Weekly News & Updates

April 29, 2026

Diocesan News

From Bishop Stephen Lane

Dear People of God,

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to view the service broadcast by Washington National Cathedral. If you’ve seen that service before, you know that the music is wonderful and the preaching is pretty darn good.

This past Sunday, Dean Randy Hollerith preached on Jesus as the sheepgate from the Gospel of John. In his sermon, he said something I think is very important. He asked, “Amidst all the voices claiming to speak for Jesus in our world, how do we know what Jesus truly wants?” He answered his question, “We read the words of Jesus in the Gospels.” We know because Jesus tells us in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

I think that’s a key thing for us to understand as Christians. We honor the whole of Scripture: the Law, the Prophets, the Psalms, the Wisdom literature, the Epistles. We consider Scripture to be inspired, to be the Word of God. We understand these sacred texts to be the means by which God has spoken to God’s people through the ages. Yet, for Christians, the Gospels stand as paramount. In the Gospels we meet the Word made flesh, who is the standard by which the rest of Scripture is judged. It is Jesus’ words – “Love God, love your neighbor.” “Love one another as I have loved you.” “Love you enemies.” “Turn the other cheek.” “Blessed are the peacemakers.” – that inform our behavior in the world. We know what Jesus wants because Jesus tells us what he wants.

We Episcopalians are especially blessed in our incarnational theology, our belief that God is with us through the Spirit. Not only do we find Jesus in Scripture, but we find him in our midst as we meet together, as we break bread and share the cup. The words of Scripture are held in tension with the Word made flesh; Jesus as we meet him in the Gospels, and Jesus as we meet him in one another. The words we read must resonate with the Jesus we know.

Therefore, for us, faith is a dynamic exercise. With Jesus’ words ringing in our ears, we confront the realities of our time and ask, what would Jesus have us do? What does Jesus tell us to do? How do we bring the love, the justice, the mercy of Jesus to bear on our situation?

You may have noticed that our President and the Pope have been having a bit of a conversation about this issue. The Pope has been critical of the US war with Iran. The President has responded that the Pope is wrong about Iran and about military strategy and should not speak about things he doesn’t know. The Pope has responded that he is speaking of neither political or military strategy, but simply the Gospel words of Jesus. “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

“An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” is found in Exodus 21:24. In its day that was a great advance in ethics, saying that retribution had to be proportional to the injury. It was not appropriate to wipe out a village in revenge for the murder of one person. In Matthew 5:38-39, Jesus advances God’s mercy even further: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you: Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also…”

We may find it difficult to do as Jesus asks. It may confront us and challenge our behavior. We may argue that our context requires other actions. But we know what Jesus wants. And that’s where we begin. May God enliven your own reflections.

Easter Blessings,

Bishop Steve

A Message from the Standing Committee about the Bishop Search Process

Dear Friends in Christ,

As published April 17th...We are entering a season of reset in our bishop search process.

This decision has not been made lightly. It comes from a growing recognition that, while much good work has already been achieved, the process itself needs strengthening—particularly in clarity, communication, shared expectations, and broad diocesan engagement. We believe this reset will allow us not simply to continue the work, but to do it well.

To read this letter in its entirety, please visit the BISHOP SEARCH PAGE of the Diocesan Website.

Diocesan Staff Schedule

Canon Cathy will be on vacation, enjoying some well deserved time away, and Shawn will be away at a conference. Although not ideal, both of these absences take place May 4-8.

We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause next week.

Dignity Book Study Schedule

I’m delighted so many have expressed an interest in being part of the study of Dignity: Its Essential Role in Resolving Conflict, by Donna Hicks, PhD. Remember that the books you have reserved are available for pick up at the Diocesan Ministry Center between 9am and 4pm Monday through Thursdays.

We will read the book together over the next three weeks. To aid in our reflection on the material, we will meet on Zoom for four Tuesdays, our first one was held last night and our next is Tuesday, May 5 at 7pm, for one hour, and continuing on May 12, and 19 at 7pm each Tuesday evening.

To register for one or more sessions, CLICK HERE

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the session. Please keep this information for all future sessions.

