Weekly News & Updates

February 4, 2026

Diocesan News

From the Bishop

Dear Friends,

Posted below is a letter with an accompanying video link that I signed along with 153 other bishops of The Episcopal Church. It is a letter of support and solidarity with the people and bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota. It is also a letter that reminds us of fundamental commitments of our Baptismal Covenant – to seek Christ in every person and to respect the dignity of every human being.

Ever since the Fires of Smithfield, that is, the execution of Protestant leaning clergy and laity by Queen Mary, and the subsequent Compromise by Elizabeth the Great, the great question for the Anglican Communion and The Episcopal Church has been: Who belongs at the table? The answer to that question has sometimes taken centuries to answer, but after great struggles, the answer has always been everyone. The example set by the early Christian community of making one body of male and female, Jew and Gentile, slave and slave owner, Palestinian peasant and Roman soldier has slowly been replicated in the Anglican Communion. For centuries, people of color were second class members. Women only became full and equal members in The Episcopal Church in the last part of the 20th century. (That’s why we had Women’s Auxiliaries and the ECW.) The participation of GLBTQ people remains a subject of contention today. And while we want children, they don’t participate with the fullness of their baptisms until age 16 or 18. Yet, haltingly, we give everyone a place at the table.

And that matters profoundly. Archbishop Desmond Tutu was set on the path toward his vocation as priest and bishop because Father Huddleston tipped his hat and stepped off the path for Tutu’s mother. Retired Presiding Bishop Michael Curry is an Episcoplian and a child of Buffalo because his father and mother were given communion in an Episcopal Church in the still segregated South in the 1940’s. A place at the table is a sign that you have been seen as a child of God and a member of Christ's body. Your humanity and dignity are recognized as God-given and irrevocable.

On February 13, we will celebrate the Feast of Absalom Jones, and the occasion will be marked at a service at St Paul’s Cathedral (see invitation below). Absalom Jones was a man born into slavery with a remarkable sense of his own worth. He learned to read and write. He bought the freedom of his wife, and when he was manumitted by his owner, he chose the name Jones to signify that he was an American. With Richard Allen, he founded the Free African Society, a mutual aid society for free Africans in Philadelphia. In 1794, he planted a black Episcopal congregation. In 1802, he was the first African American ordained to the priesthood in The Episcopal Church. He was outspoken for the abolition of slavery and the rights of black Americans. He is an icon both of the continuing presence of a strong black tradition in The Episcopal Church and a prophetic answer to the question, “Who belongs at the table?”

It is always the case that there are people we don’t like; people we think are wrong-headed or deficient in some way. It is always the case that we are most comfortable with a small group of people who are very much like us. But neither of these realities can justify excluding people from the table. The worth of those “others" is established by God, and our task, the task of a lifetime perhaps, is to acknowledge their humanity and their dignity. It is a commitment we make to one another in baptism. It is the path to a better world.

Blessings,

+Steve

A Joint Letter from 154 Bishops of The Episcopal Church: Who’s Dignity Matters?

January 31, 2026

A letter to our fellow Americans.

We, the undersigned bishops of The Episcopal Church, write today out of grief, righteous anger, and steadfast hope.

What happened a week ago in Minnesota and is happening in communities across the country runs counter to God’s vision of justice and peace. This crisis is about more than one city or state—it’s about who we are as a nation. The question before us is simple and urgent: Whose dignity matters?

In the wake of the tragic deaths of two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, we join Minnesotans and people across the nation in mourning two precious lives lost to state-sanctioned violence. We grieve with their families, their friends, and everyone harmed by the government’s policies. When fear becomes policy, everyone suffers.

We call on Americans to trust their moral compass—and to question rhetoric that trades in fear rather than the truth. As Episcopalians, our moral compass is rooted firmly in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This is what we know. Women were shoved to the ground, children torn from their families, and citizens silenced and demeaned for exercising their constitutional rights. These actions sow fear, cast doubt, and wear us down with endless noise.

We cannot presume to speak for everyone or prescribe only one way to respond. For our part, we can only do as Jesus’ teaching shows us.

A Call for Action

This is a moment for action. We call on people of faith to stand by your values and act as your conscience demands.

We urge the immediate suspension of ICE and Border Patrol operations in Minnesota and in any community where enforcement has eroded public trust. Because the rule of law is weakened, not strengthened, when power is exercised without restraint.

We also call for transparent, independent investigations of the people killed—investigations centered on truth, not politics. Justice cannot wait, and accountability is essential to healing.

We call on the elected officials of our nation to remember the values that we share, including the rule of law. Rooted in our Constitution, it ensures that law—not the arbitrary will of individuals—governs us all, protecting individual rights, ensuring fairness, and maintaining stability.

A Shared Commitment

Every act of courage matters. We must keep showing up for one another. We are bound together because we are all made in the image of God. This begins with small, faithful steps.

As bishops in the Episcopal Church, we promise to keep showing up—to pray, to speak, and to stand with every person working to make our communities just, safe, and whole.

