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 24th, 2006
Update from Bishop Bill

Depending on when this message arrives, I hope and pray that you and your family either have or had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration. Karen and the kids and I are heading up north to Lake Placid for a couple of days of rest and togetherness as a family.

A great deal has been going on this past week. Bishop Dan, Bishop Dave and I traveled to Virginia last Wednesday at the invitation of the Global South Steering Committee, to attend a two and a half day meeting to explore possible ways that the Global South Primates might be of assistance to traditional conservative orthodox Anglican dioceses and parishes in the United States. While the Diocese of Albany has not asked for Alternative Primatial Oversight (APO), we found the meeting to be very beneficial in establishing a positive relationship with each of the Primates attending the meeting and with the wider Anglican Communion. It is our hope that one of the Primates of the Global South will be able to join us at the Diocesan Convention in June. As we all know, the Church is going through a very difficult time right now. It is essential that we keep all lines of communication open with the wider Anglican Communion, remembering that we are part of something larger than ourselves. I ask your continued prayers for the Church and your bishops, as we attempt with the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern God's will and how best to be a witness to the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Bishop Dave and I returned Friday evening, just in time for the Deacon's Retreat at Christ The King Spiritual Life Center. It was a wonderful Spirit-filled time of rest, fellowship, learning, worship, and healing. Close to two-thirds of the deacons in the Diocese were able to attend. I am very appreciative to all those who helped organize and lead the retreat as well as everyone who attended. Special thanks also go to the rectors, parishes and families who helped make it possible for the deacons to attend.

Speaking of retreats, the Annual Priests' Retreat will be held Tuesday evening, Dec. 12th through noon on Friday the 15th. This year's retreat leader will be the Rt. Rev. Bill Frey. I encourage and invite every priest in the Diocese to attend if possible. (Click here to register) It will be a great opportunity to rest, reflect and recharge our Spiritual batteries as we enter into the Advent Season and prepare for the coming of Christmas. Bishop Dan & I look forward to spending that time with each of you.

Again, have a blessed Thanksgiving and Last Sunday after Pentecost, the Feast of Christ The King. In celebration of the Feast Day, Bishop Dan will officiate at The Evening Office, this Sunday, at 5 p.m. at the Chapel of Christ the King, SLC. A dinner will follow the service. Everyone is welcome.

Faithfully Yours in Christ,
+Bill

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