The schedule for reading is as follows:

Week Two: The last five Essentials (May 5)

Week Three: The first five Temptations (May 12)

Week Four: The last five Temptations and the Conclusion (Healing Relationships) (May 19)

If you miss a session, they will be recorded, and viewing links will be provided each week in the newsletter.

Week One: April 28 Recording

If you are part of a parish group, you may have local sessions as well, and join the weekly Zooms. I will try to organize questions for discussion when we meet.

There are still books available. If you would like one, please be in touch with Shawn Slother. Please let Shawn know the email address of each participant so we may send them the zoom registration link.

I look forward to our being part of this conversation with you.

Bishop Steve

CDRD Virtual Workshop Series with the Rev. Isaiah "Shaneequa" Brokenleg

What does it mean to be Two-Spirit and why are they given a revered role as healers and spiritual leaders? Episcopal Indigenous Ministries speak of "living in right relationship with humanity and all of creation." What is meant by the theology of relationship? Have you ever reflected on your personal theology of relationship?

The WNY & NWPA Commission to Dismantle Racism & Discrimination invites you to join us April 30 and May 28 from 7pm-8:30pm to explore these questions and more.

For more information, CLICK HERE

To register for the Virtual Workshop Series and receive a Zoom link, REGISTER HERE

EPISCOPAL-METHODIST FULL COMMUNION UPDATE

The Rev. Tom Broad, Diocesan Ecumenical and Interfaith Officer

Where is the knowledge we have lost in information? ~ T.S. Eliot

In today’s world, information seems to be coming at us from the proverbial fire hose, with news, email, texts, and messages piling up faster than we can manage. In this flurry of information a common notation has surfaced in written communication:

‘too long, didn’t read’ … followed by a summary of that communication …

Many of us just don’t have the time to pay attention to everything and still be responsive to our life, our mission, and our call … and so I hope provide a brief update as to the status of the journey toward Full Communion between the Episcopal and United Methodist denominations in Christ’s Church...READ MORE

Implicit Bias

Lisa Yaggie, Bishop Search Committee Chair

These are the conversations we need to have. Repeatedly. The Search Committee hosted Dr. Ursie Bankhead for a very meaningful session on acknowledging how Implicit Bias exists in our daily lives.

A definition of Implicit Bias: American Psychological Association

Implicit Bias is a negative attitude, of which one is not consciously aware, against a specific social group. It is thought to be shaped by experience and based on learned associations between particular qualities and social categories, including race and/or gender. Individuals’ perceptions and behaviors can be influenced by the implicit biases they hold, even if they are unaware they hold such biases.

We learned that our thoughts are where bias can exist, they lead to feelings which can manifest in stereotypes, which in turn lead to behaviors which can result in discrimination. In order to change our culture, we need to offer up different experiences.

One specific action we can take as a Search Committee in our Bishop Election Process, is to listen better and more fully. We had an excellent start to this part of the process last fall with our geographically spaced listening sessions and with participation in the Holy Cow survey. Our team will be working on a plan to address this issue.

Words matter. “Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care, for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.” - Dwight Goddard

Part of the work we as the Search Committee are doing is to ask the questions, “what kind of heart does this new bishop need to have?” “Is the new Bishop ready, willing and able to have the hard conversations?” and “what kind of language do they use to build relationships.”

If you ever want to contact me directly (716.763.4944), so we can chat about your thoughts on the search, I am here to listen.

April EpiscoPints

Our March gathering is on April 30 at 7pm at Fattey Beer Company in Kenmore.

The Rev. Bonnie Morris will lead our discussion, Exploring Faith Together.

Pull up a chair and join an open, relaxed conversation about what it means to be Episcopal. No pressure, no prep work — just thoughtful questions, shared stories, and space to wonder together.