We are committed to making our communities safer and more compassionate:

So children can walk to school without fear.

So families can shop, work, and worship freely.

So we recognize the dignity of every neighbor—immigrant communities, military families, law enforcement officers, nurses, teachers, and essential workers alike.

You may feel powerless, angry, or heartbroken right now. Know that you’re not alone.

Each of us has real power: community power, financial power, political power, and knowledge power. We can show up for our neighbors, support small businesses and food banks, contact elected officials and vote, and learn our rights so we can speak up peacefully without fear.

Choosing Hope

This crisis is about more than one city or state—it’s about who we are as a nation. The question before us is simple and urgent: Whose dignity matters?

Our faith gives a clear answer: everyone’s.

Safety built on fear is an illusion. True safety comes when we replace fear with compassion, violence with justice, and unchecked power with accountability. That’s the vision our faith calls us to live out—and the promise our country is meant to uphold.

In the face of fear, we choose hope.

By the grace of God, may this season of grief become a season of renewal. May courage rise from lament, and love take root in every heart.

Faithfully,

† The Rt. Rev. Stephen T. Lane

Bishop Provisional of Western New York

View the full list of 154 Episcopal Bishop SIGNATORIES

To view the video presentation of this letter...CLICK HERE

What’s the Big Deal About a Fox?

Back in December, the woman who cleans the Ministry Center discovered a fox curled up beside the building in the courtyard, apparently deciding that our property was just the right place for a winter nap. For days afterward, the staff at the Center—mostly Canon Cathy—became entirely, unapologetically obsessed.

Naturally, the fox was given a name: Margaret of Hungary. (No committee was consulted. The name simply arrived.) READ MORE

Celebrating Blessed Absalom Jones and Black History Month

February is the month in which we begin the church season of Lent and our walk with Jesus to Jerusalem and the cross. It is also the month that civically, and as people of faith, we observe Black History Month. This year is the 50th celebration of Black History Month, a commemoration that has been endorsed by every U.S. President since President Gerald Ford first officially recognized Black History Month in 1976. That year, President Ford called upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Last year, Joe McDaniel Jr., a member of The Episcopal Church’s Executive Council, wrote...READ MORE

Pathways to Congregational Resilience

During the COVID-19 pandemic, serious questions arose about congregational resilience. It was not clear whether some churches would overcome the dramatic changes brought on by a global health crisis. Six years later, the issue of institutional resilience remains a critical area for ministry leaders to address. The political climate in our country has become increasingly polarized. Fewer people are choosing to attend seminary. And congregational membership has fallen below 50% in America for the first time in 80 years. Under these circumstances... READ MORE

Parochial Reports Due

It's that time of year again...2025 Online Filing by congregations is now open and is due March 1. Please contact Maria Manocchio (716-881-0660 x118) with any questions.

Please review carefully before submitting. Reports are due ONLINE by March 1. 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 completion of the Parochial Report is required for your congregation to receive voice and vote at the Diocesan Convention on October 23-24.

SUBMIT YOUR 2025 REPORT

2026 Congregation & Delegate Information Form

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.

Ashes To Go?

Ash Wednesday is February 18, and if you are offering Ashes To Go, we want to promote it!

Please send us the location and time of your distribution by February 9, and we will list it in the February 11 Newsletter.

Parish Leadership Day

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 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 so that we have an accurate count for planning purposes.

Diocesan Grants Available

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.

Calling all Fryers

As Lent approaches, 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 and they will be included at the end of our weekly newsletters thru Lent. See Below!

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

Diocesan Ministry Center Availability

A reminder to all that the Diocesan Ministry Center (DMC) is available to all parishes and diocesan groups for meetings, retreats, programs, etc.

All that's necessary is filling out an Event Request Form and giving the staff ten days' notice to make arrangements. The DMC is intended to be used by the whole diocese for ministry.

If you have questions, please be in touch with Shawn Slother.

Episcopal News Service

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

ENS WEBSITE

Lenten Meditations

Beginning on Ash Wednesday (February 18) and continuing throughout the Lenten season, Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) is offering daily Lenten Meditations, inviting readers to reflect upon and deepen their spiritual practices.

This year, the organization has partnered with Sister Monica Clare—Episcopal nun, best-selling author and unlikely TikTok star —to create meditations that explore the theme of “Holy Habits.” In her meditations, Sister Monica Clare reflects on the Scripture readings for Vespers (Evening Prayer) to encourage habits that support and strengthen a life of faith.

ERD invites everyone from the Episcopal community and beyond to participate in “Holy Habits” by subscribing to daily emails, downloading resources for further study and including the meditations in community prayer, worship and gathering time.

