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

Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
Autumn Ember Day
September 21st, 2005

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The 50 Diocesan Leaders who met last Saturday were able to review the full range of ministries of the Diocese and to hear first-hand how God was blessing us. One participant noted the knowledge, enthusiasm and clarity of each presenter's area. We are continuing to foster Youth work and Christian Education. The Healing Ministry is exploding among the parishes and at the Healing Center at the SLC. We had a chance to review the priorities, budgets and initiatives.

Clark Curtis reported on the activity of the DDF and the most recent approval of loans for parishes. Ray Farrara gave a report on the beginning of the SLC campaign and the enthusiasm of the parish volunteers.

Following the Noon Eucharist the Standing Committee had a working lunch and then the Diocesan Council and the Trustees met for matters of each group. The budget was revised for the last quarter of the year. Some individuals had not been at the SLC since spring and were astonished at the quality of the new Welcome Center and the new dining rooms.

Matt Baker reported on the increased call for its use and the fact that each business day at least one group has to be turned away because of our limited housing on site.

Steve Williams who was our original cook, who had a stroke and for whom so many of you have been praying, made his first visit back to Christ the King yesterday. He is walking with the aid of a cane. Keep praying.

MISSIONS CONFERENCE: Professor Grant LeMarquand, once a missionary in Africa, now a seminary instructor, will be the featured presenter. This Saturday, Sept 24, beginning at 9 a.m. Note: IF you bring a guest who has never attended before, you both can register for the price of one!

Father David Collum will be inducted as Rector of Saint John's Church, Delhi on Sunday, Sept 25 at 4pm.

CLERGY CONFERENCE (with Wives and Husbands welcome) begins Wed, Sept 28 at 4pm.

The featured Conference Leader is Dr George Hunter, author of the well known The Celtic Way of Evangelism. He is a prolific author and one of the most knowledgeable leaders on how churches thrive. His newest book is Radical Outreach.

The Conference will include a breakout opportunity for spouses. Adjournment is after lunch on Friday.

For any questions call Canon Bob Haskell at 518-399-1163.

DEACONS' RETREAT: Oct 14 - 16 at Christ the King beginning at 4pm. This is the major annual gathering of all our Deacons, a significant cadre of deeply committed servants of Christ.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: also Oct 14-16 in Glens Falls. For more info contact Kathy Parnapy.

DAUGHTERS OF THE KING RETREAT October 21 - 23 at the SLC.

CURSILLO MEN'S WEEKEND: Oct 27 - 30.

SURVIVORS' SERVICE: Oct 29, @St George's, Clifton Park

OPENING DOORS CONFERENCE (Evangelism for the local church) Nov 5 @SLC; led by Fr Alan Hansen. More info will be forthcoming.

PRIESTS' RETREAT: Nov 15 - 18; Director: The Very Rev'd Robert Munday, Dean of Nashotah House. This will be our 1st Priests' retreat at the SLC.

Induction of the Rev'd Diana Freeman as rector of St Luke's, Catskill, Sunday, Nov 20, at 4pm.

2005 Ordinations to the Priesthood; Vesting clergy: Red stoles ; please arrive 30 minutes in advance.

The Rev'd Gus Calvo St Mark's, Malone Dec 11 11:00 a.m.

The Rev'd Nigel Mumford Christ King Chapel, SLC Dec 18 11:00 a.m.

The Rev'd John Thorpe St Peter's, Albany Dec 21 7:00 p.m.

2006 Parish Leadership Conferences - all on Saturday, except the 3rd.

- January 21 - Holy Family School, Malone

- January 28 - Hartwick College, Oneonta

- February 3 - SLC (large parishes)

- February 4 - SLC (medium and small)

Our sympathy to Father David Plank on the death of his mother, Doris, who died at the age of 95. Rest eternal grant unto her, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon her.

Walsingham 75th Anniversary Celebration: The Albany Chapter of Forward in Faith is sponsoring a day of prayer to mark the 75 years of the re-establishment of the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in England.

It will occur on the Feast of Our Lady of Walsingham, Saturday, October 15, at Grace and Holy Innocents Church, 498 Clinton Avenue, Albany beginning with a Solemn Mass at 11:00 a.m. The day ends with devotions at 2pm.

Registrations can be made by calling Alice King at 518-761-9016 or by email.

The Anglican Communion Network, of which the Diocese of Albany is a member, is sponsoring a major Conference in November at Pittsburgh. The keynote address is being given by Rick Warren, the noted author of "The Purpose-Driven Life" and also "The Purpose-Driven Church". The Baroness Cox, who was so popular at our own Diocesan Convention, is among other principal speakers. You can find full info by visiting www.AnglicanHope.org.

The Ember Days are the traditional times to pray for vocations, for the clergy and for the ministry of all the faithful.

LORD JESUS, we thank you for calling men and women to serve you in the ministry and the religious life: give us such an appreciation of this life that we may encourage those whom you have called. Bless our priests, our deacons, our religious sisters and confirm them in the call to holiness and modeling of the Christian life for all your people. Make them effective and fruitful in calling those outside your church to faith in You. Amen.

In Christ,
+ Dan

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