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From Bishop Stephen Lane
Dear Friends in Christ,
With the Second Sunday after Pentecost, The Episcopal Church begins the Season After Pentecost, the Green Season, the season of growth. This time is sometimes called Ordinary Time, meaning the Sundays are counted in order after Pentecost, but that description is not found in the Book of Common Prayer. In The Episcopal Church, what we mean is that the great cycle of feasts and fasts that began with Advent and continued through Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Pentecost has ended, and we are now in the season of growing in the faith inspired by that cycle. In the Gospel for this past Sunday, Jesus says, “Learn what this means. I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” This is a clarion call to live into a faith defined not by rituals and rules, but by love and compassion. It is a call to live daily in resurrection faith.
The green of this liturgical season also fits well with the season of growth in the natural world. This past Sunday, I visited St John’s, Youngstown, an historic church perched high above the mouth of the Niagara River at Lake Ontario, at the entrance to Fort Niagara State Park. It was a gorgeous early summer day, as you know. Warm, blue skies, and plenty of green. After a wonderful visit with the good people of St John’s, my wife and I drove through the park and drove home along the Great Lakes Seaway Trail (Rt 18 and the Ontario State Parkway). Everywhere we looked trees and plants were in full bloom. The fields were full of that unique yellow green color that characterizes new growth. The air was full of pollen, and farm fields were turned for planting. Some fields showed the first sprouts of corn. Miles and miles of apple trees gave the promise of sweet and tart fruit in the Fall.
We live in a beautiful part of the world. I don’t know that people commonly think of Western New York as scenic. But they should. We have wonderful farms, orchards and vineyards. Fabulous views of rivers and two Great Lakes. And the mighty Niagara River. We live in a region to be cherished, nurtured and protected.
Last week, Dean Barbara Price wrote about her concerns for a data center being planned for Genesee County. You can read that story HERE. At last month’s Diocesan Council meeting, the Diocese of Western New York joined a newly developing Eco-Region Network of The Episcopal Church with the Dioceses of Rochester, Central New York and Albany. Deacon Martha Farone will serve as our liaison.
The Eco-Region Network is a grassroots initiative linking dioceses, parishes, and communities based on shared ecosystems and watersheds. Ours is the Eastern Great Lakes. Rooted in the "Nature~Food~Faith" pillars, it aims to foster collaboration on climate solutions, sustainable land practices, and environmental justice. The Eco-Region Network is a partnership with the Center for Religion and Environment at Sewanee, The partnership was formalized following the Church's 2024 General Convention. It is expected that the Eco-Region Network will meet at least once a year and will offer an annual educational event. The Network is an effort to help us all grow in our care for the good earth which God has given us (Genesis 1:26-31).
As part of this effort, I want to authorize all the worshiping communities of the diocese to mark the Season of Creation next fall. The Season of Creation is officially September 1 (World Day of Prayer) – October 4, 2026 (Feast of St Francis), but you may have some flexibility in celebrating it. The ecumenical theme is “Living Waters,” a theme that seems particularly appropriate for us. The Episcopal Church theme is “The Canopy of Creation.” Worship resources may be found HERE and HERE. You may use either theme.
We are truly blessed to live in Western New York. May we in this season of growth grow in our faith and grow in our stewardship of God’s creation.
Blessings,
Bishop Steve
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Renewed Bishop Search Begins with Listening:
Diocese of WNY launched diocesan-wide campaign June 7
This summer, the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York is taking the bishop search on the road — to all 52 congregations, to meet its people where they worship.
Beginning June 7, teams of trained listeners fanned out across all 52 congregations in the diocese — from Buffalo to Jamestown, from Niagara Falls to the rural communities along the Allegany River — to hear directly from the people in the pews. What gives you hope? What do you long for in your church community? What do you want your next bishop to know about who you are?
These are not rhetorical questions. The answers will shape the search for Western New York’s next bishop.
“This search belongs to all of us," the Standing Committee wrote in its May announcement to the diocese.
To read the full announcement, CLICK HERE
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Pride Flag Invocation
On June 2nd, Dean Rebecca Barnes participated in the Buffalo Pride Flag Raising at City Hall on Niagara Square.
To read the text of the reflection and invocation she offered, CLICK HERE
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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. Lunch is included as part of your day.
To Register, CLICK HERE
Contact Shawn Slother for your Safe Church renewal date, if needed.
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2026 Diocesan Convention
Our annual Diocesan Convention will be held in Celeron, NY at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel on October 23 & 24.
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Nominations & Resolutions
Nominations for an open office and convention resolutions need to be submitted by August 3rd. For information on the Governance Offices, CLICK HERE.
Open Offices
Standing Committee:
1 clergy and 1 lay (4 year term)
Diocesan Council:
1 clergy and 2 lay (3 year term)
Trustees:
2 lay (3 year term)
SUBMIT a DIOCESAN NOMINATION
SUBMIT a DIOCESAN RESOLUTION
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Buffalo Bisons Star Wars Night
Join us on Saturday, June 13 at 6pm for Star Wars Night at Sahlen Field as the Buffalo Bisons take on the Syracuse Mets. The Diocese has reserved a block of tickets and would love for you to join us!
