All over our region, congregations are embracing new ways of working on behalf of the Gospel. If you have a story to tell about work your community is doing, please email us.
“In these uncertain times, may the children of God remember to grab hold of that truth, that grace and that light that are ours,” said Canon Vanessa Butler in her sermon for the First Sunday After Christmas. “And may we not keep it to ourselves.”
Bishop Sean Rowe preached at this online Christmas Eve service, which included music from St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Fairview, the Cathedral of St. Paul in Erie, and St. Paul’s Cathedral in Buffalo. The service begins at 12:15 in the video after a singalong including favorite Christmas carols.
In his Christmas message, Bishop Sean reminds us that God is with us, right in the middle of all of the difficulty, sorrow, and pain that 2020 has brought. Look for a surprise guest at the end of the video!
In this sermon for the fourth Sunday in Advent, Canon Theologian John Downey reflects on the long nine months since the Feast of the Annunciation in March, when we celebrated the Angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary.
Applications are due by January 1 for the Emerging Mission and Ministry Grants announced at diocesan convention. The dioceses will award a total of $5,000 to support initiatives undertaken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recipients will be notified by February 1. Email applications to the Rev. Twila Smith, canon for mission development. These seed…
“Advent isn’t just about waiting for the babe in the manger,” said the Rev. Canon Cathy Dempesy-Sims in her sermon for the third Sunday of Advent. “It is about bringing the glory of God to all who desire it. But when we do this — when we bring good news to the oppressed, when we…
On December 24, join people from across the partnership dioceses on for a festive online Christmas Eve service and carol sing. The carol sing begins at 4:45 p.m.; the service begins at 5 p.m. Bishop Sean will preach. Use this link to join. If you are asked for a password, use lakeerie. To join by phone instead…
“Advent is our invitation to the edge,” said the Rev. Ruth Woodliff-Stanley, canon for strategic change in her sermon for the second Sunday in Advent. “There, in the wild place of our repentance, is the beginning of the good news for us all.”
Dear Friends, Advent, in some ways, came early this year. The COVID-19 pandemic forced us all into a season of self-examination way back in March. We’ve had nine months to figure out how to make straight the way of the Lord, and during that fearful and challenging time, our congregations have responded with creativity, bravery…
