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Dear Ones,
I invite your prayers for the people of Erie, Pennsylvania, in the aftermath of the mass shooting. Please pray for the victims, their friends, families and community.
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Our 189th Annual Convention is just over a week away, and if you haven’t done so already, now is the time to prepare. The materials for our Convention may all be found on the diocesan convention website page (2026 Convention), and a recording of one of the two Pre-Convention meetings may be found there as well. The recording is just an hour and provides a lot of information in a short time.
I also want to remind you to bring a cell phone or other online device so we can practice electronic voting. We will use electronic voting in the election of our next bishop in May. If you have questions about electronic voting, you can find more information on the same 2026 Convention website page by scrolling down to A New Way to Vote at Convention. And you can always call the Diocesan Ministry Center (716) 881-0660.
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Last night, I went to The Little Theatre in Rochester and saw an award winning documentary...READ MORE
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We Have Hope Because We Have Ideas!
This is one of the best lines from the entire Summer of Listening report.
And you have lots of ideas: Intergenerational hikes. Family camp. Stronger deaneries. Congregations sharing resources. Wardens learning from one another. A diocesan convention centered even more deeply on worship, learning, and relationships. Even the idea of a bishop spending a week living and ministering in each deanery.
Not every idea will become reality. But the ideas themselves tell us something important: The Spirit is stirring.
Please continue to pray for the search and transition process. We will release the new profile in early November!
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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.
One gathering a month rotates among the participating churches, giving youth a chance to explore different communities and build connections beyond their home parish. Each month looks a little different: some meetings are built around games and discussion, while others take us on local field trips or mission projects that put our faith into action. The second event a month focuses on family and fun activities.
For more information, contact Wendy Schumacher
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Family Tailgate Party
On October 18 the Diocesan Ministry Center will host a family tailgate party at 4pm.
Bring some snacks to share. Pizza, games, and activities will be provided!
To attend, RSVP by October 16 to Wendy Schumacher 716-830-5443
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Letter from the Birmingham Jail:
If Martin Were Here Today
The WNY and NWPA Commission to Dismantle Racism and Discrimination (CDRD), in partnership with St. Luke’s Commission to Dismantle Racism, invites you to a dramatic presentation of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail. Presented by the Buffalo-based Typography of Women, the acclaimed 90-minute production brings the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s landmark letter to life through music, spirituals, narration, and a dramatic reading portrayed by a 1963 Dr King and a younger version of himself imagined as a civil rights leader of today.
The event is free and open to the public on Thursday, October 22. Doors open at 6:30pm with the performance at 7pm at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown. Light refreshments will be available before the performance.
REGISTER HERE
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Diocesan Convention
We will gather along Chautauqua Lake on October 23-24 for our annual Diocesan Convnetion.
All convention information is available on our website: 2026 Diocesan Convention Page
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Generosity Is a Practice
October is the month when stewardship becomes wonderfully concrete. Across the church, pledge cards are appearing in pews and mailboxes. Congregations are sharing stories of ministry, inviting testimony, making plans for the year ahead, and asking members to consider how their giving reflects their faith.
We practice gratitude by noticing what God has already given. We practice trust when we loosen our grip on some of what we have received. We practice hope when we invest in ministries whose full fruit we may never see. We practice community when we remember that the church is not simply something we attend or support, but a body to which we belong and through which God is at work in the world.
The 2026 password for materials from The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) is Matthew22:4 Please note, it is case sensitive and there are no spaces. The theme for this year’s materials is Plenty Good Room. Learn More
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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 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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Hall of Fame Inductee
Congratulations to the Rev. Robert Duerr on being one of the 2026 Niagara Falls Music Hall of Fame inductees.
The induction ceremony will be held on November 5th at the Seneca Niagara Casino.
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New BCP Edition
In the spring of this year, a new volume of The Oxford Handbook of the Book of Common Prayer was published by Oxford University Press.
The last essay titled, “Anglican Rites of Healing,” was contributed by the Rev. Linda Malia of St. Simon's in Buffalo.