Tickets are $15 and can be reserved through Wendy Schumacher, Missioner for Children and Youth. Email Wendy or call (716) 830-5443. Tickets will be mailed out the first week in June.
In addition, we have a Diocesan Star Wars T-Shirt to wear that evening. If you are interested in one for $20, please email Wendy.
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Sleep Away Camp 2026
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
Camp Staff Opportunities
We may be in need of additional staff this summer. If you are 18 or older and feel called to serve at diocesan camp, please reach out to Youth Missioner, Wendy Schumacher, to explore whether this ministry might be a good fit.
For more information, CLICK HERE
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Survey Supports Research on Intergenerational Worship
Help the Roots & Wings grant team research current worship practices in the Episcopal Church by taking a short survey on the five hallmarks of intergenerational worship. Our goal is to collect 500+ survey responses in 2026 to give us a snapshot of the current levels of intergenerationally in Episcopal liturgy based on five core characteristics. You do not have to already be practicing intentionally intergenerational worship to participate! The survey is accompanied by a toolkit for congregations that want to strengthen intergenerational worship practices. Roots & Wings: Intergenerational Formation Collaborative (R&W) is a five-year grant administered through Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary.
Take the SURVEY
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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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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.
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Ordination Anniversaries
The Rev. Michael Hadaway: June 10
The Rev. Pauline Bowen: June 11
The Rev. Sue Boyd-Ellis: June 13
The Rev. James Clement: June 14
The Rev. Cathy Ritz: June 16
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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Sleep Away Camp 2026
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
Camp Staff Opportunities
We may be in need of additional staff this summer. If you are 18 or older and feel called to serve at diocesan camp, please reach out to Youth Missioner, Wendy Schumacher, to explore whether this ministry might be a good fit.
For more information, CLICK HERE
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Bishop Sutton to Preach at St. Luke’s, Jamestown
St. Luke's, Jamestown will welcome Bishop Eugene Sutton, Senior Pastor at Chautauqua Institution, as guest preacher and celebrant on Sunday, June 14, at both 8am & 10am services, recognizing Pride Sunday and Juneteenth. The day will also include a 9am Adult Forum presentation by Bishop Sutton on the work racial healing he led in the Diocese of Maryland.
The observance of Pride Sunday and Juneteenth offers an opportunity to reflect on themes of freedom, human dignity, belonging, and the ongoing work of justice. Both commemorations invite communities to consider how faith calls people to participate in healing divisions, honoring human worth, and building a more just society.
During the Adult Forum, Bishop Sutton will discuss his work on reparations and racial reconciliation. Drawing upon his years of leadership and advocacy, he will explore the theological, historical, and practical dimensions of reparative justice. The conversation will examine how communities of faith can engage in truth-telling, relationship-building, and the work of repair in response to the enduring effects of racial injustice.
“We are honored to welcome Bishop Sutton to St. Luke’s,” said the Rev. Luke Fodor, Rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. “His ministry has consistently demonstrated a commitment to bringing people together across difference while inviting the Church into deeper conversations about justice, reconciliation, and hope.”
The public is invited to attend the 8am & 10am worship services and the 9am Adult Forum.
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Chamber Music Festival
St. Matthias', East Aurora - Join us June 12 and 14 at 7:30pm for an evening with the East Aurora Chamber Music Festival Musicians.
Advanced Tickets: $20
At the Door: $25
Student with ID: $10
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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 5-session book study and discussion of Reforesting Faith.
The sessions will be held on Zoom for five consecutive Wednesday evenings June 10 – July 8 from 6:30-7:30pm.
5-session book study reading schedule:
6/10 - Chapters 1-3
6/17 - Chapters 4-6
6/24 - Chapters 7-9
7/1 - Chapters 10-12
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
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Strawberry Festival
Christ Episcopal, Lockport - Join us on June 10 from 4-7pm for our annual Strawberry Festival held rain or shine.
A variety of food, baked goods, and a basket raffle will also be available.
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Hearts of Hope Grief Support
St. Paul's, Harris Hill - Join us at 10am on the 2nd Saturday of every month (June 13). 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.
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Opera on the Oatka
St. Mark's, LeRoy - Join mezzo soprano (and LeRoy resident) Heather Davis, tenor Pablo Willey-Bustos, and pianist Priscilla Yuen as they perform opera duets and art songs inspired by Midsummer and Shakespeare on June 13 at 6:30pm.
Free Admission and all are welcome!
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Salad Bar Luncheon
St. Mark's, North Tonawanda - Join St Mark's and Church of the Advent on June 19 from 11:30am-1:30pm for a delicious assortment of lunch meats, cheeses, & desserts.
Tickets are $25 (Adults) & $5 (Children)
For information and group reservations of 8 or more, please call 716-951-0704
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Strawberry Festival & Chicken BBQ
Good Shepherd, Buffalo - Join us on June 20 from 4-7pm for a chicken dinner, strawberry shortcake, & basket raffle.
Dinners: $16 Advance Sale
$17 day of the event.
For advanced tickets, email: goodshepfundraising@gmail.com or CLICK HERE
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Yard Sale
Advent, Kenmore - Join us on June 28 from 8am-1pm for a wide selection of items for sale.
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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 12 at Owen Falls Sanctuary Trail (East Aurora) as we will hit the trail to celebrate the Eucharist in nature!
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