Explore the Lenten offering: HOLY HABITS

Ordination Anniversaries

The Rev. Susan Keppy: February 4

The Rev. Philip Dougharty: February 10

The Rev. Jessica Frederick: February 10

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

Church Profile

Trinity, Fredonia

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

We are blessed to continue the long musical tradition at Trinity, which includes an organ and choir to enrich our worship services. We also provide a venue for concerts and recitals. We are thankful for the various avenues available so persons may contribute to our parish life, including as a worship service participant, altar guild, prayer shawl ministry, or a parish event. READ MORE

Congregational Events

Grief & Loss Support Group

St. Philip's, Buffalo - Healing Hearts will meet on February 10 at 6pm with Deacon Lillian Davis-Wilson.

Everyone experiencing any type of loss and need the support of a caring and compassionate group is welcome.

Come and join us, we are here for you!

Music at St. Mark's

St. Mark's, LeRoy - Presenting our 5th annual concert series, starting February 12 at 7pm. The four programs in the series represent a wide range of musical styles from oldies pop to experimental to songs of Chile and ending with bluegrass. St. Mark's received a grant from the Genesee-Orleans Arts Council that covers the majority of the expenses; all concerts are free to attend.

Absalom Jones Celebration at St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral, Buffalo - Join us for a celebration of Absalom Jones and Black History Month on February 14 at 11am. Holy Eucharist will be celebrated followed by a reception hosted by the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE), Bishop Holly Chapter.

The guest preacher for the Eucharist will be The Rev. Canon Masud Ibn Syedullah, TSSF. Born into a family with a Christian mother and a Muslim father, Father Syedullah has a keen awareness and sensitivity for racial and interfaith concerns and helping Christians understand their call to be in positive relationship with people of other faiths and to work to end the ignorance, fear, and hatred done in the name of religion that fuels so much violence and destruction in today’s world.

The service music includes a special program featuring works by African-American composers. Jaman Dunn-Danger, former Asst. Conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic, professor at UB, and outstanding baritone will be our special musical guest.

A joint choir from across the Diocese is being assembled. If you are a singer, or your church choir wishes to be part of the festival choir under the direction of Jaman Dunn-Danger, please contact Patricia Hills, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir Director, as soon as possible for more information.

The offering will benefit the Absalom Jones Fund which helps support historically Black colleges and universities affiliated with The Episcopal Church since the 1800s.

The Absalom Jones celebration is co-sponsored by St. Paul's Cathedral; St. Philip's Church; The Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE), Bishop Holly Chapter; and the WNY & NWPA Commission to Dismantle Racism and Discrimination. Street parking, public parking lots, & a public parking garage under Main Place Mall (less than a block away) are available.

We hope you will join us and invite others from your community to be part of this special day!

MASS APPEAL Concert

Calvary, Williamsville - Join us for MASS APPEAL on February 15 at 4pm, directed by Roland Martin. Three complete musical settings of the Mass will include a lyrical setting by Gabriel Faure', written for female voices and organ, followed by Joseph Haydn's "Little Organ Mass", a brief setting for strings, organ, choir and soprano soloist.

The featured work on the program is a brand new setting of the Mass by Julian Allcock, a British rock bass guitarist living in Bruges, Belgium. This very innovative work is scored for chorus, baritone solo, and a small ensemble of instruments. The concert is bookended by two settings of the Gloria, the first from the 14th century, the other by the great J.S. Bach.

Come and enjoy the mass appeal of MASS APPEAL.

Soup Sale

Trinity, Lancaster - Place your soup order by February 15 for pick-up February 20 from 4-6pm.

Choose form Vegetarian Vegetable or Pasta E Fagioli...$10 per Quart.

Order Now: 716-683-1111

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner

Christ Church, Lockport - Join us for a FREE WILL Offering Pancake Dinner on February 17 from 5-7pm.

Shrove Tuesday Chicken & Waffles

St. Philip's, Buffalo - Join us for a Mardi Gras Party on February 17 from 5-8pm.

For $25 you can enjoy all-you-can-eat Chicken & Waffles!

Music, masks, & Mardi Gras vibes!!

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

St. John's, Wilson - Kick off the Lenten Season with a Pancake Supper offered by the Mothers of Pre-Schoolers (MOPS) Group.

Join us for a Free Will offering on February 17 from 4-6:30pm. Inside seating and takeout options available.

Pancakes, toppings, sausage, & homemade applesauce!!

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.

The Psychology of Christian Nationalism

Save the Date

St. Paul's Cathedral, Buffalo - How do we overcome polarization in American society? How do we advocate for justice when one side won't listen to the other and cycles of outrage escalate? How do we talk with each other when people of different perspectives are seen as evil, immoral, or anti-American? Dr. Pamela Cooper-White has written a book entitled "The Psychology of Christian Nationalism: Why People Are Drawn In and How to Talk Across the Divide”. To read more about her, see her bio here: www.linkedin.com/in/pamelacooperwhite

Dr. Cooper-White will address this topic at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on April 18, 2026. She will also preach at St. Paul’s Cathedral on April 19, 2026.

More details will be available soon

Lenten Fish Frys

Calling all Fryers

As Lent approaches, 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.