Under the theme “Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths” (Psalm 25:3), clergy, lay delegates, and guests from across the Diocese of Western New York—and two special guests from the Diocese of Rochester—gathered at the Niagara Falls Convention Center on October 10–11 for our annual Diocesan Convention. The two-day gathering was filled with…
In the Episcopal Church, congregations—not the diocese—initiate closure, often due to declining membership, financial struggles, inability to maintain buildings, or disagreements with church polity. Sometimes closures occur simply because members are “tired.” The closing of a parish is marked as both a time of gratitude for past ministry and care for the people as they…
Each year, Episcopal diocesan conventions bring together clergy and lay delegates from across the diocese for a unique gathering of prayer, fellowship, and decision-making. These conventions embody the Episcopal Church’s belief that governance should engage all of its members—laypersons, deacons, priests, and bishops—working together to shape the life of the church. The Work of GovernanceAt…
The recent Spectrum News feature on St. Luke’s Episcopal Church’s New Neighbors Coalition in Jamestown is a timely reminder of the urgent call before us: to stand with immigrants and asylum seekers in our communities. What began as a grassroots effort to welcome and accompany newcomers has blossomed into a robust program, offering both practical…
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…