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Brookside Farewell
A Fall Farewell was celebrated at Brookside Chapel in Lockport last week. The evening began with a wonderful harvest dinner and lots of conversation. We then moved to the Chapel lit with oil lamps, for a Season of Creation (Living Water) liturgy.
Thanks to all the faithful people, clergy, and musicians who worshipped at Brookside this summer. Missing from the picture is the Rev. Deacon Robin Kozlowski, who took the photo.
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Catholic, Evangelical Leaders Condemn Public Execution
From Religious News Service
...The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Sean Rowe, voiced similar disapproval. “The Episcopal Church has long formally opposed the death penalty, and more recently we have called for an immediate moratorium on its use,” Rowe said in a statement. “The idea of live-streaming a firing squad execution is reprehensible in the extreme and will cause moral injury to everyone involved. We need to ask ourselves who we have become as a nation when senior officials decide to make a spectacle of state-sponsored violence.” READ MORE
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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 Anniversary
The Rev. Penny Foster: October 18
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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St. Luke’s Acolytes Share in a Celebration of Faith
With a spirit of adventure and a love of serving, seven members of St. Luke’s traveled to the National Acolyte Festival: McKenzie, Zachary and Emmory Pickett, Laura Aquirre, K Gustafson, Myrick Matthews and Luke Fodor. The gathering offered a joyful glimpse of the wider church and the people who bring its worship to life.
“It was amazing to see just how diverse our church is,” said Myrick Matthews. “Acolytes come in many ages, colors and speaking many languages.”
Bishop Matthew Cowden’s sermon offered a memorable image of carrying God’s light into the world...READ MORE
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The Rev. Roula Alkhouri, left, Deacon Diane Cox, and Rev. Canon Johnnie Ross offer a blessing Saturday for Daisy, with her dad, Kenneth Plossl of Le Roy. | |
Blessings Given in Batavia
From The Batavian
Church leaders and pet owners came together this weekend with creatures great — from a horse — and small — to a bird — to celebrate a blessing for each one in the memory of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals.
It has been a yearly event at St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia for the last decade, and more than two dozen people attended, either with their living companions in tow or photos of those that have passed on...READ MORE
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The Rev. Shawn Clerkin, Rector of St. Mark's. | |
Let the Next Chapter Unfold
On Saturday, October 10, 2026, more than 80 parishioners and guests, a dozen clergy, and the Bishop gathered at St Mark's in Orchard Park for the Renewal of Ministry service, celebrating the next chapter in the life of the parish.
God bless Shawn+ and the good people of St. Mark's. Let us see what God has in store for you and the rest of the diocese!"
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Mary Plonka (front right) of St. Stephen's, Olean | |
Chusid Symposium on Place
Annual gathering spotlights placemaking and placekeeping in Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties
St, Stephen's in Olean was one of the sites selected and recognized by community leaders, planners, preservationists, funders, state agencies and organizations who gathered on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Palmer Opera House in Cuba for the annual Chusid Symposium on Place. The free, day-long event celebrated seven Western New York sites where diverse voices engage with economic development, heritage and equity to recognize and build place and community.
The Symposium, a program of the Susan Christopherson Center for Community Planning, honors Jeffrey Chusid, preservation architect and planner, retired Cornell University professor of city and regional planning, and a founding advisory board member of the Christopherson Center. The day included site case studies...READ MORE
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Donations for the Unhoused
St. David's, West Seneca - We are asking for donations this month to support Persons Living Without Permanent Accommodations.
- Wool Socks
- Blankets (wool preferred)
- Sleeping Bags
Donations may be dropped off at our outdoor tote.
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BBQ Ribs
St. David's, West Seneca - Join us from 2-6pm on October 16 for BBQ Ribs with all the fixin's by BW’s Smokin’ Barrel Barbecue.
Drive-Thru only - $20
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Halfway to Lent Fish Fry
St. Patrick's, Cheektowaga - All are invited to dinner on October 16 from 4-7pm. Enjoy a fish, shrimp, or chicken finger dinner. Dine-in or Take-out options.
