Weekly News & Updates

July 8, 2026

Diocesan News & Information

From Bishop Stephen Lane

Dear Friends in Christ,

Desmond Tutu, onetime Archbishop of South Africa, was once asked what was unique about Anglicanism. His response was, “We meet.” That is, as a church our decisions are made in council. We get together to talk and pray about the decisions we need to make, and we work them out together.

This is especially true of The Episcopal Church. Although we have bishops, we are not hierarchical. Each bishop is equal to every other bishop. Each diocese is equal to every other. The Presiding Bishop is elected and is not an Archbishop. And every decision is made in concert, either at a House of Bishops meeting or, more likely, at a meeting of the Executive Council, an elected body that serves as the General Convention between Conventions. The General Convention is held every three years, and it is composed of every bishop and eight representatives of each diocese, four clergy and four laity. It is the highest institutional authority of our church. If everyone is present, there are 800+ people involved.

This parallel structure is repeated at every level of the Church. We have Priests in Charge and Vestries. We have Bishops and Annual Conventions. Annual conventions are made up of all the clergy and representatives of every worshiping community. In between diocesan conventions the bishop shares responsibility with the Standing Committee, the Diocesan Council and the Trustees. When decisions are to be made, we have to meet.

The Episcopal Church is sometimes called a connectional church, rather than a doctrinal church. We recite the Creed every Sunday, but we do not have a denominational confession, as other churches do. Instead, we meet at the table. Our unity is a spiritual unity grounded in prayer, scripture and eucharist. The bishop is the symbol of that unity, and the bishop’s visit reminds each community that it is part of the Body of Christ, connected to the diocese (all the churches), to the wider church, and to every Christian everywhere.

That same spiritual connection is expressed in our meetings. They usually begin with prayer, often with scripture. We invoke the presence of the Holy Spirit so that our decision-making is not simply political or practical, but grounded in the presence and spirit of God. Our decision-making is based on our discernment of what God wants here and now.

This week you will receive the Call to Convention for the Diocese of Western New York. It will be sent out widely to all those on our mailing list so that everyone knows the diocese is gathering to make decisions together. We’re going to meet! We’re going to address diocesan and parish business. And we’re going to prepare for the election of our next bishop.

It’s important that everyone be there. It’s important because without you, our decision-making is impaired. Without you, we won’t be fully represented, and we won’t hear the fullness of perspectives and experiences our diocese represents. Without you, the prayers we offer won’t contain your needs and concerns.

People often complain that the Anglican approach to decision-making is messy and slow. Sometimes it takes years to reach a final conclusion. A benign dictatorship might be more efficient and timely. Yet, we believe that only by meeting and praying together as a Body can we, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, make decisions that express our care and respect for every member of the Body and our discernment of the will of God for us.

I look forward to seeing every parish, mission, priest, and deacon at our Convention.

Peace,

Bishop Steve

2026 Diocesan Convention

In order to have a more detailed and focused information packet for our October 23-24 Convention, there will be a separate weekly Convention publication each Thursday, beginning July 9th. Watch your inbox!

Bishop Search Update

From Jamestown to Holley: Bishop Search Listening Campaign Gains Momentum

One month into its diocesan-wide listening campaign, the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York has already gathered in twelve congregations, from the Erie Canal corridor to the shores of Cattaraugus Creek.

Search committee members and trained session leaders are visiting all 52 of our dioceses’ congregations to hear directly from parishioners about the diocese's life, hopes, and needs — testimony that will shape both the diocesan profile and the search for a new bishop that follows it, all the while building relationship and community across our wider diocesan community.

Sessions have now been held in 12 congregations, including St. Paul's in Holley, which rallied this year to help four families who lost everything in a fire that destroyed a village apartment building; the Cathedral in Buffalo, which runs a weekly Garden of Love ministry offering meals and clothing in partnership with sister parishes; and St. Mark's, LeRoy, Bishop Provisional Stephen Lane's hometown parish, is preparing to welcome him back for a visitation this fall. Twelve congregations in. Forty to go.