Educational Offerings from the Stevenson School for Ministry

Becoming Beloved Community

Tuesdays 7-8pm, May 19-July 28

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 10-week course meets on Zoom Tuesday evenings 7-8pm, beginning May 19 and ending July 28. REGISTER HERE

Christian Mindfulness: A Transformative Journey

Mondays, 12-1pm, June 22-July 27

Are you looking for a deeper awareness of God's presence in your life? Join the Rev. Dr. David Zwifka and the Stevenson School for a six-week course on Christian Mindfulness. Learn practical tools for daily life that will help you strengthen your relationship with God and navigate life’s challenges with greater peace and clarity! The course meets on Zoom, Mondays from Noon-1pm, from June 22 to July 27. REGISTER HERE

Introduction to Prison Ministry

Thursdays, 7-8pm, July 23-Aug 6

This course will introduce clergy and laypersons to ministry in an incarcerated context, with a focus on jails and prisons, but also applicable to ICE or juvenile detention centers. Attention will be paid to contextual issues as well as the inner work needed to effectively minister in a carceral space. The unique spiritual needs of those enduring incarceration will be discussed, and tools for support and advocacy will be provided. This course meets Thursdays July 23, July 30, and August 6, from 7-8pm on Zoom. REGISTER HERE

Welcome to New Ministry

We would like to welcome The Rev. Shawn Clerkin to the diocese. You may have met Shawn during the Partnership, as he was the rector at St. John's, Franklin, PA.

Shawn began serving as rector at St. Mark's, Orchard Park on April 1st.

Blessings on his ministry!

Episcopal News Service

Stay informed on everything in the wider Church by visiting and/or subscribing to the Episcopal News Service (ENS).

ENS WEBSITE

Prayer for the Bishop Search

Gracious God, we give thanks for your loving care for the people of the Diocese of WNY 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; let us pray to the Lord. AMEN.

Ordination Anniversaries

The Rev. Jonathan Kim: May 1

The Rev. Kim Rossi: May 2

Consecration Anniversary

The Rt. Rev. William Franklin

April 30, 2011

We give you thanks, almighty and gracious God, that you have blessed us with their ministry, and we pray that they may continue to exemplify in word and deed the Gospel of your Son. Amen

Youth & Children Ministry

YUM Schedule

Join Wendy Schumacher for Youth United in Ministry (YUM) for these upcoming events.

For details and to participate, please contact:

Wendy Schumacher

Missioner for Youth & Children

EMAIL or 716-830-5443

Do You know??
A periodic article about things you may not know…

The Use of Endowed and Invested Funds

At the recent Vestry and Warden’s Day, a couple of my workshops had significant conversations about the use of endowed and invested funds. New York State, like 48 other states, has adopted what’s called UPMIFA (the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act). This law provides guidelines for managing and investing charitable funds held by non-profits, particularly endowments. It authorizes organizations to spend as much of an endowment as is "prudent," regardless of historic dollar value, while requiring diversified investments and consideration of donor intent, economic conditions, and inflation. The original law did not allow spending beyond the original gift, in other words, interest only. In NYS, the new law permits spending of 7% of the corpus. This is two percent more than what is considered best practice. The law also requires that donor restrictions, if any, be considered. Penalties under UPMIFA include fines and potential legal action for failure to exercise fiduciary responsibility.

In these times of great financial stress, many of us are relying on the gifts of previous generations to sustain our common life. The temptation is to balance the budget on those gifts. UPMIFA requires us also to attend to our responsibilities as stewards of the gifts entrusted to us.

Bishop Steve

Church Profile

St. Paul's, Mayville

What are the most vibrant ministries or strengths of your parish today?

Food pantry and thrift shop Coffee hour, community outreach through above Worshipping with the Lutherans, alternating rite and location by month.

World Labyrinth Day

St. Aidan’s, Alden - You are invited to join us at 1pm on May 2, as St. Aidan’s participates in World Labyrinth Day.

Around the globe that day, people will gather at local labyrinths sharing walking meditations for world peace.

Meat Raffle

St. Philip's, Buffalo - Join us on May 2 at the Knights of Columbus for a meat raffle.

Doors open at 5pm, First Spin 6pm

$15 admission and group table reservations available.

Call Church office 716-833-0442 or email specbuffalo@gmail.com for more information and reserve tickets.

The event info and tickets are also on zeffy

Chicken BBQ & Basket Raffle

St. Paul's, Harris Hill - As one of our favorite community traditions, come and enjoy delicious BBQ chicken, great company, and take a chance on some amazing raffle baskets on May 2 from 11am-2pm!

Skip the line and buy your tickets online: Pre-Sale Tickets. They will be waiting for you at the will-call May 2.