Diocesan Update - July 17, 2010
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
After much thought and prayer as well as consideration of the recommendations of the clergy of the Susquehanna Deanery, I have asked Fr. Jim Shevlin, Rector of St. Paul’s, Sidney and St. Paul’s, Franklin, to serve as the new Dean of the Susquehanna. I want to thank Fr. Shevlin for his willingness to take on this new responsibility. I believe he will do an outstanding job in helping the clergy and people of the Susquehanna to continue to build upon the strong foundation that already exists within the Deanery.
Fr. John Cornelius, Rector of Church of the Holy Cross, Warrensburg, is retiring August 1. May Christ richly bless Fr. John, Sharyl, and their family in this new phase of their lives.
Fr. Chip Strickland has been appointed as the priest-in-charge, St. Paul’s, Greenwich. His first Sunday was July 11 th. Fr. Strickland is a full time attorney in private practice, and also serves as the Chancellor of the Diocese.
Prayers for safe travel and a fruitful visit are requested for Deacon James Brisbin, St. David’s Church, East Greenbush as he travels to Thailand to visit the refugee camps in Thailand near Mae Sot. This is an outgrowth of the ministry Fr. Jim and Pat Kenyon to refugees from Mynamar (formerly Burma). Mae Sot is one of the largest concentrations of Mynamar refugee camps in Thailand.
Please pray for safe travel and a fruitful mission trip for Karen, Catie, myself and our whole mission team as we head for Peru. We leave this Sunday evening, July 18 and return Aug 1. While in Peru, we will be involved in a variety of ministries and projects to include: constructing a roof over a workshop area; painting tables and benches; painting a mural in the NGO Office; prayer walk; helping to lead Vacation Bible School and a Bible Study; leading a healing service; construct a small wooden dining area; as well as visiting with the Mudges and Bishop Godfrey.
I will be back in the “office” on August 8 with a visitation to All Angels Church, Twilight Park. This is one of our seven summer chapels. I will be visiting the Church of the Nativity, Star Lake on August 15, and St. John’s, Tannerville on August 29. My first day back at the desk is August 9.
On August 22, I will be visiting St. James’, Lake Delaware ( Delhi). That afternoon, I will be at St. Augustine’s, Ilion for the institution and induction of Fr. John Bassett as rector. The service begins at 4 PM. Details to follow.
The Healing Ministry of Christ the King Spiritual Life Center is now holding a monthly Sunday Healing Service. The service is at 4 PM, is open to everyone, and is led by Fr. Nigel. The next service is August 8.
Here is the list of “Guest Speakers” for upcoming Tuesday Healing Services (all services are led by Fr. Nigel):
Jul 20 Fr. Marty Fisher
Jul 27 Fr. John Hopkins (Eucharist offered)
Aug 3 Fr. Nigel Mumford
Aug 10 Pastor Laura Mitchell
Aug 17 Bishop David Bena
Aug 24 Fr. Nigel Mumford
Aug 31 Fr. Derik Roy (Eucharist Offered)
Over the last few weeks, I have had wonderful visits to Christ’s Church, Duanesburg, St. Hubert’s, Lake Pleasant, Grace Church, Canton, St. Philip’s, Norwood, and Christ Church, Cooperstown. It is always an honor and pleasure to visit the parishes throughout the Diocese.
While I’m away, Canon Bob Haskell will be available to assist with any pastoral concerns. As appropriate, and if available, he will be able to call upon Bishop Dan and Archdeacons Brown and Collum to help as well. I will not have access to email or cell phones. Please hold the emails. If it is an urgent matter or a topic you want me to be aware of, send it to either Canon Haskell, rhaskell2@nycap.rr.com, or Canon Carroll, jcarroll@albanydiocese.org.
Thank you to those of you who have sent in your favorite Bible memory verses. At the recent Diocesan Convention, I invited each parish or individuals to send in to the Diocese the ten Bible verses that have been most meaningful or helpful. We hope to compile a list of 50 to 100 of the most popular verses and share them throughout the Diocese, with the hope that they will be a help and encouragement to others. If you have not yet had a chance to do so, you may respond by sending your favorite verses to: BibleVerses2010@albanydiocese.org . Please include the translation used, book, chapter, and verse number(s).
Finally, a reminder to everyone who attended the Diocesan Convention, the “Encounter With God” daily devotional given out in each of your Convention Bags began July 1 and goes through September. I encourage you, if you haven’t already done so, to try “Encounter with God” as part of your daily prayer time. I think you will find it to be a blessing.
Faithfully Yours in Christ,
+Bill
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