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From Bishop Stephen Lane
Dear People of God,
This past Sunday, we heard the reading from Ezekiel about the valley of the dry bones, the aftermath of a great battle that left many dead. And God asked, “Can these bones live?”
I'm writing to you from the Spring Meeting of the House of Bishops, and this is the question we've been asking about our church. Can The Episcopal Church live?
We know the statistics of decline. We are no longer the church we once were. We have a powerful legacy, but in all our dioceses, there are numerous parishes that can no longer afford clergy, many buildings in desperate need of maintenance, and former churches in need of repurposing or sale. The assumptions of long term stability, of a strengthening economy, and of many active members no longer hold.
In response to the question, we bishops spent three days examining and discussing the calling and formation of priests. What education do today's priests need? How is that best delivered and evaluated? What kind of church will new priests encounter?
We also spent considerable time thinking about restructuring The Episcopal Church so that it is better able to provide support and services to dioceses and parishes. How do we shape the church to address the challenges of our time? How might we plant new churches? How do we fashion the worship for our communities? We looked at a lot of data and responded to the Presiding Bishop's ideas for a strategic plan.
It is abundantly clear that the church we know and love is not the church of the future. The world is changing very fast, and cultural support for the church is quickly fading. The church will endure by God’s grace, but the form will be different, and we in this time have work to do to get ready for that future. It is our job to renew our focus on the ministry of Jesus Christ and to provide the structures and resources for the Jesus Movement to continue in a new age.
The Good News is that the future of the church does not depend on us alone. As from the Beginning, Christ’s ministry and Christ’s body are in God’s hands. God has chosen all of us, brought us to this moment, and has called us to this work. And God will provide a way forward. These bones will live because God will breathe life into them. In the meantime, we are called to trust God's faithfulness and to live in hope for that new day. Our gifts are sufficient to build the church yet to come.
It has been an inspiring meeting for a sometimes discouraged group of bishops. We leave with a sense of hopefulness about our church and the ministry of Jesus Christ, and we hope to carry that spirit to all of you.
Peace,
+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
Due to the rally scheduled in downtown Buffalo (Niagara Square), please use Exit 6 from the 190 so that you enter the city south of the Cathedral. The Cathedral recommends parking in the Adam Ramp or 93 Pearl St. Parking.
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A Pastoral Word to The Episcopal Church from the March 2026 Gathering of the House of Bishops
Our gathering was focused primarily on the challenges and opportunities before us as a church. We welcomed 12 representatives from Episcopal seminaries and local formation programs to engage in thoughtful dialogue about the state of theological education and our need to better integrate traditional and innovative modes of discernment, recruitment, and training for future clergy and lay leaders. We explored possibilities for expanding the work of church planting and the redevelopment of existing congregations. We reflected on our relationships within the Anglican Communion, including...READ MORE
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Pictures by consent with residents at Terrace View Long-Term Care Facility: Lisa Carson and Anthony "Trouble" Disarno | |
Petals & Prayers Ministry
Volunteers Needed
The Petals & Prayers Ministry is in need of volunteers to help pick up flowers from Trader Joes. There are many pick up time slots available.
Once the flowers are brought to St. Philip's,
they are watered, trimmed, and spruced up a bit. Then, they are delivered to Terrace View Long-Term care Facility on the ECMC Campus on Fridays.
Deacon Lillian Davis-Wilson delivers flowers to sick and shut-in parishioners also.
Please contact the St. Philip's Church office at (716) 833-0442 to volunteer and for more information.
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Chrism Liturgy Reminder
The Annual Chrism Liturgy & Renewal of Vows will be held at St. Paul's, Cathedral in Buffalo on Tuesday, March 31.
Clergy will gather at 9:30am for the program, a service at 11am, lunch at noon, and ending by 12:30pm. Bishop Steve encourages all clergy to attend and hopes to see you there.
Please register by tomorrow, March 26 using this LINK.
There is some street parking for a fee. Many spots will require that you use the Buffalo Roam app. The Cathedral recommends using a parking lot that day. Or Main Place Parking Ramp (entrance across from Rath Building) is $7 for 4 hours; 93 Pearl St. Parking is $10 max.
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It Is Up to Us - Lunch & Movie
The Joint Commission to Dismantle Racism & Discrimination (CDRD) offered a LUNCH AND A MOVIE showing of the new documentary film, It Is Up to Us on March 21.
