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Message from Maine
Dear Friends in Christ,
The chaotic state of our contemporary political and cultural life, the serene beauty of the Maine seashore I've been enjoying, and some reading I've been doing has gotten me thinking about Christian virtues.* What is it that really holds communities together? What are the behaviors which make it possible for us to live together?
There are lots of possible responses, but two virtues stand out for me. One is friendship, modeled on Christ’s friendship with us.
A friend is a companion, a fellow sojourner who travels with us. We recognize a friend as someone who is sharing the joys and challenges of this life, who is open with us about the struggles. We don't necessarily agree with friends, but we respect their efforts and their thoughts. We learn from them, and sometimes try to be like them. Friendship crosses all sorts of cultural boundaries and creates trust between people who may be very different. Parishes are places where people of all sorts come together and may become friends. Friendship makes it possible for the church to function and to go about the work of serving others, maybe even making new friends. I think friendship is one of the ways Christians are like yeast in the loaf, quietly making friends and respecting everyone’s dignity. The work of Christian fellowship is critical to the life of our communities.
The second virtue I've been reflecting on is kindness.
One of the things that simply galls me about contemporary politics is how unnecessarily mean-spirited it is. The name calling, the deliberately false allegations, the descriptions of others as evil or enemies is corrosive of our ability to function as a people. The wounds created by that behavior will last a long time. And it causes a sort of corporate paralysis, everyone fearing to move because we might be attacked. The antidote, I believe, is simple kindness: a smile, a polite word, a reassuring touch - a recognition that we are all carrying heavy burdens and may be having a rough day. It's been my experience in ministry that lots of times there is no fixing things. All we can do is be kind. Kindness is looking at the person next to us and seeing the face of Christ and behaving accordingly.
I know we are all struggling with the conflicts and enmity of contemporary life. I invite your reflection on what you can do, personally and with your neighbors, to make things a little better.
Blessings as this summer comes to a close.
Bishop Steve
*A Midwife's Tale by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
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Renewal of Ministry
Bishop Steve will be welcoming the Rev. Karen Lawler to Trinity Church in Lancaster on Saturday, September 12 at 4pm 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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YUM Kickoff
Youth United in Ministry (YUM) is kicking off the new season on September 20, 4-8pm, at St. Matthias' in East Aurora.
Then, on September 25-26, there will be a sleepover at the Diocesan Ministry Center from Friday 7pm until Saturday at noon. Bowling is included with the $25 cost.
ALL youth in grades 5-12 are invited to attend! For more information contact Wendy Schumacher, Missioner for Youth & Children
Join us on the BAND app for updates and to RSVP
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September EpiscoPints
Join the discussion with The Rev. Shawn Clerkin titled Faith & Art on Tuesday, September 22 at 7pm at Fattey's, Hamburg.
Bring your questions, bring a friend...just come as you are!
Clergy that are interested in leading a discussion at EpiscoPints should contact Wendy Schumacher.
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Human Trafficking Awareness, Education and Prevention
Rotary clubs across Western New York and Southern Ontario are inviting the public to join the fight against human trafficking in conjunction with Project Mona’s House
of Buffalo centering in a second geographical area of Western New York, Lockport.
The event, titled “Rotary Wants Your Help to Stop Human Trafficking” will take place on
Saturday, September 12 from 11:30am to 2:30pm at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County Training Center.
Doors will open at 11am and a complimentary lunch will be provided at 11:30. For more information, CLICK HERE
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A Reflection for the Season of Creation
The Season of Creation invites us to see the world not as a resource to be consumed, but as a sacred gift entrusted to our care. From the beginning, God’s generosity overflowed in creation: light and darkness, seas and dry land, birds and fish, creatures of every kind, and finally humanity, blessed to live in harmony with it all. The first chapter of Genesis resounds with God’s refrain: “It is good.”
The spiritual Plenty Good Room proclaims the same truth. There is space for every creature in God’s design, and the table of creation is wide enough to welcome all...READ MORE
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Understanding Our Courts & Promoting Access to Justice
The NYS Unified Court System invite you to attend the “Faith and Community Leaders: Understanding Our Courts & Promoting Access to Justice.”
This event will take place on Thursday, September 24 at the Old Erie County Hall in Buffalo. This program will provide faith and community leaders with valuable information that can be shared with congregations, constituents, and community members. Attendees will hear directly from a panel of judges and court professionals who will address questions and offer insight into court processes, available services, and our specialty courts. Our goal is to promote greater understanding of the Unified Court System and strengthen community partnerships that support access to justice for all New Yorkers.