"This project has already been a huge success. The commitment of our people to God and each other is being revealed and nourished by this important work of listening and inclusion." - The Rev. Nick Evancho, Search Comm Chair

Up next! Sunday, July 12th listening sessions at the following congregations:

Christ Church, Albion
St. John the Baptist, Dunkirk
St. Matthias', East Aurora
Trinity, Lancaster
St. John's, Youngstown

In-Person Safe Church Training

Wendy Schumacher will lead Safe Church training for anyone that needs or prefers in-person training. A valid email is needed for each person due to Safe Church registration requirements. Once completed, your training is valid for 3 years.

Two dates are offered for the training at the Diocesan Ministry Center in Tonawanda.

Choose either Saturday, July 25th OR Wednesday, July 29th from 10am-3pm. (the same training is offered both dates).

Lunch is included as part of your day.

To Register, CLICK HERE by July 13th.

Contact Shawn Slother for your Safe Church renewal date, if needed.

Sleep Away Camp 2026

Three Weeks Remaining for Registration!

Summer Camp is a long-standing tradition in the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York, and we are delighted to share that planning is underway for this year’s camp.

Sleep Away Camp will be held August 9–12 at the Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center in Bemus Point. Camp is open to all youth currently in 2nd through 12th grade, and campers will be divided into three groups based on grade level to ensure age-appropriate programming and activities.

Registration

To register a camper, REGISTER HERE 

by July 31st.

Congregational Grants

Diocesan Grants

The deadline for the next cycle of diocesan grants is September 1. There are three diocesan grants available to apply for.

UTO Grants

Application materials for the 2027 cycle will be available in August, but you can review the criteria now.

CDRD Grants

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.

For details and applications, visit the diocesan website Grant Page.

Regional Confirmations

Regional confirmations have been scheduled for Saturday, November 21 at 10:30am at St Paul's Cathedral in Buffalo.

The Rt. Rev. Stephen T. Lane (Bishop Provisional of WNY) is presiding.

Please refer to the diocese's REGIONAL CONFIRMATION CUSTOMARY for guidelines to participate.

Brookside Chapel Schedule

Brookside Chapel in Lockport will be offering Summer services every Wednesday evening beginning today and continuing thru August 26.

To view the schedule, click HERE

Education for Ministry

Education For Ministry (EFM) is a unique experiential theological education program for laity.

Since its founding in 1975, the program has assisted participants in discovering how to respond to the call of Christian service. EFM helps participants encounter the Christian tradition’s breadth and depth and bring it into conversation with their experiences of the world as they study, worship, and engage in theological reflection together An EFM group of six to twelve participants with a trained mentor meet weekly for two and a half to three hours over the course of a nine-month academic year.

For more information on how to join a group or to learn more contact:

Karl Costello, Mentor

716.397.3327

Linda Makson, Coordinator

585.781.4661

Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations Webinars

The Rev. Tom Broad

Are you interested in being part of a more inclusive ecumenical expression of Christianity? Or perhaps including your parish community in a wider understanding of the divine as experienced in the many other religions of the world? Or maybe just curious about "ecumenical" and "interreligious"?

The Episcopal Church Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations is hosting a series of one-hour Zoom meetings/webinars on the third Thursday of each month at 3pm (the next one is on July 16th). Hear from leaders of Christian communions, scholar-practitioners from various religious traditions, and representatives of related organizations discussing theology, best practices, and the future of ecumenical and interreligious work. Attendees at these meetings will receive information and resources to support this work in their own communities.

To register for the Zoom webinars, CLICK HERE

The Stewardship of Preparation

Summer is a season of rest, travel, and slower rhythms, but it can also be a season of quiet preparation. Fall annual giving campaigns often arrive quickly once September begins, and congregations that take a few small steps in July can enter the season with more confidence, clarity, and joy. Preparation is a form of stewardship: it honors the time, energy, and gifts of the people who will lead, participate, and respond.

To read the TENS Stewardship suggestions, CLICK HERE

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Stewardship Consultations

Are you planning a campaign for Capital, Feasibility, Legacy, or Annual Stewardship? TENS is opening up capacity for campaigns now. Let our experience and our theological approach to fundraising guide your congregation in a sustainable, successful campaign!