The movie presented “a brief history of racism in America with hope of promoting equity." Fifty people were in attendance at the Diocesan Ministry Center, and the after-movie discussions were thought provoking.
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March EpiscoPints
LOCATION CHANGED
Our March gathering is today, March 25 at 7pm at Fattey Beer Company in the Wurlitzer Building in North Tonawanda.
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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Racial Healing Circle
Join us for a Healing Circle at the Diocesan Ministry Center on April 11 from 10am-1pm.
This will be a compassionate space to share your own stories and listen deeply to others, finding the common humanity in all of us. Lunch will be included during the event.
To register by April 7, CLICK HERE
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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 Anniversary
The Rev. Sarah Buxton-Smith: March 25
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.
For details and to participate, please contact:
Wendy Schumacher
Missioner for Youth & Children
EMAIL or 716-830-5443
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Youth White Water Rafting Trip
YUM is planning an adventure on April 19 to white-water rafting at Zoar Valley Rafting in Gowanda. There will be two carpools, to transport youth coming from all around the Diocese:
Please RSVP to Wendy Schumacher by April 1. Families are asked to contribute $25 to the cost of the event, and friends are welcome to attend!
YUM events are open to young people in 5th grade and up.
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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. Paul's, Lewiston
Describe a moment in your community’s life when you felt the presence of the Holy Spirit moving among you. What made that moment possible?
For years, we've had an exciting Palm Sunday tradition where we perform a dramatic reading of the Gospel, complete with props that are brought to the altar...creating a truly immersive experience. Lately, we decided to shake things up a bit by moving the celebration to the day before Palm Sunday and inviting other parishes (Episcopalian and beyond) as well as the entire community to join in. The energy was incredible! After the play...READ MORE
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Our Little Roses Luncheon
The March 14 Honduran Luncheon was very successful. The luncheon raised $6,400! Part of this is already on its way to Honduras, while the rest will help fund Mission Team activities. As mentioned at the luncheon, there are now two Mission Teams from
WNY: Calvary, Williamsville and Advent, Kenmore. Each team member pays all of his/her expenses for travel and room and board. The money raised at the luncheon provides for special activities for the girls and special treat foods.
There is still room on Advent’s Mission Team for anyone interested in joining. Travel dates are May 12-20. The contact person is: Larry Mazuchowski or 716-228-8960.
Committee members are available to come to your church to give a presentation. For any further information on anything, contact: Larry or Kathy Barton, 716-534-1498.
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Lenten Bible Study at the Cathedral
Dean Rebecca will lead a study on the Gospel of John with the program on the Cathedral Zoom Page from 7-8:30pm 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 final schedule is:
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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Blue Note Concert
Trinity, Buffalo - Join us on April 17 for Krista Seddon's Jazz Series presenting Blue Note at 7pm.
Shades of Blue!
Tickets: $30
Students: $10 with valid ID
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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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The Way of the Cross
Calvary, Williamsville - A meditation in music for Good Friday on April 3 at 7pm.
We'd like to announce the next concert series: The Way of the Cross. The program will feature Josef Rheinberger’s Stabat Mater. Three movements of Franz Liszt’s Via Crucis, alongside settings of Tenebrae factae sunt, will also be on the program.
Admission is free; a discretionary offering will be accepted to support Calvary’s ongoing music ministry.
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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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Blue Note Concert
Trinity, Buffalo - Join us on April 17 for Krista Seddon's Jazz Series presenting Blue Note at 7pm.
Shades of Blue!
Tickets: $30
Students: $10 with valid ID
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Photo of: Amber Sastry, founder of A Storied Life | |
Common Ground Lecture:
Love Your Neighbor As Yourself – It Starts With Listening
Calvary, Williamsville - A free community lecture on the simple, profound act of being there. Join us to explore the practice of offering attention without the impulse to interrupt, fix, or advise. Through teaching and hands-on practice, you'll discover how this simple, profound act can help you experience being deeply heard, create space to listen to your own story with compassion and curiosity, transform your most important relationships, and build the trust and connection we all long for in this uncertain time in which we live.
A light lunch will be offered at 11:30am preceding the 12:15pm lecture on April 19.
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Spring Tea & Basket Raffle
Christ Church, Lockport - Join us for our Spring Tea and Basket Raffle on May 2 at 1pm.
Tickets: $35 Pre-Sale ONLY
To purchase tickets, download the registration form below & return by April 25:
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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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