There will also be a Q& A session as well as an opportunity to network with civic organizations and court staff from various departments.
RSVP By September 13: REGISTER
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Closed Labor Day
In observance of Labor Day, the Diocesan Ministry Center will be closed on Monday, September 7th. The staff will return on September 8th.
We apologize for any inconvenince.
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Sacred Ground Conversation
The Episcopal Church’s Sacred Ground program on race and faith begins its new fall program year with updated and revised curriculum and a new website. More than 30,000 people have participated in Sacred Ground circles across the country since the program began in 2019.
Episcopalians and all interfaith partners are invited to join on Zoom for a virtual conversation September 15 from 1-2:30pm with Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe about what makes Sacred Ground compelling and why the series continues to challenge participants to do the deep work of racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in all areas of their lives. REGISTER 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. Judy Hefner: September 6
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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Blood Drive
Good Shepherd in Buffalo was featured in the ConnectLife Newsletter recently...
Good Shepherd has been working with ConnectLife for three years now and have collected 89 total units of blood from their blood drives. Their donors like the fact that the blood collected stays local in their community.
“Our neighbors said they really appreciate the convenience of donating 'right in my neighborhood'. We say, ‘It's easy to host a drive, there's great support from ConnectLife, and we love saving lives, one donation at a time.’"
HOST A BLOOD DRIVE
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Grief & Loss Support Group
St. Philip's, Buffalo - Healing Hearts will meet on September 8 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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Service of Remembrance 25th Anniversary
St. John's, Wilson - Join us at 9am on September 11 for a 911 Community Service of Remembrance at the Village Gazebo.
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Hearts of Hope Grief Support
St. Paul's, Harris Hill - Join us at 10am on September 12. 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 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. All hikes are held on the second Saturday of the month at 10am, unless otherwise announced.
On September 12, we will hike at Goat Island in Niagara Falls. 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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Basket Raffle
St. Patrick's, Cheektowaga - St Patrick's and Church of the Advent, Kenmore invite you to their basket raffle on September 12 from 10am-2pm.
Choose from over 200 baskets, 50/50, large prizes, and enjoy some food.
FeedMore NY Food Drive: bring one food donation and receive one card of tickets.
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Chicken BBQ, Auction, & Raffle
St. Martin-in-the Fields, Grand Island - Join us for a day of fun with a chicken BBQ, face painting, balloon animals, a silent auction, and a basket raffle on September 12 from 3-6:30pm.
Tickets are $17 and may be purchased at the event. Both drive-thru and dine-in are offered and veterans eat FREE with ID.
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GHOSTS! Explaining the Paranormal!
Register by September 18 and
explore one of the most misunderstood areas of Christian belief in this two‑day seminar on how the church defines and understands ghosts. Guided by sacred texts, parapsychology, and exorcism experts, participants will dive into what Christianity really says about the supernatural.
Presented by St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Harris Hill and facilitated by the Rev. Eric Fialho of Salem, Massachusetts. This event will be held in Historic East Aurora at St. Matthias' Episcopal Church on September 25 & 26. Ticket prices will vary based on options selected. Admission includes haunted walks led by noted paranormalist Mason Winfield. This is guaranteed to be an informative, entertaining, and truly unique experience!
Information & tickets can be found at https://www.stpaulsharrishill.org/ghosts or call St. Paul's at (716) 632-8221 with any questions.
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Estate Sale
St. John's-Grace, Buffalo - Are you looking for antiques? Collectibles? Household Treasurers? You are invited to attend our Estate Sale on September 18 (4-7pm) & September 19 (10am-4pm).
Everything must go!
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Community Hot Dog Cookout
St. James, Batavia - Join us for a free community cookout on September 20 at 1pm.
Free hot dogs, chips, drinks, and community connection!
Bring a friend, bring and lawn chair, and come hungry
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Great Music at Calvary
Calvary, Williamsville - On September 20 at 4pm, Calvary will open its 2026- 2027 season of Great Music at Calvary. The well-loved service of choral Evensong, featuring the Calvary choir directed by Roland E. Martin (Calvary's Director of Music) will present anthems, hymns, a psalm and canticles to fill out the service.
Great Music at Calvary is made possible by supporter contributions. All are welcome to this special event.
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Rummage Sale
St. John's, Wilson - Join us on September 25 from 9am-5pm and September 26 from 9am-Noon for treasures galore!
Something for everyone...Come, shop & browse!
All items are free will offering!
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