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Called Together. What a great title for the Bishop Search Profile! What a good way to summarize both who we are and what we are looking for in our next bishop! Kudos to the Search and Nominating Committee for so succinctly capturing both our work of coming together as a diocese and our hopes for our life together going forward. We are one body called to follow Jesus in the world, and we hope for someone to come alongside us and join us in our work of seeking “reconciliation with God and one another in Christ,” as our Catechism puts it. I hope you will take time to read and consider the Search Profile which was posted this past Monday. It can be found HERE.
As a reminder, the deadline for proposing persons for our next bishop is November 25, 2026. That’s the day before Thanksgiving.
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This past Sunday was All Saints’ Sunday, the one major feast of the year that’s transferable to a Sunday so that we don’t miss it. READ MORE
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Diocesan Profile Released
We're pleased to share Called Together, our new diocesan profile, and officially open the nomination period for our next bishop. This is a significant milestone in our journey together, and we’re excited to see where the Spirit leads.
We hope you'll take some time to read it. You'll find stories of ministry happening across our diocese, a look at the opportunities and challenges before us, and the qualities we seek in our next spiritual leader.
Read Called Together and Explore the Bishop Search
There are two important dates to remember:
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November 25, 2026: Deadline to submit a referral recommending a potential candidate. Here’s the link for the Referral Form.
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December 7, 2026: Deadline for candidates to submit their applications. Here’s the link for the Application.
Visit the diocesan website: BISHOP SEARCH PAGE
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YUM Fall Schedule
Youth United in Ministry—better known as YUM—is a collaborative youth program for young people in 5th grade through high school. Supported by a group of partnering churches within the Diocese, YUM brings youth together twice each month for fellowship, fun, and meaningful service.
Our next gathering will be at the Diocesan Ministry Center with Bishop Steve on November 8 from 4-8pm!
For more information, contact Wendy Schumacher
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Family Tailgate Party
Cheer on our Buffalo Bills together at the Diocesan Ministry Center on December 6 at 4pm!
There will be games, crafts, and bingo.
Bring some snacks to share and GO BILLS!
RSVP to Wendy Schumacher by Dec. 4th.
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Regional Confirmations
Regional confirmations have been scheduled for Saturday, November 21 at 10:30am at St Paul's Cathedral in Buffalo. The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed HERE.
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.
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Clergy Supply List
Looking for someone to fill in for a service? We've recently updated our Clergy Supply List.
Download the Supply List
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Advent Devotion & Conversation
A contemplative companion for the four Sundays of Advent, rooted in the Psalms and the prayer of the Church. Complete psalms translated from the Masoretic Hebrew invite readers into the season’s longing, hope, and holy work of waiting.
With reflections, questions, prayer, and space for writing, this book offers a thoughtful path for personal devotion and parish conversation within the Episcopal and Anglican tradition.
Purchase on Amazon: Restore Us, O Adonai: an Advent Journey
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UBE Meeting, Nov. 4th
The November monthly meeting of the Bishop Holly Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) will be held on Wednesday, November 4 at 6:30 pm at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church.
You may also attend the meeting via Zoom, using the following information: Meeting ID: 836 0151 0965 Passcode: UBE
We would be delighted for you to participate and share your ideas. Our Chapter is becoming more and more active in this Diocese, and we need your input and contributions.
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Hope Center Update
The Hope Center has a new phone number.
Please update any records that you may have to: 716-881-0660 x116
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.
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Veterans Day Service, Nov 11
Mark your calendar to join Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe and Bishop Suffragan of Armed Forces and Federal Ministries Ann Ritonia for a livestreamed Veterans Day service at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Bishop Rowe will preside and Bishop Ritonia will preach at a Nov. 11 Evensong service at the cathedral that will also be livestreamed.
With 50% of military members being between ages 18 and 26, chaplains supporting U.S. troops are part of our church’s largest young adult ministry.
Learn more about Armed Forces and Federal Ministries, and download the AFFM Cycle of Prayer to pray for our chaplains, our military members and their families, and for weekly special intentions.
