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Dear Ones,
As I write this, I’m returning from a consequential House of Bishops meeting. The bishops met deeply aware of and concerned about the chaos that characterizes contemporary life. Our work was focused on the ways that we might provide helpful leadership and hope for our distressed parishes and dioceses.
We spent a couple of days considering the trends and events that might disrupt the plans we currently have for congregational revitalization. The House has entered into an agreement with the Institute for the Future (IFTF) to develop a map of the next ten years, outlining trends and seeking insight into possible disruptive events. Predicting the future is impossible, but developing clarity about our mission and how it intersects with other developments is crucial...READ MORE
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Called Together: Our Bishop Search
This summer, we listened.
Teams from the Bishop Search, Transition, and Standing Committees traveled across Western New York, visiting 49 of our 51 worshiping communities — more than 96% of the diocese.
We heard hopes, frustrations, and creative ideas. We heard a desire to be more deeply connected to one another and to the work God is doing among us. And we heard dreams for our next bishop: not someone who will come "fix" everything but a bishop who will walk alongside us.
We shared the entire report last week, but we wanted to provide a few highlights here...READ MORE
Prayer for the Bishop Search
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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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A Pastoral Word from the HOB
Dear People of God:
Grace and peace to you in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Introduction
The bishops of The Episcopal Church gathered from Sept. 22-28, 2026, at Camp Allen Conference Center in Navasota, Texas. Our gathering included 118 bishops and bishops-elect, representing 93 dioceses and special ministries across 17 countries and territories. Mindful of the pressures and challenges facing our world and our church, we are grateful for this time set apart for spiritual renewal and focused work. We leave this meeting with deepened relationships and renewed commitments to the ministry we share in Jesus Christ..READ MORE
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The Hope Center
The Rev. Canon Barbara Price
The Hope Center came into being when the congregation of the former All Saints’ Church joined forces with St. Mark’s, Buffalo and moved there. The building left behind came to be used to host 12-step recovery meetings of all types, 24 hours per day, seven days per week. At that time (about twelve years ago), in order to pay the bills, the Diocese rented the building to a start-up church called The Well, which also used the space for a number of years. A few years ago, it became impossible for both the 12-step recovery meetings and The Well to use the same space because both were growing so much. Bishop Garrison invited The Well to find a new space and ever since then, the recovery ministry of the Hope Center has continued growing..READ MORE
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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!
Clergy that are interested in leading a discussion at EpiscoPints should contact Wendy Schumacher.
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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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Fall Farewell from Brookside Chapel
A Fall Celebration of Creation will be held at Brookside Chapel on October 7 with a Harvest Meal at 6pm followed by Eucharist at 7pm.
If you plan to attend, contact Deacon Martha. If you can provide a small
pot of soup or a loaf of bread, let Deacon Martha know, and remember to bring your own table setting.
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Come Make a Joyful Noise
St. Paul's Cathedral Choir is welcoming new members!
If you love to sing and are looking for spiritual growth, community, and fellowship as well as the opportunity to perform quality music - Come join us! Rehearsals are each Thursday at 6:30pm and all voice parts are welcome.
Looking to sing occasionally? Consider joining our Evensong Canticle Choir!
Contact Patricia Hills for more information
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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 follow the performance.
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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Ordination Anniversary
The Rev. Colleen O'Connor: October 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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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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Pet Blessings
October 3
Christ Church, Albion: 10am, Front Lawn
St James, Batavia: 10:30am, Front Lawn
Trinity, Lancaster: 4pm, Front Lawn
St Mark's, Orchard Park: 5pm, Potter Park
St John's, Wilson: 11am, Village Gazebo
October 4
St Andrew's, Burt: 11am during Service
St Martin's, Grand Island: 10am Service
St Paul's, Lewiston: 9am during Service
St David's, West Seneca: 11am
October 10
St. Aidan's, Alden: 10am, Parking Lot
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Harvest Happening
Christ Church, Lockport - Come one, come all on October 3 and enjoy soup, baked goods, and children's games from Noon-3pm.
A basket raffle will take place from 11;30am-2:30pm.
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Free Documentary Showing
St. John's, Wilson - Everyone is invited to a free showing of a new documentary produced in honor of "America 250" & featuring Tom Selleck on October 7 at 2pm.
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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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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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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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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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