, at a later date.


Condolences may be sent to:


The Rev. Charles Whitmore

2495 South Quebec Street, Apt. 33

Denver, CO 80231-6067


Read her obituary.

Job Openings

Music Director

St. Aidan's, Alden

St. Aidan’s, Alden is looking for a music director who can plan the weekly worship music schedule and play for the service. Please contact Warden Margaret Jean Rose at 716-937-9609.

Reminders

2024 Spring Gatherings: Save the Dates

Save these dates for events coming later in 2024:


Wardens' Days

Wardens are invited to attend either of two Wardens' Days in April: April 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ascension, Bradford, and April 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Diocesan Ministry Center in Tonawanda. Look for details and registration coming soon.


Clergy Gatherings

Clergy will gather twice in the spring. Look for more details to come:



Young Adult Service Corps Applications Open

Applications for the 2024-2025 cohort of the Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) are now open. YASC asks Episcopalians ages 21-35 to consider a year of mission service as their "next faithful step."


Applications are due February 15. Learn more and apply online.

Dismantling Racism Grants Available

The Commission to Dismantle Racism and Discrimination is offering grants to congregations with initiatives inspired by the Commission's Pledge of Faith and Action Against Racial Injustice: LEARN―PRAY―ACTADVOCATE.


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 grants from $25 to $500 using this grant application. For more information, email the Rev. Stacey Fussell.

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.

Publication Schedule
Anyone can subscribe to the leadership newsletter and the general newsletter, which are published on alternate Wednesdays, with a modified summer schedule.

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 communications@episcopalpartnership.org. To contribute photos, stories, or event announcements to the newsletter, please see our submission guidelines.
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