The ministry of our churches often extends far beyond the Sunday services we most readily imagine—coffee hour fellowship, powerful preaching, and the sacred gift of receiving the Eucharist. Increasingly, congregations across our diocese are also discovering that their buildings can be vital resources for the community, places where the baptismal covenant is lived out in…
Earlier this month, members of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Western New York traveled to Buffalo’s South Side to witness firsthand the life-changing ministry of the Genesis Center, a mission of St. Simon’s Episcopal Church. Archdeacon Diana Lieker, the Rev. Dan Pinti, Larry Mazuchowski, and Denise Clarke-Merriweather were warmly welcomed by the Genesis…
As part of our involvement in the Love Rising movement to create caring communities, our Little Free Library was formally dedicated on July 13, 2025, in honor of the victims and survivors of the May 14, 2022, Tops shooting tragedy. The goal of the Free Little Library network is to increase book access and build…
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, LeRoy was awarded two grants this summer that helped address a long-standing roof issue that caused disintegrating plaster and discolored paint above the altar inside the church. A further concern was the possible damage to the very large and notable “Resurrection Window,” designed by the Rev. Bishop John Barrett Kerfoot (1816-1881),…
A couple of Sunday’s ago at Church, I was struck by the 1st reading from Jeremiah: “Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a child.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child’; for you shall go to…
On a waning summer evening in early September, more than 135 friends and supporters gathered for the Genesis Center Gala to celebrate community, gratitude, and hope. Guests were inspired by three speakers, including the testimony of a dedicated volunteer, a longtime sponsor and CEO, and a keynote address that lifted up the history of the…
This is a work of fiction based on the lived experience of a diocesan employee who has seen a thing or two. week. And the work continues.Fran said, “it’s just a building. I worship a God who cannot (will not?) be contained. I feel as close to God watching the sunrise as I do at…
At our Sunday services from September 1 – October 4, we will utilize prayers and liturgical resources connecting us more deeply to the season. In celebration of the season, several events and Christian education opportunities are also being offered. Sunday Film Series on Water: Following on a course of study undertaken by the Social Justice Action…
To my knowledge, there’s no official fairy tale for the Episcopal Church, but “Goldilocks” might be a good choice. As a cautionary tale, it’s the story of a judgy little intruder who spends a lot of time pointing out what’s wrong with things and doesn’t show much respect for others’ individual choices. Best not to…
Love Rising is all about neighbors intentionally building caring communities—through their actions, attitudes, and everyday choices. For our 6th anniversary, we celebrated with three special events, along with our traditional Day of Reflection and Prayer, all centered on the theme: “See a Need? Make a Difference!” We kicked off on July 7th with an evening…
Abrielle (Abby) Monaghan, a University of Buffalo Sophomore studying English and Communications, and a lifelong member of St. Luke’s in Jamestown will be offering her skills intermittently through the year to share stories from around the Diocese of Western New York. The importance of being a witness and bearing witness to God’s presence in our…
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Olean has completed the transformation of its Watson Ministry Center into a modern, accessible space to better serve the local community. After years of planning, fundraising, and Federal Grants this one-million-dollar renovation project, which houses the Miriam Center for Hope and Healing and the Victim Services Division of Cattaraugus Communities…
