Episcopal Diocese of Albany - Priests and Deacons Update

Business Office: 68 South Swan Street - Albany, NY 12210 - (518) 465-4737
Christ the King Spiritual Life Center: 575 Burton Road - Greenwich, NY 12834 - (518) 692-9550

Eve of the Ascension
May 4th, 2005

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Rev'd Norman Seime died this morning and will be buried from Christ Church, Cooperstown at 2pm on Saturday, May 7. Bishop Dave will officiate and Fr Steve Scarcia will preach. Fr Seime was ordained in the Polish National Catholic Church and received into the Episcopal Church in 1958. He came to Springfield Center in 1961 and remained until his retirement in 1989. Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord. (Because of Bp Dave's participation, his class on Evangelism at the SLC has been canceled and rescheduled at a later date.)

Last weekend was our largest to date Clergy Wives Conference, the first at the SLC. It was so good to have a place for our own celebration of the Eucharist, the daily Offices and the Service of Healing. Liz Miller from Down and Dromore was outstanding. Two wives if Irish clergy came with her Gerry Hull and Barbara Laverty. They were both a blessing. The clergy wives of Albany diocese are an invaluable cadre for the Lord and His church. Mtr Julie Mudge and musicians Margaret Haskell, Christine Famulare, Suzanne Cohen and Mary Pierson led us in great worship.

Yesterday I was honored to be invited to a small meeting at the White House with President Bush. Our group was made up of Lutheran, Methodist and Episcopal bishops along with some leaders of Christian groups. Our meeting lasted a little less than an hour. He briefly discussed foreign and domestic affairs (his concern about social security that folks not have to "retire into poverty") and schools. He spoke of the value of faith-based initiatives. He also spoke of the challenge of Aids in Africa, noting one of his daughters is working at an Aids hospital in South Africa. His other daughter is teaching at an inner-city school. He exhibits a non-pretentious manner, transparent. He also spoke of his commitment to the culture of life.

He asks for our prayers. The helicopter drew nigh and the President was off to Mississippi.

Flight back from Washington was late and got home to a lovely spaghetti supper with Carol and our daughter's family. A catastrophic water break on the 2nd floor of their home has brought them back to residence with us for a month or so.

Bishop Dave was at a meeting of American and Canadian bishops in Detroit sorting through the varied developments in the Anglican Communion. Of course it is actions in the US and Canada which have precipitated the present crisis. He reports that a Solidarity Eucharist will be held with the "Connecticut 6" on Thursday, May 12, at Bishop Seabury Church, 256 North Road, Groton, Connecticut at 7pm. There is an open invitation to attend. Folks wanting to car pool can leave their vehicles at the SLC and depart at 3pm.

Mother Miriam and the two Malawi Sisters have arrived safely in Africa after some flight delays in London and Johannesburg. This is Mother's 2nd visit to their daughter-house in Malawi, the 2nd poorest country in Africa.

Saturday Carol and I are driving south for the delivery of twin granddaughters at Long Island Jewish Hospital. I ask your prayers for a safe delivery for our daughter Hetal and her girls. Sunday to St Augustine's, Ilion to baptize Elijah Trees.

Next Monday Episcopal Charities, the Standing Committee and the Growth Committee for the SLC at the SLC. Tuesday morning is Construction Oversight and afternoon Convention 2005 Planning meeting.

Tomorrow is Ascension Day, a principal feast and a prayer book holyday. I will be celebrating at a joint service at Saint Andrew's, Scotia. The Father has exalted our humanity in Jesus to glory. And Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. Each of us can pray that the next 10 days be the occasion to prepare our hearts for a fresh indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

LORD JESUS, you have been raised to glory where you are worshipped and adored by angels. Lift our hearts there to adore you and to join ourselves to their praise. Lift your whole church to your presence that we may honor you with the Father and Holy Spirit. Amen.

In Christ,
+ Dan

The Diocese of Albany as One Church:
organized around the Great Commandment and the Great Commission,
moving from membership to discipleship,
rooted in the catholic structure of Anglicanism,
and
equipping ever disciples to make disciples.

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