Order online or by phone 716-684-4206 between 1-6:30pm on October 16.
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Community Pumpkin Giveaway
St. John's, Wilson - All are welcome to free hotdogs, chips, water, and of course... pumpkins on October 17 from 11am-1pm to thank our community for all their support!
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October BBQ
St. Philip's, Buffalo - Join the Men's Club on October 17 from 3-6pm for BBQ chicken or ribs by BW's Smoking Barrel BBQ.
Tickets are available. Call 716-833-0442 to place an order.
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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.
On October 17, we will hike at Heartland Forest Trail in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. 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.
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Trunk or Treat
Trinity, Hamburg - Join us for our 3rd Annual Truck or Treat on October 17 from 2-4pm in our back parking lot for candy, non-edibles, and games!
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Chicken BBQ
Trinity, Hamburg - Enjoy a great chicken BBQ on October 17 from 2pm-?
Take out ONLY
Half chicken, salt potatos, coleslaw, & roll
$15
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Harvest Luncheon
Trinity, Fredonia - The Trinity parish family invites you to attend their Autumn Harvest Potluck Luncheon on October 18 at 11:30am in the parish hall.
The main dish offered will be oven-roasted turkey. Feel free to bring your favorite side-dish or dessert to share.
Everyone Welcome! Contact the parish office with any questions: 716-679-7901.
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Concert Series Continues
St. Mark's, Orchard Park - Join us October 18 at 2pm with cellist Katie Weissman with pianist Michael McNeill. These longtime collaborators present a program of music by the 19th-century German composer Emilie Mayer and the 20th-century American composer Dorothy Rudd Moore, along with original music and a jazz standard.
Suggested donation is $20 (no one turned away for lack of funds). RSVP at the Facebook Event Page.
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Common Ground Lecture Series
Calvary, Williamsville - All are welcome to attend this free event, featuring Alan Nowicki, Director of Programming of the Roycroft Campus, who will present " The Dirty Story Behind the Birth of Four Architectural Treasures."
This presentation on October 18 at 12:15pm examines the complex relationship among four giants in American history that all intersect around the turn of the 19th to 20th century in Buffalo, New York. John Larkin, Elbert Hubbard, Darwin D. Martin, and Frank Lloyd Wright. Their relationship would help create four architectural masterpieces; The Larkin Administration building, The Martin House, Graycliff, and The Roycroft Campus.
A light lunch will be provided prior to the start of the program at 11:30am with a question-and-answer period, to conclude by 1:30pm.
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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 beginning October 19 and contining thru November 16.
Zoom Link...Passcode: 02241869
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Gathering our Cloud of Witnesses
St Philip's, Buffalo - Our Loss and Bereavement group will sponsor a service of healing on November 1 at 9:30am.
At that service we will include a slide presentation of our loved ones who have gone before us. If you would like a picture and name of your loved one(s) included for prayer and remembrance, please send an email NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 16:
- Attach a high quality .jpg format photo - NOT Word.doc or Docx
- Include the name of your loved one on the subject line of the email
- Be sure the spelling of the name - formal or nickname - Check it twice!
- Include YOUR name and phone number in case there is a problem with the email photo delivery
- Send to: Dawn Samuel
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Trumpet and Organ Recital
Trinity, Fredonia - Join us for a concert of music for Trumpet and Organ on October 25 at 1pm. Trinity organist Don Fellows and SUNY Fredonia trumpeter Ethan Wellington will present a 40-minute recital of works by Cornell, Charpentier, Telemann, Clarke, and Mouret. Mr. Fellows also serves as the Dean of the Buffalo Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
Admission is free; no tickets required. Contact the parish office with any questions: 716-679-7901.
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Fall Rummage Sale
Trinity, Fredonia - Looking for clean, usable items for your home?
Stop in on October 30 from 9am-3pm and October 31 from 9am-Noon.
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Chicken-N-Biscuit Dinner
St. John's, Wilson - Enjoy a delicious dinner on November 3 at 4:30pm.
Eat in or Take out: $15
Reservations: 716-751-6109
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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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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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