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

February 18th, 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Like many of you, I’ve spent the last couple of days digging out from the “Great Valentine’s Day Snow Storm.” In Lake Luzerne, we received 32 inches of snow in less than 24 hours – the most snow I have ever seen come down at one time. This definitely is one for the record books.

I have just completed my second full week as Bishop of the Diocese. As always, I am very appreciative for all of you who have been holding my family and me up in your prayers. It has been a busy, but enjoyable time as I have been traveling throughout the Diocese, meeting more and more people.

The Installation Service at the Cathedral of All Saints on Sunday, Feb. 4th, went extremely well. Despite the competition with the Super Bowl, we had a wonderful turnout. The Cathedral was packed with folks from all over the Diocese. I want to thank all of you who were able to come and be a part of that historic celebration as I, the Ninth Bishop of Albany, received the pastoral staff from Bishop Herzog, the Eighth Bishop of Albany, in the presence of Bishop Ball (the 7th Bishop of Albany) and was escorted by Dean Vang to the Cathedra (bishop’s chair). It was a very Spirit filled and moving service. I want to say a special thank you to Dean Vang and everyone at the Cathedral for the very warm welcome and the beautiful reception that followed the service.

This past Sunday, I visited Christ Church, Hudson, where we had ten confirmations. Fr. Perry and the people of Christ Church are doing a wonderful job sharing the love of Christ with the people in the community. The captain of the local Salvation Army made a special point to come by during my visit and say how much Christ Church’s outreach ministry has meant to the community. The previous Sunday, I visited Trinity Church, Granville. Deacon Art Peters and the folks at Trinity are also doing a great job. It was a very enjoyable visit. The presence of the Holy Spirit could be felt throughout the Church. I encourage each of our parishes throughout the Diocese to take a serious look not only at the ministry that occurs within the four walls of the church building, but equally as important, that which is taken out into the community. The Lord can and will use us mightily in His service, if we are open to His presence and seek His guidance and empowerment through the Holy Spirit. For those who may think they have nothing to offer, think again.

I met with the deans last week. I greatly appreciate each of the deans for the leadership role they are taking. Acknowledging the great distance that separates many of our parishes, both physically and theologically, it is my hope and prayer that we can build up a greater sense of community and common ministry within each of the deaneries. Toward that goal, we will once again have the Deanery Lenten Healing Services. Each service begins at 7 p.m. The dates and locations are listed below. Fr. Nigel Mumford and I will attend each of the services. While the services are advertised by Deanery, if your parish is closer to a location for a different Deanery’s service, feel free to go to it instead. Please let the host parish know you are coming.

Deanery Lenten Healing Services: (7:00 PM)
Feb. 26th (Monday) – Church of the Messiah, Glens Falls: (S. Adirondack & Upper Hudson)
Mar. 6th (Tuesday) – Cathedral of All Saints, Albany: (Hudson, Metropolitan & W. Mohawk)
March 8th (Thursday) – St. James, Oneonta: (Susquehanna & part of W. Mohawk)
March 12th (Monday) – St. Mark’s, Malone: (N. Adirondack & Saint Lawrence)

Another important date to keep in mind, regarding the Healing Ministry, is Friday & Saturday, March 2-3. The Rev. Russ Parker, Director of ACORN Healing Ministry in England, will be the guest speaker at a Healing Conference, entitled “Ransomed Healed Restored Forgiven,” hosted at Christ The King SLC, beginning at 6 PM. Fr. Parker is very gifted in the healing ministry, especially in the area of forgiveness, and is an outstanding speaker. I highly encourage the clergy and lay leadership throughout the Diocese to attend this conference. If you have not yet registered, call Lynn at the SLC and sign up (518) 692-3198.

Ready or not, Lent is almost upon us. This Wednesday, Feb. 21st, is Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of Lent. I encourage each of us to get off to a good start this Lent by attending church Ash Wednesday. As you consider your Lenten discipline, pray that the Lord will put upon your heart, both that which He is calling you to give up, as well as that which He is calling you to take on, and then to give you the grace and discipline you need to live it out. May you have a blessed and holy Lent, growing ever stronger in your faith and closer to our Lord Jesus Christ.

One of the concerns of many throughout the Diocese is the current meeting of the Primates in Tanzania. Unfortunately, at the time of the writing of this letter, not much has been reported. Once I hear more, I will pass it on.

This Sunday, Feb. 18th, I will be at Christ The King SLC, with the kids attending Jr. SonShine. There are approximately 30 kids signed up. Next Weekend (Feb. 23-25) is Sr. SonShine (grades 9-12). It is not too late to sign up.

Please continue to keep Fr. Dan Moore in your prayers. He is on the road to recovery at Sunnyview Hospital in Schenectady. Please pray for Deacon Carl Pratt who is in the hospital in Glens Falls.

Last but not least, congratulations to Bishop Dan and Carol on the birth of their new grandson Matthew Henry, weighing in at 8 lbs. 12 oz. The Herzog’s daughter, Mary, gave birth to Matthew this past Thursday, Feb. 15th. Mom, Dad, baby and grand parents are all doing well.

Have a wonderful and blessed week.

Faithfully Yours in Christ,
+Bill

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