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From Bishop Stephen Lane
Dear Friends in Christ,
The story of the Samaritan women at the well is one of the great stories in the Gospel of John. It is full of witty dialogue and misunderstood double entendres. The woman is talking about well water, i.e., still water. Jesus on the other hand is talking about living water or, more informally, running water. Running water was generally considered safer and more desirable than still water. Yet, Jesus is not really talking about water at all, but about life in the Spirit. Like Nicodemus before her, the woman does not understand what Jesus is talking about. Yet, unlike Nicodemus, who eventually falls silent in his confusion, the Samaritan woman persists in her questions and in the conversation. She wants to get this living water, and she wants to know how the worship that provides it is different from her own religious practices.
In the Gospel of John, no one understands Jesus at first. What Jesus is talking about does not fit with folks conventional understanding. Jesus is talking about a conception of God’s reign far beyond what anyone else was thinking or teaching. And the story of the Samaritan woman at the well emphasizes the magnitude of those differences.
First off, Jesus is publicly speaking with a woman, not with romantic intentions, but as an equal, as someone to whom God is offering new life. She’s not a second class citizen, not someone else’s property. She is a person in her own right. Second, she’s a Samaritan, not a Jew. Jesus is offering living water to someone outside of Israel, outside of this tribe. Salvation is for everyone, not only for the Jews. Thirdly, she’s lived a tough life. She’s had five husbands. Divorce was the province of men in that day, so it’s likely that she’d been married five times because her husbands either died or divorced her. If she had committed adultery, she might well have been stoned to death, so any immorality would have belonged to her husband. But she is clearly a victim, an example of the least and the lost. She is now living with someone not her husband, no doubt to survive. Salvation is not a matter of status or wealth or conventional morality. Even this poor woman may receive it.
Jesus is on the road to Jerusalem and the Cross. In Jerusalem he will be crucified, murdered, and in his death and resurrection, we will come to understand that salvation is a free gift offered to all who believe in him. It was incomprehensible to Jesus’ disciples, and it remains incomprehensible to us even now. We humans all want to put some conditions on living water. We want new life to be for the deserving, for the respectable, for people who are like us. If it’s free and available to everyone, then somehow it is diminished in our eyes. It should be hard. It should be earned. New life shouldn’t be thrown about like so many Mardi Gras beads. It should be like a diamond, precious and rare.
Yet what makes it precious, in fact, is that it is free. It is given. We must only open our hands and receive it. We must see that we are dependent for new life on God. And we must recognize everyone else is a person created in God’s image for whom Christ died: even a woman, even a Samaritan, even a person whose lifestyle offends us.
May we, like the Samaritan woman, thankfully receive the living water given freely by Christ.
Bishop Steve
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From the Standing Committee: Encouraging Signs and Work Still Ahead
In recent months, many throughout the Diocese of Western New York have noticed a renewed sense of steadiness and forward movement in our common life. Under the exceptional leadership of Stephen Lane, we have begun to see encouraging progress in strengthening relationships, restoring healthy patterns of governance, and focusing our shared energy on the future of our diocese.
We are deeply grateful for Bishop Lane’s presence among us. His wisdom, pastoral care, and steady leadership have helped guide the diocese through an important moment of transition. In a relatively short period of time, he has helped bring clarity and direction that many across the diocese have been longing for.
At the same time, it is important to remember that this progress marks the beginning of a longer journey, not its completion. We have lots of work to do to decrease our sense of isolation, to rebuild a vibrant and shared diocesan identity.
Bishop Lane serves as our part-time Provisional Bishop, and his contract reflects that limited capacity. While his leadership has been invaluable, the ongoing work of rebuilding and strengthening our diocesan life cannot rest on his shoulders alone. The health and vitality of this diocese ultimately depend on the shared commitment of clergy and lay leaders throughout our congregations. The truth is that the renewal of our diocesan life will ultimately depend on the engagement, prayer, and creativity of the entire diocesan community.
One important sign of that forward movement is that the search process for our next Bishop Diocesan is now well underway. The Search Committee has been actively engaged in its work, and the Standing Committee is grateful for the care and prayerfulness with which they are approaching this responsibility. If all proceeds according to plan, we anticipate that the diocesan profile will be released in the weeks following Easter, marking the next significant step in this holy process.
In the meantime, the work of strengthening our diocese continues. Important efforts related to communication, stewardship of our properties, leadership development, and congregational vitality will require ongoing participation from people across the diocese.