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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. Wayne Knockel: November 6
The Rev. Yvonne Fancher: November 8
The Rev. Helen Sam: November 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
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Name That Church?
How well do you know the congregations in WNY? Would you be able to name them, if you saw them?
Test your knowledge by naming the church shown, and then click on the photo to reveal the answer!
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Online Book Study on Belonging
Hosted by the Erie South Deanery
Join Dean Rebecca Barnes and the Rev Ann Tillman for an online book study of,
Cherished Belonging:
The Healing Power of Love in Divied Times
Mondays from 4-5:30pm and contining thru November 16.
Zoom Link...Passcode: 02241869
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Coffee Fundraiser
Good Shepherd, Buffalo - Order your coffee online now thru November 9, and then pick it up at Good Shepherd on November 18, 5-7:30pm; November 19, 1-3pm; November 20, 9am-Noon.
See flyer for ordering instructions!
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Rummage Sale
St. Paul's, Harris Hill - Join us for our Rummage Sale on November 7 from 9am - 3pm.
We will also be selling chicken chowder by the quart and bowl! Adam’s Apples will also be on-site with their delicious apples!!
$10 bag sale all day!!
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Snowflake Bazaar
Trinity, Lancaster - All are invited to our shop our rummage sale, bake, sale, and crafts on November 7 from 10am-3pm.
The event is FREE and also includes a basket raffle!
Enjoy a soup & sandwich lunch from 11am-2pm.
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Fall Concert
Calvary, Williamsville - Great Music at Calvary announces its fall concert of the 2026-27 season, "Such Glorious Gifts" on November 8 at 4pm. It will feature vocal and instrumental works by Robin Milford, Gerald Finzi and Roland Martin's "The Voice of the Rain," based on a poem of Walt Whitman. The Calvary Choir will be joined by the Buffalo Chamber Players, and the program will conclude with a group of pieces commemorating Veteran's Day followed by a reception. Great Music at Calvary is made possible by supporter contributions.
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Concert Series Continues
St. Mark's, Orchard Park - Join us November 8 at 4pm as Walter Kemp celebrates the release of his new solo jazz piano CD with a special solo performance.
$20 suggested donation; no one turned away for lack of funds.
RSVP at St. Mark's Facebook Event Page.
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Grief & Loss Support Group
St. Philip's, Buffalo - Healing Hearts will meet on November 10 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!
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Annual Bazaar
St. Andrew's, Burt - Join us for an incredible Chicken & Biscuit lunch from 11:30am-1:30pm and shop for Christmas items and baked goods from 10am-2pm on November 14.
Admission: FREE
Adult lunch: $14
Children (under 12): $7
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Hearts of Hope Grief Support
St. Paul's, Harris Hill - Join us at 10am on November 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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Holy Hike
St. Paul's Cathedral, Buffalo - Holy Hikes of Western New York, a ministry of St. Paul's Cathedral, will hike at Iroquois National Wildlife Preserve in Basom on November 14. Weather permitting, this will be our last hike for 2026 .
All are welcome; carpooling will be available from the Cathedral at 9:30am or you can join us directly at the appointed hike location.
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Celebration for the Feast of St. Andrew!
St. Paul's Cathedral, Buffalo - Join us for a festive celebration of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland and Scottish influence on the Episcopal Church. The program is on November 28 at 6pm and will include prayers, remembrances, a reading of the The Declaration of Arbroath. Piping music will be provided by the McKenzie Highlanders, Celtic fiddle music by Charles Coughlin, and more.
The celebration continues at the Banshee Irish Pub (Food and Drink to be purchased on your own…)
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Handel's Messiah
St. Luke's, Jamestown - We're hosting our community Messiah sing along at 4pm on November 29. Sing along with our community choir (rehearsals at 1:30 on the 28th and 2:30 on the 29th) or just sit in the congregation and drink in the beauty of the music.
Besides our fabulous organ, we will also have a string ensemble. Our conductor is Phillip McMullin, director and founder of the Northern Chautauqua Community Choir, plus soloists from the area and greater New York.
This event is free to the public. Of course donations are gratefully accepted. Bring your family and friends to enjoy this holiday favorite!
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