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

November 9th, 2006
Update from Bishop Bill

As Bishop Dave mentioned in the last PDU, I spent the first few days of last week meeting with (my mentor / coach) Bishop Ed Little from Northern Indiana. It was a very beneficial time during which I learned a great deal. Bishop Little is a good friend of our Diocese and will be an invaluable friend & resource for me.

Following Bishop Little's departure, Bishop Ed Salmon, from the Diocese of South Carolina, another very good friend of the Diocese of Albany, arrived to lead our Annual Clergy and Spouse Conference. Bishop Salmon did an outstanding job sharing key principles that have helped him throughout his ordained ministry as a priest and bishop. Unlike most of the dioceses throughout the country that are in sharp decline, the Diocese of South Carolina is not only weathering the storm, but is continuing to grow. Bishop Salmon is a very wise and holy man. His visit was a real blessing to all of us who were able to meet with him. I am very appreciative to everyone who was able to attend the Clergy & Spouse Conference as well as those of you were able to attend the Saturday morning session with Bishop Salmon. Thank you for making the effort to be there.

Sunday was a full and exciting day. Bishop Dave visited Grace Church, Waterford, where he had a very enjoyable and worshipful experience. He reports that the clergy and lay leadership are exemplary. Meanwhile my daughter, Catie, & I were blessed with visiting Fr. Sam & Edith and all the folks at Christ Church, Cooperstown. We were warmly welcomed and made to feel right at home. Following the 10:00 service, we dedicated Christ Church’s beautiful new columbarium, located outside in the Church Cemetery.

Sunday evening, Bishop Dave and I attended Evensong at All Saint’s Cathedral. The music was outstanding and Dean Vang did a masterful job officiating. During the service, Bishop Dave and I were honored to confirm / receive approximately 32 people. Following the service the Friends of the Choir hosted a wonderful reception.

On Tuesday, I was very blessed to have had the opportunity to preach and pray with those attending the 10:00 a.m. Healing Service at Christ The King SLC. The service was well attended and a number of people shared how the Holy Spirit has been at work in their lives, bringing healing to themselves and loved ones. The Lord continues to work mightily in and though Nigel and his prayer team. It is very exciting to see the healing ministry growing and spreading throughout the Diocese, touching and transforming countless lives. The healing power of Jesus Christ is real and present in His Church today.

Please keep Mother Geri Bissell-Thompson in your prayers. She is undergoing major surgery, Thursday, Nov. 9th, in Burlington. I would also ask your continued prayers for Fr. Jeffrey Neuberger, a member of our Diocese, and chaplain in the Armed Forces, serving in Balad, Iraq.

This Saturday, Nov. 11th, there will be a Cursillo Re-union, beginning at 9a.m., at Christ The King SLC. The Deacon’s Retreat begins next Friday, Nov. 17th, at CtK. All deacons are encouraged to attend if possible.

This year’s priest retreat is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec.12 through Friday, Dec. 15th. Bishop Bill Frey will be the retreat leader. He is well know and respected throughout the Church and should do an outstanding job leading the retreat. I encourage and invite all the priests throughout the Diocese to come, relax, and grow ever closer to our Lord Jesus Christ. More information will be coming out soon.

This coming Sunday, Bishop Dave will visit St. John the Evangelist in Stockport, and Bishop Bill will visit St. Paul’s, Keeseville. Have a great week.

Yours in Christ,
+Bill

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