Bishop Steve and Canon Cathy visited Holy Apostles’ Perry and Trinity Warsaw on Sunday, November 16, where they learned about a heart-warming ice cream contest that took place in Wyoming County this past spring. What began as a fun community activity revealed an unexpected—and very Christ-like—act of generosity from two local third graders. Each year,…
Stitching isn’t just needlework. It’s a bit of art, good fun, and a nice way to relax – and also the makings of a good church fundraiser. Twenty-five people gathered Saturday at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church for the annual cross-stitch retreat. The funds raised are benefitting the church in its role of serving the wider…
On Saturday, October 25, a group of 35 youth and adults from across the diocese gathered for a meaningful and educational journey to the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center. This trip offered participants an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of those who courageously sought freedom and those who helped make that freedom possible….
On October 23rd, at Rich’s Atrium in Buffalo, The Rev. Luke Fodor, Rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown and founder of the New Neighbors Coalition, received the Community Partnership Award from Journey’s End Refugee Services during the organization’s 40th Anniversary Celebration. In his acceptance remarks, Fr. Fodor reflected on how one simple “yes”…
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…
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…
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…
