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From Bishop Stephen Lane
Dear Ones,
In the Gospel for this past Sunday, Matthew tells us that Jesus surveyed the scene in Israel and lamented that the people were “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” The political and social conditions of the day – the occupying Roman forces, the poverty most people endured, the heavy burden of taxes, the rigid constraints of religious culture – left the people bewildered, oppressed, and frustrated.
There seemed to be no way out. And no one had stepped up to help. “The harvest is plentiful,” said Jesus, “but the laborers are few.” This was not only a numerical complaint, but an observation about the willingness of leaders to help. No one had taken responsibility. So Jesus called his disciples together and commissioned them to go, to be leaders in healing and restoration. It was not for enrichment. They were to take few possessions and to depend on the hospitality of the people. They were not to engage in disputes. If they found hostility, they were simply to move on. Jesus gave them authority to restore people to health, both spiritually and physically, to make them whole again.
The church’s mission remains the same today – and we face the same challenges of numbers and of social and political constraints. We lament that there are so few clergy. We lament rising prices, the fraying safety net, so many folks without access to health care or good jobs. We worry about environmental degradation and the tensions between nations. We too sometimes feel harassed and helpless.
The vocation we share, the role we have as members of Christ’s body, is to be part of the ministry of healing and restoration. We don’t need a lot of equipment. We aren’t likely to get rich. We aren’t asked to engage in disputes. We are simply asked to see the ministry of healing and restoration as ours, that we are commissioned to do what we can where we are. We can speak a kind word. We can share the resources of our church. We can invite someone into worship and community. We can defend the poor and the weak in our places. We can participate in the process of thinking about mission and leadership led by the Bishop Search Committee this summer.
Jesus said to his disciples: You are the ones. Go. And Jesus says that to us. We have the authority to heal and to make whole, to speak to the whole life of the people. May we feel that authority and, as we wrestle with the challenges of our own lives, may we go to others.
Peace,
Bishop Steve
A personal note: Beginning next week, I will be working primarily online. I will be on vacation in August. I will return to a Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday schedule after Labor Day. In July, I will be available by email and Zoom. In August, I can be reached in emergencies through the Diocesan Staff. The work of the diocese will continue as the Search Committee meets with worshipping communities across the diocese and as we prepare for Diocesan Convention. I continue to feel deeply engaged in our work together, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
+ S
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A Loss in the Diocese
The Rev. Ellen M. Montgomery died June 9, 2026 at her home in Buffalo. Born September 3, 1929 in Buffalo to Arthur Maddigan and Lillian Doane Maddigan, she was the beloved wife of 69 years to the late H. Ernest "Ernie" Montgomery II. She served at St. Mark’s Church, Orchard Park; Trinity Church, Buffalo; and Ascension Church, Buffalo.
A celebration of life for both Ellen and Ernie will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 11am at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Buffalo. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, Buffalo; Homespace; or Planned Parenthood. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home.
May her soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. AMEN
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Episcopal Church plans celebration of 1976 LGBTQ+ resolution on ‘full and equal’ welcome
It was a single sentence, adopted 50 years ago by General Convention meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Today, LGBTQ+ Episcopalians credit that sentence with opening the door to five decades of progress toward full inclusion in The Episcopal Church.
This is the text of Resolution A069 in full: “Resolved, That it is the sense of this General Convention that homosexual persons are children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral concern and care of the Church.”
Now, as The Episcopal Church approaches the 50th anniversary in September of the passage of that resolution, church leaders are planning a three-day conference on the past, present and future of LGBTQ+ involvement in the life of the church. The conference is scheduled for Sept. 3-5, and it will be held where it all began, back in Minneapolis. READ MORE
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Juneteenth - June 19, 2026
The diocesan office will be closed in observance of Juneteenth.
Juneteenth commemorates the delayed arrival of freedom – on June 19, 1865 – when the last enslaved people in Texas finally learned of their emancipation, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s a day to remember, reflect, and recommit to the work of racial justice and beloved community, and was designated a federal holiday in 2021.
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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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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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Worship Leader Training
SAVE THE DATE
The Revs Karen and Kathy Lawler will lead worship leader training on August 22 at the Diocesan Ministry Center from 9am-3:30pm.
Registration is coming soon!
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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. Robert Samuels: June 16
The Rev. Meredith Hunt: June 18
The Rev. Cathy Smith: June 19
The Rev. Martha Farone: June 20
The Rev. Karen Hardy: June 21
The Rev. Mark Cutolo: June 21
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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Diocesan Alcohol Policy
Do you know that the Diocese of Western New York has an alcohol use policy for serving alcohol at parish events? The policy is designed to protect children and people who struggle with addiction and to ensure moderate consumption. It’s also intended to ensure sober decision-making at church meetings. The policy may be found on the diocesan website HERE.
It may also be important to know that vestries should examine their insurance policies. It’s been noted that policies of the Church Insurance Corporation may not cover injuries or liabilities stemming from the use of alcohol at parish events. That may be an important consideration in determining what to serve when the community gathers.
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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 book study and discussion of Reforesting Faith.
The sessions will be held on Zoom on the following consecutive Wednesday evenings June 17 – July 8 from 6:30-7:30pm.
Book study reading schedule:
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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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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