Signup for a Campaign Consultation

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 Anniversary

The Rev. Abuid Sam (Father Sam): July 8

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

Did You Know?

Episcopal Meaning

Did you know the word “Episcopal” is more than just a denominational name. It traces back to the Greek word episkopos, meaning “overseer,” which is where we get the word “bishop.”

That’s why bishops are such an important part of Episcopal identity. The name itself points to a church tradition shaped by historic leadership, oversight, and shared governance.

In other words, “Episcopal” doesn’t just tell you what the Church is called. It tells you how the Church is structured.

Ministry Spotlight

Strawberry Festival Ministry

An important ministry of St. John's Episcopal Church in Youngstown NY is the annual Strawberry Fest, held in late June each year. Reminiscent of an old-fashioned parish picnic of yesteryear, generous portions of homemade strawberry shortcake are given away at no charge, in thanksgiving for all that God has given to St. John’s. Generous parishioners cover the cost of the locally grown berries, whipped cream and baking supplies, enough for 500 servings. Live music, grilled foods prepared by the Youngstown Lions and children’s programming round out the family-friendly event. READ MORE

Congregational News

Movie Filming at St. Simon's

St. Simon’s, Buffalo has been buzzing with activity for the past two weeks as the Great American Family network has been filming a movie for the upcoming Christmas season.

The movie is called Christmas at the Starlight and stars Mario Lopez, Tony Danza and Dominic Lopez. Filming was initially supposed to be at The Caz, a new nearby live music venue, but when looking for meeting rooms to use during filming, they decided to also use the beauty of St. Simon’s in the movie.

The release date has not yet been announced, but look for it during the Christmas lineup this year.

Congregational Events

Reforesting Faith Book Study

What Trees Teach Us About the Nature of God & His Love for Us

In conjunction with Holy Hikes of Western New York, St. Matthias’ , East Aurora and St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buffalo will host a book study and discussion of Reforesting Faith.

The final session will be held on Zoom on July 8 from 6:30-7:30pm.

Book study reading schedule:

7/8 - Chapters 13 - End

The Zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87163407294

Meeting ID: 871 6340 7294

Passcode: 02241869

Books may be purchased on Amazon or from your favorite bookseller. All are welcome to join in.

Questions/Concerns? – Please contact Mo. Ann Tillman or Dean Rebecca Barnes

Hearts of Hope Grief Support

St. Paul's, Harris Hill - Join us at 10am on July 11. We invite anyone experiencing a sense of the grief of loss of any kind to join us in conversation and sharing, as much or as little as one cares to, with others who are experiencing similar feelings and circumstances as their daily lives continue in unfamiliar ways.

Sharing our own experiences can, to some extent, help lighten the burden of others.

Holy Hikes

St. Paul's Cathedral, Buffalo - Holy Hikes of Western New York, a ministry of St. Paul's Cathedral, is pleased to announce its full schedule for the 2026 season. All hikes are held on the second Saturday of the month at 10am, unless otherwise announced. We hike rain or shine. All are welcome; carpooling will be available from the Cathedral at 9:30am or you can join us directly at the appointed hike location. Join us July 11 at Owen Falls Sanctuary Trail (East Aurora) as we will hit the trail to celebrate the Eucharist in nature!

Healing Hearts Support Group

St. Philip's, Buffalo - Healing Hearts will meet on July 14 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!

Love Rising

St. Andrew's, Burt - Join us for our annual Love Rising celebration. All are welcome to our free events!

July 15 at 8am

Morning Service - Krull Park

We encourage everyone to reflect, meditate and pray for peace on July 15.

Chicken-n-Baskets

A joint fundraiser for St. Andrew's, Burt & St. Paul's, Lewiston will be held at St. Andrew's on July 25 from 2-6pm with a portion of the proceeds donated to charitable organizations.

Chicken Dinners are Eat-in or Take-out

Adults: $18, Child: $9, Dinner for Two: $25

Multiple Baskets and high-end items with tickets being drawn at 6pm.