Serving as his Council of Advice, the Standing Committee remains committed to walking alongside Bishop Lane and supporting the many leaders who are helping guide this work forward. While Bishop Lane continues to exercise the ecclesiastical authority of the diocese during this transitional time, the Standing Committee continues to oversee the Search and Transition process related to the call of a new Diocesan Bishop.
We ask for your continued prayers for Bishop Lane, the diocesan staff, for the Search and Transitions Committees, for the Standing Committee, and for all who serve the church in leadership roles during this season of discernment. While the future of our Diocese ultimately rests in God’s hands, our faithful prayers will open our hearts to the future that God is preparing. The hopeful signs we are seeing are real. With patience, collaboration, and trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the work now underway can help shape a strong and faithful future for the Diocese of Western New York.
Faithfully,
The Standing Committee
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Leadership Day, March 7th
This past Saturday nearly 90 folks gathered at the Diocesan Ministry Center for education and conversation about the work of Wardens and Vestries. Presentations were made about spiritual leadership by the Rev. Canon Cathy Dempsey-Sims, the basics of parish finances by Director of Finance Maria Manocchio, an overview of the diocesan website by Missioner for Communication Shawn Slother, the expectations of parish leadership by the Bishop, and about the care of property by the Property Committee. Workshops were offered on Communication and Social Media (Shawn Slother and Katelyn Nicoloff), Parish Vitality (Cathy Dempsey-Sims and Bonnie Morris), Parish Accounting (Maria Minocchio) and Episcopal Governance (Bishop Steve). Folks were enthusiastic and engaged throughout the day. Our time ended with a Commissioning of Vestry and Wardens. My thanks to all those who attended and all those who offered presentations and workshops.
Two things struck me about the day. First, how much we enjoy getting together. There was lots of conversation and laughter. Old friends greeted one another joyfully and spent time catching up. It was good just to see one another. Second, our lay leaders are eager for support and information. The responsibilities of wardens and vestry, the demands of caring for aging buildings, our tight budgets, the pastoral needs of our worshiping communities require lots of attention and lots of knowledge. The information presented was gratefully received and…
It’s clear that we need to do more to support lay leaders. Plans are just now underway to provide that support. We hope to provide more extensive support and education for lay leaders, including support for licensed ministries, including preachers, worship leaders, and pastoral administrators. Watch this space for more information as it becomes available.
Bishop Steve
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Ordination to the Diaconate
God willing and the people consenting
The Right Reverend Stephen T. Lane
Bishop Provisional of the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York
will ordain
Marc Anthony Gutierrez
to the Sacred Order of Deacons
in Christ’s one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church
Saturday, March 28, 2026
10:00 am
St. Paul’s Cathedral
4 Cathedral Park, Buffalo, NY 14202
Your prayers and presence are joyfully requested
Reception to follow the ceremony
Clergy: Red or Festive Stoles
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It Is Up to Us - Lunch & Movie
Joint Commission to Dismantle Racism & Discrimination (CDRD)
The WNY and NWPA Commission to Dismantle Racism and Discrimination invites you to join us for a LUNCH AND A MOVIE showing of the new documentary film, It Is Up to Us on March 21, 11:30am-2:30pm at the Diocesan Ministry Center.
The movie presents “a brief history of racism in America with hope of promoting equity.” Inspired by Heather McGhee’s The Sum of Us and the 2022 tragic shooting at TOPS grocery store which claimed 10 lives and injured 3, the film traces the impact of racism on society and illustrates why understanding history is critical for our future.
To register for the event by March 18, CLICK HERE
For more information, visit the CDRD Diocesan Web Page.
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Blessed to Serve under Four Bishops in Ten Years
“I’d like you to be the next Archdeacon”, my new Bishop said to me when I had been a Deacon for only three years. The Bishop who had ordained me three years prior in December 2016, had retired, and I was very aware that the previous Archie had done a lot of scheduling of deacons to assist the Bishop at every Sunday service, confirmation, funeral for clergy, or event at which he celebrated. It was a wonderful way for parishioners to see a Deacon at the altar, but I knew that the scheduling was often a nightmare. The Archdeacon had to often fill in when there were no deacons available. At the time, I didn’t have the words or experience to explain that I while I was capable of filling that role, it was not where my energy wanted or needed to be. The three Archdeacons before me...READ MORE
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Why Are You Episcopalian?
