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

The Venerable Bede
May 25th, 2005

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Last night was the fourth pre-convention area meeting to review the budget and resolutions in anticipation of our June meeting. Christ Church, Cooperstown provided warm hospitality with a social hour after the session.

Last Sunday Carol and I drove to Deposit for a visitation at Christ Church. Clearly the warmest welcome we have experienced. The worship was inspiring and the addition to the Parish Hall is excellent, along with the fact that the entire structure (including all restrooms) are handicapped accessible. Fr Nick has done a good job.

Bishop Dave was at Schenevus and reported how impressed he was when Fr Dick Knudsen had the congregation pray for 'the three families that God wants to add this year.' Each household offers the same prayer at home each day during the week.

We then drove through some rain to the SLC for the Blessing and Dedication of the Healing Ministry Center and the Oratory of the Nativity of the Holy Child Jesus. The Liturgy began in the main Chapel of Christ the King and processed down to the Healing Center after the Sermon. Prayers were led by Nigel Mumford and Matt Baker and then the premises were blessed. The procession returned to the main Chapel for the balance of the Mass. Good turn out of clergy and laity. A lovely reception followed in the Great Hall. God is expanding the ministry of healing through the equipping of men and women in this work of Jesus, and by bringing direct healing into individual lives.

Each Tuesday morning at 10:00 there is an open Service of Healing.

This Saturday, May 28, the Rev'd Dr Russell Parker will be leading a one day Healing Conference at the Healing Center at the SLC. Father Parker is advisor to the Archbishop of Canterbury on the healing ministry and is a longstanding friend of Nigel Mumford.

Sunday night and Monday Bp Dave and I met with the Deacons' Council, the new body established by General Convention. Members include Deacons Harvey Huth, Barbara Hanstine, Lynne Curtis, David Ousley, Margaret Theodore, Peter Sweeney. Deacon Harvey was prevented by illness from participating. The Council reviewed a draft of the Covenant between deacons and rectors to be distributed. A final review to be used for a Deacon's officiating at Administration of Holy Communion from the Reserved Sacrament is underway. This is in response for a request for a single use by deacons. The meeting included prayer, offices, and Eucharist.

The Rev'd Canon George French is receiving treatments for cancer and I bid your prayers for him. Also Deacon Linda Servetas is in a final round of treatments for cancer. Please pray for her. Father Al Macnab reports that his lung rehab is working and he is feeling better. Keep him in your prayers.

Parish Nurse. Saint John's Church, Troy is seeking an RN with six or more years experience, who believes in the healing power of the Lord Jesus, and a team-player who wants to serve in a valuable ministry. Contact Father Hap Carrier at 518-274-5884. St John's pioneered parish nursing back in 1917 when the parish nurse worked with the families of immigrant ironworkers in Troy.

The newest issue of The Albany Episcopalian is in the mail and should be arriving at homes now. Canon George Marshall has done a great job enhancing this publication.

The new BEAVER-CROSS is rushing toward completion with the installation of the septic system that has been approved by the state. Every kid remembers a week at camp. Click here for the summer schedule and registration. Is your parish making a scholarship available for your kids. This is a very popular gift by seniors to young people in the parish.

ALSO, it is not too late to register Young People from your parish for the Youth Rally at Convention 2005. Great speakers, lively worship, Sunday Youth Mass. Let your kids have a positive and memorable weekend experience where Jesus Is Lord.

Tomorrow, May 26, is Corpus Christi. The Southern Adirondack Deanery will hold its annual Corpus Christi celebration at the Church of the Holy Cross, 3764 Main Street, Warrensburg beginning at 6:00pm.

The Ordinands retreat begins on Friday night, May 27, at Christ the King Spiritual Life Center at 5:00 pm. Please pray for these 11 servants of the Lord as they prepare for their ordination to the diaconate at Convention 2005 next month. The retreat ends on Sunday after lunch.

The diocesan offices are closed Monday, May 30, for Memorial Day.

The June Eucharistic Holy Hour is Tuesday, June 7, at Noon at Christ the King Chapel at the SLC. Contemplative prayer ending with benediction.

Please hold up in your Intercessions Convention 2005 - Bringing in the Harvest. Especially pray for safe travel for Bishop Michael Nazir-ali (Rochester, UK) , Bishop Justin Badi Arama and his wife Joyce (Maridi, Sudan), Bishop Harold Miller (Down and Dromore, Ireland) and Archbishop Reginald Hollis (retired, Montreal). Also the Workshop Presenters, the Worship Leaders and Preachers, the delegates, the Youth Rally and the VBS.

LORD JESUS, prepare our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit to receive You the Word and to welcome your transforming power into our lives; use us for the extension of your kingdom; bring us to a more profound discipleship; give us humility to be governed by your Word and to repent when we fail to live by it; strengthen your church in this diocese to bring in the harvest; deliver us from institutional idolatry and give us a love of the brethren for your tender mercies' sake. 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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