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Dear Ones,
One of the frustrating things about the time we're living in is that our own agency often seems to be ineffective. People often ask me, "What can we do? Our population is declining. Young people are not attending. There are fewer and fewer folks available to do the work of ministry. What can we do?”
It's clear we are seeing major shifts in the culture. Many older institutions are struggling. Volunteer fire departments. Symphony orchestras. Rotary clubs. Much of what we’ve lived with for a long time seems to be fading away.
At the same time, we are beginning to get a sense of new trends and new developments. I'm seeing new families and younger adults in each parish I visit. Not many, but a few. Parishes are getting creative about sharing facilities and ministries. And there's a hunger for study and spiritual growth. There seems to be a growing interest in spirituality...READ MORE
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Staying Connected
One of the clearest messages we heard during the Summer of Listening was simple: We want to be more connected. One of the easiest ways to connect is as simple as a click.
Follow the Diocese of Western New York on Facebook and Instagram. Then help widen the circle: like, comment, and share. Social media is a great way to discover ministries, events, and opportunities from the diocese and other WNY congregations. Posting something on your congregation's site? Tag us by typing @your.episcopal.wny. We'll share your post on the diocesan page. Every interaction helps another story travel a little farther — and helps connect our diocesan family.
We're working hard to add more resources: posts for our weekly diocesan intercessory prayers, collects for Sundays and major feasts, and stories about our search process. Haven't seen them yet? Visit us on Facebook and Instagram (then Follow, Like, Share, and Comment!)
No more hiding our light under a bushel; let's put that lamp on a stand for all to see!
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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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Ministry Center Closed
In honor of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day, the Ministry Center will be closed on October 12th.
The staff will return on October 13, and we apologize for any inconvenience.
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October EpiscoPints
Join the discussion with Bishop Steve on Thursday, October 8 at 7pm at Fattey's, Amherst.
A relaxed gathering for adults, the young, the young at heart, and everyone in between!
| From the September 22nd EpiscoPints! | | | |
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Renewal of Ministry
Bishop Steve will be welcoming the Rev. Shawn Clerkin to St Mark's in Orchard Park on Saturday, October 10 at 11am with a Renewal of Ministry service.
All are invited to attend with a reception to follow. Clergy attending may vest in White or Festive.
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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
Interested in convention, but not attending?
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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Monthly Episcopal Eco-Regions
Get-Togethers
Join other members of Episcopal eco-region networks for a monthly Zoom class using The Episcopal Church’s “Love God, Love God’s World” creation care curriculum on October 12 at 8pm.
Rooted in love, compassion, and justice, this film- and readings-based small-group curriculum looks at many facets of environmental stewardship and justice. It is designed for people new to the topic of creation care as well as those already active in these practices.
After its first session October 12, the class will meet on the third Monday of each month for nine total sessions. There will not be a class in December.
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Ethics of Pastoral Ministry
Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30pm
October 20 - December 8
This course explores ethical foundations for Christian ministry and applies them to the concrete contexts of pastoral leadership in the Episcopal Church, with attention to character, power, boundaries, confidentiality, and communal discernment. Through case studies, theological reflection, and engagement with canonical and diocesan policies, students should be able to develop practical frameworks for faithful ethical decision-making in pastoral settings. This course is designed for all who serve in any kind of parish leadership (e.g., wardens, vestry members, treasurers, etc.), who have decision making authority in the community life of the church. This 7 week class will meet on Zoom Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30pm beginning October 20th and ending December 8th. REGISTER
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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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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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Noah's Bowl, a Pet Food Pantry
Christ Church in Albion is proud to announce the opening of Noah’s Bowl, its new community pet food pantry, designed to provide free supplemental dog and cat food to local pet owners experiencing financial hardship.
“Times are tough for many in our community, and pets are cherished members of the family,” said Nicole Spohr, director of the pet project at Christ Church. “We want to offer a safety net, so families facing temporary hardship don’t have to part with their animals. The pantry will be open on the third Saturday of each month, from 10am to Noon. The pet pantry is a walk-up pantry and will be dispensed from our West Park Street entrance. We ask everyone to be kind, courteous, and have “pawtience.”
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18th Annual Conference of the Society of Catholic Priests
The past week, September 29 through October 2nd, St. Paul's Cathedral hosted the 18th Annual Conference of the North American Province of the Society of Catholic Priests (SCP). Seventy-seven attendees from across the United States and Canada were present, coming from as far away as Arizona and the Northwest Territories.
The theme for this year's conference was Changed from Glory to Glory: Awe and Wonder that Forms the Soul. Keynote speakers were the Revd Dr. Benjamin King and Revd Dr. Jarred Mercer: Dr. King is the Academic Dean and DuncalfVillavoso Professor of Church History at Seminary of the Southwest...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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Socks in a Box: Clothing Drive
St. James, Batavia - We are collecting new unopened socks for men & women. Your donation makes a massive dignity and comfort impact.
Donations may be dropped off every Sunday at 10am in October, and at the Church office Monday – Thursday, 10am-1pm.
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Meat Raffle
St. Paul's, Harris Hill - Get ready for a howling good evening at the Spooktacular Meat Raffle on October 10 at the Lancaster Elks Lodge! Doors open at 5pm and the raffle kicks off at 6pm, featuring top-quality cuts provided by Market in the Square.
Admission includes beer, wine, and pop, alongside a basket raffle, 50/50 drawing, and games including the return of the ducks and all-new Plinko. Bring your own snacks and goodies to munch on and and support the mission and ministries of St. Paul’s.
Tickets are available now for $15 presale or $20 at the door.
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Martial Arts Classes
St. John's, Wilson - Starting October 10, Hana Center Martial Arts will be providing Saturday classes hosted by St. John's.
See the flyer for class descriptions and times.
Contact Dillon to join: 716-940-8024
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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 (October 10). 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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A Lecture-Demonstration of the Cathedral's Digital Organ
St. Paul's Cathedral, Buffalo - All are welcome to explore the design and sounds of the new digital organ at the Cathedral on October 11 from 3-4pm.
Lawrence Williams, Director of Music, will cover the instrument's range of tonal abilities from relaxing mellow strings to powerful trumpets!
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Grief & Loss Support Group
St. Philip's, Buffalo - Healing Hearts will meet on October 13 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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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 chickn or ribs by BW's Smoking Barrels 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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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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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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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. 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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