At our February EpiscoPints, we’re grateful to Rev. Laurence Wainwright-Maks for leading the conversation and asking us a simple question: Why are you Episcopalian?
It sounds easy until you actually try to answer it. So I wanted to take a minute to put some words around why this Church, this tradition, continues to shape and ground my faith.
One of the biggest reasons is the balance of Scripture, Tradition, and Reason. The Episcopal Church trusts that faith and thinking go together. We take the Bible seriously. We care about the history of the Church. And we believe God gave us...READ MORE
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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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March EpiscoPints
Our March gathering is on March 25 at 7pm at Fattey Beer Company in Amherst.
The Rev. Karen lawler will lead our discussion, Faith in Conversation.
Bring your questions, bring a friend - just come as you are!
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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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Ordination Anniversaries
The Rev. Allen Farabee: March 12
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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Do You Know??
A periodic article about things you may not know …
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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
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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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St. David's, West Seneca
What are the most vibrant ministries or strengths of your parish today?
Members of our lay led parish care for each other, are connected, and do pastoral care. We have a large number of lay led outreach projects and many of our members participate in community outreach programs. Socktober is one of our outreach projects where every October new wool socks, blankets, gloves and hats are collected for the homeless. We offer drive through "Ashes To Go" (608 in 2025), pet blessings, and have a booth at the West Seneca Farmers Market. We are home to the West Seneca Community Food Pantry and built an addition to our parish house to completely house the food pantry...READ MORE
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Lenten Bible Study at the Cathedral
On Tuesday evenings, Dean Rebecca will lead a study on the Gospel of John with the program on the Cathedral Zoom Page from 7-8:30pm on March 17, 24 and a final session on Easter Tuesday, April 7. We will look at an overview of the "Fourth Gospel" while giving greater attention to the readings from the Gospel that are part of the Lenten and Holy Week Lectionary. (If you are unable to attend the Wednesday evening Center City Lent sessions in Buffalo, this will be a good alternative.) For more information, please contact Dean Rebecca.
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Lenten Study
A number of churches in the Central Erie Deanery will be coming together again this year for a joint Lenten study. This program will be in-person only (no hybrid). Gather for a simple meal at 5pm with Program and Discussion to follow from 5:30pm - 7pm.
The schedule is:
March 11: Trinity, Buffalo
March 18: St. Paul's Cathedral
March 25: St. John's-Grace
This year's series will be Unbound: Seeking the Freedom of God’s Love. Together, we will follow Jesus through the wilderness and into the heart of the Empire.
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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 (March 14). 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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Music at St. Mark's
St. Mark's, LeRoy - Join us for a free monthly concert series. This month presents Ravi Padmanabha and David Mussen on March 19 at 7pm in a program that is a fusion of eastern and western music using a variety of instruments. The concert will be a full musical experience ranging from ambient meditation to ecstatic trance music.
The program is funded by a Statewide Community Regrant Program through GO ART!
For more information, email: stmarksleroy@gmail.com.
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Blue Note Concert
Trinity, Buffalo - Join us on March 20 for Krista Seddon's Jazz Series presenting Blue Note at 7pm.
Blues and the British Invasion!
Tickets: $30
Students: $10 with valid ID
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Spring Chicken BBQ
Trinity, Hamburg - Join us our annual Spring Chicken BBQ on March 21 from Noon-3pm (or until sold out).
Take Out ONLY - $15 for a Half Chicken BBQ with all the sides.
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Spaghetti Dinner
St. John's-Grace, Buffalo - Treat yourself to an affordable evening out with friends on March 21! You may reserve tables for groups of 6,8 or 10. Purchase tickets at the door or in advance using QR Code or ONLINE (No Take Outs).
Doors open at 5pm, Dinner at 6:30pm.
Check out our interesting variety of auction theme baskets! We hope you will join us for a casual evening of fellowship and fun!
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Passion Play & Community Dinner
St. Paul's, Lewiston - The community is invited to witness a dramatic narrative of the crucifixion enriched with symbolism from the Gospel at 4pm on March 28. A free-will pasta dinner will follow.
If you would like to participate in the community choir, please arrive at 3pm for rehearsal.
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Community Good Friday Gathering
St. James, Batavia - Join us for a community worship gathering on April 3 at 6:30pm.
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Calling all Fryers
During Lent, 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.
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