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Dear Ones,
There have been some beautiful, beautiful days in western New York the last couple of weeks – crystal blue skies, bright sun, brilliant leaves, mild temperatures. I’m reminded again and again how fortunate we are to live here.
And enjoying it all, I’m also reminded of what I learned at the recent House of Bishops meeting: western New York, the shores of Lakes Erie and Ontario, is one of the most climate resilient places in the United States. We are among the regions least likely to be deeply impacted by rising temperatures. Not that there won’t be some impacts. But we will have moderate temperatures and abundant fresh water, things which much of the south and west of our country lack...READ MORE
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What Kind of Bishop Are We Seeking?
We asked people across Western New York to imagine our next bishop walking through the doors of their church. We heard lots of different answers: present and accessible, honest and transparent. Someone who loves Jesus. A person willing to try new things and bring people together.
But the most important thing? We want a bishop who will walk alongside us.
We dream of a spiritual leader who will:
READ MORE
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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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Diocesan Convention
Please keep our delegates in your prayers as we will gather this week along Chautauqua Lake this Friday and Saturday for our annual Diocesan Convention.
All convention information is available on our website: 2026 Diocesan Convention Page
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Ministry Center Closed
The Ministry Center will be closed due to the Diocesan Convention on Thursday & Friday this week (Oct 22-23), and then again on Monday, Oct 26. The diocesan staff will be unavailable on October 26, but will return on October 27.
Thank you for your understanding.
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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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2025 Parochial Report Shows Attendance Stabilizing
The Episcopal Church’s newly released 2025 Parochial Report—which builds on changes introduced to the data collecting process in 2024—shows continued post-pandemic stabilization in terms of attendance and finances, though overall membership continues to slowly decline.
The Parochial Report is the oldest, most continuous gathering of data by The Episcopal Church. The data is published on the General Convention Office website, along with an analysis. The 2025 report reflects data gathered from 91.9% of Episcopal parishes and missions...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. Russell Amend: October 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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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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Five Earn GEDs
Congratulations go to five graduates of the Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ GED class at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Medina.
Their Literacy Zone teachers, family and friends are so proud of their achievement. Well done, Alex Hain, Marty Spencer, Jade Trautman, Jennifer Nichols and Sherry Burgher!
To learn more about Literacy Zone program, CLICK HERE
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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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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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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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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.
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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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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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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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Holy Hikes
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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