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

September 1st, 2006

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Wednesday we had a lovely gathering of the retired clergy, spouses, and widow(er)s. A highlight was Frank Fera's 85th Birthday. Frank read the Prayers at Mass and we had a nice birthday cake thanks to Deacon Barbara. This replaced the Sept 13th gathering which was deemed too close to the consecration to work.

A special treat for everyone was the UGANDAN YOUTH CHORUS which is lodging at Christ the King while doing an upstate Tour. After a joint luncheon, the young people performed at the Beaver Cross Pavilion. Very impressive. If I can get a copy of their tour schedule I'll transmit as an Addendum.

The next gathering of the Retired will be for Saint Nicholas Day, Wednesday, December 6th, at Christ the King beginning with Mass at 11 and a festive lunch. Notices will be coming from Fr Irv and Dottie Ballert, who do such a great job coordinating this ministry. On Sept 13 and 14, Christ he King will host all the Chaplains for the Retired Clergy from Province 2 (NY & NJ).

Lectionary: The General Convention this past June replaced the Prayer Book Lectionary for Sundays with the Revised Lectionary. This substitute will begin in Advent of 2007. It has been available for trial use for the past half dozen years. I know of 2 parishes which use it.

The bishop has the prerogative of extending the existing Prayer Book Lectionary until 2010, and I am hereby doing so.

As we prepare for Year C in the Lectionary may I draw to your attention a very helpful series prepared by the biblical scholar N.T. Wright, bow bishop of Durham. The most pertinent volume would be Luke for Everyone. The SLC bookshop has several of his titles in stock.

Special commendation is due to the Volunteers who assisted fellow disciples in the Susquehanna in the aftermath of the flooding. Patti Gibbons provided a very useful summary in the previous Addendum. Commendation too the Brotherhood of St Andrew who spearheaded "Operation Backpack" out of Calvary, Burnt Hills, with an astonishing 700! 200 went to Sidney, 100 to Unadilla, 26 to Margaretville, 50 to Delhi, 100 to Walton, 10 to S. Kortright; the balance are heading to Canajoharie.

Our prayers go to Bishop Martyn Minns, recently consecrated by Archbishop Akinola and 75 Nigerian Bishops to serve in North America. He has been rector of one of the largest parishes in Virginia. His wife Angela and their daughter Rachael led the Clergy Wives Retreat for two years and are much loved here. (On an ordinary Sunday the number of Anglicans in church in Nigeria exceed those in church in the U.S., Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, Scotland, New Zealand and Wales combined.)

Sunday bulletins should note that the Consecration of Bishop-elect Bill at 1pm on Saturday, Sept 16, is open to ALL disciples in the Diocese. The State Convention Centre is best accessed from Interstate 787 (runs north-south along the Hudson River) following the signs for "Empire Plaza". That's just 2 weeks from tomorrow.

Deacons will vest in alb and white stole. Priests will vest in alb, white chasuble and stole.

Best to arrive by Noon.

As we prepare to begin another "program year" (since America really runs on the school year) reminder to update the answering machine at church with times for Sunday School as well as services. Time also to neaten up the bulletin board and tract racks. Discard dated materials, past events etc.

Last year the Standing Committee approved Bp Dave and me for a 'working sabbatical' with the condition that we subsequently take a real one. I will take Oct-Nov, and Bp Dave will take Dec-Jan. This gives us a chance to work individually with Bp Bill for two months each. I am looking forward to time to pray, read and think.

The monthly Eucharistic Holy Hour is Tues, Sept 5 at Noon, in the Healing Center Chapel. Lunch follows. (The Episcopal Charities meeting for that day is being postponed pending Canon Marshall's full recuperation).

The Postulants and Candidates Retreat begins Friday night, Sept 8 at the Spiritual Life Center. Please pray for these individuals who are offering their lives in discernment to the Lord.

The Commission on the Ministry meets on Saturday, Sept 9.

Sept 10 at 2pm is the exploratory session for those interested in Holy Orders. Lasts 1 hour; at Christ the King.

Monday, Sept 11, is the New Clergy Orientation day at the SLC.

The Spiritual Life Center Oversight Committee meets on Tuesday, Sept 12.

The Combined Leadership Meeting is Saturday, Sept 30. Includes the Standing Committee, Trustees, Diocesan Council, DDF and Deans. Begins with Morning Prayer at 10 a.m.

The Sunday following the Consecration, Bishop Bill will be at St Mary's, Lake Luzerne; Bp Dave at Catskill; and I will be at Christ Church, Schenectady.

The fall Men's Cursillo weekend is October 12 - 26 at Christ the King. The Women's Weekend is Oct 26 - 29. This is a weekend for men and women who can lead.

October 28th, Saturday, is Walk Thru the Bible, already so popular. It will be held in the North Country at Trinity Church, Potsdam. For more info contact Deacon Laurie Garramone-Rohr at LGRohr@AlbanyDiocese.org.

The fall Clergy Gathering (Spouses invited) will be Nov 2 and 3 at Christ the King.

Daughters of the King will host a fall retreat November 3 - 5 at the SLC.

LORD JESUS, as we mark the end of summer, we thank you for the times of refreshment you bring for our souls and bodies, and we ask you to prepare us to serve you with vigor in the months ahead. Knit us together with all your Saints that we may fruitfully praise your Name and labor for your kingdom. Amen.

In Christ,
+ Dan

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