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From the Bishop
Dear Ones,
As I've been reflecting on our diocese’s need for clergy and discussing the matter with others, it has become evident that the root of the problem is not the lack of clergy. The supply is tight, to be sure, but that is not the fundamental issue. The fundamental issue is the lack of full-time positions in the diocese. Clergy households tend to be two income households with the spouse of the priest often making more money or providing health insurance. Without a full-time position, it is very hard to get clergy families to move.
As I look at our parishes, it's clear that finding supply clergy for Sundays is not the primary problem. Supply is tight. We can't cover every parish every Sunday. But we manage pretty well most of the time. The main concern for parishes is the lack of appropriate oversight for Wardens and Vestries. Vestries too often function for long periods without guidance or canonical direction because there is no priest-in-charge to help.
A partial solution to both dilemmas may be the development of full-time regional clergy positions that can provide oversight for small parishes.
We already have some regional positions. We have nine deaneries, each led by a Dean. The deaneries are established by Diocesan Canon 9.3 under the oversight of Diocesan Council, which may change the deaneries with the consent of Convention. The deaneries no longer function according to our canons, and, in my opinion, there are too many for the number of parishes we now have. I think four or five deaneries would be a better fit. And we might pay the Deans a modest stipend as a matter of requiring accountability for the expected work.
I'm asking the Council to establish a study group to look at the Deanery structure and job description and to make recommendations, in collaboration with the Committee on Constitution and Canons, to our next Convention. And I will be talking with our Deans about their experience. It may be that we already have the tools to address both our need for clergy and for parish oversight. And we have our long experience with the Genesee Regional Initiative to help us recognize and address the pitfalls and advantages of regional ministry.
The Council will begin addressing this matter at our next meeting on January 22. I'll be speaking with the Deans in February. Pray that God will give us insight and clarity.
+Steve
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Search Committee Reflection
Hello, I’m Sue Sims from St. Philip’s in Buffalo. This is an incredible experience which is teaching me a lot about who we are; where we are; how we are similar, as well as how we are different. Yet, the truth is - this richness can bring us all together. The Church Profiles, the Listening Sessions and reviewing the results of the Holy Cow Survey have been beneficial for me to gain a deeper understanding of our needs as we search for a compassionate shepherd to guide, grow, and inspire our diocese by utilizing the incredible talents found in each church and
its clergy.
I remain grateful for this opportunity to serve,
Sue
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Sculpted for the MLK, Jr. Memorial Foundation by Shawn Slother | |
Remembering Dr King
Near the beginning of his Letter from Birmingham Jail (April, 1963), Dr King writes, “…I am cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and states. I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial “outside agitator” idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds.”
Next Monday (January 19) as we celebrate the life of the Rev Dr Martin Luther King, Jr., we would do well to remember the mutuality of all humankind. As citizens, we pledge our allegiance to our government “of, for and by” our fellow citizens. As Christians, we commit ourselves to be faithful to the God in whose image everyone is created. We are brothers and sisters of every person – all for whom Christ died and with whom our future is inextricably bound.
The early Christian community was unique because of its diversity. Its members included men and women, citizens and foreigners, slaves and slave owners, Jews and Gentiles, and members of every Middle Eastern nation. That unity across difference made it a sign of hope in a painfully divided world, a place where enemies might be reconciled and love overcome hate.
Christians have always claimed that theirs is the higher calling, that loyalty to Christ comes first. Later in his Letter, Dr King writes: There was a time when the church was very powerful—in the time when the early Christians rejoiced at being deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Whenever the early Christians entered a town, the people in power became disturbed and immediately sought to convict the Christians for being “disturbers of the peace” and “outside agitators.”’ But the Christians pressed on, in the conviction that they were “a colony of heaven,” called to obey God rather than man. Small in number, they were big in commitment. They were too God-intoxicated to be “astronomically intimidated.” By their effort and example they brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide and gladiatorial contests.
We cannot but be concerned by the suffering of our siblings in so many places around the globe. We cannot but be concerned by our nation's struggles with the ancient sins of race and sex, with violence, with fear of the stranger, with the ghastly and growing income inequities between rich and poor. For us in the body of Christ, all these are our people, and we are called to respond to them with compassion and justice.
We now include Martin among the saints of the church. As we give thanks for his life, may we take time to consider our own commitments, to find the courage to speak for our suffering brothers and sisters, and to be thermostats creating new possibilities for life together in our land.
+Steve
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2026 Supply Clergy Rates
Please note that after more than a decade of no increase, the 2026 clergy supply rate is now $200 (one service). The mileage reimbursement, set by the IRS, has risen 2.5 cents to 72.5 cents per mile, effective January 1.
The complete updated rates are on the Diocesan Website: Supply Clergy Page
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2026 Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
The updated Diocesan Cycle of Prayer is now available on the Diocesan Website.
Click HERE to view/download
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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, 2026.
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Small Congregations Webinar Series:
A Free Webinar Series on Evangelism, Hospitality, and Belonging for Smaller Congregations.
