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Temptation
Beloved in Christ,
A week ago, at the Transfiguration, we heard God repeat the words first spoken at Jesus’ baptism: “This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.” This past Sunday, Jesus’ baptismal identity was affirmed again. The temptations in the Lent 1 Gospel follow immediately upon Jesus’ baptism, and they are aimed directly at his baptismal identity.
Reinhold Niebuhr, the 20th century Neo-orthodox theologian and public ethicist, noted that it is at the times of humanity’s greatest achievements that sin creeps in. He was speaking particularly about nuclear research and the atom bomb. We have plumbed the secrets of the atom, and what have we produced? A horrifying weapon of mass destruction. Niebuhr thought that progressive theologians were weak in their understanding of how sin works in human beings. It is not the obvious vices that are the real problem: greed, gluttony, theft, murder – we’re all pretty clear about those. Rather it is in the places of strength, where pride and self-righteousness creep in, that sin can take root.
So, with Jesus. The devil, who is perhaps a personification of human nature, says, “Well, Beloved of God, let me suggest some ways you can use your relationship.” Feed the poor. Many of the poor in the Empire suffer from chronic hunger. You’ll be a hero. Impress us with your invulnerability. If you feed the poor and show you are indestructible, Rome doesn’t stand a chance. Look, you can be the ruler of the whole world. Except, as Satan notes, if you do so, you will be worshiping me, not God.
So, too, with us. It’s so easy to make what I do and what I want and need to be the focus for all my thinking and actions. So easy to make my perspective, my point of view, to be the guiding principle for decision-making. How difficult to make room for another focus, another perspective!
Jesus, in the security of his baptismal identity, keeps returning to God. It’s not that bread is unimportant. We know that Jesus feeds the poor. It’s just that life and bread come from God. And it’s not that life should not continue eternally. It’s simply that eternity belongs not only to Jesus, but to all through God. And it’s not that the nations shouldn’t be ruled by God. It’s just that such glory should come, not through power, but by serving God. Jesus keeps directing Satan back to God, pushing him back to the one in whom he, Jesus, is rooted. He tries to turn Satan around, to repent of his pride and his power.
And that is perhaps a primary task for us in Lent: to take a look at those things that pump us up, the things that we feel we do well, and to ask if we are using our strengths and our gifts to serve God and our neighbors. Or are we making ourselves the center, taking care of business in a way that benefits ourselves and not the community around us?
The Good News for us is that we are embraced and held fast by Christ and our struggles take place in the frame of his love and grace. Perfection is beyond our grasp, but love and forgiveness cover us. The task we face is to place our needs and wants before God and to seek God’s peace, to grow in faith and love. We need to know ourselves and how temptation affects us. And with that knowledge, we need to join Christ in serving God rather than only ourselves.
+Steve
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An Update from the Search Committee
Hi All,
I know there have been many wonderings and questions about how the search for a new bishop is going as things have seemed a bit quiet after the rush of listening sessions and surveys after the end of diocesan convention. Rest assured that much has been happening behind the scenes since that time.
We are close to being able to publish our diocesan profile which will serve as our call for people to discern with us whether or not they would be the one who God is calling to be a bishop in this place. After publishing our profile, we will have applications open for one month to draw in possible candidates to invite to interview with us. Even before the application process goes live, we have reached out to a number of possible candidates who have expressed to the national church a desire to serve as a bishop in our province.
All of that said, the most likely way we will attract good candidates is by referral. If you know a priest who you think would be a good fit for this ministry, please reach out to me or Lisa Yaggie so that we may be in contact with them about discerning a call. Sometimes people who would never put themselves forward just need the confidence of someone else to be willing to explore.
If you have any questions/concerns, please feel free to reach out to me. I and the whole committee are excited to see what God has in store for the next chapter of the Diocese of Western New York.
To the Greater Glory of God,
Nick+
The Rev. Nicholas Evancho, SOSc
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Service of Reconciliation, Truth-telling and Healing
The Commission to Dismantle Racism & Discrimination invites you to join us Thursday, February 26 at 5pm for a virtual Service of Reconciliation, Truth-telling and Healing.
In these days when we witness fear, cruelty and inhumanity in our nation and globally, we come together in prayer for strength and resilience. All are welcome!
To join the virtual service, contact Susan Woods for the zoom link.
