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

July 17th, 2006

Hot enough for ya? Reminds me of the church sign that says "You think it's hot here?!"

1) In spite of the heat, Beaver Cross continues in high gear. One hundred middle schoolers are at camp this week - max capacity! I was with them this morning for Eucharist and I can tell you that they are not letting hot weather stop them. The theme this week is "You can make a difference for the Lord," ala Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

2) It's been my pleasure this summer to lead worship at some of our summer chapels. Two weeks ago, I was at All Souls, St. Hubert's (Keene Valley); last week I was at St. John's in the Wilderness, Paul Smith; and this Sunday I will be at St John's, Tannersville. Last year, I visited Transfiguration, Blue Mountain Lake and St. Peter's, Fourth Lake. Two years ago, I visited All Saints Chapel, Morris Manor and All Angels, Twilight Park. These summer chapels are in resort areas and are filled with people from all areas of the country who come here to vacation. It is commendable that they support the chapels by their attendance and finances. It is always a joy for me to preach in the summer chapels, and make friends with people I would not normally meet. If you live near a summer chapel, worship there for a Sunday and experience the vibrancy of the liturgy.

3) It is not too soon to begin planning Sunday School! To that effect, Deacon Laurie Garramone-Rohr, our Diocesan Christian Education Coordinator, has put together an outstanding Annual Christian Education Conference. It will be Saturday, August 26 from 9 to 3:30 at Christ the King. "Plug into the Power: Tools for Teaching" should be attended by every Sunday School director and teacher in the diocese. Register now online at www.albanydiocese.org or email Deacon Laurie at LGRohr@albanydiocese.org Cost is $15 if pre-registered, and lunch and resource books are included. That is a good deal!

4) Operation Backpack is doing extremely well. You can help a kid who got flooded out two weeks ago, by buying him/her a backpack and stuffing it with school supplies - cost to you is about $25 total. Coordinators are Dave and Pat Quackenbush of Calvary, Burnt Hills. For more information on how you can get in on this, call Calvary's office manager, Marian - 518-399-7230.

5) Also of interest:

a) Youth Ministry and Beaver Cross are sponsoring a "Family Camp" over the Labor Day Weekend. The Beaver Cross kids are excited about coming back with their parents/grandparents so they can show them around. We are hoping for a great turn-out. Wind down the summer by spending the weekend with your kids - swimming, hiking, canoeing, sitting by the bonfire ("Don't say BONFIRE today!"), and worshiping our Lord. Watch for this on the webpage, or call CTK to register (518-692-9550).

b) Couples Cursillo - August 24-27. A Short Course in Christianity, this program offers each couple a new look at Christian leadership in a supportive environment. If you would like to experience a wonderful weekend, contact a person who has been to Cursillo, and they will sponsor you. Or contact me! Christ the King Spiritual Life Center is the location.

c) The Sisters of St. Mary invite our friends in the Diocese to an Open House on Sunday, August 13, 2006, beginning with music from our African Sisters and cold refreshments on the lawn at 3:30PM. The Sisters are celebrating St. Mary's Feast and the first anniversary of the Convent's dedication. All are welcome to visit the Sisters and get to know more about what goes on at the convent. Come see their antique artworks, silk embroidered vestments, cashmere herd, honey kitchen, and see sustainable farm techniques that work both here and at their mission house in Malawi, south central Africa. The afternoon activities will conclude with sung evening prayers and a barbecue picnic. Suggested donation for the barbecue: $15 per person.

Have a good week!

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