When you're struggling to get everything done in a smaller congregation with fewer resources and fewer people, adding something new can seem overwhelming. That's where the genius of Invite Welcome Connect comes in.
Unlike those turnkey, one-size-fits-all "church growth programs" out there, Invite Welcome Connect is not a program. It's a ministry that is infinitely adaptable to congregations where they are right now, with the resources and the people available to them today.
January 21 at 2pm - Small Congregations Series: Steps for the Future
Presenters: Mary MacGregor & Jenni Faires (Diocese of Southwestern Virginia)
Inviting persons to our churches is a significant act of evangelism for Episcopalians and is critical for our future. Invite Welcome Connect thoroughly looks at what we need to consider when we are about this task and has tools and processes you can utilize as part of this effort. MORE INFO
REGISTER HERE
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Faith in Conversation
Join the Rev. Bonnie Morris on January 15 at 7pm for good conversation & warm connections at Fattey Beer Co.
Bring your questions, bring a friend-just come as you are!
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Wardens & Vestry Day
Save the Date...The diocese will hold a Wardens & Vestry Day on March 7 from 9am-3pm at the Ministry Center. If you are a warden, vestry member, or treasurer...we encourage you can attend.
Details will be announced soon, but save the date on your calendars!
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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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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
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Deacons included in new Episcopal, ELCA clergy exchange guidelines
Marking a quarter-century of full-communion partnership, The Episcopal Church and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) now welcome the exchange of deacons in updated clergy exchange guidelines.
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Applications Open for 2026-2027 Episcopal Service Year for Young Adults
As The Episcopal Church continues to expand its mission service opportunities for young leaders, applications are open for those ages 21-35 interested in a transformative outreach experience during 2026-2027. The priority deadline for U.S. based placements is January 16.
READ MORE
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Ordination Anniversaries
The Rev. Kathy Lawler: January 15th
The Rev. Gary Schindler: January 20th
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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YUM Schedule
Join Wendy Schumacher for Youth United in Ministry (YUM) for these upcoming events.
The January 24 YUM Event will be held at St. Patrick's, Cheektowaga from 11am-3pm.
For details and to participate, please contact:
Wendy Schumacher
Missioner for Youth & Children
EMAIL or 716-830-5443
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YUM Snow Tubing Event
Youth United in Ministry (YUM) is planning a tubing event over the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend. We will be leaving from Diocesan Ministry Center at 1 pm on January 18 to go tubing at Holiday Valley from 2-4 pm (returning by 5 pm.)
This is an opportunity to get to know youth from around the Diocese of WNY. For young people who have attended Diocesan Sleep Away Camp in the past, this is a chance to reconnect with friends from the summer!
The total cost of tubing is $35 per person. However, partial and full scholarships are available upon request; all students are welcome, regardless of ability to pay.
This event is open to all youth in grades 5 and up. Friends are welcome! Please contact Wendy Schumacher ASAP to see if carpooling is still an option.
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Trinity, Lancaster
What makes your church unique in the region and the diocese?
Our most visible ministry is Trinity Pantry, founded in 1971 by Jean Whiteford and now a separate 501(c)(3) affiliated with Feed More of Western New York. The Pantry serves families in Lancaster, Alden, Bowmansville and Elma and remains our primary outreach effort.
We have a strong Sunday school program, our youth participate in the regional Youth in Ministry program, and we have often collaborated with the Lancaster-Depew Boys and Girls Club on a range of activities. Additionally, we have recently begun...READ MORE
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Pictured: The Rev. Canon Johnnie Ross and the Rev. Diane Cox (St. James, Batavia) | |
Epiphany House Blessing & Door Chalking
A Joint Community Effort Hosted by:
The Feast of the Epiphany (January 6th) commemorates the arrival of the Magi, who followed a star to witness the revealing of Christ. The Batavia community is participating in a centuries-old tradition: Chalking the Door!
A couple of volunteers come to your home and mark the door frame with an inscription:
20 + C + M + B + 26
This sacred sign serves two purposes:
- C+M+B stands for Christus Mansionem Benedicat, meaning “May Christ bless this house.”
- The letters also honor the traditional names of the Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.
This beautiful act sets your home apart as a place of Christian hospitality, peace, and blessing for the year ahead.
Let us pray.
Loving God, bless this chalk which you have created, that it may be helpful to your people; and grant that through the invocation of your most Holy Name all those who with it write the names of your saints, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, may receive health of body and protection of soul for all who dwell in the homes where this chalk is used, we make this prayer through Jesus the Christ. Amen.
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Chili Tasting & Basket Raffle
St. Peter’s, Eggertsville - Invites you to their Chili Tasting/Sale and Basket Raffle on February 1 from Noon-2pm. All proceeds to benefit St Peters Capital Campaign!
(Park in the lot on Callodine Ave and enter through the side door)
$10 Admission Fee:
- Allows you to sample all chili presentations
- Tickets to vote for your favorites
- Bread and refreshments provided
Basket Raffle:
- $10 per sleeve of 8 tickets/ $20 for 3 sleeves
- You need not be present to win
Take Out :
- $10 for a quart jar OR $5 for a pint jar
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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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