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New Job Description for the Deans
The purpose of this Customary is to strengthen the connective tissue among the clergy and congregations of the Diocese of Western New York; to address the feelings of disconnectedness and isolation from the Diocese. Secondarily, it is to experiment with the possibility of creating regional pastoral oversight of congregations...READ MORE
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Bow Down Before the LORD
The Rev. Tom Broad, Diocesan Ecumenical and Interfaith Officer
This past Wednesday, I began the season of Lent with ashes by engaging in the nearly 2-decade old taking-it-to-the-streets practice of “Ashes to Go.” While most of those who drove or walked up were parishioners or Roman Catholic neighbors who could not be at an Ash Wednesday service for one reason or another, the encounters that deeply touched me were with those we might consider outsiders...READ MORE
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Parochial Reports Due
DEADLINE APPROACHING, March 1
The 2025 Parochial Report filing site closes on March 1, 2026, at 11:59pm EST, marking the final deadline to submit data. Please contact Maria Manocchio (716-881-0660 x118) with any questions.
The form no longer includes a workbook or separate instruction guide. Instead, helpful
guidance is embedded directly within each section of the online report.
All reports must be submitted online, but if your congregation lacks internet access, the diocese is here to assist. A PDF VERSION of the form is available. Congregations
without internet access can complete the PDF, and diocesan staff will enter the
information online for you.
Please remember that failure to file by March 1 may jeopardize your congregation's voice and voting privileges at the Diocesan Convention on October 23-24.
SUBMIT YOUR 2025 REPORT
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2026 Congregation & Delegate Information Form
DEADLINE APPROACHING, March 1
Once you have held your Annual Meeting, please remember to submit your CONGREGATION & DELEGATE FORM so that we can update your church record, contact information, and convention delegates.
The form is due by March 1.
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Parish Leadership Day
DEADLINE APPROACHING, March 2
The diocese will hold a Parish Leadership Day on March 7 at the Diocesan Ministry Center.
9-10am: Overview for new wardens and new vestry members
10am-3pm: Group presentations and breakout sessions for all parish lay leaders
As there will be multiple sessions, we recommend at least TWO members from each congregation to attend. We encourage all lay leaders to attend...warden, vestry member, treasurer, and all other lay leaders.
Lunch will be included as part of the day. Please REGISTER by March 2 so that we have an accurate count for planning purposes.
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Diocesan Grants Available
DEADLINE APPROACHING, March 1
The Spring Grant Applications are due March 1. Contact Maria Manocchio (716-881-0660 x118) with any questions.
Details for all available grants and the applications can be found on the diocesan website Grant Page, CLICK HERE.
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LGBTQ+ Task Force Invites Survey Input
Episcopalians are invited to complete a 15- to 20-minute survey offered by the Task Force on LGBTQ+ Inclusion to help the church better understand how it honors the dignity of all people and where work remains to be done.
The 80th General Convention established the task force in 2022, charging it with conducting an audit of how The Episcopal Church has lived into its public commitments affirming the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people. A survey report will be shared with the 82nd General Convention in 2027.
Members across the church—those who are LGBTQ+ and those who are not—are encouraged to share about their experiences with pastoral care, sacramental access, representation in leadership, and institutional accountability by March 15.
TAKE THE SURVEY
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Family Bowling
Strike up some fun with us at the Lanes on March 15 from 2-4pm at the Broadway Sports Center.
$10 per Bowler or $40 per Family, Includes:
- 2 Hours of Bowling
- Show Rental
- Pizza & Soda
RSVP to Wendy Schumacher
716-830-5443
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Episcopal News Service
Stay informed on everything in the wider Church by visiting and/or subscribing to the Episcopal News Service (ENS).
ENS WEBSITE
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Ordination Anniversaries
The Rev. Elizabeth Grohowski: February 26
The Rev. William Crittenden: March 1
The Rev. Jason Miller: March 2
The Rev. Ann Markle: March 2
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
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Do You Know??
A periodic article about things you may not know …
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The Full Share
Do you know that approximately 80% of our diocesan budget is funded by congregations paying their Full Share? That means the overwhelming majority of what allows the Diocese to function — support clergy, resource congregations, form leaders, and sustain common ministry — comes directly from the faithful participation of our parishes.
Do you know that the Diocese pays a 15% Full Share to The Episcopal Church — while requesting only 13% from our congregations? The Diocese is not simply passing along an assessment; it is absorbing a portion of that cost as part of its commitment to the wider Church.
Do you know that the flat-tax Full Share model was voted on and adopted by the Diocesan Convention in 2012? This was not imposed externally; it was discerned and approved by the gathered leadership of the Diocese.
And do you know that Full Share is calculated by a clear, objective formula? It is based on the figures each congregation reports in its Parochial Report, specifically Line 3 (Plate and Pledge) and Line 5 (Total Operating Income) on page 5 of the report. The numbers congregations submit determine the assessment — ensuring consistency and transparency across the Diocese.
Full Share is not a fee for services. It is a shared commitment — a tangible expression that we belong to one another and that our ministry is larger than any single congregation.
More to come in future editions of Do You Know?
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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
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Sleep Away Camp 2026
Summer Camp is a long standing tradition in our Diocese, and we are happy to announce that camp planning has started for this year. Sleep Away Camp will be held August 9-12 at Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center in Bemus Point. Sleep Away Camp is open to all youth that are currently in 2nd to 12th grade. The campers will be divided into three groups based on their grade level.
We may be in need of some new staff this summer. If you are 18 or older and think you may be interested in serving at our diocesan camp, please reach out to Youth Missioner, Wendy Schumacher, to see if there may be a fit for you.
For more information and to register, CLICK HERE
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St. John's, Wilson
How does your church engage with the local neighborhood, the civic life of your community, or diocesan and/or Episcopal Church-wide initiatives?
St. John’s is a small dynamic parish in a rural area, first organized in 1929. We shared a priest with St. Andrew’s, Burt, off and on since 1949, and in 2007 we entered into a covenant relationship with them—one of the first such covenants in the Diocese. We no longer share a priest, but the roots of our relationship are deep and we still share outreach ministries (our Moms Group, their Thrift Shop)...READ MORE
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Ashes To Go
In one of many locations across the Diocese, George Faeth places ashes on the forehead of Josephine "Chickie" Holt on Wednesday, February 18, during "Ashes-to-Go" in the parking lot of Calvary Episcopal Church in Williamsville. Ash Wednesday signals the start of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, reflection and sacrifice leading up to Easter.
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Lenten Bible Study at the Cathedral
On Tuesday evenings, Dean Rebecca will lead a study on the Gospel of John with the program on the Cathedral Zoom Page from 7-8:30pm on 3/3, 3/10, 317, 3/24, and a final session on Easter Tuesday, 4/7. We will look at an overview of the "Fourth Gospel" while giving greater attention to the readings from the Gospel that are part of the Lenten and Holy Week Lectionary. (If you are unable to attend the Wednesday evening Center City Lent sessions in Buffalo, this will be a good alternative.) For more information, please contact Dean Rebecca.
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Lenten Study
A number of churches in the Central Erie Deanery will be coming together again this year for a joint Lenten study. This program will be in-person only (no hybrid). Gather for a simple meal at 5pm with Program and Discussion to follow from 5:30pm - 7pm.
The schedule is:
February 25: St. Philip's
March 4: St. Mark and All Saints
March 11: Trinity, Buffalo
March 18: St. Paul's Cathedral
March 25: St. John's-Grace
This year's series will be Unbound: Seeking the Freedom of God’s Love. Together, we will follow Jesus through the wilderness and into the heart of the Empire.
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Winter Concert with The Deneckes
St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Grand Island - Join us for an intimate evening concert of original folk music.
The Deneckes, a celestial folk duo from Andover, NY, will offer a winter concert on February 28 at 7pm.
Reception to follow.
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Basket Raffle
St. Mark's, North Tonawanda - Join us March 1 at 1pm for a chance to win over 100 baskets, 50/50, & door prizes.
$5.00 admission includes one sheet of tickets and refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the afternoon.
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Our Little Roses, Honduran Luncheon
Calvary, Williamsville & Church of the Advent, Kenmore - Join us on March 14 at Calvary to benefit the girls at Our Little Roses, Honduras.
Doors open at 11:30am for the Basket Raffle, 50/50, & Honduran sale items. Lunch begins at 1pm.
Tickets are $30 each (pre-sale only and limited to 110 tickets). Call/text or Venmo to Kathy Barton at 716-534-1498 before March 1 to reserve. Please make checks payable to: Church of the Advent, with Honduran Luncheon in the omemo line.
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Spaghetti Dinner
St. John's-Grace, Buffalo - Treat yourself to an affordable evening out with friends on March 21! You may reserve tables for groups of 6,8 or 10. Purchase tickets at the door or in advance using QR Code or ONLINE (No Take Outs).
Doors open at 5pm, Dinner at 6:30pm.
Check out our interesting variety of auction theme baskets! We hope you will join us for a casual evening of fellowship and fun!
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Calling all Fryers
During Lent, we’re excited to welcome back our WNY Fish Fry tradition! We’d love to help you spread the word...please send us your Fish Fry flyers so we can include them in our weekly newsletters thru Lent.
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